Why is advising important?
Academic advising is an integral part of each student’s university experience. Every student is required to meet with an advisor each academic year and is encouraged to spend time with an advisor more frequently than that. Reviewing your educational program with your advisor each semester helps you keep your career at the College on track.
Meeting with your advisor
The purpose of academic advising is to support, guide, and assist current and prospective undergraduate social work majors with admission and progression, academic planning, career exploration, licensure, and resource referrals both within and outside of the University community.
How to schedule a meeting through VolConnect
- Log into your MyUTK account.
- Select “Academic Support” from the options at the top of the screen and select “Vol Connect” from the dropdown menu.
- This will take you to the Vol Connect student portal.
- Click “Connect” from the options at the top of the screen and select “Schedule Appointments” from the dropdown menu.
- Click the blue “Schedule an Appointment” button.
- Select the “Assigned” tab.
- Select your “Advisor”
- Select the appropriate topic and subtopic.
- Select the preferred date, time, and modality.
- Indicate what you would like to discuss during your appointment in the comment box.
- To confirm the appointment, click “Schedule ___ Appointment.” Your appointment will NOT be saved until you click this button.
- Please email your advisor if you have problems scheduling your appointment online.
How to prepare for an advising appointment
- Review the general education and/or VolCore curriculum requirements outlined in the undergraduate catalog
- Review the academic plan and BSSW curriculum guide posted on your Navigate profile
- Ensure you are on track to meet progression standards by reviewing your DARs (Degree Audit Report) and your uTrack status (if applicable)
- Make a list of courses you are interested in taking (e.g., General Education courses and electives)
- Prepare a list of questions and/or topics you would like to discuss with your advisor (e.g., study abroad, possible minors that complement a social work major, etc.)
- Follow through on steps discussed with your advisor as well as any action items listed on Vol Academic Connect.
Prospective students (not enrolled at UT) – Please call the College of Social Work Office at (865) 974-3352. Depending on the time of year, we will schedule an information session and/or an individual advising appointment.