Family Experience

The Center for Student Advocacy & Family Experience (CSAFE) 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 Vol Family Reunions to Vol Family Socials, CSAFE offers countless opportunities for families to stay connected and engage with their students and community throughout their college journey.

• Vol Family Reunions: an opportunity for Volunteer families to return to Rocky Top and reconnect with their student, the university community, and the spirit of Big Orange Country. Each reunion weekend invites families to experience life on campus, explore Knoxville, and engage with the people and places that make the Volunteer experience unique. 
• Family Appreciation Week: A week dedicated to showing gratitude for our Volunteer families. 
• Vol Family Socials: Bringing a piece of UT to parents, family members, and supporters together to create a sense of community among Vol families across the country. 

Outreach

The Tennessee Family Association, Tennessee Family Ambassadors, and Tennessee Family Board help families stay connected and supported throughout their student’s time at UT.

• Tennessee Family Association: All families of current undergraduate and graduate students at UT 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. To join, families can visit The Tennessee Family Hub. 
• Tennessee Family Ambassadors: Tennessee Family Ambassadors serve as volunteers for the various family programs. 
• Tennessee Family Board: The Tennessee Family Board is designed to build a deeper connection between Volunteer families and UT by promoting advocacy, philanthropy, and active campus involvement. 

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 UT. From academic policies to campus resources, these tools help families navigate their student’s collegenexperience successfully. More information can be found by visiting studentlife.utk.edu/family/education.

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, CSAFE 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 [email protected], call 865-974-3179, or visit Student Union 383, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (appointments encouraged) to speak with a staff member.