Aerial footage of the Herbert College of Agriculture campus on a sunny day.

Advising & Student Success

Student success is at the center of everything we do in the Herbert College of Agriculture. Our advisors empower, support, engage, educate, and connect our students through holistic efforts.

Advising at Herbert

Academic advising is more than just picking classes—it’s a partnership! Your advisor will support you in understanding degree requirements, creating academic plans, exploring majors, and more.

Advising at Herbert is based upon a hybridized advising model that blends faculty mentoring and professional academic advising. Most departments in the college provide a student success advisor along with faculty mentors. Students are assigned a faculty advisor if their major department does not possess a student success advisor.

A student giving a 'thumbs up' in an office with his advisor standing and smiling behind her desk.

Your Advising Experience

Meeting with your academic advisor is an essential part of staying on track toward degree completion. Taking time to prepare before your appointment helps you get the most out of the conversation and ensures your questions and concerns are fully addressed.

Advising Policy

Students are required to meet with an advisor every fall and spring semester before registration until they have earned at least thirty credit hours at UT. After that time, students are required to be advised at least once per year in accordance with the university’s academic advising policy. Appointments are required, except during specified drop-in advising dates.

Scheduling an Advising Appointment

Current Herbert students will receive an email from their assigned academic advisor each semester with details on how and when to schedule an advising appointment. Students are also welcome to contact their advisor any time by email or visit during designated drop-in advising periods.

Preparing for Your Advising Appointment

Run a DARS report to review completed and remaining degree requirements. Discuss any concerns or needed petitions during your advising appointment.
Review the degree requirements for your major in the undergraduate catalog. Be sure to select the appropriate catalog term (typically the academic year that you began your studies at UT).
Make a tentative list of five to seven classes that you are interested in taking next semester.
Write down questions or concerns you’d like to discuss with your advisor.

Make the Most of Your Appointment

Arrive on time and prepared with your tentative list of classes and questions.
Be honest about grades, challenges, and goals.
Take notes on recommendations, suggestions, and next steps.
Ask questions!

*Virtual appointments: please join the Zoom meeting on your computer or tablet (no phones!) so that you can log in to myUTK and follow along during your appointment.

After Your Appointment

Review your notes and any additional information your advisor provided.
Confirm your registration date and time.
Check prerequisites and course availability.
Follow up on referrals or action items.

No-Show and Missed Appointment Policy

To ensure fair access to advising appointments:

Arriving more than ten minutes late may require rescheduling.
Appointments should be canceled or rescheduled in advance.
Repeated no-shows may limit future scheduling options.

*If you miss your appointment, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to reschedule another appointment before your registration date.

Emailing Your Advisor

Email can be a quick and easy way to get your questions answered without the need for an appointment. To help your advisor respond as efficiently as possible, please keep the following tips in mind:

Always use your UT email address. For privacy and security reasons, advisors can only discuss personal academic information through your official university email account.
Include a subject line that shares what you want to talk about. This will help your advisor know what you want to discuss and if the question is time sensitive.
Ask questions with a single or simple answer and try to be clear about your question. This will help us make sure we are answering your question and reduce the amount of back-and-forth.
Be sure to include your name and student ID in the body of the email.
Email one advisor at a time. If you contact multiple advisors, please let them know that another advisor may also be assisting you.
Read automated replies carefully. These messages often contain important information or answers to common questions.
Please be patient. Advisors assist many students, so please allow at least two business days for a response, especially during peak advising periods.

Feedback?

If you have questions or feedback about advising in the Herbert College of Agriculture, please reach out to Amber Rayborn at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

Advising Basics

Who is my academic advisor?

You can find your assigned academic advisor in myUTK or Vol Connect.

myUTK: Log in and review your academic profile on the left side of the page. Your advisor’s name is listed with your major and classification.
Vol Connect: Select “My Vol Success Team” or “Schedule an Appointment” to view your advisor.

Do I have to meet with my advisor every semester?

Students are required to meet with an advisor every fall and spring semester until they’ve earned thirty hours at UT. After that time, students are required to be advised at least once per year based on their student ID:

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

We encourage you to meet with your advisor each semester to ensure you’re on track.

How do I schedule an advising appointment?

Your academic advisor will email you each semester with instructions for scheduling an advising appointment. Students may also schedule appointments through Vol Connect or contact their advisor directly by email.

Can my parent or guardian attend my advising appointment?

We appreciate (and encourage) your family’s enthusiasm for your college career. However, your advising appointment should only be between you and your academic advisor.

What is FERPA?

FERPA refers to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which gives students the control access to their educational records. In general, parents, guardians, spouses, and other family members do not have the right to access student records without the student’s consent.

