On Monday night, August 22, the Class of 2026 came together in Thompson-Boling Arena to take the “Vol is a Verb” pledge.

Started by the Dean of Students, the “Vol is a Verb” initiative is a call to action as a community to help make the campus a place where everyone belongs, and faculty and staff at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy were asked to write a pledge for students to take.

During a previous Baker Center board meeting, board members and staff brainstormed on the values and traits of Senator Baker, ones that would promote his legacy through our work.

It was those values and traits that were used as a base for the writing of the pledge. As a result, the pledge taken by the Class of 2026 – and the pledge future classes will take – embodies the life and legacy of Senator Baker.

“The Vol is a Verb vision articulates what we hope students aspire to for themselves and for others– to create a campus environment that is thoughtful, challenging, and courageous,” stated the Center’s Associate Director, Katie Cahill. “The vision was inspired by the contributions of many great Volunteers who have been part of the campus community, most particularly Senator Howard H. Baker Jr. who served as SGA President during his time at the University.” 

“Vol is a Verb” Pledge

To Listen First,

To Build Space for Challenging ideas and diverse points of view,

To Cultivate Relationships that contribute to my growth as an individual,

To respect myself and those around me,

And to act with honesty, compassion, and courage.