Weekend Immersion VOLbreaks are a 3-day service opportunities taking place over a weekend in the Fall and Spring semesters in which participants travel locally to help meet community needs. Participants examine the root causes of the social issues they work with through pre-trip education and reflection during the trip. Students meet with their team once prior to departure and one time after the trip. Past participants have traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and Hoof & Harness equine therapy farm. Each VOLbreaks group typically includes 10-12 total participants, two VOLbreaks Leaders (VBLs), and one faculty/staff Learning Partner.
Weekend Offerings
VOLbreaks Cost & Dates
- Weekend VOLbreaks happen over a specific weekend in the Fall and Spring semesters (Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon). Interested participants should look to Vol Connect for specific dates and details.
- Registration will open on August 1 for Fall Weekend VOLbreaks and January 1 for Spring Weekend VOLbreaks.
- Registration fee includes transportation to service sites and excursions, meals, a t-shirt, and program materials.
Important Details
- Due to the nature of the VOLbreaks program and the necessity for early planning and purchasing of supplies, cancellations are not permitted and refunds will not be awarded. If a student has a medical or family emergency and cannot attend their VOLbreak program, cases will be considered on an individual basis for a refund to be considered and documentation is required in an email to leadserve@utk.edu. If no documentation is provided, an absent participant will be marked as a “No Show” and their trip registration fees will not be refunded.
- Switching a registration to another trip is not permitted, and would only be considered with extenuating circumstances and if space is available on the desired trip. Eligible trip switches will be made for a $25 processing fee. The $25 processing fee will be placed on the student’s MyUTK account.
Questions, Concerns, or Needs for Accommodation?
Check out FAQs or reach out to us at leadserve@utk.edu or 865-974-1039