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Vol is a Verb

Be You. Bear the Torch.


Vol is a Verb is an invitation to a conversation. It’s a collective call to action to work together as a campus community to help make our campus a place where everyone belongs. The Volunteer experience should be accessible to everyone. Every single one of us has a story to tell, and every one of our stories is important.

Each of us has a unique story that we bring to Rocky Top. Being a Volunteer means stepping forward and having the courage to act. We must put actions behind our words and ensure that everyone feels like they matter and belong on Rocky Top.

Vol is a Verb logo

History of Vol is a Verb

At a series of student success summits led in collaboration with the divisions of Student Life and Academic Affairs, faculty, staff, administrators, and students joined forces to develop new student success initiatives.

Efforts include academic case management, streamlining the first-year experience, hope recovery and retention projects, and enhanced faculty/staff relationships.

As a result, cultivating a sense of mattering & belonging developed into a campus-wide initiative, with the goal of enhancing perceptions of belonging.

Vol is a Verb is a campus-wide initiative designed to support mattering & 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.

Get Involved

  • Host events/programs that support a sense of mattering and belonging, celebrating the individual stories and successes that each of us brings to our community.
  • Develop conversation starters to encourage dialogue.
  • Encourage other Volunteers to attend Vol is a Verb events and initiatives.
  • Encourage and share content that celebrates the unique stories of our community using the hashtag #VOLisaVerb
  • Update digital displays in your areas to promote Vol is a Verb.
  • Share or retweet posts that use the hashtag #VOLisaVerb

Vol is a Verb logo

To use the Vol is a Verb logo, contact Student Life Communications at slc@utk.edu.