Advising Outcomes + Responsibilities

Academic Advising:
Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate they know and understand

Curricular requirements, progression standards, and course sequencing related to a chosen/ intended academic program in order to graduate in a timely fashion
The career and professional development opportunities available as well as on-campus support for identification and exploration of career paths
Academic policies and procedures
Campus resources and support systems that promote academic success

Students will demonstrate they can

Develop an academic plan and assess degree progress through graduation
Critically reflect upon academic and career goals
Develop skills and strategies for academic success that include accessing and using institutional resources, policies, and procedures
Take responsibility for making decisions regarding their academic success

Students will demonstrate they value/appreciate

The importance of academic planning and their role in the process
The importance of enhancing their degree with co-curricular/extracurricular and inter/intra-cultural experiences
Their responsibilities as educated citizens of UTK and of a democratic, diverse, and global society
The educational process and learning across the lifespan

University Advising Policy

Students are assigned to advisors based on their major or exploratory track. Advising centers and designated offices in each college advise most freshmen and sophomores. Faculty mentors/advisors, working closely with the advising centers, guide most advanced students. At all levels, campus-wide guidelines for good advising are supplemented by specific college standards, guidelines, and evaluation.

All students are encouraged to consult with their advisors at any time.

The following groups of students are required to meet with an advisor during each tracking semester (fall and spring):

All students with fewer than 30 hours at UT Knoxville.
Students following exploratory tracks.
Students identified as “off track” by uTrack.
Students on Academic Probation.

All other students are required to consult with an advisor for a substantial conference during a designated semester each year.

Students whose ID numbers end in an even digit are required to meet with an advisor during fall semester.
Students whose ID numbers end in an odd digit are required to meet with an advisor during spring semester.

All students at the University should review carefully the prescribed curricula of the respective degree-granting units and should choose courses in accordance with the exploratory or major track that they are pursuing. More information is available at: http://catalog.utk.edu/. The student, not the advisor, bears the ultimate responsibility for educational planning, selecting courses, meeting course prerequisites, and adhering to policies and procedures.

Responsibilities in a Student-Advisor-Faculty Mentor Partnership

Student Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the student to satisfy all degree program requirements, policy and procedures as spelled out in the undergraduate catalog under which they entered
Schedule an advising appointment early each semester
Come to your appointment prepared with questions that you would like to discuss
Review your curriculum prior to your appointment
Ensure you are on track to meet milestone and progression standards by reviewing your DARS report and uTrack report
Bring a up to date copy of your DARS with you to your appointment
Write down a tentative plan for next semester
Consult with your advisor prior to making drastic changes to an agreed-upon schedule
Consult with your advisor on issues related to academic progress, major program change, study abroad, internships, courses to be taken at another institution, withdrawal from courses, or withdrawal from the university
Make final decisions and take responsibility for your academic career
Pay attention to semester deadlines
Actively read any emails that are sent to you by your advisor, faculty mentor, Student Services Center, or College of Architecture and Design
If you are meeting with an advisor to discuss academic difficulties, be prepared to identify obstacles
Planning ahead will make your appointment time with an advisor more productive
Keep any advising appointments you make
Cancel any advising appointments that you are unable to attend
If you are late for your advising appointment you may have to reschedule
When sending your advisor an email include your ID number

Advisor Responsibilities

Be accessible to you during reasonable hours
Provide a means through which you can schedule appointments
Understand the curriculum, graduation requirements, and university policies
Provide accurate information
Provide a safe space to ask questions and have discussions
Discuss specific university, college, and departmental requirements, procedures, and deadline
Help you define and develop realistic goals and discuss the linkage between academic preparation and career opportunities
Assist you in planning programs of study, both short-term and long-term, that are consistent with your abilities and interests; such as course load, academic background, program demands, and employment or personal commitments
Refer you to other services, departments, and specific individuals as special needs are identified
Monitor your progress toward educational goals and keep accurate, up-to-date records of academic progress
Help you identify special needs and acquaint you with services and programs provided by the College of Architecture and Design and University
Respect your right to privacy of educational records and discuss confidential information only with appropriate individuals and for the purpose of serving your best interests
Help you assume responsibility for your decisions and actions

Faculty Mentor Responsibilities

To assist you with the development of academic and career goals
Be accessible to you during reasonable hours
Provide a means through which you can schedule appointments
Provide a safe space to ask questions and have discussions
Help you define and develop realistic goals and discuss the linkage between academic preparation and career opportunities
Assist you with appropriate professional elective course selection and other educational experiences to meet your goals
Enhance your awareness about high impact learning experiences (e.g., research, internships, study abroad, service-learning)