» FAQS
Questions
General FAQ
» You have two different locations. Which one should I go to?
» Do you offer tutoring services?
» I don’t know what to do with my life. What should I do?
» I would do better in school, but I don’t have enough time to study with my schedule. Should I visit the SSC?
» Will you help me if I’m having trouble with a particular instructor?
» What is my DARS?
» How do I drop a course?
Academic Coach vs Advisor FAQ
» What’s the difference between an academic coach and an academic advisor?
» Can you lift my advising hold?
» I need to set up an appointment with my advisor, how do I do that?
First Year Studies (FYS) FAQ
» What’s the difference between First Year Studies 101 and First Year Seminars 129?
» Do I receive a grade for First Year Studies 101?
» I am a junior and need some extra hours. Can I enroll in FYS 101?
UT LEAD FAQ
» As a UT LEAD student, do I have to take a First Year Seminar both semesters?
» If I’m a UT LEAD student, do I have to meet with my Academic Coach AND an Academic Advisor?
» I’m a UT LEAD student, and I have a hold on my account; how do I get it taken off?
Answers
General FAQ
You have two different locations. Which one should I go to?
The staff at either location can help you with general academic questions. Our outreach location, SSC@Commons, is located in South Commons at Hodges Library. For more detailed information and to make an appointment with an Academic Coach please visit the main location at 812 Volunteer Blvd. Information regarding the Student Success Center programs including Supplemental Instruction, the UT LEAD program, and First-Year Studies can be found on our website. For concerns with academic probation, academic dismissal, and/or retroactive withdrawal please make an appointment with an Academic Coach.
Do you offer tutoring services?
Beginning Spring 2012 the SSC offers FREE tutoring in select courses in two locations on campus! Our main tutoring location is in The Commons at Hodges Library. In addition, the SSC, partnering with University Housing, offers tutorial assistance in Hess Hall Conference Room (K101). The SSC Tutoring Center focuses on: Biology 101 & 102; Chemistry 100, 120, & 130; Math 113, 115, 119, 125, 130, & 140; Spanish 123; Psychology 110. Ask about other courses. We may be able to accommodate!
Additionally, we do have a complete listing of all academic resources made available to UT students in an online database. The online referral system is available 24/7.
Also, the SSC houses an academic assistance program focused on difficult first year courses. It’s called SI, as in Supplemental Instruction, and basically it’s regularly-scheduled study sessions, assisted by your peers (SI Leaders). These sessions are informal and held in the Library. You can also find your SI Leader at office hours in the bottom floor of SSC-Volunteer. Check the schedule to find the next session.
I don’t know what to do with my life. What should I do?
Schedule an appointment with a career planner at UT Career Services. Make sure to inquire about the Strong Interest Inventory (SII), a survey that matches personal interests with majors/careers. Use SII results and feedback from your career planner to select a major and courses which cater to personal interests.
I would do better in school, but I don’t have enough time to study with my schedule. Should I visit the SSC?
Yes. Our Academic Coaches can meet with you and discuss strategies for better time management, as well as prioritizing the responsibilities that come with your schedule.
Will you help me if I'm having trouble with a particular instructor?
We will gladly help you determine how best to approach your instructors, including how to adjust to various teaching styles, how to frame questions and concerns when meeting with instructors, how to approach coursework strategically, etc. However, we do not take sides against instructors, and if you wish to pursue a grade appeal or file a grievance against an instructor, we will refer you to the department. In other words, we’re here to help you work with your instructors, not against them!
What is my DARS?
Degree Audit Report (DARS) tells students what they need to take in order to complete their program and graduate. Check it EACH semester to decide your classes and plan your schedules for you college career. You may also explore other majors to see what classes you have taken that will also count.
How do I drop a course?
