April 28, 2010

Family Weekend Events

Several times throughout each year, the Parents Association offers events to welcome you, the parent, into the UT family. Family Weekend Events are a great chance to enjoy some time with your student on campus. You will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to sporting events, attend Parents Association tailgate parties and dinners, participate in family seminars, enjoy programming both on campus and around Knoxville, and much more! Family Weekends allow you to meet other families and join students, faculty, and staff for a weekend together in the heart of "Big Orange Country".

We invite all members of the Parents Association to attend the 8th annual Fall Family Weekend September 24-26 as your UT Vols take on the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers! Click here for more information on Family Weekend.

End of the Semester Information

During the final exam period, the UT Libraries will offer extended hours. Hodges Library will be open 24 hours a day from noon Sunday, May 2, through Tuesday, May 11. Click here for more information.

The UT Bookstore will be buying back textbooks from May 4-May 11. Click here for more information.

Campus residence halls close for non-graduating students at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, May 12. For graduating seniors, residence halls close at 8:00 PM on Friday, May 14. Students living in campus residence halls need to complete a few steps prior to check-out. For more information on check-out procedures, click here.

Changes to Student Loan Process Affect UT Students

Recent changes to the way the federal government distributes and manages student loans will affect how UT students receive financial aid. The changes, which recently passed into law, shift the processing of federal student loans away from private lenders and to the U.S. Department of Education. UT Knoxville students should see few, if any, changes, although many of them will need to complete additional paperwork:

-Students currently receiving federally backed student loans must complete a new master promissory note (MPN) to cover the new direct loans from the government.
-Current students with existing federally backed loans managed by private lenders will have the option to consolidate their loans into the direct loan program.
-New loan recipients, including incoming freshmen and transfer students, now will complete forms directly from the Department of Education to receive their loans.

The changes go into effect beginning with the summer term. Students can find information on the new process and links to the online MPN by clicking here or by calling (865) 974-3131.

Campus Dining News

Students may now use their Meal Equivalency option at ALL National Brands on Campus for dinner!

Campus Dining is excited about this new benefit to the Meal Plan and would like to spread the news to the parents. This benefit will also be available next year to ALL Meal Plan holders.

Also, students who sign up between now and May 11th for a Meal Plan for next year will be entered into a drawing for a FREE Netbook from Volunteer Dining. Click here or visit www.utdining.com for more information.

VOLAPALOOZA 2010

Campus Entertainment Board, SGA, and Cultural Attractions Committee present the 8th annual VOLAPALOOZA 'Kickoff to Commencement' concert featuring Passion Pit with special guest star Flogging Molly, and opener Asher Roth. The concert will be held on Friday, April 30 at World's Fair Park. Entry is free for UT students with valid student ID. UT faculty, staff, and the general public can purchase tickets for $15 at www.knoxvilletickets.com.

In conjunction with SGA's 'Kickoff to Commencement,' UT graduating seniors are invited to a special Senior Hour from 5:00 to 6:00 PM with free prizes, giveaways, and activities. For everyone else, doors will open at 6:00 PM with the concert kicking off at 7:00 PM.

For more information on the event, click here.

Make Orange Green Summer Send-Off Recycling

The UT Summer Send-Off recycling campaign has begun. Students living in residence halls are invited to donate unwanted items to Goodwill instead of throwing them in the trash before moving out for the summer. Donation bins can be found in the lobby of campus residence halls. For more info call (865) 974-3480 or click here.

Campus Notification

We are saddened to report the loss of a student who died from what appears to be natural causes on Monday, April 26, 2010 in Morrill Hall. Katherine Briana Bilbrey, of Knoxville, was a freshman at UT. Counselors are available to assist students and can be reached at the Counseling Center by calling 974-2196. We extend our sincere condolences to Ms. Bilbrey's family and friends.

Panel Discussion

As part of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a group of experts on sexual assault from UT and the Knoxville community will convene to discuss prevalent issues pertaining to and prevention of sexual assault. The panel discussion will take place on Thursday, April 29 from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Toyota Room of the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy. For more information, click here.

UTPD Installs Automated Electronic Defibrillators in Patrol Cars

The University of Tennessee Police Department has added Automated Electronic Defibrillators (AEDs) to patrol cars. UTPD officers are the first responders to emergencies on campus, including medical emergencies. All UTPD officers receive Red Cross certification for CPR and AED use. For more information, click here.

Chancellor Announces UTK Climate Action Plan

On Earth Day, April 22, Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek announced the first version of the UT Knoxville Climate Action Plan (CAP). With maintaining and enhancing UT Knoxville's place as a national leader in campus sustainability as one of the strategic goals for campus, this plan is at the heart of the effort. To view the CAP and for more information, visit the Make Orange Green website by clicking here.

Princeton Review Lists UT Among '286 Green Colleges'

The University of Tennessee is among the nation's most environmentally responsible institutions, according to The Princeton Review, one of the nation's top education service and evaluation companies. UT is one of only five universities in Tennessee to be included in the company's newest guidebook, "Guide to 286 Green Colleges," and is mentioned for its "Make Orange Green" program and other initiatives. The Make Orange Green environmental effort has been recognized across the state and nation as one of the top campus sustainability programs. For more information, click here.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE OFFICE OF THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION
412 STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING, KNOXVILLE, TN 37996
http://parents.utk.edu  ::  [log in to unmask]

Important Dates

April 30: Spring Semester Courses End

April 30: Total Withdrawal from the University Deadline

April 30: Fall 2010 Graduation Application Deadline

May 1, 2, 3, 8, 9: Study Days

May 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11: Final Exams

May 6: Mini Term Confirmation of Attendance and Payment Due at 4:30 PM

May 11: Campus Dining Meal Plan Ends

May 12: Residence Halls Close at 5:00 PM for Non-graduating Students

May 12: University College Commencement Ceremonies

May 12: Mini Term Classes Begin

May 13: University College Commencement Ceremonies

May 13: Graduate Hooding

May 14: University College Commencement Ceremonies

May 14: Residence Halls Close at 8:00 PM for Graduating Seniors

May 31: Memorial Day Holiday (No Classes)

June 2: Mini Term Classes End

June 3: First and Full Session Summer 2010 Classes Begin

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