Every student has the ability to make a difference and to be a dynamic and powerful force for the betterment of all Volunteers. It takes a Volunteer to do the right thing, even in challenging moments.
Programs, events, and opportunities on campus where students can grow in their leadership skills, rise to the next level in their personal interactions, and explore all that it means to be a Volunteer are identified under one umbrella initiative through Vol is a Verb.
At UT, we all have a role to play in creating a positive campus environment. As a phrase, “Vol is a Verb” means that leadership is action. Active leadership means being involved, engaging with others, and pursuing your best, most authentic self. Vol is a Verb is a university-wide commitment to make Rocky Top the best it can be.
Vol is a Verb calls all Volunteers to live with a focus towards the needs of others, effectively balancing our individualism with our community. Being a volunteer means having the courage to care, to act, and to serve.
As a Volunteer, we encourage you to act, use your voice, and bear the torch. Actively, our campus community works to develop and sustain a nurturing university culture where community serves as an enduring source of strength.
The pathways to exemplify this way of life are wide and varied but defined in three core steps:
- Explore: What experiences and events invite me to explore and identify opportunities so I can better understand what leadership is and what it means for my Volunteer community?
- Practice: What experiences and events create pathways for me to develop the capacity and practice to become more proficient in facilitating relationships within my Volunteer community?
- Live: What experiences and events support me as I live out my commitment to being a Vol and make this action a way of life within my Volunteer community and beyond?
Invite a Vol is a Verb Speaker to Your Group
University of Tennessee, Knoxville staff are available to share what Vol is a Verb means and how to get involved with student organizations, departments, staff meetings, classrooms, and other gatherings.
Dear World
Dear World is a unique, interactive experience. It asks participants to share a message to someone or something they care about through powerful portraits. Additionally, this event is part of the Vol is a Verb campaign at the University of Tennessee and we are hoping for all students, staff, and faculty to attend this impactful event.
United at the Table
Join 500 of your closest friends for a free dinner at one really long table on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m. until we serve all the food! You’ll see the table on the pedestrian walkway bridge between the Student Union and Neyland Stadium. This event invites our campus community to join together around a meal to celebrate unity.
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 products of each service event go right back to the campus or local community. The third annual Pack to Give Back event will be March 6, 2025.