Welcome and Professional Development
Introduction, 8:30–9:45 a.m.
Dixie L. Thompson, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
Katherine Trubee, Graduate Student Senate President
Ernest L. Brothers, Associate Dean of the Graduate School
The Dean of the Graduate School and the president of the Graduate Student Senate welcome new graduate students to UT, followed by Ernest L. Brothers, who speaks about professional development opportunities for graduate students at UT.
Watch the recording for Welcome and Professional Development
UT Libraries
Plenary I, 9:50–10:20 a.m.
Michelle Brannen, Head of the Scholars’ Collaborative, UT Libraries
The UT Libraries offer an array of services, resources, and expertise that can be invaluable to graduate students. In this virtual introduction to the libraries, you will learn:
- where to find and how to access resources on the library website
- how to connect with experts throughout the library
- the wide array of services the UT Libraries provide.
Home Sweet Home: A Big Orange Intro
Breakout Session Block I, 10:25–10:55 a.m.
Abby Sherman, Coordinator of Student Services, Graduate School
Have you ever wondered how UT became UT? What’s the deal with Rocky Top? We will cover some of the history of the university and the many traditions that make UT special as well as information about the Knoxville area.
Distance Education Resources and Support
Breakout Session Block I, 10:25–10:55 a.m.
Josh Steele, Associate Vice Provost Online Learning & Academic Programs
Ginny Valentin, Executive Director Learner Services, EdPlus
We will review a wide array of services the university provides to distance education students, such as the Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center, mental health services, Student Disability Services, the UT Libraries, Office of Innovative Technologies, and more.
Watch the recording for Distance Education Resources and Support
Download the slide deck for Distance Education Resources and Support
Student Health Insurance
Plenary II, 11–11:30 a.m.
Jaclyn Slack, Senior Account Manager, Hildreth Agency
This presentation provides an overview of UT student health insurance, including:
- plan details
- eligibility
- enrollment
- the Student Health Center referral requirement
- how to use the coverage
Getting Unstuck: Ombuds Service
Breakout Session Block II, 11:35–12:05 a.m.
Lisa Yamagata-Lynch, University Ombudsperson
Duren Thompson, Educational Program Coordinator, Office of Ombuds Services
What is an ombuds and how can they help empower you to “get unstuck”? We will share how to access the free and confidential services Ombuds provides, our perspectives on conflict as a tool for innovation, and our key approaches to navigating challenging situations.
Title IX
Breakout Session Block II, 11:35 a.m.–12:05 p.m.
Laura Bryant, Deputy Title IX Coordinator
This presentation will introduce the Office of Title IX at UT. Participants will learn about the university’s comprehensive commitment to preventing and responding to sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. Students will also learn how to access supportive services both on and off campus and how to support university-wide prevention efforts.
Financial Aid
Plenary III, 12:30–1 p.m.
Tim Woods, Associate Director, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you are a recipient of a fellowship, scholarship, assistantship, student loan (federal or private), or some combination of these kinds of financial aid, this session will offer useful guidance on your financial aid for college. The overview will:
- address deadlines relative to certain types of funding
- communicate limits on total financial aid
- provide examples of expected cost of attendance
- offer helpful reminders on how to navigate this topic
Office of Innovative Technologies
Breakout Session Block III, 1:05–1:35 p.m.
Rose Parker, Assistant Director, Office of Innovative Technologies
Rosie Sasso, Teaching & Learning Technologies Support Manager, Office of Innovative Technologies
Rochelle Butler, Research Consultant, Office of Innovative Technologies
Rachael Stanley, Learning Technology Specialist, Office of Innovative Technologies
We provide an overview of OIT Resources available to graduate students, such as:
- instructional and classroom technology
- research software and consultation
- general OIT services (two-factor authentication, labs, software)
- helpdesk
- and more!
Health & Wellness
Breakout Session Block III, 1:05–1:35 p.m.
Matilene Osho, Assistant Director, Center for Health Education and Wellness
Graduate Student Life
Plenary IV, 1:40–2:10 p.m.
Katherine Trubee, Graduate Student Senate President
Hannah Thompson, Graduate Student Senate Vice President
Dana Abu Haltam, GSS Senator
Bethany Parker, GSS Senator
Jeronimo Silva, GSS Senator
A panel of graduate students will be available to answer questions from incoming students about graduate school, managing work and life, and living in Knoxville!