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A graduate celebrates with family after the 2020 commencement ceremony for Haslam College of Business graduates in Thompson-Boling Assembly Center and Arena on November 22, 2020. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee

Family Support

Family Experience

Family Experience in the Center for Student Advocacy helps all members of the Volunteer Family from the time that their student is admitted to the university until they graduate. This office provides communications and engaging programs to help families stay connected with their student’s college experience.

Events

From Fall Family Weekend to Vol Family Socials, Family Experience at UT Knoxville offers countless opportunities for families to stay connected and engage with their students and community throughout their college journey.

  • Fall Family Weekend: Fall Family Weekend brings families to campus for a weekend full of campus experiences and a Tennessee football game.
  • Spring Family Reunion: Spring Family Reunion allows families to connect with their student through activities and campus experiences during the spring semester.
  • Family Appreciation Week: Family Appreciation Week is a week dedicated to showing gratitude for our Volunteer families.
  • Vol Family Socials: Vol Family Socials bring UT Knoxville parents, family members, and supporters together to create a sense of community among Vol families.

Outreach

The Tennessee Family Association and Tennessee Family Ambassadors help families stay connected and supported throughout their student’s time at UT. The association provides resources and engagement opportunities, while ambassadors offer guidance to new Vol families, fostering a welcoming and informed community.

  • Tennessee Family Ambassadors: Tennessee Family Ambassadors serve as volunteers and representatives for Family Experience.
  • Tennessee Family Association: All families of current undergraduate and graduate students at UT Knoxville are eligible for membership at no cost/ This collaborative support system of the university, student, and family provides information and resources foundational to student success. In order to join, families can visit The Tennessee Family Hub.

Education

Families can access valuable resources to support their student’s academic journey, including information on FERPA, which grants students control over their educational records to ensure privacy. The Tennessee Family Series also provides programs designed to keep families informed and engaged in their student’s experience at the University of Tennessee. From academic policies to campus resources, these tools help families navigate their student’s college experience successfully. More information can be found by visiting our website.

Advocacy

A student’s success is directly impacted by the support that family can provide during their studies. As families support their student’s success, the Center for Student Advocacy is committed to providing holistic support to families to prepare them to be effective advocates of their students. Families with concerns about their student, or seeking advisement on how to best provide support, can email family@utk.edu, call 865-974-3179, or visit Student Union Phase II 383 Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (appointments encouraged) to speak with a member of the Center for Student Advocacy.