This means that advisors cannot discuss your academics with your parents/guardians without your authorization. You can find information on providing authorization at studentlife.utk.edu/family/education/ferpa.

Registration and Academics

How and when do I schedule my courses for next semester?

Registration for the fall and winter mini-terms typically begins in late March or early April each year. Registration for spring, spring intersession, and summer terms typically begins in late October or early November of each year. You can find the registration dates at registrar.utk.edu/academic-calendar.

Your registration date and time are based on the number of credit hours you have earned.

How do I find my registration date and time?

Once the course timetable for the upcoming semester is published, you can find your specific registration date and time in myUTK.

Log into myUTK
Locate the “My Profile” section on the myUTK home page
Locate your registration date and time in the “Eligible to Register” section

How do I register for classes?

You will register through myUTK. You can view registration information at onestop.utk.edu/registration-records/class-registration.

How do I add or drop a course?

In your myUTK account in the Top Links section, select Add/Drop Classes. Find more information at onestop.utk.edu/registration-records/add-drop-classes.

I have a hold on my account. What does that mean?

A registration hold means a required action must be completed before you can register, drop, or withdraw from courses. You can view holds in myUTK under the “My Resources” menu and follow the instructions provided to resolve them.

When is the last day to add or drop a class without a “W”?

For exact dates, please refer to the Academic Calendar at registrar.utk.edu/academic-calendar.

How do I withdraw from a class?

If you need to drop a class after the add/drop period, you will follow the same steps for dropping a class at onestop.utk.edu/registration-records/add-drop-classes, but you will have a grade of “W” on your academic transcript.

What is a “W” (withdrawal), and does it impact my GPA?

If you drop a course after the add/drop period, a “W” will appear on your transcript as your grade for the course. A “W” does not affect your GPA.

How many classes can I withdraw from?

Students are allowed six course withdrawals during their undergraduate career. If dropping one course requires you to drop another course because they are co-requisites, those drops will count as one of the six total drops.

Will dropping a course affect my financial aid?

It may, especially if the drop will place you in part-time status (i.e., below twelve hours). Advisors don’t have access to financial aid information, so you will need to contact One Stop.

What do I do if I want to drop all of my classes for the semester (total withdrawal)?

Please go to onestop.utk.edu/withdraw for instructions regarding the withdrawal process.

Can I enroll in a course if I have not met the prerequisite?

No. If you believe you have met the prerequisite through prior coursework or experience, contact the course instructor or department to ask about an override.

What can I do if a class I want to register for is full?

If a class is full, you can join the waitlist (if available) or contact the course instructor or department for permission to enroll.

Keep in mind that some courses are limited to the number of seats in the classroom and can’t accommodate overrides.

What is a waitlist?

A waitlist allows students to request a seat in a full course. When a seat opens, students receive a UT email and have twenty-four hours to register. If the seat is not claimed, it is offered to the next student.

Should I get on a waitlist for a course?

Waitlisting should be a last option. Always check for open sections or alternative courses first, as waitlist enrollment is not guaranteed.

I tried to add a class and got an error that said, “Campus Restriction.” What does that mean?

Courses with the “Campus Restriction” error are only available to students in an online (distance education) degree program. You will need to select a different section.

How do I enroll in “Permission of Department” or “Permission of Instructor” courses?

You must contact the department or course instructor to request an override. Permission is not guaranteed and is granted at the department’s discretion.

How and when can I change my major?

If you would like to change your major within Herbert, email the advisor for that major. You can find advisor information under the Advising Team section of this page.

If you want to change to a major outside of Herbert, you will need to contact their advising center. You can find that information here at studentsuccess.utk.edu/advising/college-advising-centers.

Advisors may not be able to accommodate major changes during heavy advising periods.

How do I declare a minor?

If you would like to add a minor in Herbert, you can email Amber Rayborn ([email protected]).

If you want to add a minor outside of Herbert, you will need to contact that department.

What is DARS?

DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) is an online tool that shows how your completed coursework applies to your degree requirements and helps you track your progress toward graduation.

You can find more information here at onestop.utk.edu/registration-records/class-registration.

What is uTrack?

uTrack is an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation by identifying required courses and milestones.

What is CPOS?

Course Program of Study (CPoS) is a federal and state rule that means only classes required for your declared major can count toward your federal or state financial aid.

Academic Policies

Can I repeat a course?

If you earn less than a C in a course, you can repeat it. A course may be repeated twice, for a total of three attempts.

What is grade replacement?

If you retake a class, the new grade can replace the old one in your GPA—but only for your first three retaken courses.

If I retake a course at another institution, will that replace my grade at UTK?

