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.

ADVISING DETAILS

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 Public Affairs

Current Public Affairs students will receive an email from Vol Connect inviting you to schedule your advising appointment with your assigned academic advisor. This link will be sent weekly until the advising appointment is scheduled and attended. Baker students can also contact their advisor by email, phone, or during established drop-in advising times.

Current UT Student, Non-Public Affairs Major

Current UTK students who want to switch their major to public affairs or add a double major are required to attend an academic advising appointment with the Baker School. Students seeking an internal transfer must have a cumulative UTK GPA of 2.5 or higher and complete the interest form. These advising appointments will answer all your questions and be tailored to your needs. Please bring all your advising questions to the appointment or include them in the interest form.

Interest Form

New Student Advising

Incoming first-year and transfer students from other institutions will meet with an academic advisor who will guide you through course selection, academic planning, and university resources. You will be contacted by our advising team after you register for New Student Orientation. In the meantime, please feel free to contact BakerStudents@utk.edu with any questions.

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.

RESOURCES