Access and Engagement
The College of Communication and Information (CCI) is committed to fostering accessibility, opportunity, and inclusivity among its faculty, students and staff.
Exposing students to diverse people, ideas and cultures increases opportunities for intellectual inquiry, encourages critical thinking, and enhances communication and information competence. When all viewpoints are heard, thoughtfully considered, and respectfully responded to, everyone benefits. Diversity and fairness unite us with the wider professional and global community.
Access & Engagement Priorities
1. Recruit, retain, and graduate increasing numbers of undergraduate and graduate students to close the opportunity gap for all students.
2. Attract, recruit, and retain greater numbers of talent in faculty, staff, and administrative positions to close the opportunity gap for all.
3. Cultivate and strengthen strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships with diverse communities, organizations, stakeholders, and other interested parties throughout Tennessee and beyond.
4. Create and sustain an accessible, supportive, and inclusive campus climate that allows for respectful interactions and promotes the Volunteer spirit of leadership and service among faculty, staff, and students within the college.
5. Equip undergraduate and graduate students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a global society by promoting inclusive scholarship and teaching; intercultural prospectives; and global competencies across all curricular and co-curricular programs.
We’re here to help!
Communication and Information Leadership Collective
Originally designed to assist underrepresented students within the College of Communication and Information, the Communication and Information Leadership Collective enhances the undergraduate experience of all scholars by curating and championing access and engagement opportunities that celebrate self-discovery, promote professional development, and build community.
The College of Communication and Information’s access and engagement initiatives champion the success of every scholar, including ones that—based on current data—substantially benefit from personal engagement and community building. While programs change with evolving data, participation is open to all scholars.
Mission
The mission of the Communication and Information Leadership Collective is to support the success of the college’s students by cultivating an enriched environment that values academic and personal growth; community building; and collaboration.
Vision
To become a primary hub for professional growth and community building for undergraduate students across communication and information disciplines.
Our goals
Cultivate an Inclusive Community
Create an open and accepting environment for all CCI students that promotes dialogue and collaboration around access and engagement.
Enhance Marketability for Global Careers
Equip students with tools and skills for success in the global job market through targeted workshops, networking opportunities, and other programs.
Support Students’ Success
Provide tailored resources and programs that ensure students feel valued and are encouraged to persist in their studies within CCI.
Programs and Services
- Career development and exploration resources
- Mentoring program
- Diverse speaker series
- Industry trips
- Social gatherings
- Community engagement
Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or in any way be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity of the University. Participation in the Communication and Information Leadership Collective is open to anybody, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender, if they are capable of participating towards its objectives.
Discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, marital status, or genetic information is prohibited.
Any person having a question regarding laws and regulations, or who feels discriminated against, is encouraged to contact UT’s Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, 2450 E. J. Chapman Dr. Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996, (865) 974-0717, or investigations@utk.edu.