As a Volunteer, you are encouraged to act, to use your voice, and to bear the torch. We put actions behind our words and ensure that everyone feels like they belong. From the moment you step onto campus, we want you to know that your story and your experience matter, and you belong here.

We make it a priority to create programs and spaces that allow students from all backgrounds to feel welcome and included on Rocky Top. We regularly host events that bring different voices and people of different backgrounds to listen and learn from each other. Events such as Rocky Topics allow for students to engage in dialogue around timely topics such as Women’s History Month, natural hair and beauty, and celebrating community and individuality. Engaging students in meaningful and proactive conversations help us all grow and learn.

Offices such as Multicultural Student Life, the Pride Center, and Student Disability Services offer incoming students membership into their peer mentoring programs. The goal of these programs is to orient students to campus and get them familiar with the resources available. These mentoring relationships allow students to connect with students of similar interests and backgrounds.

The Division of Student Life also hosts a variety of events and learning opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. One of the longest-running events, the Black Issues Conference, is offered every February and focuses on topics that impact the Black community at UT, in Knoxville, and nationwide. Safe Zone is an educational workshop series for students, faculty, and staff that discusses the intersections of gender, sexuality, and other social identities, and shares LGBTQ+ resources available on UT’s campus.