Academic advising is the process where you obtain the critical information you need to make thoughtful decisions about your college career, such as deciding upon your major or solving any roadblocks you may encounter along the way.

Your assigned academic advisor knows that your freshman year is a very exciting time and one of great change. As a result, we want to help ensure your first year is as memorable as possible and assist you in your overall success at UT.

Be sure to use this resource to get the most out of your academic advising experience!

It is our hope that at the conclusion of your four years, you will appreciate the importance of academic planning, that you will understand the importance of enhancing your degree with cocurricular/extracurricular and inter/intracultural experiences, that you will know your responsibilities as an educated citizen of UT and of a democratic, diverse, and global society, and that you will value the educational process and learning across the lifespan.

What is an Academic Advisor?

​An academic advisor is a professional staff member who assists students in navigating their educational journey, helping them set and achieve academic and career goals.

In the College of Arts & Sciences, advisors are assigned based on students’ majors or tracks, guiding them through course selection, degree requirements, navigating university resources, and co-curricular opportunities.

Academic Advisors support students in educational planning, teach them to utilize university resources, and encourage responsibility for academic progress.

The Advisor-Student relationship is a partnership designed to foster student success.

What will academic advising look like in the fall and beyond?

You will receive an email from your academic advisor with a link to a schedule an appointment to meet with them. In this appointment you will talk about how your current semester is going, if you have made any changes to the major(s) you are pursuing, and then co-create a plan with your academic advisor.  Then, once registration opens you will register for your classes. This is slightly different than what you did over the summer when you registered with your academic advisor.

Preparing for Your Advising Appointment

1. Review First-Year Student Resources
2. Review the Undergraduate Catalog

Scheduling Your Advising Appointment

Click here for instructions on scheduling your advising appointment.

Our office is open Monday – Thursday from 7:30-6:00 and on Friday from 7:30-5:30. We are closed on weekends and holidays.

During Your Advising Appointment

Follow this helpful guide to assist you during your advising appointment:

1. Be on time for your appointment!
2. Talk to your advisor about your career and personal goals.
3. Talk to your advisor about your successes and any challenges you may be facing this semester, such as problems with your adjustment or transition to college, outside responsibilities, or your performance in classes.
4. With your advisor, discuss campus resources that will be of particular help to you, such as
   • Programs Abroad Office
   • Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration
   • Center for Student Engagement
   • Division of Student Success
   • Student Disability Services
   • Student Counseling Center
5. With your advisor, review the Arts & Sciences and General Education curriculum.
   • Undergraduate Catalog General Education
   • Undergraduate BA and BS Degree Requirements
6. Ask your advisor about using DARSweb (Degree Audit Reporting System) and how it will assist you in following your degree progression. You will access your DARS through MyUTK.
7. Be sure to ask your advisor to refer you to appropriate web sites, specifically A&S departments or colleges, to assist you in your major research.
8. With your advisor, be sure to check the Undergraduate Catalog for course descriptions and pre-requisite and co-requisite courses.
9. Ask your advisor about specific pre-requisites courses for your desired major.
10. Be sure to tell your advisor if you completed AP or IB exams in high school. Your advisor can check to ensure the credit is reflected on your academic history. If it is not on your academic history, ask your advisor what you need to do next!
11. If you transferred course work from another institution, be sure to ask your advisor about the petition process.
    • This link will help you and your advisor prepare appropriate petitions (Arts & Sciences or General Education)
    • If you have lingering questions, be sure to contact your advisor, or you can email asadvising@utk.edu, call 865-974-4481, or stop by 313 Ayres Hall for assistance at the counter.
12. Be sure to encourage continued communication with your advisor, and ask your advisor about establishing preliminary contact with faculty in your desired major.

Following Your Advising Appointment

Now that you have met with your academic advisor, be sure to:

1. Review your academic plan.
2. Reflect upon your appointment to ensure your academic and career goals are in line with the plan you and your advisor developed.
3. Register for the classes you and your advisor discussed during your appointment.
4. Discuss course alternatives with your advisor should you need to adjust your academic plan.
5. Follow up with all referrals and recommendations. Your advisor will expect that you have done so and will likely ask you about this the next time you meet, so be prepared!
6. Maintain contact with your academic advisor throughout the semester.
7. Be sure to email your advisor additional questions or reflections as they arise.
8. Schedule a follow up appointment with your advisor should your academic goals change.
9. Take the strong interest inventory or another career assessment, such as the TypeFocus, and follow up with an appointment with a career counselor to discuss your results!
10. Further explore ways to get involved at UT!