In spring 2017, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, approved a proposal to redesign the general education curriculum, which will take effect fall 2022.
- The Volunteer Core (General Education) curriculum is published in the undergraduate academic catalog.
- Compare the current general education requirements to the new Vol Core.
Application Process
To learn more about the submission process or to submit a course proposal to be reviewed for inclusion in Vol Core, click on the corresponding category below. If you are submitting to more than one category, you must complete a separate application for each category.
- Written Communication
- Oral Communication
- Applied Oral Communication
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Arts and Humanities
- Global Citizenship – United States
- Global Citizenship – International
- Natural Sciences
- Applied Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Engaged Inquiries
In order for a course to be considered for Volunteer Core designation, an application is required that articulates the ways in which the course would meet the student learning outcomes for that category and addresses how those outcomes will be assessed, both at the student level (i.e., formative and summative class assignments) and the course level (i.e., plans for ongoing assessment and course development).
NOTE: AFTER YOU SUBMIT A PROPOSAL, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL LETTING YOU KNOW IT HAS BEEN RECEIVED. If you do not receive that confirmation email within 72 hours, your proposal was not successfully submitted and you need to submit it again. If you continue to have difficulties submitting, please email us to let us know.
You will also receive emails as your proposal moves through the review process. The review process begins with a Volunteer Core (General Education) Subcommittee approval and then goes to the Volunteer Core (General Education) Committee for approval. From there it goes to the Undergraduate Council for approval and finally to the Faculty Senate. Until you receive notification that your course proposal has been approved by the Faculty Senate, it is not eligible to be listed as a Vol Core course.
Deadlines
Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, but must be submitted no later than November 15, 2023 for the 2024-2025 catalog.
Volunteer Core Petition
Use this Volunteer Core Petition form to request Vol Core credit for a course taken at another institution.
Volunteer Core – Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteer Core Assessment
Volunteer Core Assessment Timeline, Guidelines, and FAQ
Guidelines for Revising and Removing Volunteer Core Courses
Guidelines for revising and removing courses from a General Education list