Academic Advising
FAQs
- What is an academic advisor?
- How do I get an advisor?
- How do I get an advising appointment?
- Why do I have to be advised?
- How often do I go see my advisor?
- What if I don't go see my advisor?
- What do I talk to my advisor about?
- What is a DARS report?
What is an academic advisor?
An academic advisor is a person who helps guide you in making decisions about your academic plan at UT. They can discuss majors, career paths, and other opportunities on campus, such as Study Abroad or experiential learning. They are here to help you make your experience at UT the best it can be.
How do I get an advisor?
If you have decided on an interest in a specific college, let’s say the College of Communications, you are advised through their advising center. If you have not yet decided, you are advised at the Arts and Sciences Advising Center. When you attend Orientation, you will have your first advising appointment and develop your first class schedule.
How do I get an advising appointment?
You just call the advising center and set up an advising appointment. It is your responsibility to make that appointment.
Why do I have to be advised?
Academic advising is an important part of the college experience. Advisors want you to have a productive experience at UT, and they will provide direction to make sure that happens.
How often do I go see an advisor?
If you have earned less than 30 hours at UTK or are on Academic Review, you will see an advisor during both fall and spring terms. If you have earned more than 30 hours at UTK and are in good standing, you will meet with an advisor once per academic year. The last digit of your student ID/Social Security Number dictates the semester in which you must be advised. If your number ends with an even digit (including 0), you must see your advisor in the fall term to make your plans for the next year. If your number ends with an odd digit, you must meet with your advisor in the spring term. All students are encouraged to visit their advisors more frequently than one term per year!
What if I don't go see my advisor?
If you don’t go to see your advisor, the system will not let you register for courses until you have that advising appointment.
What do I talk to my advisor about?
You talk with them about your coursework, course load, majors, opportunities on campus, study skills, etc. Anything that is affecting your studies and your overall experience at the University of Tennessee is important.
What is a DARS report?
DARS, short for Degree Audit Reporting System, is an automated system that compares student's completed coursework with the requirements for their degree and produces a report ( sometimes called an audit) detailing their progress towards that degree. The report also lists the classes that need to be taken making it a great planning tool for future semesters. All of this information is contained in your DARS report which is available online via DARSweb.
A DARS report can also evaluate different scenarios (degree options like minors, second degrees, changing the degree you are seeking) that you may want to consider. The project is managed centrally from the Office of the University Registrar.
Although DARS is currently only available to Undergraduate Students, there are plans to add the Graduate School.
In short, a DARS report (audit) will show:
- which degree requirements have been met
- which requirements are incomplete and what has to be done to complete them
- how transfer courses apply toward requirements
- the student's current GPA
- any exceptions that have been made for a student