two students put their thumbs up and lays in the lawn with their laptops and backpack

Rocky Top Recovery

Rocky Top Recovery fosters a supportive community for Volunteers in substance use recovery. Students can find connection through one-on-one meetings, peer support groups, and allyship.

All students are welcome.

Welcome to Rocky Top Recovery

We are the collegiate recovery program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, here to support Volunteers on their journey toward mental health and substance use recovery. Whether you’re in recovery, just getting started, or simply looking for connection, you belong here. 

Through community building, campus programming, and advocacy, we’re building a space where recovery isn’t just possible— it’s powerful, proud, and supported.

two individuals standing in front of the rock at UT with the words "Recovery Is"
individual looks at info cards and Rocky Top Recovery flyer on wall.

How We Support Recovery

Rocky Top Recovery is dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville through individual and peer support, community building, and education. 

You do not have to be abstinent from substances to benefit from Rocky Top Recovery services. We ask that you are sober while attending events or meetings.

Through Rocky Top Recovery, students can meet one-on-one with a wellness coordinator and access peer support from fellow students.

Weekly Events 

Peer Support Groups – Spring 2026: All support meetings begin the week of January 26 

All support meetings are offered as hybrid. You are welcome to join us in person or connect with us via Zoom, whichever works best for you. 

All Recovery Meetings 

  • Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 
  • Student Health Center, Room 201 in the Center for Health Education & Wellness 

Bite Back 

  • Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
  • Student Health Center, Room 201 in the Center for Health Education & Wellness 

Resilient Minds 

  • Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 
  • Student Health Center, Room 201 in the Center for Health Education & Wellness 

What We Carry 

  • Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 
  • Student Health Center, Room 201 in the Center for Health Education & Wellness 

To learn more about collegiate recovery resources, contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 865-974-5725. 

One on One Meetings

Personal Recovery Meeting

  • Looking for support, resources, or just someone to talk to about your recovery journey? Our one-on-one recovery meetings offer a private, judgement-free space to connect with the Collegiate Recovery Program Coordinator. Whether you are exploring recovery, actively working on it, or supporting someone else, you are welcome here. These meetings are personalized to meet you where you are- whether you want help finding resources, setting goals, navigating campus life in recovery, or just need to talk. No pressure. Just support. To schedule a meeting, reach out to the collegiate recovery program coordinator [email protected]

BASICS

  • Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) is a brief intervention program for students who meet criteria for being at higher risk of alcohol related harm and are interested in learning more about their use. Our staff conducts BASICS in two one-on-one meetings with students. Motivational Interviewing techniques are the foundation for BASICS to meet students where they are to elicit change. The purpose of these meetings is to assess current pattern of use, engage students in a dialogue about their use, and provide resources. During these sessions, the student completes the online eCHECKUP TO GO – Alcohol assessment.

CSI

  • Cannabis Screening & Intervention (CSI) is a brief intervention program for students who have violated the drug policy at the University of Tennessee and meet criteria for being at higher risk. Our staff conducts CSI in two one-on-one meetings with students. Motivational Interviewing techniques are the foundation for CSI to meet students where they are to elicit change. The purpose of these meetings is to assess current pattern of use, engage students in a dialogue about their use, and provide resources. During these sessions, the student completes the online eCHECKUP TO GO – Cannabis assessment

Email [email protected] if you are interested in setting up a voluntary one on one session.

Recovery Meetings

Rocky Top Recovery provides different peer support meetings throughout the week. These mutual aid meetings are facilitated by Rocky Top Recovery Ambassadors, the student leadership team.

What We Carry

  • This group offers a safe, supportive space for students experiencing any type of grief or loss. Fostering connection, healing, and understanding through open conversation and mutual support, this group offers a safe space to process emotions and to feel less isolated in grief. This meeting occurs weekly on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Resilient Minds

  • This is a psychoeducational group designed to help students better understand mental health and build the tools needed to thrive. Each session explores a range of mental health topics – from anxiety and depression to stress management and emotional regulation – through open discussion, evidence-based strategies, and practical skill-building. This group is all about strengthening resilience – the ability to adapt, cope, and grow through life’s challenges. Whether you’re managing a diagnosed condition, facing everyday stressors, or simply looking to deepen your self-awareness, Resilient Minds offers a supportive space to learn, reflect, and connect. Join at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

All Recovery

  • This is an inclusive, student-centered recovery meeting open to anyone affected by substance misuse – whether you’re in recovery, exploring it, or supporting someone who is. Grounded in the principles of Recovery Dharma, this group blends mindfulness, self-inquiry, and community connection to support healing from all types of substance use and behaviors. You don’t need to belong to a specific program or label – just bring your willingness to grow and heal. All are welcome; all paths are honored, and no one is alone. This occurs weekly on Mondays at 6 p.m.

All Meetings are offered as hybrid! Please join us in person in the Student Health Center room 201 or over Zoom using the Recovery meeting Zoom link

Community

Recovery happens in the community. We aim to organize group events and outings throughout the semester in order to foster connections. Seeking or maintaining recovery during college is no small feat! Build relationships with fellow members of Rocky Top Recovery to surround yourself with students with similar goals. Join the Rocky Top Recovery GroupMe to meet fellow students. 

Rocky Top Connect

Whether you are new to recovery, curious about our community, or a returning member seeking connection, Rocky Top Connect is the place for you. Each session highlights our weekly support meetings, introduces you to our student ambassadors, and offers space to build connections with others. Come grab a snack, ask questions, play games, or just hang out. You belong here.

  • Meetings are held monthly on Mondays from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters in the Student Health Center, Room 201.

Recovery Roundtable

Recovery Roundtable is a monthly initiative led by Rocky Top Recovery, the collegiate recovery program. Meeting once a month, Recovery Roundtable invites campus partners and staff to engage in collaborative conversations focused on strengthening support for students recovering from substance use disorders, mental health concerns, and process addictions.

“The opposite of addiction is human connection.”

Students walk across Phillip Fulmer Way in front of the stadium as the early monring sun lights up the Ped Walkway Bridge and Student Union.

Embracing VolBodies

Embracing VolBodies helps Vols explore their relationship with their bodies and supports emotional well-being, with guidance from the Center for Health Education and Wellness.


Education

We offer education to students, faculty, and staff in a variety of modalities. Our most popular educational opportunities are presentations:

Recovery Ally Training

This one-hour training is designed to equip participants with knowledge needed to help a friend or fellow Vol who may be experiencing problems related to substance misuse- including education about substance use disorder, what recovery is, how to be an ally, and how to help a friend/student. This training is for undergraduates, graduate students, student organizations, faculty, and staff alike. We all play a role in making UT a recovery friendly campus.

Rocky Top Recovery Overview

We find that many people want to learn more about Rocky Top Recovery. We have developed a 15-minute overview presentation that describes the details of the program and allows for Q&A.

Request a Presentation

We offer interactive presentations on a variety of health and wellness topics.

two individuals posing for a photo with one holding up a purple card and the other holding up a Rocky Top Recovery bag.

Follow Us on Instagram

Follow Rocky Top Recovery on Instagram for updates, events, and encouragement from the collegiate recovery program