It may be summer, but you’re probably already thinking about what your first year on campus will look like: what events you want to go to, finding the perfect spot to study, and how you want to get involved.
If you’re looking to make an impact at UT and expand your leadership skills, there are plenty of opportunities to do so! From getting involved in your residence halls to student government, there is no shortage of leadership possibilities. Here are just a few of the ways you can find your place on Rocky Top.
Register for Ignite
Looking for the perfect way to get to know your new home-sweet-home and community? Sign up for Ignite with the Jones Center for Leadership and Service! Comprised of three different experiences, this immersive program is a fun way for you to start your time at UT. Ignite shows you what it means to be a true Volunteer and connects you with other new students as well as UT student leaders all while having the time of your life!
There are three different sessions for you to join this summer before school starts: Ignite: 865, Ignite: Summit, and Ignite: Outdoors. Some benefits of participating in Ignite include meeting hundreds of fellow Vols and getting to know Knoxville and UT more!
Students in need of financial support can apply for a fee waiver.
Follow the Jones Center for Leadership and Service on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Register for Ignite today!Learn more about Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) is a dedicated group of student leaders who aim to ensure the voices of the student body are heard. Through SGA, you can not only empower and educate your peers, but you are able to personally grow as a leader.
Be sure to check out our First-Year Leadership Council, which is a cohort of first-year students. First-Year Leadership Council is an introductory program designed to get incoming freshmen involved on campus.
Students interested in getting involved with First-Year Council should complete the interest form at the beginning of the fall semester. Once complete, students will interview, and 60 first-year students will be selected.
Be sure to follow SGA on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
Join the United Residence Halls Council (URHC)
Since your first year will be in a residence hall, URHC might be the perfect opportunity to get involved in your hall! The United Residence Halls Council aims to unite the students living in residence halls through leadership, programming, service, and education. Becoming involved in this council will allow you to bring new experiences to your fellow students, and create unity across the residence halls.
Some programs include painting the Rock, grocery bingo, tailgates, self-defense classes, and a car bash fundraiser before a home football game.
To get involved, join your residence hall’s hall association/council! You can also attend URHC general body meetings throughout the year to learn more about the programs and initiatives that are coming up that all residents, whether active in their hall association/council or not, can join.
Be sure to follow @utk_urhc on Instagram!
Attend Center for Student Engagement Events
The Center for Student Engagement provides a variety of events that engage students and fosters a welcoming campus culture at UT. From comedians to concerts, game nights to fine art, the center enhances the campus community and provides an outlet for students to meet one another, form connections, and explore new interests.
Some annual events the center hosts are the Welcome Back Bash, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and an Earth Day festival. The center also hosts Volapalooza, an end-of-the-year celebration featuring Party in the Park and a headliner concert, and Make It & Take It events where students make items like candles, pennants, tote bags, and others.
Get Involved with the Student Programming Team
Every Volunteer can attend every event, as there is something for everyone! And students interested in helping plan events on campus can get involved with the Student Programming Team through the Center for Student Engagement. Follow @UTKCSE on Instagram for more information and watch for the Student Programming Team interest form to be shared at the start of the academic year.