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Vol is a Verb

[Vol is a Verb is a university-wide initiative designed to support mattering and belonging on our campus, encouraging Volunteers to put actions behind our words to ensure that everyone feels like they matter and belong on Rocky Top.

Through Vol is a Verb, the campus community is called to action to work together to help make UT a place where everyone belongs. Furthermore, the Volunteer experience should be accessible to everyone.

Each of us has a unique story that we bring to Rocky Top and each of our stories is important. Being a Volunteer means challenging your understanding of the world and your capacity to act as a member of a welcoming and inclusive community. 


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 diversity and community serve as enduring sources of strength.

At UT, Vol is a Verb encourages students to:

  • Explore: Identify opportunities to better understand what belonging is and what it means for our community.
  • Practice: Develop the capacity to facilitate belonging within our community.
  • Live: Make a commitment to belonging as a way of life within our 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.

Vol is a Verb Program Requests