Academic Dismissal
Getting help
ACTION PLAN for ACADEMIC SUCCESS for DISMISSED STUDENTS
To reposition yourself for academic success at any college or university, we recommend that you:
Reflect
- What were the key reasons you have not been successful at UT?
- If you feel your performance was due to circumstances in your life (such as health issues, financial pressures, family obligations, depression, etc.), how will you better manage those circumstances in future terms, should similar issues arise?
- If your performance was due to your time management, class attendance, study skills, etc., what steps will you take right now to change those habits or practices?
- Use your period of dismissal to reflect on and address the factors that led to your poor performance.
Take Action
- Meet with a counselor/psychologist to address personal issues that have been barriers to your success.
- Explore major and career options. Determine whether you can successfully earn your desired major and degree at UT or if your interests would be best served at another college or university.
- Consult UT Career Services website (http://career.utk.edu/), to explore resources that can assist you in clarifying your plans through the “choosing a major” section.
- Perform an in‐depth review of majors through UT’s Undergraduate Catalog, including course requirements, entry standards, progression requirements, and degree (graduation) standards.
- Go online to identify strengths and overcome weaknesses in your study skills and learning strategies.
- At http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html , click on “Study Skills Checklist” to assess your skills and areas for improvement. Then, complete online workshops based on your areas of need.
- If applicable, become familiar with resources and services for students with disabilities. Explore websites, undergraduate catalogs, and/or visit offices to learn what services are provided and the process for registering at the institution where you intend to earn your degree.
- If you are already registered with ODS at UT, meet with your coordinator before the beginning of your returning semester to discuss your coursework and accommodations.
- If you are not registered with ODS at UT, familiarize yourself with the registration process and “Documentation Guidelines” at http://ods.utk.edu/. Contact ODS for registration.
Return to College…at the right time for you.
Consider the following as you determine the timing of your intended return to college at UT or elsewhere:
- Earning a 2.5 or better grade point average at a community college will better demonstrate your ability to do
college level work and will strengthen your credentials so that you may seek admission to another four-year
institution or readmission to UT at a future date.
- You might complete many of your UT general education requirements at a community college. To assist you with course selection, see http://registrar.tennessee.edu/transfer/agreements.shtml for transfer equivalency.
- If you have been dismissed twice, you must achieve a 2.5 or better GPA on at least 12 credit hours at another institution before seeking readmission to UT.
- Community college grades will not replace any grades from UT (grades do not transfer; credits do).
- Academic Second Opportunity (http://registrar.utk.edu/records/aso.shtml), offers a chance to “start over” with a new GPA, but only after a break from UT Knoxville for at least three calendar years.
- Be aware of UT readmission deadlines. If you plan to reapply to UT following your requisite absence, you must apply by April 1 for summer readmission; June 1 for fall readmission; November 1 for spring readmission. See details at http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate/apply/readmission.shtml#dismisssed.