The ability to drop a course depends on your timing during a semester, and how many classes you have on your schedule. Through the 63rd day of either fall or spring, you may drop a course by going to Circle Park Online (CPO). It is always a good idea to look at your schedule after you’ve dropped a course for confirmation. From the 64th day through the 84th day of either fall or spring, you may request a withdrawal pass or fail (WP or WF) by submitting the form to your professor and then turning it in to the Registrar’s Office. This deadline is strictly adhered to, so if you are considering withdrawing from the course, make sure to get your professor’s signature soon enough to ensure you are on time. After the 84th day, there are no more opportunities to drop from an individual course. You may withdraw totally from the term up through the last day of the term by visiting the Registrar’s Office. Withdrawing from UT necessitates an application for readmission from you if you want to come back (even the very next term). Any time that you are withdrawing from the last course on your schedule, must be done so at the Registrar’s Office – no matter when in the semester you are doing this. These deadlines are for full-term courses only. Check the academic calendar on CPO for session or summer course deadlines.
Academic Coach vs Advisor FAQ
What’s the difference between an academic coach and an academic advisor?
In short, where an academic advisor will help you create an educational plan that meet you academic and career goals, our academic coaches will help you with academic behavior and strategies which will increase your scholastic abilities and position you for greater success. Also, Academic Coaches are available in both Student Success Center locations, whereas Academic Advisors are based out of the 8 Colleges- then filtered through School (i.e. Music and Art).
Can you lift my advising hold?
The SSC academic coaches are not advisors and do not perform the same vital tasks as advising. Thus, while we’re happy to help you plan general strategies for success and prep you for meeting with your advisor, we do not take the place of your advisor, and we cannot lift advising holds. Different offices offer different perspectives, so when making any big decisions, it’s best to consult an SSC academic coach, your advisor, and your financial aid counselor (if applicable), among others, to ensure that you get the full picture.
I need to set up an appointment with my advisor, how do I do that?
What is your major? That major is under a particular college, so go to the A-Z search and look under “Advising Services.” You will then find each college with their contact info on each homepage. Call their Advising Office, and their staff will help you find the next available time for you to meet with your advisor. You may also find more information about Undergraduate Academic Advising on our new Advising website.
First Year Studies (FYS) FAQ
What’s the difference between First Year Studies 101 and First Year Seminars 129?
First Year Studies 101 is designed to help freshmen transition from high school to college. Any freshman in his/her first semester can take FYS 101. We aim to give you the overall skills to establish your voice within a large university. Taught by UT faculty and staff, the textbooks and course outline cover every aspect of a college life at UT and are the same throughout each FYS 101 section.
First Year Seminars 129 are one-unit, pass/no-credit courses that invite you to learn about a subject you’re interested in. FYS 129 offers over 75 distinct, intriguing sections each school year. The classes can focus on pop culture, history, new scientific discoveries, or even sports. You are taught by a tenured professor, an opportunity usually unavailable until your upperclassmen years. These classes help you get involved at UT based on your interests, and any freshman can take one in either their first and/or second semester.
FYS 101 and FYS 129 are also graded differently (see below).
Do I receive a grade for First Year Studies 101?
Yes. For FYS 101 you are graded on the following scale: A, B, C, or NC (No Credit=class grade of C- and below)
In contrast, for FYS 129 you receive S (Satisfactory=class grade of C or better) or NC.
I am a junior and need some extra hours. Can I enroll in FYS 101?
No, you must be a first-year student.
UT LEAD FAQ
As a UT LEAD student, do I have to take a First Year Seminar both semesters?
No, you only have to take one semester of FYS 101 or FYS 129.
If I’m a UT LEAD student, do I have to meet with my Academic Coach AND an Academic Advisor?
Yes. UT LEAD students will meet with both their UT LEAD academic coach and academic advisor in their college.
I’m a UT LEAD student, and I have a hold on my account; how do I get it taken off?
As part of the UT LEAD program, you’re required to meet with your assigned Academic Coach at least once a semester. If you haven’t met with your Academic Coach yet or if you’re currently on probation status, a hold will be placed on your account. In order for this hold to be removed, you will need to schedule an appointment to meet with your Academic Coach.