{"id":8785,"date":"2023-12-18T15:30:28","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T20:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studentsuccess.utk.edu\/career\/?page_id=8785"},"modified":"2026-02-26T12:15:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T17:15:15","slug":"exploratory-transition","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/studentsuccess.utk.edu\/career\/exploratory-transition\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploratory & Transition"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Our Mission<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

To support students\u2019 academic and career success through intentional self-discovery, exploration, decision-making, and planning.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

UT\u2019s academic-support initiatives champion the success of every scholar, including ones that\u2014based on current data \u2014 substantially benefit from personal engagement and community building. While programs change with evolving data, participation is open to all scholars.<\/p>\n

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About the Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Team<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

The Academic & Career Exploration team provides holistic academic advising and career support to students in the university exploratory and university transition programs. Through individual appointments, classroom instruction, and program delivery, the ACE team assists students with major and career exploration, goal setting, and curricular planning. The ACE team also serves exploring students who seek access to career assessments and assistance with choosing or changing majors.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Programs & Services<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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University Exploratory Advising\u00a0<\/h3>\n

E<\/span>xplore options for your major and make progress toward graduation through the completion of Vol Core courses. <\/span><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/strong> \u2192 <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Transition Advising \u00a0<\/h3>\n

Transition advising is available for students who are decided on a major but not eligible to declare.<\/p>\n

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Learn More<\/strong> \u2192 <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Explore Majors & Careers<\/h3>\n

Need help deciding on a major or career? You’re not alone!<\/p>\n

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Learn More<\/strong> \u2192 <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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FAQs\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
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University Exploratory Program<\/b><\/h3>\n

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<\/svg> What is the University Exploratory program?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The University Exploratory program is housed within the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration. Students in the program are advised by Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Coaches who provide integrated academic and career planning support. <\/span>The program is intended for students who have no clear idea which major to pursue or those who are trying to decide among majors that are not in a single college. It allows students to explore major options and make progress toward graduation through the completion of Vol Core courses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/svg> How long am I permitted to be in the University Exploratory program?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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All UT Knoxville students admitted as university exploratory Fall 2024 or after must declare a major prior to attempting 45 credit hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/svg> Am I allowed to change my major to University Exploratory?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Yes, students with fewer than 45 attempted credit hours may change to University Exploratory.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/svg> Who is my academic advisor?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Students in the University Exploratory program will be advised by an ACE Coach until they select a major or reach 45 attempted credit hours. Once students declare, they will be assigned an academic advisor aligned with their new major.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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University Transition Program<\/b><\/h3>\n

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<\/svg> What is the University Transition Program?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The University Transition program is housed within the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration. Students in the program are advised by Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Coaches who provide integrated academic and career planning support.<\/span><\/p>\n

Students may only enter the University Transition program if they are continuing students who become ineligible for their declared major. Students will be advised for one semester to regain or gain admission into a desired program. After one semester, students must declare a major from which they can graduate.<\/span><\/p>\n

The program includes two tracks: 1) University Early Transition for students who have attempted fewer than 60 credit hours and 2) University Advanced Transition for students who have attempted 60+ credit hours. Students in University Advanced Transition are not eligible for state and federal financial aid.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/svg> How long am I permitted to be in the University Transition program?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Students will be advised for one semester to regain or gain admission into a desired program. After one semester, students must declare a major from which they can graduate.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/svg> Am I allowed to change my major to University Transition?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Students may only enter the University Transition program if they are continuing students who become ineligible for their declared major.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/svg> How does the University Transition program impact my financial aid?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Students in University Early Transition (i.e., students who have attempted fewer than 60 credit hours) are eligible for state\/federal financial aid as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria for their aid source(s). Students in University Advanced Transition are ineligible for federal\/state financial aid.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/svg> Who is my academic advisor?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Students in the University Transition program will be advised by an ACE Coach for one semester to regain or gain admission into a desired major. After one semester, students will be assigned an academic advisor aligned with their new major.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Exploring Majors<\/b><\/h3>\n

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<\/svg> I want to change my major, but I don\u2019t know what to do.<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Students who are decided on a new major may review eligibility requirements and learn how to schedule change of major appointments <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Students who are currently in a declared major with fewer than 45 attempted credit hours may change to University Exploratory. <\/span>Complete this intake form for next steps to meet with an ACE Coach.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/svg> How do I take career assessments?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration offers assessments to help students learn more about themselves and their academic and career options.<\/span><\/p>\n

PathwayU <\/b>is a quick, user-friendly tool that measures interests, values, personality, and workplace preferences. Go to<\/span> PathwayU<\/span><\/a> to create an account and view personalized reports. Click<\/span> here<\/span><\/a> for UT majors that align with interests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Strong Interest Inventory (SII)<\/b> is appropriate for students choosing a major or career path. This 244-item assessment compiles interest patterns and compares them to satisfied professionals in various occupations. Students must schedule appointments to review results and learn how they relate to majors and careers. To take the Strong Interest Inventory, schedule an unsure of major appointment in Vol Connect (via MyUTK<\/a>)<\/span>\u00a0or email <\/span>career@utk.edu<\/span> for the assessment link.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/svg> Where do I learn more about UT majors?<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Students are encouraged to visit\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n