CECS Advising
Welcome to the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies
Our advising team understands the vital role academic advising plays in the quality of your undergraduate experience. We are here to help guide you through your academic journey, answer questions, and provide support.
About CECS
CECS is at the forefront of changing higher education through cross-cutting degree programs, stackable certificates, and experiential learning through internships, capstones, research, and co-ops.
Degree Programs
CECS offers degrees in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and our Innovative Transdisciplinary Studies.
Certificates
Enhance your degree through stackable certificates in areas such as Applied Artificial Intelligence, Game Craft, and Data Science.
Partnerships
CECS partners with industry to provide students with hands-on experience through internships, co-ops, capstones, and research opportunities.
Cohort Experience
The CECS cohort experience helps students develop interpersonal skills while building relationships and solving real-world problems.
The CECS Advising Team
Natalie Stepanov, PhD
Director of Advising
Natalie enjoys working in the dynamic environment of CECS and assisting students in navigating their university experience.
Faith Ide
Academic Advising
Faith’s favorite parts of advising include developing relationships with students and helping them find their way to a satisfying career.
I’m a current UTK student interested in CECS.
If you are interested in learning more about CECS programs, please fill out this form and a CECS Advisor will get in touch with you soon.
How do I schedule an advising appointment?
For CECS Majors
Students can schedule appointments by doing the following:
From MyUTK, select:
- Academic Support
- Vol Connect
Or go to volconnect.utk.edu
- At the top of the screen, select Connect drop-down menu
- Vol Success Team
- Select College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies under Teams
- Academic Advising
- Select the topic, such as Major Advising
- Select the date and time of appointment
- Enter a comment of what you’d like to talk about
- Select modality, either Claxton 105A (in-person) or Zoom, if available. Some days only have one modality available.
- Click Schedule
- You will receive an email with your selected date, time and zoom link, if applicable.
For minor and certificate students/non-CECS majors
From MyUTK, select:
- Academic Support
- Vol Connect
Or go to volconnect.utk.edu
- At the top of the screen, select Connect drop-down menu
- Schedule Appointments
- Schedule an Appointment
- Select College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies
- Academic Advising
- Select the topic, such as Change of Major or Minor Advising
- Select the date and time of appointment
- Enter a comment of what you’d like to talk about
- Select modality, either Claxton 105A (in-person) or Zoom, if available. Some days only have one modality available.
- Click Schedule
- You will receive an email with your selected date, time and zoom link, if applicable.
What kind if tech do I need?
You can learn more about computer and technical requirements of CECS courses and programs here.
Student Resources
Academic Coaching
Academic coaching is a personalized, one-on-one meeting with a trained academic coach who can help you improve your skills and performance in the classroom.
Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center offers support to students through various programs such as coaching and the Vol Study Center.
One Stop Student Services
One Stop Student Services supports your experience with enrollment, academic records, financial aid, and making payments.
Questions? We’re here to help.
If you have questions or need assistance navigating the application process, contact us.
Request Information – Current UTK Students
Current UTK students interested in learning more? Please fill out this form and a CECS Advisor will get in touch with you soon.
Request Information
Interested in learning more? Contact us!