section of the course. Students should consult the Schedule of Classes to prepare a preliminary schedule before meeting with the advisor.
The Advisement Office: Located in room 278 of the University Center, the staff of the Advisement Office help students in their academic growth and adjustment to university life. The staff provide academic advising and registration services for students who have not declared a major. In addition to course selection and registration, the staff provide students with information regarding student support services.
First Place: First Place is a one-stop office that helps students with financial aid, academic records, and course registration. Students may receive services from First Place at 101 Hooper Hall by calling (423) 425-4677 or (423) 425-4416, or at the web site: www.utc.edu/firstplace. The professional staff of First Place will help students with basic services including:
Academic Records
- Revising major, minor, and directory information
- Submitting catalog year change request
- Submitting an Intent to Articulate form
- Providing letters of standing
- Submitting transcript request for mailing and pick-up
- Assisting with student petitions
- Submitting requests for academic forgiveness
- Answering basic RAP sheet questions and transfer equivalency questions
Financial Aid
- Providing general information regarding applying for financial aid
- Reviewing status of financial aid awards
- Arranging meetings with Financial Aid Counselors
Graduation
- Submitting applications for graduation
- Submitting diploma mailing cards
- Diploma pick-up
- Submitting degree completion statement requests
- Reference to Records Office staff as needed
Registration
- Registering for classes
- Adding or dropping classes
- Submitting closed class forms
- Submitting independent study forms
Other
- Submitting FERPA releases and requests to withhold directory information
- Submitting Human Services Department forms
- Submitting credit by exam applications
- Notary services
- Referring to other campus office for specific services
The Records Office: The Records Office, located in 109 Race Hall, maintains all student academic records, coordinates course scheduling and registration processes, certifies NCAA continuing academic eligibility, certifies veterans, and verifies students' eligibility for graduation.
New Student Orientation and Registration
Orientation
The Orientation Office in coordination with the Admissions Office, the Retention and Advisement Office, and the Student Development Office provides the new student orientation programs for freshmen and transfer students. These programs introduce students to the campus and University life.
Each orientation session includes a tour of the campus, an explanation of its facilities and academic programs, small group discussions with faculty and students, placement exams, advising and registration, and the opportunity to become acquainted with fellow students.
The University also hosts an optional Parent Orientation. The Parent Orientation occurs at the same time as the student orientation and helps parents learn about campus services, financial aid, and other topics.
Participation in an orientation session is mandatory for all new students. The dates for upcoming sessions are found on the Orientation web pages (see below). Orientation information is sent to all accepted students. Information regarding orientation registration, fees, and other requirements is included in the packet. Students should carefully read this information prior to attending an orientation session. Students register for orientation sessions online. Orientation availability is limited, and students may register on a first come first serve basis. Students are encouraged to register for orientation early. Once registered for orientation, students receive a confirmation brochure with a detailed agenda.
Prior to attending an orientation session, the student must have completed the admission process. Students registering for the Early Bird Orientation may complete their admission immediately following high school graduation. A final high school transcript, college transcripts for joint-enrollment credit, and Advanced Placement scores must be sent to the Admissions Office. The student must return the completed medical history form to Student Health Services prior to course registration. Other orientation information (e.g., housing, meals, contact information, etc.) can be found on the freshman and transfer student orientation web pages via the Admissions Office: www.utc.edu/Administration/Admissions/orientation. For additional information, contact the Orientation Office at (423) 425-5220.
Placement Exams
The University asks most entering freshmen to complete placement exams prior to enrolling in certain courses. Students take these exams during orientation to establish their proficiency in mathematics, writing, and reading. Additionally, students should contact the Foreign Languages Department for appropriate testing times and dates for foreign language placement.
