Frequently asked questions

The Academic Success Center (ASC) helps every UT student succeed. It offers Academic Coaching, Supplemental Instruction (SI), peer-led Study Sessions, Success Workshops, and the Vol Study Center, a welcoming space to study, connect with peers, and access free resources like printing and snacks. Whether you are building new habits or facing a new challenge, all UT students can use its services.

Schedule through Vol Connect for Academic Coaching appointments and for course-specific Study Sessions with a Peer Learning Assistant, and drop-ins are always welcome. For Supplemental Instruction (SI), visit the SI page for session information. First-year students can find their assigned Academic Coach in their Vol Success Team on Vol Connect; students beyond the first year can contact the office to get connected.

There is no wrong time to meet with an Academic Coach, and coaching is for every student, not just those facing academic challenges. Students meet with coaches at the start of a semester to get organized, before exams to sharpen their study approach, or any time they feel off track, whether the goal is stronger study habits, better time management, or navigating a difficult semester.

If you have been placed on academic probation, you can meet with an Academic Coach to build an action plan and talk through your options and strategies. For appeals, including retroactive withdrawal, readmission, and grade appeals, dates and deadlines are firm, so start the process early. Questions about academic standing? Email [email protected].

Probation, Dismissal, and Appeals

The Academic Success Center has two main locations. Academic Coaches and Success Workshops are in Perkins Hall, Room 110, and the Vol Study Center, home to Peer Learning Assistants, Supplemental Instruction, and free resources, is in Strong Hall, Room 102. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reach the ASC at 865-974-6641 or [email protected]; for the Vol Study Center, email [email protected].

The Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration (CCDAE) helps students explore majors and careers, build confidence, and take action toward their goals. From your first semester through graduation, it helps you understand your strengths, explore your options, and connect with opportunities like internships, jobs, and experiential learning. All services are free for UT students, and alumni are supported for up to one year after graduation.

That is completely normal, and you are not behind. A great first step is meeting with your Academic and Career Exploration (ACE) Coach, who can help you explore your interests, strengths, and values and connect them to possible majors and careers. You can also start with Vol Edge to reflect on your experiences and build skills. The ACE team also delivers academic advising for students in the University Exploratory and University Transition programs.

Schedule an appointment through Vol Connect, available in person or virtually, and call 865-974-5435 if you need help booking. You can also visit Peer Career Advisor drop-in hours in the Student Union, Room 201, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no appointment needed. Career coaches are assigned by major or area of interest, and you can find and connect with yours by logging in to Vol Connect.

Yes. The center can help you search for internships, identify opportunities that fit your goals, and navigate tools like Handshake so you are not applying blindly. Staff also review resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters. You do not need a resume before your appointment, and you can start from scratch. Schedule on Vol Connect for detailed feedback, or stop by drop-in hours for quick questions and edits.

Yes. All services are free for UT students, including career coaching appointments, workshops, and events. That also includes the free professional photo booth in the Student Union, a self-service booth where any UT student can take a LinkedIn-ready headshot.

Career fairs, employer events, and on-campus VOLIntern internships are posted on Handshake, and career events also appear on the CCDAE website. For VOLIntern positions, search the “VOLIntern Program” employer profile on Handshake. For questions about events, Handshake, or which opportunities fit you, start with your Career Coach through Vol Connect.

University Honors is the largest interdisciplinary Honors program at the University of Tennessee, offering programs like the Chancellor’s Honors Program and Haslam Leadership Scholars along with unique courses, faculty mentorship, and academic coaching. It is open to admitted undergraduate students who are selected for or apply into an Honors cohort. Incoming first-year and transfer students may apply, and Honors is open to students in any major.

For incoming first-year students, apply to UT by the early action deadline of November 1; academically qualified applicants receive an invitation to complete the Honors application for the Chancellor’s Honors Program or Haslam Leadership Scholars. Transfer students can apply by July 1 to join in the fall. There is no direct path for current students, though the office recommends exploring Departmental Honors programs across campus. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 865-974-7875.

The Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URF) office supports students pursuing research, creative and scholarly projects, and nationally competitive fellowships such as Fulbright, Gilman, Boren, and Goldwater. URF offers funding, one-on-one coaching, workshops on finding research and applying for fellowships, and campus symposia where students present their work. Research programs are generally open to current undergraduates in any major.

A great first step is attending a Getting Started in Undergraduate Research workshop or scheduling a one-on-one coaching session with a URF advisor through Vol Connect. These help you learn about research opportunities, funding, and fellowships, and how to connect with faculty mentors. Email [email protected] or call 865-974-8560, and reach out early, because it is never too early to meet with the URF team.

The Veterans Success Center (VSC) supports student veterans and military-connected students as they transition from military service to academic life, with academic coaching, transition support, career development, engagement events, and a dedicated space to study and connect. It serves U.S. military veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military-connected family members, including spouses and dependents.

You can stop by the Veterans Success Center in Hodges Library (ground floor, G020), schedule an academic coaching appointment through Vol Connect, or attend an engagement event. New student veterans are encouraged to join the Veteran Impact Program, which helps build a strong foundation at UT. Reach the center at 865-974-5420 (press option 2), email [email protected], or visit veterans.utk.edu. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Office of Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps military-connected students and families navigate the benefits process, including VA education benefits (Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, and 1606) and the Tennessee STRONG Act. A VBA school certifying official is housed in the Veterans Success Center in Hodges Library. Appointments are not required, so you can stop by, call 865-974-5420 (press option 1), or email [email protected]. Note that the VA, not the university, determines your benefit eligibility.