For some of our students on campus, this is a very real concern. Luckily for us at UT, there are many resources available to address this growing need.
The UT Libraries Diversity Committee recently held a panel discussion to explore resources available to students who are experiencing financial hardship. Blake Weiss, program director for basic needs with the Office of the Dean of Students; Nicole Carvagno, UT student and director of Smokey’s Pantry (a food pantry for Tennessee Vols); and Javiette Samuel, associate vice chancellor for diversity and engagement, gathered with interested students, faculty, and staff at a hybrid panel in the Student Union. Philippa Satterwhite, coordinator of financial wellness and education for UT’s Center for Financial Wellness, moderated the discussion.
What was discovered during the session was that underfed and undernourished students are less likely to be engaged during classes and more likely to exhibit poor academic performance. Fixed costs — such as tuition and books, rent and gas — remain constant, with food costs likely being the factor that gets trimmed or eliminated. Options for Vols include the Big Orange Pantry (held in the Student Union and open daily) and Smokey’s Pantry (available Tuesdays at nearby Tyson House).
Needs don’t end once meals are consumed, however. The Center for Financial Wellness, located in the John C. Hodges Library, provides help for students to improve their money management skills through one-on-one appointments, presentations, and other online resources. Smokey’s Closet can provide business attire for students preparing for interviews.
Most services are available to students, faculty, and staff. And very little information is needed to access services.
Food insecurity and meeting the basic needs of college students has emerged as a critical concern at public higher education campuses across the nation. Here at UT, our staff are working hard to make sure our VFLs are well provided for during their time on our campus.
Recent News
More News- Guides to Hiking in the Smokies: From Short Hikes to Backpacking
- Exhibit Celebrates 100th Anniversary of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club
- Summer 2024 Awards and Recognitions
- Tennessee’s First Home Demonstration Agent Figures in Plot of New Novel
- UT Libraries Celebrates Staff During Annual Spirit Awards Ceremony
- Thank You Donors for Celebrating Scot Danforth!
- Congrats to Spring 2024 Graduating Library Staff and Student Workers!
- Thank You, 2023-2024 Dean’s Student Advisory Committee!
Upcoming Events
More Events-
Celebrating the Publication of "Critical Connections" with ORNL, UT Libraries, and UT Press!
Sep. 10 at 3pmInstitute for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing - AMM Lobby and Room 147 -
Research Impact Series: Citation Analysis using Web of Science
Sep. 12 at 3pmJohn C Hodges Library - 128 -
Research Impact Series: Citation Analysis using Scopus
Sep. 19 at 3pmJohn C Hodges Library - 128