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Signature Programs

The Office of the Dean of Students sponsors several signature programs throughout the fall and spring semesters. These programs provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage with one another, understand and learn from different perspectives, serve the campus community, and more!

Rocky Topics

Rocky Topics is a continued dialogue series hosted by the Department of Psychology, Office of Multicultural Student Life, and Office of the Dean of Students. Rocky Topics was created to give students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to explore challenging and timely topics across the campus and the community through open conversation. Previous Rocky Topics have included free speech on campus, natural hair and beauty, sexual health education, and campus accessibility. The facilitation team welcomes faculty, staff, and students to cultivate brave spaces for meaningful conversation.

Fall 2024 Events

  • Belonging at UTK: September 24 from 5:30pm-6:30pm, Student Union 281
  • Dialogue Across Difference: October 17 from 5:30pm-6:30pm, Student Union 281
  • Mental Health & Burnout: November 14 from 5:30pm-6:30pm, Student Union 281

Listen. Learn. Lead. Week

Listen. Learn. Lead. Week takes place during the fall and spring semesters, and engages students, faculty, and staff in thoughtful programming centered around understanding different perspectives, learning from the experiences of others, and leading with courage.

Pack to Give Back

Each year, the Office of the Dean of Students partners with campus and community resources to host a service event for students, faculty, and staff. The event typically takes place at the end of the fall semester, and the products of each service event go right back to the campus or local community. 

Dear World

Dear World is a unique, interactive story-telling experience that is brought to campus for a one-day event each year. Dear World asks participants to share a message to someone or something they care about through powerful portraits. This event is part of the Vol is a Verb campaign at the University of Tennessee and we encourage all students, staff, and faculty to participate in this impactful event.