Office of Access & Community Connections About Our Office
The Office of Access and Community Connections (OACC) aims to foster the involvement and success of all Haslam students, as well as the college’s faculty and staff, by offering several programs, services and initiatives designed to support those we serve. Our team is here to provide mentorship, academic support, events and resources necessary to become invested, accomplished and supported members of the college and university communities. We also work closely with campus partners and community organizations to promote inclusion and connections across the university and beyond.
Move DownAccess
Ensuring that access to the college’s services, programs, and resources is inclusive for prospective and current students, faculty, and staff, and addressing barriers that might otherwise prevent individuals or groups from equitable and fair participation.
Support
Promoting access, belonging, and fairness within the college and the broader community through inclusive events, proactive advocacy and support of initiatives that foster civility and a sense of belonging for all.
Connections
Nurturing positive relationships and partnerships between the college and its stakeholders (including faculty, staff, and students, alumni, businesses, governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, and residents of the community) through programming, networking, communication, and collaboration efforts to maintain strong ties.
Office of Access & Community Connections How We Can Help
Haslam’s OACC is here to serve the college’s student population, as well as faculty, staff and community members. We offer several opportunities for professional and leadership development, networking, career preparation, college improvement and various other programs and efforts that aid in creating a more equitable, inclusive and welcoming education environment.
We offer programs, mentorship opportunities and initiatives for students at various stages in their academic careers. High school students interested in learning more about college and business are invited to apply to one of our four summer programs, which include:
- Business Education for Talented Students (BETS)
- Accounting and Information Management (AIM) Academy
- Women Empowered Through Business (WEB) Institute
- Supply Chain Management (SCM) Summer Program
Current Haslam undergraduate and graduate students benefit from guidance, mentoring, leadership development and more. Student programs and opportunities include:
- Inclusive Leadership Development Program
- Veteran’s Appreciation Events
- Women in Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Summit
- Sophomore Mentoring Program
- TakeOff Program
- Diversity Advancement Program
- Information Sessions
- Inclusion and Engagement Summit
- Professional Development Trips
- Mosaic Talks
- BETS Scholars Program
The OACC also provides enrichment opportunities for Haslam faculty and staff. The office’s Professional Development Fund support continuous learning and professional development for staff. Haslam faculty and staff also make up the Diversity Council, which works to unite diversity and inclusion with the strategic initiatives of the college.
Office of Access & Community Connections Who We Support
Students
We empower students by providing academic and personal support, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement needed to excel.
Community
We are committed to building strong, inclusive communities both within and beyond the university.
Faculty/Staff
We provide support and advocacy for underrepresented faculty and staff, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions valued.
Office of Access & Community Connections Our Programs
The Business Education for Talented Students (BETS) program introduces underrepresented rising high school seniors to all aspects…
The Aim Academy is a summer program for underrepresented high school students interested in learning more about accounting and information management.
WEB Institute is a summer program designed specifically for under-represented female high school students interested in technology and business.
The SCM program is an opportunity for under-represented high school students to learn all about the world of supply chain.
The Office of Access and Community Connections (OACC) hosts and annual reception honoring Haslam military veterans.
The Women in Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Summit gives Haslam College of Business is an opportunity to network and and learn from female business leaders.
The OACC TakeOff Program helps first-generation freshmen navigate college.
The Sophomore Mentoring Program helps second-year Haslam students learn how to navigate the rest of their undergraduate college careers.
The Inclusive Leadership Development Program prepares Haslam students for a diverse workplace.
The Professional Development Fund focuses on continued learning and development for staff.
The Office of Access & Community Connections in the Haslam College of Business sponsors, the BETS Scholars Program (BSP). BSP is designed for students who have received an annual scholarship for completing the Business Education for Talented Students (BETS) Program.
The Haslam College of Business is proudly home to a Diversity Council that supports the continued growth of diversity and inclusion.
The Diversity Advancement Program (DAP) is a selective program that provides students with the opportunity to hone in on their leadership and interpersonal skills while expanding their personal network and advancing diversity initiatives in the Haslam College of Business.
Information to come…
The Office of Access and Community Connections takes selected students on professional development trips during the Fall and Spring semesters.
The Office of Access and Community Connections highlights Haslam Alumni by providing students with access to networking and discussions from alumni regarding ways to navigate and transition upon graduation.
Information sessions focus on continued learning and development.