Nov 11, 2024  
2010-2011 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2010-2011 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admission to the University


 

Undergraduate Admission Academic Common Market
Freshman Admission Re-Entry Student Applicants
Dual Enrollment Students Veterans
Transfer Admission Non-Degree Students Seeking Degree Status
College Visiting Student Applicants Readmission Student Applicants
AP, IB, CLEP, Dual Enrollment Credits Senior and Disabled Applicants
Articulation Agreements International Student Applicants
Residency Classification Admitted International Students
  Fees for Sponsored International Students

As the state’s largest and most comprehensive university, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks to provide high-quality educational programs for all students who have the academic ability and motivation to pursue and profit from a baccalaureate education. Similar opportunities are available at the graduate level. While the majority of students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are residents of the State of Tennessee, the university welcomes qualified students from other states and from other countries. Students from a variety of cultures add richness and diversity to the total educational experience for all.

Undergraduate Admission

http://www.admissions.utk.edu

Admissions decisions for degree-seeking students are based upon several factors, most important of which are the applicant’s grades in high school and college courses and the applicant’s scores on the ACT or SAT exams. Anyone interested in attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as an undergraduate student is encouraged to visit the website of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for information and application forms.

The application for undergraduate admission is available on the web at www.apply.utk.edu and should be submitted electronically. Official copies are required for all transcripts and test scores and these must be sent directly from schools or testing agencies to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Official test reports that are part of a high school transcript are accepted. For additional information, please contact the following offices.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
320 Student Services Building
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN 37996-0230
Knoxville – main office
E-mail admissions@utk.edu
Phone (865) 974-2184
Memphis – branch office
E-mail admit2utk@utk.edu
Phone (901) 448-8289

 

Freshman Admission

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The University of Tennessee calculates a core GPA based upon a four-point grading scale in high school courses in fourteen areas. 

4   units of English
2   units of algebra
1   unit of geometry, trigonometry, advanced math, or calculus
2   units of natural science, including at least 1 unit of biology, chemistry, or physics
1   unit of American history
1   unit of European history, world history, or world geography
2   units of a single foreign language
1   unit of visual or performing arts

Courses in the list above that were taken as Honors or Dual Enrollment are given an additional half-quality point, and courses that were taken as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate are given an additional quality point in the calculation of the core GPA. The core GPA is used as a factor in determining eligibility for admission, scholarships, and participation in the Chancellor’s Honors Program.

UT Knoxville accepts either the ACT or SAT (CR + M) examination and does not require the ACT or SAT essay.

Freshman Admission (Effective 2013)

The University of Tennessee calculates a core GPA based upon a four-point grading scale in high school courses in sixteen areas:

4   units of English
2   units of algebra
1   unit of geometry, trigonometry, advanced math, or calculus
1   unit of advanced algebra and trigonometry, statistics, discrete mathematics with statistics and probability, pre-calculus,   calculus, capstone, senior math or quantitative decision making
3   units of natural science to include at least 2 units from Group A
    Group A: Biology I, II; Biology for Technology; Chemistry I, II; Earth Science; Physics; Principles of Technology I, II
    Group B: Anatomy and Physiology; Ecology; Environmental Science (AP only); Geology; Nutrition Science; Physical Science; Agriscience; Conceptual Physics
1   unit of American history
1   unit of European history, world history, or world geography
1   unit of additional social science (e.g., government/economics)
2   units of a single foreign language
1   unit of visual or performing arts

Courses in the list above that were taken as Honors or Dual Enrollment are given an additional half-quality point, and courses that were taken as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate are given an additional quality point in the calculation of the core GPA. The core GPA is used as a factor in determining eligibility for admission, scholarships, and participation in the Chancellor’s Honors Program.

UT Knoxville accepts either the ACT or SAT (CR + M) examination and does not require the ACT or SAT essay.

 

Dual Enrollment Students

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A high school visiting student or dual enrollment student is currently enrolled in high school and seeks to enroll part-time at UT Knoxville, based on his/her academic ability and educational need. High school visiting and dual enrollment students should have a minimum 3.0 high school grade point average. Applications are subject to review, and admission is not guaranteed.

 

Transfer Admission

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Students Applying for Transfer Prior to Degree Completion

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) has a competitive admission process for transfer students. The admission decision for transfer students with fewer than 30 earned transferable college-level hours will be based on their high school GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and a minimum required college GPA of 2.50. At the time of application, a transfer applicant must have completed at least 15 credit hours of transferable college work.

The admission decision for transfer students with at least 30 earned transferable college-level hours will be based largely on students’ academic performance at their previous institution(s). In order to be considered for admission to UTK, a transfer applicant must have a minimum of a 2.00 grade point average (on a 4-point scale) in college credit courses eligible for transfer credit. Academic colleges or departments may require greater than a 2.00 for acceptance into certain programs.

