Priority 3: Personal and Professional Growth

Two Perspectives on Growing a Student Employment Program

Written By: Alison Ward, Associate Director, Student Union, and Amanda Griffiths, Assistant Director for Student Training and Engagement, Student Union Laying the Foundation The program fosters holistic student growth by equipping employees with the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for their careers, while also fulfilling vital functions in the Student Union. Our program emphasizes competencies…
Beyond the Agenda: Mentoring the Leaders Behind the Titles

In his role as director, Todd Cox serves as the primary university advisor for Student Government Association and its elected officers. Cox shares his perspective about being an advisor to this group and what he’s learned about championing the Volunteer experience. From the outside, advising student government looks like a tangle of agendas, amendments, parliamentary…
Expanding the Field: Playing Your Game at UT

For Dalton Courtney, arriving at UT as a first-year student opened many opportunities he didn’t know existed. One of those opportunities has been playing soccer through RecSports, which allowed him to pick up a sport he loved and re-open a chapter he thought might be closed forever. Through employment with the department and professional mentorship, Courtney…
Cleaning with Meaning: Housekeeping Supervisors’ Professional Development Creates Positive Residence Hall Environments

Megan Zimmerman, Student Intern, Student Life Communications Moving into a residence hall as a first-year student can be an adjustment. On top of moving away from home and family for what is likely the first time, residents are learning a variety of skills from time management to how to do their laundry by themselves. In…
Volunteers at Work: How Serving in Professional Organizations Supports Staff at UT

Ian Crone, Director, Student Union, and President, Association of College Unions International Professional staff members at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville demonstrate what it means to be a Volunteer as they serve and lead their respective higher education associations. Whether publishing, presenting educational sessions at conferences, or serving in regional or international leadership roles, Student…
Developing Soft Skills for Staff through the Student Conduct Process

At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the purpose of Student Conduct and Community Standards is to develop student integrity and accountability through an educational, consistent, and equitable conduct process. Throughout this process, students have a fundamental right to a university-trained advisor who can help them understand the conduct process and make informed choices that are…
Summer Stride: Reflections on a Summer of Personal and Professional Growth

I was sitting in the fourth row of a large lecture hall in Omaha, Nebraska when someone tapped me on the shoulder. “Are you from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville? I noticed your nametag. Your university is doing some incredible work that we have tried to mirror.” Over the next few days of the conference,…
Undergraduate Research Inquiries Spark Enhanced Mental Health

Each spring, select students at the University of Tennessee prepare to share semesters’ worth of research at the Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement (EURēCA). Students gather to present their hard work and dedication and share answers to their research questions with the university community. In April 2024, among a sea of 1,055 student…
The Road to Commencement: Paved with Resilience and Community

When Bri Swindell (‘24) enrolled at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2018, she had no idea the six-year challenge that would stand between her and graduation. But last spring, Swindell completed her degree. With the exception of a one-time $3,000 loan, her tuition was paid in full each semester, primarily from income…
Developing Skills and Solutions: Student Employment in Action Through Data Initiatives Within Student Life

As a student intern with Student Life Communications (SLC), I’ve had the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally. It’s a pleasure to give back to the university by assisting in the optimization of the student experience as well. In working with our SLC team, I’ve had great opportunities to learn more about how data…