KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Students at the University of Tennessee will be able to take advantage of two new centers as the semester starts — the Center for Basic Needs and the Center for Student Advocacy.
The centers were developed to support existing programs at UT. A release said the Center for Basic Needs would support programs including the Big Orange Pantry, the Big Orange Meal Share program, the UT to West TN transportation program, the Basic Needs Emergency Fund and the Smokey's Closet program.
The programs are meant to make sure students have access to food, clothing and other essentials while studying at UT. For example, students can apply for help from the Basic Needs Emergency Fund if they need one-time financial support. The Big Orange Pantry is also meant to address food insecurity by providing free resources, as well as hygiene products.
The Center for Student Advocacy will work to connect students with resources, addressing their concerns while helping them navigate college life. A release from the university said that it will support programs like the Family Experience program, which connects with student families and acts as a bridge between families and students while at college.
The center will also advise the Student Government Association, the Rocky Top Roundtable and Milkshake Mondays.
Both centers will operate as extensions of the Office of the Dean of Students, which also oversees the Office of Multicultural Student Life, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Office of Student Disability Services and the Pride Center.