The transfer admissibility GPA is calculated using all grades attempted, including repeated coursework, in college level or non-remedial courses. Transfer grade averages are calculated by UTK and frequently differ from averages calculated by other institutions. Only those courses in which at least a grade of C was earned will be eligible for transfer credit. Grades earned at other colleges and universities are used only for admission, course placement, and other academic decisions.

Prior to graduating from UTK, transfer students must have completed their last 30 semester hours of credit at UTK and at least 60 semester hours of credit at a four-year college or university.

Students Applying for Transfer WITH an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree from Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Community Colleges

Transfer applicants with a 2.0 college GPA (on a 4-point scale) in college-level, transferable courses who complete the Associate of Arts (AA) or the Associate of Science (AS) degree from the TBR community college system will be admissible to UTK. Academic colleges or departments may require greater than a 2.00 for acceptance into certain programs.

The transfer admissibility GPA is calculated using all grades attempted, including repeated coursework, in college level or non-remedial courses. Transfer grade averages are calculated by UTK and frequently differ from averages calculated by other institutions.

AA and AS graduates will have fulfilled the general education requirement established by the faculty at UTK. Transfer of general education courses from the TBR community colleges is guaranteed through the following guidelines:

  • Upon completion of the AA or AS degree, the requirements of general education will be complete and accepted by UTK in the transfer process without loss of credit.
  • Upon completion of the AA or AS degree, transfer credit for D’s or higher will be granted as part of the transfer process.

Students should be aware that many UTK majors require completion of an intermediate level sequence of a foreign language, and some majors require more advanced math and science requirements than required by TBR community college majors. Following one of the published UTK articulation agreements is the best path to enter UTK with junior standing in a transfer student’s chosen UTK major.

Transfer students should review the detailed transfer information on major/degree requirements for their prospective UTK major. The following link contains information to assist transfer students in determining these requirements: http://registrar.tennessee.edu/transfer/agreements.shtml

Grades earned at other colleges and universities are used only for admission, course placement, and other academic decisions. Prior to graduating from UTK, transfer students must have completed their last 30 semester hours of credit at UTK and at least 60 semester hours of credit at a four-year college or university.

Students Applying for Transfer from University of Tennessee (UT) or Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Colleges and Universities WITHOUT a completed Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree (Effective Fall 2011)

Transfer applicants from institutions in the University of Tennessee (UT) or Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) systems who have not earned an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree but who have been certified by the institution from which they are transferring as having completed all the general education requirements of that institution will have completed general education requirements for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). They will not be required to take any additional coursework to meet general education requirements at UTK. Similarly, transfer applicants from institutions in UT or TBR systems who have been certified by the institution from which they are transferring as having completed sub-section(s) of general education (e.g., Natural Sciences) at that institution will be credited for completing the same section (if it exists) at UTK. The acceptance of certified general education completion does not imply that the student has met any other admission or degree requirements UTK.

Certification of general education completion must be provided by the institution at which the courses were taken. Certification must occur at the time the student transfers to UTK. No retroactive certification will be accepted. Acceptance of certified completion of general education will begin at UTK in Fall 2011.

Students should be aware that many UTK majors require completion of an intermediate level sequence of a foreign language, and some majors require more advanced math and science requirements than required by other UT or TBR institutions. For students transferring from a TBR community college, following one of the published UTK articulation agreements is the best path to enter UTK with junior standing in a transfer student’s chosen UTK major.

Transfer students should review the detailed transfer information on major/degree requirements for their prospective UTK major. The following link contains information to assist transfer students in determining these requirements: http://registrar.tennessee.edu/transfer/agreements.shtml

Grades earned at other colleges and universities are used only for admission, course placement, and other academic decisions. Prior to graduating from UTK, transfer students must have completed their last 30 semester hours of credit at UTK and at least 60 semester hours of credit at a four-year college or university.

 

College Visiting Student Applicants

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A visiting student is one who is actively enrolled in a program at another accredited college or university but who desires to enroll temporarily at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Applicants are required to complete the application for undergraduate admission, pay the application fee, and submit to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions a letter of good standing or a transcript showing good academic standing from their college or university.

 

Advanced Placement – International Baccalaureate – CLEP – Dual Enrollment Credits

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Freshmen or transfer students admitted to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, may receive course credit on the basis of performance on Advanced Placement Examinations (AP), International Baccalaureate Examinations (IB), and College Level Examination Program tests (CLEP). Information is available at http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate/apply/apcredit.shtml.

See the section on “Academic Policies and Procedures ” of this catalog for additional information.

 

Articulation Agreements

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Articulation agreements are programs developed between nearby two-year colleges and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. While at the two-year college, students take a specified curriculum that leads to the associate degree and also prepares students for the corresponding baccalaureate degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Details on specific majors and requirements are available from the Office of the University Registrar website (http://registrar.tennessee.edu/) or from the specified community college.

