{"id":8893,"date":"2023-12-18T07:59:48","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T12:59:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studentsuccess.utk.edu\/career\/?page_id=8893"},"modified":"2026-02-26T12:17:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T17:17:54","slug":"university-exploratory-advising","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/studentsuccess.utk.edu\/career\/university-exploratory-advising\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploratory Advising"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"\"About Exploratory Advising<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The University Exploratory program is housed in the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration (CCDAE). Students in the program are advised by Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Coaches who provide integrated academic and career planning support. The program is intended for students who are still undecided on their major and\/or those who are trying to decide among majors that are not in a single college.<\/p>\n

This program allows students to explore major options as well as make progress toward graduation through the completion of Vol Core (general education) courses. Exploratory students are required to meet with their ACE Coach every semester. All\u00a0 students admitted as University Exploratory Fall 2024 or after must declare a major by 45 attempted credit hours. Transfer students with more than 24 transferable hours must be admitted directly into a college.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Learn more about Orientation Advising Information<\/a><\/h3>\n
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The University Exploratory program provides specialized support including:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Academic and Career Exploration (ACE) Coach<\/h3>\n

ACE Coaches are cross-trained in academic advising and career exploration and serve as advisors for students in the University Exploratory program. Students meet with their coach every semester to engage in self-exploration and plan courses.<\/p>\n

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Major and Career Exploration Class<\/h3>\n

COUN ED 205 is a one-credit course offered by the ACE Team. The course includes career assessments, access to all the academic colleges, major and career research, and decision-making strategies.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Specialized First Year Studies Class<\/h3>\n

Students in the University Exploratory Program will be enrolled in an FYS 101 course specifically designed for deciding students. The course is taught by the CCDAE Team and infuses exploration strategies.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

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Career Programs<\/h3>\n

The Vol-to-Vol: Majors Fair is a networking event that takes place in the fall semester and provides exploring students access to representatives from all colleges. ACE VolTreks are held during spring semester to offer major and career exploration opportunities on-campus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Career Assessments and Exploration Resources<\/h3>\n

Students in the University Exploratory Program have access to tools to help them identify interests, strengths, and values including career assessments.<\/p>\n

Learn more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Tailored Multi-Step Orientation Process<\/h3>\n

Students in the University Exploratory program will engage in a tailored multi-step orientation process with in-person and virtual components throughout their first year<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


<\/p>\n

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Benefits<\/span>
The University Exploratory program provides opportunities for:
<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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01<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Personal Growth<\/h3>\n

Exploring interests can contribute to personal growth and development. It allows students to develop critical thinking skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and gain a broader perspective on the world<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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02<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Informed-Decision Making<\/h3>\n

Taking the time to explore different academic disciplines can lead to more informed decision-making when it comes to choosing a major. Students may better understand their strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, leading to a more thoughtful choice.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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03<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Networking<\/h3>\n

Exploratory students will be able to interact with professors and professionals from various fields. This exposure can help them build a network of contacts, which may be beneficial when deciding on a major or future career path.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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04<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adaptability<\/h3>\n

Exploratory students may develop adaptability and openness to change, as they are exposed to different academic areas. This adaptability can be valuable in a rapidly changing job market where versatile skills are often highly sought after.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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Ready to Get Started?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Student<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Exploratory Advising Appointments<\/h3>\n

Exploratory advising appointments will be held on a new platform starting Summer 2024. Details coming soon. Please refer to the appointments page to determine how to schedule and prepare for an appointment.<\/p>\n

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Schedule an Appointment \u2192<\/strong> <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"A<\/p>\n

Changing or Declaring a Major<\/h3>\n

Students who are eligible for their major of choice and are ready to declare should schedule an academic advising appointment in the appropriate college advising center, as ACE Coaches cannot change students\u2019 majors Please review the declaring major page for more information on eligibility and how to declare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Declaring Your Major \u2192 <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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\"A<\/span><\/p>\n

Parallel Planning<\/h3>\n

Students who are ineligible for their major of choice may benefit from a parallel plan. ACE Coaches help students identify alternative majors that allow them to achieve their career goals. Students can start this process by reviewing the adjacent majors page.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

About Adjacent Majors \u2192 <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/p>\n

_______________________<\/p>\n

Questions? Email exploration@utk.edu.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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