Academic advising at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a collaborative, student-centered process designed to help Vols navigate their academic journey with clarity and purpose. Through ongoing partnerships with their assigned advisor and broader Vol Success Team, students are supported in planning coursework, understanding degree requirements, and connecting to campus resources that enhance their overall experience. Advising is not just about course selection, it’s about empowering students to make informed decisions, stay on track for graduation, and take full advantage of opportunities that contribute to their academic, professional, and personal success.
It’s the Student’s Responsibility to:
- Schedule an advising appointment early each semester
- Review your curriculum in the Undergraduate Catalog and Academic Majors Guides
- Ensure you are on track to meet progression standards (if required for your major) by reviewing your DARS and uTrack reports
- Write down your current schedule and a tentative plan for next semester
- Write down any questions you have for your advisor
- Consult with your advisor before making drastic changes to an agreed-upon schedule
- Consult with your advisor on issues related to academic progress, a change in program, registration for study abroad, internships and coops, courses to be taken at another institution, withdrawal from courses, or withdrawal from the university
- Make final decisions and take responsibility for your academic career
- Pay attention to semester deadlines
- Read any e-mails, texts, or letters that are sent to you by your advisor, advising center, or academic college
- Keep any advising appointments you make
- Cancel any advising appointments that you are unable to attend
It’s the Advisor’s Responsibility to:
- Be accessible to you during reasonable hours
- Provide a means through which you can schedule appointments
- Understand the curriculum, graduation requirements, and university policies
- Provide accurate information
- Discuss specific university, college, and departmental requirements, procedures, and deadlines
- Help you define and develop realistic goals and discuss the linkage between academic preparation and career opportunities
- Assist you in planning programs of study, both short-term and long-term, that are consistent with your abilities and interests; such as course load, academic background, program demands, and employment or personal commitments
- Refer you to other services, departments, and specific individuals as special needs are identified
- Monitor your progress toward educational goals and keep accurate, up-to-date records of academic progress
- Help you identify special needs and acquaint you with services and programs provided by the college and the university
- Respect your right to privacy of educational records and discuss confidential information only with appropriate individuals and for the purpose of serving your best interests
- Help you assume responsibility for your decisions and actions