Academic Advising

Academic advising is a collaborative student-centered educational process through which the advisor helps the student set and achieve academic goals; acquire relevant information and services; and make responsible decisions consistent with their values, interests, goals, abilities, and degree requirements. Faculty, administrators, and professional staff promote academic advising as a shared responsibility with students.

Advising is personalized to consider the individualized needs of each student, which may include appropriate referral services. Decisions concerning careers, co-curricular activities, or graduate study may be part of the advising process. In the College of Nursing, the advisor is a professional staff member who is knowledgeable in the admissions process and curriculum of the nursing programs, university support services, and all functions of the College of Nursing Student Services Office.

The College of Nursing expects you to:

• Schedule your advising appointment prior to your registration eligibility. Never schedule an appointment during a class or lab time. If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, notify our office at least 24 hours in advance through Vol Connect or by calling.
• Be familiar with the curriculum, which is available to you through the university’s catalog, and the College of Nursing Handbook.
• Monitor your academic progress by periodically reviewing your academic history and/or your degree audit report (DARS).
• Take an active role in your advising session by being prepared to discuss your educational plans and goals.
• Come prepared to your appointment with your current schedule, a tentative plan for next semester, and any questions you have for your advisor.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand a requirement or policy, or if you have a specific concern.
• Be honest with your advisor about your academic performance, grades, and career goals.
• Consult with your advisor before making drastic changes to an agreed-upon schedule.
• Be aware of important deadlines (drop/add, withdrawal deadlines) and academic policies (repeat policies, College of Nursing progression requirements).
• Consult with your advisor on issues related to academic progress, a change in program, registration for study abroad, internships and co-ops, courses to be taken at another institution, withdrawal from courses, or withdrawal from the university.
• Make decisions and take responsibility for your academic career.
• Check your university email account on a daily Read any emails or letters that are sent to you by your advisor, the Student Services Office, and the College of Nursing.

You can expect your advisor to:

• Be accessible to you during reasonable hours through appointments, walk-in hours, telephone, and/or email.
• Understand the curriculum, admission/progression requirements for the College of Nursing, graduation requirements, and University policies.
• Provide accurate information.
• Discuss specific University and College of Nursing requirements, procedures, and deadlines.
• 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- and long-term, that are consistent with your abilities and interests such as course load, academic background, program demands, and employment or personal commitments.
• Help you identify special needs and acquaint you with services and programs provided by the College of Nursing and the university.
• 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 your academic progress.
• 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.

As the result of participating in academic advising, students will be able to demonstrate measurable learning outcomes. These outcomes include:

Students will demonstrate they know:

• Admission procedures for the Nursing program, including a familiarity with the admission policy and procedure for the program through which they were admitted or are seeking to be admitted.
• Curricular requirements, progression standards, course sequencing, and grading policies, in order to graduate in a timely fashion.
• Academic policies and procedures as outlined in the catalog, Hilltopics, and the nursing handbook.
• Career and professional development opportunities available within the field of nursing as well as on-campus support for identification and exploration of career paths.
• Campus resources and support systems that promote academic success.

Students will demonstrate they can:

• Develop an academic plan and assess degree progress through graduation.
• Identify and critically reflect upon academic and career goals in light of personal values, strengths, weaknesses, and priorities.
• Develop individualized 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 shared responsibility in the process.
• The importance of enhancing their degree with co-curricular/extracurricular and inter/intercultural experiences.
• Their responsibilities as educated citizens of UT and of a democratic, diverse, and global society.
• The educational process and learning across the lifespan.

Prospective Student Services (including change of major)

• Virtual drop-in academic advising: Tuesdays from 1:30-3:00
• Email conprospect@utk.edu
• Fall 2024 Open Houses and Information Sessions
• Campus Tours and Events
• Self-guided Tour

Note:

• Transcripts will only be evaluated during the admission process.
• If applying to the ABSN program, syllabi will only be reviewed during the admission process.
• Due to the high volume of applications, individual meetings with advising staff are not available. However, we encourage you to attend an information session or drop-in virtual advising to learn more about the College of Nursing and the admissions process.

Resources

NursingCAS (Transfer/ABSN/BSN Scholars)

Transfer Students

Course Equivalency Tables

Prior Learning Credits

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog – College of Nursing

Undergraduate Admissions