College of Arts and Sciences
Advising for First-Year Students
Your first year is about building momentum, exploring possibilities, and laying a strong academic foundation.
What Advising Looks Like This Year
During your first year, you’ll meet with your academic advisor to:
- Reflect on how your semester is going
- Explore or confirm your major interests
- Review your degree requirements
- Build a plan for the upcoming semesters
Your advisor will reach out with instructions for scheduling your appointment during advising periods.
Before Your Appointment
To prepare:
- Review course options in the Undergraduate Catalog
- Reflect on your goals and interests
- Identify any academic or personal challenges
- Note questions you want to discuss
If you earned AP/IB credit or transferred coursework, confirm it appears correctly in your academic record.
During Your Appointment
During your meeting, you and your advisor will:
- Discuss academic progress and transition to college
- Review degree and general education requirements
- Identify campus resources that support your goals
- Review your degree audit (DARS) in MyUTK
- Plan your upcoming schedule
Bring questions. This is your time.
After Your Appointment
After meeting with your advisor:
- Review your academic plan
- Register for approved courses
- Follow up on referrals
- Reach out if questions arise
- Continue exploring academic and co-curricular opportunities
Advising is ongoing—not a one-time conversation.