Fall Family Weekend Brings Loved Ones to Campus

More than 5,600 family members visited the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, during this year’s Fall Family Weekend, bringing students and their loved ones together on Rocky Top to share in the university’s rich traditions and culture.

The annual gathering is an opportunity for Volunteer families to experience campus through the eyes of their students. From visiting favorite campus spots to learning more about the university’s resources and student success initiatives, the weekend presents a variety of opportunities for families to strengthen their connection to UT alongside their students.

This year, participants had the chance to sample an undergraduate class taught by Chancellor Donde Plowman, former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, and special guest Bob Corker, a former U.S. senator from Tennessee. The course, titled Leading with Courage, examines how Tennesseans from across generations, industries and communities found the courage to be bold and decisive leaders.

Families also joined a workshop to learn more about CliftonStrengths and how the university encourages students to be intentional about their leadership, academic and professional development during their time on campus. UT’s partnership with Gallup’s CliftonStrengths helps students identify their talents, develop those talents into strengths, and apply their strengths in experiences that will help them be successful both in and outside the classroom.

Ag Day 2023 was held in conjunction with Fall Family Weekend. Faculty, staff, alumni, students and friends welcomed visitors for a day of fun and fellowship as they learned about the UT Institute of Agriculture.

The weekend’s event lineup also included a welcome and kickoff event, the Tennessee Family Tailgate and Sunday brunch at Rocky Top Dining Hall, along with other events from offices and academic departments across campus. Upon arriving to campus, attendees received T-shirts, hats and game day totes filled with Volunteer Family swag.

All families with active membership in the Tennessee Family Association, which is free to join, are welcome to participate in Fall Family Weekend.