Are you a new graduate student starting in spring 2025? If so, welcome to UT as a GradVol! We have some suggestions for things you may want to do soon after starting, if you have not already done so.
Get Your VolCard

Having your VolCard is your key to getting access to UT facilities. The VolCard office provides the VolCard Digital ID, which is available for both iPhone and Android users. If you have questions, you can reach the VolCard office at volcard@utk.edu or 865-974-3430.
Parking at UT

If you plan to be on campus regularly, or occasionally, you’ll need a permit to avoid citations. If you did not purchase a parking pass in the fall, spring 2025 parking passes are available. For this semester there are Commuter Core, Intermediate, Remote, and Park and Ride available while supplies last. Before selecting the best permit option for you, check out the pricing and map. Students can utilize a nearby Park and Ride lot at a discounted rate of $99. The T shuttle buses will offer transportation from the lots to campus with an estimated route frequency of 10 minutes. Download the University of Tennessee App to see parking availability and bus schedules and routes.
Meal Plan Options for GradVols

Graduate students are eligible to sign up for a Vol Dining meal plan, if desired. After you learn more about plans and dining locations, you can head over to MyUTK and select “Manage Meal Plan” under the My Services menu. From there you can select the plan that works for you. The Big Orange Pantry provides a variety of non-perishable and fresh foods, hygiene products, and other essential items supporting basic needs to students, faculty, and staff. They are located in 376C of the Student Union.
Get to know your Graduation Specialist

There are three graduation specialists on the Graduate School’s Student Services team. Graduation specialists can assist GradVols when they are navigating the graduation process, but they can be a great resource throughout your program to help you stay on track. The specialists can notify GradVols of graduation requirements, assist them with their graduation application, and help them with graduation forms. To contact a grad specialist, visit the staff directory on the Grad School’s website or call 865-974-2475 and request your specialist.