No, grades from courses at other institutions do not factor into your UTK GPA.

How do I request a copy of my transcript?

You can request a copy of your transcript at onestop.utk.edu/registration-records/transcripts-academic-history.

Transfer Credits

I took a class somewhere else. How do I transfer the credit to UTK?

You will need to have a transcript sent from the other institution. More information can be found at onestop.utk.edu/registration-records/transfer-credits.

What is a Consortium Agreement?

A consortium agreement allows students to take classes at another Tennessee institution and still receive financial aid from UT.

For more information: onestop.utk.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/financial-aid/ut-consortium-agreements

I want to take a class at a community college during the summer. How do I know if it will transfer?

Check the Course Equivalency Tables to see how the course has previously transferred to UT Knoxville. If the course isn’t listed on the table, you can complete a Course Equivalency Form.

Support and Campus Resources

What if I’m struggling academically?

Reach out early. Advisors can connect you to tutoring, academic coaching, and other support services.

I have an issue with a professor; what should I do?

You should begin by consulting with the professor. If you have additional concerns, you can contact the department head for the class taught by the instructor. If your concerns are not resolved at the department head level, you can contact the associate dean of the college.

Who do I ask about scholarships, financial aid, admission, residency, etc.?

One Stop is your go-to for all of those questions.

Can my advisor help me with housing, meal plans, parking, or financial aid?

Unfortunately, no. Advisors focus primarily on academics, and students should reach out directly to the office or department of interest for assistance.

Advising Team

Leadership

Christopher Stripling

Title: Associate Dean of Academic Innovation and Student Success

Location: 224D Morgan Hall

Email: [email protected]

View Profile

Amber Rayborn

Title: Assistant Director of Advising and Student Success

Title: Student Success Advisor

Location: 224A Morgan Hall

Email: [email protected]

Focus: Construction Science and Management

View Profile

New Students

Orientation

Welcome to the Herbert family! Your Volunteer journey begins with orientation, also known as the New Vol Experience.

All incoming first-year and transfer students will meet with an academic advisor as part of orientation. Your advisor will help you select courses, begin academic planning, and learn about university resources. After you register for orientation, your advising team will contact you with next steps. Together, you and your advisor will explore academic options and build a plan that aligns with your goals and interests.

First-Year Students

Once you register for orientation, your assigned academic advisor will contact you directly with additional information. You will not be allowed to participate in advising until you’ve officially completed your orientation registration.

Advising Formats

The Herbert College of Agriculture offers two orientation advising options:

Virtual Advising (VOL 102) – conducted via Zoom
In-Person Advising (VOL 103) – offered on select dates with limited availability

You will choose your advising format (virtual or in-person) when you register for orientation. Please note that in-person advising dates are limited and fill quickly.

Virtual Advising: You will receive an email with your Zoom link and appointment time approximately one week before your scheduled date.
In-Person Advising: Advising will take place after lunch on your scheduled VOL 103 date. A separate appointment time is not required.

Preparing for Your Orientation Advising Appointment

To make the most of your advising experience, please complete the following before your appointment:

Familiarize yourself with myUTK. You will register for classes after advising, but reviewing registration instructions ahead of time is helpful.
Complete the AP/IB/Dual Enrollment Credit Worksheet, if applicable.
If attending in person (VOL 103), bring a laptop or tablet and a charger.
If attending virtually, please familiarize yourself with Zoom and be sure to join using a computer or tablet (no phones!).

Transfer Students

New student advising for transfer students is conducted virtually via Zoom.

Once you register for orientation, your academic advisor will contact you directly with additional details. You will not be allowed to participate in advising until you’ve officially completed your orientation registration.

Preparing for Your Orientation Advising Appointment

Familiarize yourself with myUTK and the university’s registration process.
Review the undergraduate catalog for 2026 (available in April 2026) for your admitted major.
Review the transfer equivalency tables provided by the Registrar’s Office to see how your courses transfer to UT.
Run your DARS report to review what requirements have been met and what is still needed to earn your degree at UT. Be prepared to review this report with your advisor and discuss any courses that may need to be petitioned.
Familiarize yourself with Zoom and be sure to join the meeting from a computer or tablet (no phones!).

First-Year Studies Courses

Herbert students have various options for first-year courses that aim to acclimate them to their major, career options, and student success strategies. Reach out to your advisor to discuss first-year courses for your specific major. These courses include, but are not limited to:

AGNR 100: Student Success in the Herbert College of Agriculture
AGNR 103: Introduction to Team Building (LLC students only)
ALEC 100: Student Success in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications
ANSC 100: Orientation to Animal Science
AREC 110: Opportunities in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics