Advising & Resources
OVERVIEW
The Baker School Office of Student Success supports undergraduate students at all stages of their experience. The team assists students through their initial transition to campus during orientation, provides constant support during each semester, and helps students plan for post-graduation opportunities.
Academic advising is a collaborative, student-centered educational process in which the advisor helps students set and achieve academic goals, acquire relevant information and services, and make responsible decisions consistent with their values, interests, goals, abilities, and degree requirements.
Advising is personalized to consider each student’s individualized needs and may include appropriate referral services. Decisions concerning careers, co-curricular activities, or graduate study may be part of the advising process. At the Baker School, the advisor is a professional staff member trained in the curriculum and policies relevant to the school and the university.
The Baker Student Success team is located in Baker School, Suite 216. Appointments are required, except during specified drop-in advising. For questions, please email bakerstudents@utk.edu.
HOW TO SCHEDULE AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT
Baker students are required to meet with an academic advisor before registration. Appointments are typically required and offered at 30-minute individual intervals, except during specified drop-in advising dates.
The Baker Student Success Team is located in Baker School, Suite 224, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except when the university is closed).
How to schedule an advising appointment
Current Majors
Current Public Affairs majors will receive an emailed invitation to schedule an advising appointment with their assigned academic advisor each semester based on their classification. This invitation will be sent weekly until their advising appointment is scheduled and attended. Baker students can also contact their advisor by email or phone.
Current UT Student, Non-Public Affairs Major
Current UT students who want to change their major to Public Affairs or add a double major are required to attend an academic advising appointment with the Student Success team. Students seeking an internal transfer must have a cumulative UTK GPA of 2.5 or higher and complete the interest form below.
Students New to UTK
Incoming first year and transfer students from other institutions will meet with an academic advisor after registering for New Student Orientation. Students can expect to be contacted by the Baker’s Student Success team at that time.
How to prepare for your appointment
Academic advising is an opportunity to plan courses for the upcoming semester, discuss academic and career goals, make future plans, and access resources. Please review the resources below to maximize your semester advising appointment.