If unable to follow an articulation agreement, transfer students should review the detailed transfer information on major/degree requirements for their prospective UT major. The following link contains information to assist transfer students in determining these requirements: http://registrar.tennessee.edu/transfer/agreements.shtml

 

Residency Classification for the Purpose of Paying University Fees and for Admission Purposes

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Initial residency classification is determined by admissions staff from information submitted on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Application for Undergraduate Admission. Notice of classification is sent at the time the applicant is notified of admission. Undergraduate students who would like their residency classification reconsidered may submit an appeal to the residency classification officer listed at http://registrar.tennessee.edu/. The application for reclassification with supporting documentation must be filed no later than the last day of registration in order to have the reclassification effective for the semester. Classification will be determined and the applicant will be notified by mail. Additional information regarding the State of Tennessee regulations for classification may be found at the Office of the University Registrar website http://registrar.tennessee.edu/.

 

Academic Common Market

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The Academic Common Market is an agreement among states for sharing unique programs. Participating states can make arrangements for their residents who are fully admitted to specific programs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to enroll on an in-state tuition basis if these programs are not available in the state of residence.

Cooperating states, at the undergraduate level, in the Academic Common Market are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Selected bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs at UT Knoxville are approved by the Academic Common Market for residents of these states to enroll at in-state tuition rates.

For additional information, visit the Southern Regional Educational Board at http://www.sreb.org or contact Norma Harrington, Office of Undergraduate Admissions (865) 974-2184.

 

Re-Entry Student Applicants

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A re-entry student is one who has not been enrolled in high school or college for three years or more prior to making application for admission to UT Knoxville. Re-entry applicants must complete and submit the application for undergraduate admission, the application fee, and the re-entry essay. If a student has been enrolled at UT Knoxville as a degree-seeking student at any time, that person is considered to be a Readmission Student. For additional questions, contact Norma Harrington, Office of Undergraduate Admissions (865) 974-2184.

 

Veterans

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The Office of Veterans Affairs at the University of Tennessee (http://registrar.utk.edu/veterans_affairs.shtml) is grateful to be able to serve students who have served in the United States Armed Forces and who wish to attend or are now attending college using the Montgomery GI Bill or VA Vocational Rehabilitation. We are also here to assist the dependents and/or spouses of deceased or disabled soldiers through Dependents Educational Assistance. You have protected our freedom, and we are here to help you get a better education.

Applicants for undergraduate programs may apply online at www.apply.utk.edu. Questions about test scores, high school or college transcripts, and military credit may be addressed to Norma Harrington at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 865-974-2184 or admissions@utk.edu.

 

Non-Degree Students Seeking Degree Status

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A student who previously attended UT Knoxville as a non-degree seeking student and wishes to seek a degree must complete the application for undergraduate admission, submit required official transcripts and test scores, and meet admission criteria for the requested major.

 

Readmission Student Applicants

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Any student who has previously enrolled at UT Knoxville, but who has not continued enrollment for at least one semester (excluding summer) or has withdrawn from the university, and wishes to re-enroll must complete and submit the Application for Readmission. A student who has attended another college or university since attending UT Knoxville must have an official transcript sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Readmission applicants should contact the college or department in which they wish to enroll for any specific readmission requirements. Additional information is available at http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate/apply/readmission.shtml.

For specific readmission application deadline dates, students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or visit http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate/apply/deadlines.shtml.

Readmission after Academic Dismissal

Students who have been academically dismissed from UT Knoxville must apply for readmission by June 1 for fall, November 1 for spring, and April 1 for summer. Submitting an application does not guarantee admission.

  • First Academic Dismissal
    A student dismissed for the first time may not be readmitted until after a full semester (not including summer) has elapsed.

  • Second Academic Dismissal
    A student dismissed for the second time will be considered for readmission after one calendar year has elapsed and after completing a minimum of 12 semester credits of academic course work with at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average from accredited institution(s) of higher education. Students who have been dismissed twice are required to meet with the Undergraduate Council Appeals Committee. Students may be readmitted only when they present evidence that they are capable of performing at the level required to meet university academic standards and completing all degree requirements within a reasonable length of time.

  • Third Academic Dismissal
    After a third dismissal, a student is ineligible to attend the university and may not apply for readmission.

Students who have been dismissed and are readmitted will be required to participate in a special program that emphasizes academic success skills and strategies.

Students who have been academically dismissed and who are readmitted will be dismissed again if they fail to earn a 2.0 minimum term GPA at the end of the first semester after readmission and every semester thereafter until the cumulative GPA reaches a 2.0.

