Academic Advising at the University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee recognizes academic advising to be a critical component of the educational experience and student success. Faculty, administrators, and professional staff promote academic advising as a shared responsibility with students. Academic advising serves to develop and enrich students’ educational plans in ways that are consistent with their personal values, goals, and career plans, preparing them for a life of learning in a global society.
At the time of application for admission to UT Knoxville, students are asked to indicate whether they have already identified a preferred college. Students who are admitted as University Students and have not yet declared an interest in a specific college are advised by the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Center with assistance of advisors in other colleges and Career Services. Advising centers and designated offices in each college handle all freshmen and a substantial amount of sophomore advising; major advisors within the college, working closely with the advising center, guide advanced students. At all levels, campus wide guidelines for good advising are supplemented by specific college standards, guidelines, and evaluation.
Prior to advanced registration, all students who have earned fewer than 30 hours at UT Knoxville or are on Academic Probation are required to meet with an advisor during each main term of the academic year (i.e., during fall and spring). All other students are required to consult with an advisor for a substantial conference during a designated term each year. However, students are encouraged to consult with a college or major advisor at any point during a term or academic year. Students whose ID numbers end in an even digit are required to meet with an advisor during fall semester. Students whose ID numbers end in an odd digit are required to meet with an advisor during spring semester.
All students at the University should review carefully the prescribed curricula of the respective degree-granting units and should choose courses in accordance with their college preference. The student, not the advisor, bears the ultimate responsibility for educational planning, selecting courses, meeting course prerequisites, and adhering to policies and procedures. Assistance to students with academic problems or questions is provided by professors, advisors, department heads, and college deans or advising centers. Numerous other sources of academic, career, and personal counseling exist on the UT Knoxville campus and are available to admitted students. Contact the Student Success Center for more information.
Ways to Prepare for an Advising Appointment
Because students are expected to be active participants in the advising process you should prepare before coming to your advising appointment.
- Understand degree requirements of colleges and majors you are considering
- Know the University’s advising policy, and schedule your advising appointment early.
- Be prompt for your appointment.
- Review the curriculum before your appointment.
- Explore University resources.
- Be aware of drop/add deadlines and additional University requirements.
- Read course descriptions to be aware of any prerequisites and corequisites.
- Prepare a list of questions for you and your advisor to discuss.
- Know what courses are being offered by reviewing the timetable on Circle Park Online.
- Review your DARS report.