Volunteer with the UT Alumni Association

The University of Tennessee Alumni Association thrives because of alumni who generously share their time, expertise, and passion for UT. Whether you have a few hours a year or can commit to ongoing leadership roles, there are countless ways to give back to the university that gave you so much.

Alumni mentor meeting with UT student

Volunteering benefits everyone involved: students gain guidance from experienced professionals, the university strengthens its connections to graduates, and you enjoy the satisfaction of making a tangible difference while deepening your own engagement with the UT community.

Student Mentorship Programs

One of the most impactful ways to volunteer is by mentoring current UT students:

Career Mentorship

Guide students exploring career paths in your industry through:

  • Formal Mentorship Programs: Six-month commitments with structured goals and regular meetings
  • Informational Interviews: One-time conversations where students learn about your career journey
  • Coffee Chats: Casual meetups to discuss industry insights and answer questions
  • Virtual Mentoring: For alumni who can't meet in person, online sessions work perfectly
  • Group Mentoring: Lead small groups of students with shared career interests

Academic Mentorship

Support students in your academic discipline by:

  • Sharing real-world applications of theoretical concepts
  • Advising on coursework and specialization choices
  • Providing perspective on graduate school decisions
  • Offering encouragement during challenging academic periods

Research from The Chronicle of Higher Education shows that mentored students demonstrate higher confidence, clearer career direction, and stronger job placement outcomes than their non-mentored peers.

Chapter Leadership

Help lead a regional alumni chapter in your city:

  • Chapter President: Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for your chapter
  • Events Coordinator: Plan and execute social gatherings, networking events, and community service projects
  • Communications Officer: Manage chapter communications via email, social media, and newsletters
  • Membership Coordinator: Recruit new participants and engage inactive members
  • Treasurer: Manage chapter finances and budgets
  • Board Member: Participate in governance and help shape chapter priorities

Chapter leadership develops your professional skills in event planning, team management, and organizational leadership while strengthening your local Vol network.

Event Support

Alumni events require volunteer support to succeed:

  • Homecoming Weekend: Help staff registration tables, coordinate activities, and welcome returning alumni
  • Reunion Committees: Organize milestone class reunions (10th, 25th, 50th anniversaries)
  • Game Day Hospitality: Volunteer at tailgates and watch parties
  • Networking Events: Greet attendees and facilitate connections
  • Service Projects: Lead or participate in community volunteer activities

Admissions and Recruitment

Help attract the next generation of Volunteers:

  • College Fairs: Represent UT at high school and community college fairs
  • Student Sendoff Events: Welcome incoming freshmen from your area before they head to campus
  • Campus Tours: Lead tours for prospective students and families visiting Knoxville
  • Admissions Interviews: Conduct interviews for honors programs or competitive scholarships
  • Recruitment Events: Share your UT experience with prospective students at local receptions

Your personal testimony about how UT transformed your life can inspire talented students to choose Tennessee.

Professional Networking Facilitation

Use your business connections to benefit other alumni:

  • Host Networking Events: Offer your office or facility for industry-specific alumni gatherings
  • Job Posting: Share opportunities at your company on the alumni job board
  • Informational Interviews: Talk with alumni seeking to break into your industry
  • Resume Reviews: Provide feedback on resumes and cover letters from fellow graduates
  • Mock Interviews: Help alumni practice interviewing for jobs in your field

Advisory Committees

Contribute your expertise to university planning and strategy:

  • College Advisory Boards: Provide input to deans on curriculum, industry trends, and alumni engagement
  • Alumni Association Board: Help govern the association and set strategic priorities
  • Campaign Committees: Support fundraising initiatives during capital campaigns
  • Strategic Planning Groups: Offer perspective on long-term university goals

Guest Speaking and Classroom Presentations

Share your professional expertise with current students:

  • Present guest lectures in classes related to your career field
  • Participate in career panels and industry forums
  • Lead workshops on job searching, interviewing, or professional skills
  • Share case studies from your work experiences
  • Discuss how your UT education prepared you for career success

Internship and Job Opportunities

Create pathways for students entering the workforce:

  • Internship Programs: Offer paid or unpaid internships at your organization
  • Job Shadowing: Allow students to observe your work for a day or week
  • Project-Based Learning: Partner with faculty to provide real-world projects for classes
  • Hiring UT Graduates: Actively recruit UT alumni when your company has openings

Fundraising Support

Help raise resources that benefit students and programs:

  • Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Encourage classmates and friends to support UT
  • Reunion Giving: Lead class gift campaigns for milestone reunions
  • Scholarship Fundraising: Help establish or grow endowed scholarship funds
  • Donor Cultivation Events: Attend and support events that engage potential major donors

Social Media and Digital Engagement

Support UT's online presence and alumni community:

  • Share alumni association content on your social media
  • Contribute stories and photos to alumni publications
  • Participate in online discussions and forums
  • Write testimonials about your UT experience
  • Tag UT in posts celebrating your achievements

Community Service and Philanthropy

Join fellow alumni in serving Tennessee communities:

  • Alumni Day of Service: Participate in our annual statewide volunteer initiative
  • Habitat for Humanity: Build homes alongside other Vols
  • Food Bank Projects: Sort donations and pack meals for those in need
  • Environmental Cleanups: Help preserve Tennessee's natural beauty
  • Youth Mentoring: Volunteer with K-12 students through alumni-led programs

Special Skills and Expertise

Offer your professional skills to support the association:

  • Marketing and Communications: Help with branding, content creation, or PR
  • Technology and Web Development: Assist with digital platforms and tools
  • Legal Services: Provide pro bono legal advice on organizational matters
  • Financial Planning: Offer expertise on budgeting and financial management
  • Event Planning: Share knowledge about logistics, catering, and coordination

Time Commitment Options

We understand you're busy. Volunteer opportunities range from:

  • One-Time: Single events requiring just a few hours
  • Occasional: Opportunities you can accept when your schedule allows
  • Seasonal: Activities tied to homecoming, graduation, or specific times of year
  • Ongoing: Regular commitments like mentorship or chapter leadership

Every contribution matters, whether it's a one-hour informational interview or serving a multi-year term on an advisory board.

Benefits of Volunteering

When you volunteer with the UT Alumni Association, you receive as much as you give:

  • Expand your professional network through volunteer colleagues
  • Develop leadership and organizational management skills
  • Stay connected to emerging trends through student interactions
  • Experience the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact
  • Strengthen your relationship with UT and fellow alumni
  • Build your resume with community leadership experience
  • Find renewed pride in your UT identity

Getting Started

Ready to volunteer? Contact our volunteer coordinator to discuss opportunities matching your interests, skills, and availability. We'll help you find the perfect way to give back to the Vol community.

Your time and talent can change lives—just as UT changed yours. Join thousands of alumni who are strengthening our university and supporting the next generation of Volunteers.

Thank you for your commitment to UT. Together, we ensure that the institution we love continues to thrive.