The Ignite experience is a unique opportunity for incoming first-year students to begin developing their leadership skills, meet other new Vols and upperclassmen student leaders, learn about opportunities for involvement, and discover what it means to be a Tennessee Volunteer. Ignite has proven to have a significant impact on a first-year student’s transition to the university as well as their retention. As an extended orientation experience, Ignite hopes to instill a passion for the University of Tennessee, inspire a commitment to student success, and ignite the leadership potential in new Volunteers.
Ignite partners co-engage with a small group of incoming students alongside two Ignite Team Leaders (current UT student Leaders). These roles create a bridge between incoming students to our University and to the faculty and staff who care deeply for both UT and our students. Partners work alongside our TL’s to create meaningful conversations and experiences.
Traditionally, faculty and staff partners have joined us for our off-campus 3-day Ignite Leadership Summit experiences, and though that is continuing, we are also offering an opportunity for faculty and staff to connect and serve for one day on-campus as a part of our on-campus Ignite.
For those attending Ignite Summit off-campus experience, we provide transportation to and from the site, lodging, and all meals. As an Ignite Partner, we ask that you attend the entire program to establish a strong connection with the participating students.
For those attending Ignite on-campus experiences, we ask that you spend an entire day engaged with a group as they serve the community, explore Knoxville, and take part in meaningful team conversations about what it means to be a Volunteer.
2024 Dates for Ignite have not launched.
Additional time commitments: Two Facilitator training meetings that will be scheduled once facilitators are selected.
- No cost associated for people to attend!
- More information can be requested by completing the form below.
- Application deadline: April 15, 2024
- For more information, contact Claire Hensley at hensley@utk.edu.
We hope that you have an interest in participating and your schedule can accommodate these time commitments, as we truly cannot offer this program without the support of faculty & staff members like you! You do not have to take vacation time to participate, as this is a serving opportunity through the University.
The Ignite Partner form will launch soon.