A lot is changing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and that includes programming within the Division of Student Success. “While the spring 2020 semester ended abruptly,” said Vice Provost Amber Williams, “fall 2020 will welcome scholars with new initiatives to enhance their success.” The division is launching three new initiatives:
Each incoming first-year and transfer student will have a Vol Success Team consisting of an academic advisor, academic coach, and a One Stop team member. Each student will work with their team to create an academic plan that aligns with their strengths, goals, and dreams.
Incoming first-year students will enroll in two courses—a college-specific first-year seminar and an academic course—that will aid their transition to college and UT. The Vol First-Year Experience will connect students with resources to support their success as they build meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and other students.
First-year seminars will include five modules: Vol Success Teams and Academic Support, Careers, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Wellness, and Leadership and Engagement.
The new three-phase orientation program, which begins over the summer with Virtual Advising and Online Orientation, will continue during Welcome Week with the final phase, Live the Experience. It will include numerous events and programs:
- Information sessions about success at UT including tutorials in Canvas, MyUTK, and ways to achieve excellence in an online or hybrid class
- Personalized academic coaching, an opportunity for students to get to know their Vol Success Team, and online course navigation tutorials
- Engaging activities including identity-based socials, academic college welcome events, Paint the Rock, campus tours, and Explore Knoxville
- Traditional programming like Torch Night as well as new programming including a diversity and inclusion event, co-hosted by Student Life and the Department of Sociology, about the power of perspectives
For more information on the Division of Student Success, see studentsuccess.utk.edu or email studentsuccess@utk.edu.