Students are required to meet/speak with the RN to BSN academic advisor prior to the first semester start date. A student will not be able to register for courses until this advising appointment has been held.

Appointments

Appointments can be scheduled to be held in person, over the phone, or by video conferencing technology. Appointments will be arranged by the individual student and the advisor.

Student Expectations

The College of Nursing expects students to:

• Schedule an advising appointment prior to the first semester start date.

• Be familiar with the BSN curriculum, which is available in this handbook, on the RN to BSN website, and on the academic plan provided by the advisor.

• Monitor academic progress by periodically reviewing personal academic history and/or degree audit report (DARS).

• Take an active role in the advising session by being prepared to discuss any questions related to educational plans and goals.

• Ask questions if requirements or policy is not understood.

• Reach out to the advisor with any concerns about the program or personal matters that might affect one’s participation in the program.

• Consult with the advisor before making drastic changes to an agreed-upon schedule or withdrawing from a course or the University.

• Be aware of important deadlines (drop/add, withdrawal deadlines) and academic policies (repeat policies, College of Nursing requirements).

• Make decisions and take responsibility for academic career.

• Check University email account on a daily basis. Read any emails or letters that are sent by the advisor, the Student Services Office, faculty, and the College of Nursing.

Advisor Expectations

Students can expect their advisor to:

• Be accessible 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 students define and develop realistic goals and discuss the linkage between academic preparation and career opportunities.

• Assist in planning programs of study, both short-term and long-term, that are consistent with student’s abilities and interests; such as course load, academic background, program demands, and employment or personal commitments.

• Help students identify any special needs and acquaint them with services and programs provided by the College of Nursing and the University.

• Refer students to other services, departments, and specific individuals as special needs are identified.

• Monitor the student’s progress toward educational goals and keep accurate, up-to-date records of academic progress.

• Respect a student’s right to privacy of educational records and discuss confidential information only with appropriate individuals and for the purpose of serving the student’s best interests.

• Help students assume responsibility for decisions and actions.

The Undergraduate Catalog (http://catalog.utk.edu) is the official source of the University’s undergraduate academic programs, courses, policies, and procedures. All students are responsible for understanding and complying with its contents.

DARS provides an automated record of a student’s academic progress toward degree completion in a major. DARS was designed for advisors and students to use as an advising tool and to check graduation requirements.

A DARS report (audit) will show

• which degree requirements have been met

• which requirements are incomplete and what has to be done to complete them

• how transfer/dual enrollment courses apply toward requirements

• the student's current UT GPA

• any exceptions that have been made for a student

DARS reports are available online at https://myutk.utk.edu. For questions pertaining to the content of the DARS report, students should contact their advisor.