 

Senior and Disabled Applicants

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Persons 60 years or older or totally disabled persons who are residents of Tennessee may audit a course without payment of fees if space is available in the individual class. Interested persons should contact the Office of the University Registrar for additional information. Persons 65 years or older or totally disabled persons who are residents of Tennessee may enroll in courses for credit at reduced fees. Interested persons wishing to enroll for academic credit should contact the Office of Undergraduate of Admissions for application information and requirements.

 

International Student Applicants

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All foreign nationals on non-immigrant visas are classified as international students whether they are applying to The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as freshmen or transfer students. In addition to the information below, important information for applicants is available from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (www.utk.edu/futurestudents) and for admitted students from the Center for International Education (http://international.utk.edu).

To apply for admission as an undergraduate student, each international student is required to provide the following:

  1. A completed application for undergraduate admission and application fee. www.apply.utk.edu

  2. An evaluation of the applicant’s academic records by an agency that is a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services), or from AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers).  Information concerning these agencies is provided on the web page for international applicants - http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate/apply/international.shtml. Review of an application will be possible only after receiving the necessary report from the evaluation company.

    1. Entering First Year Students:  An agency evaluation of the secondary school degree earned, with a statement of equivalency to study in the United States, is required.  A calculated Grade Point Average (GPA) is required. Note: Students applying for admission to the UT College of Engineering must also submit an official SAT score to The University of Tennessee, Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

    2. Transfer Students:  A “detailed” or “course-by-course” evaluation” including a calculated college Grade Point Average (GPA) is required for all college work completed in a country other than the United States.  Applicants who have completed fewer than 30 transferable college credit hours will also be required to submit an evaluation, listed above, for entering freshman students that evaluates all secondary school or high school work.  Applicants who have completed 30 or more transferable credit hours must have an official transcript and English translation sent to the evaluation agency.

    3. Readmission Students:  A student who has previously been enrolled at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has subsequently left campus and enrolled in college coursework at a college or university in a country other than the United States must submit a “detailed” or “course-by-course” evaluation through one of the organizations previously mentioned on this page in order to receive credit toward graduation at UT Knoxville. Readmission applicants who enrolled in a United States college are required to have an official transcript of that work sent by the college to the UT Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

  3. Evidence of English proficiency if your native language is not English. This can be done in one of the following ways:

    1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 523 on the paper-based test, 193 on the computer-based test, or 70 on the internet-based test (IBT). UT’s code is 1843.

    2. Completion of the University of Tennessee English Language Institute’s (ELI) core intensive curriculum with recommendation from the ELI faculty.

    3. Two semesters or three quarters of college-level English composition with a grade of C or better at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

    4. ACT (English sub-score of 21 is required) or SAT (critical reading score of 510 is required). Scores must be received from the testing company (copies are not acceptable).
    5. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - a minimum score of 6.5.

    6.  ELS - completion of the ELS 112 intensive program.

      Note: Prospective undergraduate students who meet all admission requirements except for English proficiency requirements will receive a CONDITIONAL ADMISSION to the University. Students who receive a conditional admission will be issued Form I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa. Students who receive a CONDITIONAL ADMISSION must meet English proficiency requirements before being admitted to a degree program, and before being allowed to enroll in non-ESL courses. Conditionally admitted students who wish to enter the U.S. using UT’s I-20 must attend the University of Tennessee’s English Language Institute (http://www.outreach.utk.edu/ELI).

  4. For international students, completed application forms and the application fee must be received in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions not later than the following application dates. Official evaluations of academic records and official reports demonstrating English proficiency must be received in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions not later than the following completion dates.

  Entry Term Application Date Completion Date
  Fall (August) April 1 May 15
  Spring (January) August 15 October 1
  Summer (June) January 1 February 15

 

Admitted International Students

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After an international student has been offered admission, the student’s records will be transferred to the Center for International Education, which will issue the I-20 form for the admitted student’s visa application. The Center offers many other important services to international students including mandatory student orientation programs (http://international.utk.edu).

All F-1 and J-1 visa status students must submit financial documentation. After an offer of admission is made, the Center for International Education (CIE) will provide information concerning the submission of financial documentation, including a completed Financial Support Statement and an official bank statement. If the student is being sponsored by the student’s government, an official letter is required from the government stating that it will cover all expenses during the student’s academic studies at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

A copy of the photo page of the applicant’s passport must be sent with the applicant’s financial documentation, if it was not submitted with the application for admission.

Admitted international students must take the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, English Placement Test prior to course registration. This test will determine whether the student needs to take more English courses and, if so, at what level. A student who has completed 6 credits of college level English composition with grades of C or better at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States is exempted from taking the UT English Placement Test.

 

Fees for Sponsored International Students

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An administrative management fee will be charged to sponsoring agencies of international students whose programs require special administrative or management services beyond those normally provided. Fees are $250 per semester and $100 per summer session.