Many of you may be thinking about the university and how our students, in particular, are being impacted by this coronavirus pandemic. We are working diligently to support them with continued access to virtual academic and personal support resources, faculty, mentoring, and more.
As alumni and as lifelong Volunteers, there are also meaningful gestures you can make from a distance to support our students and show your Volunteer Spirit:
Share Words of Encouragement
Drop in on an online class and share some words of wisdom or professional experiences with the class. Email engrdev@utk.edu to be paired up with a course and instructor. Several alums have already dropped in and had a great time!
Find TCE on social and share some positivity in a Facebook post or tag us on Instagram or Twitter.
Call a Student to Talk. If you would like to be matched with a student to call, email, or zoom chat with, fill out this form and we’ll pair you with a student based on field, interest, and career goals.
Distance Mentoring
If you’re already a mentor to an Engineering Vol, check in to see how they’re doing. Chances are, you’ve dealt with difficult times in your professional career. Your advice and experience may help put things into perspective.
If you’re not a mentor but are interested in learning more, email engrdev@utk.edu. Even from a distance, mentoring can increase a student’s self-confidence and professional acumen in many ways.
Help Place Students in Jobs and Internships
Many of our graduating seniors are facing job search uncertainty while other students are still looking for internships for the summer and fall. If you know of a job opening, email UT’s Center for Career Development at career@utk.edu. For internship opportunities, email the Office of Engineering Professional Practice at coop@utk.edu.
Donate to the Student Emergency Fund for COVID-19
Vols always help Vols. Join in the university’s efforts to help students facing financial hardships due to COVID-19 by donating to the Student Emergency Fund at volstarter.utk.edu/helpvols. 100 percent of your donation will be used to provide immediate assistance to students in need.
We are adapting quickly and finding creative ways to show our Volunteer Spirit during this challenge. When these uncertain times pass, being a Vol will be more meaningful than ever because of the response from our friends and alumni to help support our students.