
Author: Noelia Pacheco-Diaz Assessment Coordinator, Student Life Effectiveness
Noelia Pacheco-Diaz serves as the co-chair of CLAVE at UT, a volunteer role outside her formal position with Student Life. Commissions at UT are facilitated by the Division of Access and Engagement.
The University of Tennessee prides itself on creating a welcoming environment for everyone. One of its initiatives, the Commission for the Latin American Volunteer Experience (CLAVE), works to support and advocate for Hispanic, Latin American, and Latinx communities on campus. Launched in September 2023, CLAVE aims to enhance the experiences of students, faculty, and staff of Latin American, Central American, South American, Caribbean, Spanish, and Portuguese heritage.
At its core, CLAVE aims to create a sense of belonging and community while advocating for policies and services that enhance their experience on campus. The commission also seeks to serve as a central resource for its members and the broader campus community.
CLAVE’s responsibilities are many and centered on fostering inclusiveness and support. The commission is dedicated to building an internal support system through community-building initiatives and professional development opportunities. For instance, CLAVE organized an event called “Cafecito con CLAVE” to bring together the community and create a feeling of support and belonging. Additionally, CLAVE organizes activities that promote cross-cultural understanding and ensures that the contributions and accomplishments of Latin American and Hispanic individuals are recognized and celebrated within the UT community.
As co-chair of CLAVE, I am profoundly aware of the importance of providing a supportive environment where Hispanic and Latin American faculty, staff, and graduate students feel valued and welcome as part of the Volunteer community. The commission’s work is pivotal in promoting a sense of belonging and ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard and respected.
Demographic trends at UT underscore the importance of CLAVE’s mission. Hispanic student enrollment has notably increased from 4.8% to 5.9% between 2020 and 2023. However, the growth in Hispanic faculty and staff numbers has not kept pace, rising only from 2.7% to 3.1% over the same period. CLAVE is committed to addressing this disparity by identifying and overcoming potential hurdles that hinder Hispanic faculty and staff recruitment and retention. By doing so, the commission aims to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all Hispanic and Latin American community members.
Moving forward, CLAVE aims to establish a clearer marketing identity and strategy to enhance recruitment efforts, expand the commission’s capacity and reach, and continue providing spaces for connection and community building. For example, CLAVE will be present at the HoLa Festival in Knoxville representing UT this academic year. Additionally, CLAVE will offer other opportunities on campus for people to learn about the community and get to know each other.