Most people think of communication as talking, but there is much more to communication, especially if you want your communication to be effective. For example, people communicate in different ways, such as verbally (speaking, talking) and non-verbally (hand gestures, facial expressions). Also, communication involves listening, or taking in and interpreting information, as much as it involves talking, or sending information out for someone else to interpret and understand. Effective communication is essential to your academic success. It is very important to understand effective communication techniques so that you can use them to communicate at UT (both in person and electronically) with faculty, staff, and students. See the tips and resources below to ensure you know the basics of communication, as well as how to communicate at UT.
In this section, you will learn about:
- How the university expects to communicate with you.
- How to improve communications with your peers.
- How to appropriately advocate for yourself in the context of the university.
Important Contacts:
- Counseling Center – 1800 Volunteer Blvd. (865-974-2196)
- Student Conduct and Community Standards – Student Services Building 409 (865-974-3171)
- Housing – Specifically your Hall Director or your Resident Assistant
- Student Success Center – Greve Room 324 (865-974-6641)
Conflict Management
Conflict Management Tips
Listen before you speak
Try to understand the other person’s perspective
Speak in an appropriate tone of voice
Strive for collaboration and compromise
Try to come up with creative solutions to the problem. If you become frustrated or angry, take a break from the discussion until you are calm
Treat others as you would like to be treated
Shape your communication to your intended audience. In other words, you may want to speak in a professional tone to your Professors and UT staff while using an informal tone with your roommate.
Pay attention to both your verbal and non-verbal communication. Ask yourself if your tone is appropriate, if your hand gestures are distracting, etc.
Listen as much or more than you speak.
Avoid making assumptions and try to summarize what you have heard before you shape a response.
Write professional and appropriate e-mails to UT faculty and staff.
Resources
Student Conduct and Community Standards
Communication Styles
During your time at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville you will have the opportunity to develop new and long-lasting relationships with peers, professionals, and faculty. Familiarizing yourself with different communication styles can help you navigate these new relationships as well as increase your self-awareness of how you communicate with those around you. Understanding the ways that individuals instinctively communicate can help you connect with and better understand individuals. The resources below review communication styles and can help you identify your individual style while reviewing the different styles of those you communicate with on a daily basis.
Resources
Communication Styles Inventory
Self-Advocacy
Unlike high school, college students are expected to speak up for themselves: to ask questions, to ask for help, to add critical and creative thought to the academic community. Self-advocacy is an essential part of being a student, and it isn’t always easy. If you find yourself struggling with course content, ask questions in class or make an appointment for your Professor’s office hours. If you are having a hard time studying or understanding your assignments, seek assistance from resources like the Student Success Center and the Office of Multicultural Student Life. If you have a problem or are struggling at UT, talk to your support network and make use of resources such as the Student Counseling Center. Finally, if you see someone else in need of help, be his or her advocate, too. UT has many resources available to help with all of these concerns.Self-Advocacy Tips
- Take responsibility for yourself and your success
- Think positively and expect good results
- Learn about and utilize UT and other resources to help you succeed
Self-Advocacy Resources |
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| The Counseling Center | The Pride Center |
| The S.E.E. Center | The Student Success Center |
| Talking with Instructors | E-mailing Instructors |
Technology Expectations
How do I register my laptop for advising sessions? How do I access the internet from my personal computer? What do I do if I forget my NetID and/or password? The Office of Information Technology (OIT) can help you with these questions and more. Refer to the below resources for any and all technology needs. Be sure to review expectations related to official UTK technology usage. Remember, OIT also provides free training on software and technology!Resources
University Expectations
As a student, you have rights and responsibilities, and understanding both is an important step on your path to success. For a full review of student rights and responsibilities, see the resource list below. As a part of effective communication, be sure that you understand the University’s expectations expressed through publications such as the Undergraduate Catalog and Hilltopics, and address any questions you may have to the appropriate resources.Questions to Consider
Review the below questions and be sure that you answer yes to each one. If you answer no, talk to your FYS 101 Instructor about the best campus resources to follow up with.
Have I read and understood the resources listed below?
Do I know and understand my rights and responsibilities as a student?
Resources |
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| Academic Calendar | Campus Safety |
| FERPA and Student Rights | Hilltopics |
| The Undergraduate Catalog | Volcard Office |
| MyUTK | OneStop |
| UT Mission & Vision | |