Ready for the World began in 2004 as UT’s Quality Enhancement Plan, which was required for reaccreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. UT’s plan, “The International and Intercultural Awareness Initiative,” is the institution-wide emphasis on preparing undergraduates to succeed in the global society. The goal of Ready for the World is to support the culture of diversity on campus that best prepares students for working and competing in the twenty-first century. The initiative involves increasing the diversity among students, faculty, and staff; infusing the curriculum with international and intercultural perspectives; encouraging faculty to incorporate international and intercultural aspects in all of their courses; expanding study-abroad and work-study opportunities; and encouraging students to make these opportunities a key part of their UT experience.
While much of the initiative is embedded in modified coursework, special programming and exhibits, grants to faculty, and enhanced opportunities for students to travel and study abroad, the aspects most visible on campus and in the world have been the popular awareness-raising efforts Where in the World is Smokey? campaign and the Volunteers Rock the World! campaign.