Health & Wellness
Living a full, balanced life is critical to your success at UT. As a health-promoting university, we infuse wellness into every aspect of everyday campus life.
Caring for All Vols
Being a healthy Vol means prioritizing your wellness and taking proactive steps to avoid the common cold and flu, eating a balanced diet, being physically active, and getting enough sleep. It also means building a social network, relieving stress, and knowing when to seek treatment for health concerns. For every area of your health, you’ll find the support and resources you need to be well and successful at UT.
Whether you’re looking for a new fitness routine, an appointment with a mental health or a primary care specialist, or to learn about interpersonal wellness, these offices are here to support you.
Learn More About Health & Wellness
8 Dimensions of Wellness
The University of Tennessee uses the 8 Dimensions of Wellness framework as our guide to support student wellness. Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in this model there are eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social.
Each dimension is interconnected and neglecting any one dimension will adversely affect others overtime. Ultimately, one’s health, well-being, and quality of life will be improved as attention is given to all the dimensions. A balance of these dimensions supports holistic wellness.
Wellness Wednesdays
At UT, we take a multifaceted approach to health and wellness. Each Wednesday, experts from many units on campus offer unique and engaging opportunities for you to find the balance that you need to be your best at UT.
Each event is crafted to the needs of current students, whether that means disconnecting for relaxation and reflection or learning how to manage stressful situations such as finals or graduation. Previous events have included Yoga in Circle Park, Adjusting to College, and Restoration Spaces.
Events are offered every Wednesday.
How UT Supports Student Mental Health
Students have access to a range of on-campus resources designed to support health and wellness. From the Student Counseling Center to the Center for Care & Resilience, there are options to meet every student’s needs.
Wellness Resources for All Vols
Wellness also means that you have all of your basic needs met. Here at UT, we are always creating new ways to help meet those needs.
Absence Notifications
Absence notifications assist students who have or will miss class due to extenuating circumstances. While absence notifications are not an official excuse, they are provided on the student’s behalf to explain extenuating circumstances and request the instructor work with the student to complete missed coursework when appropriate.
Food Assistance
The Big Orange Pantry is available to all students, faculty, and staff and creates a supermarket-style experience for shoppers to choose items that fit their needs and preferences. At the pantry, shoppers can find pre-made meals distributed by Food4Vols, grocery items including fresh produce, and hygiene products.
Bystander Intervention Training
Every Volunteer has a role to play in taking care of our community. Through the Vols ACT bystander intervention training, UT students, faculty, and staff learn how to recognize potentially harmful situations and safely intervene.