Every college and university does things a little differently, so regardless if you’re a recent high school graduate, you’re transferring in from another institution, or if you’re coming to us later in life, we want to make sure you have the information you’ll need to be successful here at UT Southern!
Abbreviations For Class Meeting Days
- M = Monday
- T = Tuesday
- W = Wednesday
- R = Thursday
- F = Friday
Abbreviation For Course Types
- LEC = Lecture (a standard classroom setting)
- LAB = Lab (a more hands-on setting)
- HON = Honors course
Abbreviations for Academic Departments
- ART = ART
- BIO = BIOLOGY
- BUS = BUSINESS
- CHE = CHEMISTRY
- COMM = COMMUNICATION
- CJ = CRIMINAL JUSTICE
- DRA = DRAMA
- EDU = EDUCATION
- ENG = ENGLISH
- FLG = FOREIGN LANGUAGE
- FYE = FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR
- HIS = HISTORY
- HON = HONORS
- HPPE = HUMAN PERFORMANCE & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
- HUM = HUMANITIES
- ID = INTERDEPARTMENTAL
- LBA = LIBERAL ARTS
- LIB = LIBRARY SCIENCE
- MIS = MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
- MAT = MATHEMATICS
- MUS = MUSIC
- MUA = APPLIED MUSIC COURSES
- NUR = NURSING – PRE-LICENSURE BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM
- PHY = PHYSICAL SCIENCE
- PHY = PHYSICS
- POLS = POLITICAL SCIENCE
- PSY = PSYCHOLOGY
- REL = RELIGION
- SOW = SOCIAL WORK
- SOC = SOCIOLOGY
- SPM = SPORT MANAGEMENT
- SUST = SUSTAINABILITY
- TUT = TUTOR TRAINING PRACTICUM
The Registrar’s Office is where all class schedules are set, degrees are checked, and advising is overseen. The staff below would love to help you if you need help with your class schedule or degree. To visit in person, head up the main stairs in Colonial Hall, and the offices will be to your left!
Dr. Chris Mattingly, Registrar
cmattin3@utsouthern.edu
Casey Capps, Director of Academic Advising
ccapps6@utsouthern.edu
Matthew Little, Student Success Coordinator
mlittl32@utsouthern.edu
Academic Advisor
A member of the faculty who will help a student plan their program of study each semester.
Academic Standing
A student’s academic status to be considered in “good” academic standing, a student must maintain a minimum grade-point average that increases with the number of credits completed. A student whose average falls below the minimum will be required to reduce their schedule (i.e., take fewer courses each semester) until that minimum is reached.
Bursar
The Bursar’s office manages the financial affairs of the University. Our Bursar’s Office handles all questions about tuition, fees, payments, payment plans, etc.
Catalog
The official publication of the university, which lists the faculty, programs, course descriptions, college regulations, and requirements for graduation, can be accessed online here.
Chancellor’s List
An honor conferred upon students in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. To qualify, a student must be a full-time student with a semester GPA of 3.90.
Code of Conduct
Guidelines and rules for student behavior on and off campus The Code is available in the Student Handbook, and a physical copy can be picked up in the Guthrie Student Life Center.
Corequisite
A course that must be taken simultaneously (in the same semester) as another course.
Credit Hours
A unit of study is the equivalent of 2.5 hours of lecture and 6 hours of homework or studying per week in a typical 15-week semester. A bachelor’s degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours.
Degree Requirements
Degree requirements are the courses and grade-point average required for graduation from the university.
Drop/Add Form
Paperwork is required for a student to drop, add, or change a course after the drop/add period is over. This form can be obtained from and is processed by the Registrar’s Office and must be accompanied by a fee of $25.00. Students must have the form signed by their academic advisor.
Drop/Add Period
A time (usually the first week of the semester) when students may change their academic schedules without penalty.
Elective
A course that a student chooses to take in fulfillment of their degree requirements outside of the required courses for that major. Almost every curriculum has some electives.
Elements
The university’s student information and registration system Elements allows students to view their academic and financial records.
Full-Time Student
A full-time student is enrolled for at least twelve credit hours a semester.
Grade-Point Average (GPA)
A grade point average is a student’s academic average.
Hold
A “freeze” is imposed on the records of students who owe a balance or have failed to comply with a university policy or regulation. Students with a hold cannot register for courses, request a transcript to be sent, or receive a diploma.
Honors
The Honors program consists of enriched classes in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and other subjects. Honors classes are open to incoming first-year students who achieve at least a 25 ACT score and a minimum 3.0 GPA in high school. Honors classes are also available to UT Southern students if they have a cumulative 3.0 GPA after their first semester of at least 15 hours at UT Southern. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue in the Honors Program.
Immunization Requirement
Students must provide proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. Students who do not demonstrate the recommended positive test results may be required to repeat the necessary immunizations.
Incomplete (I)
A temporary grade is assigned to a student when specific course requirements have yet to be fulfilled at the semester’s end. The incomplete grade is given at the discretion of the instructor. To earn credit for the course and receive a final grade, students must complete and submit the missing work within the first four weeks of the following semester of enrollment. An incomplete change is a failure (F) if the work is not completed by this deadline.
Internships
Internships are work experiences for students who also earn course credit.
Office Hours
Times that faculty are available in their offices to meet with students. Full-time faculty hold office hours each week.
Part-time Student
A part-time student is registered for 1–11 credit hours a semester.
Prerequisite
A course that must be successfully completed before a student can enroll in another, usually more advanced, class.
Probation
An academic limitation is placed on students with unsatisfactory grades. More details are available under “Academic Probation, Suspension, and Readmission” in the catalog.
Provost’s List
An honor conferred upon students in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. To qualify, a student must be a full-time student with a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher, with no grade of “F” (failure) or “I” (incomplete).
Semester
The term of the school year is approximately fifteen weeks. At UT Southern, the fall semester begins in mid-August and ends in December; the spring semester starts in late January and ends in late April or early May. See the Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Summer Sessions
A term of study during which students may earn college credits. There are two summer sessions at UT Southern. See the Academic Calendar for specific dates.
S1 / S2
An accelerated term of study during either the fall or spring semester runs 6-7 weeks. See the Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Suspension
The university will take disciplinary action against a student for violations of the Code of Conduct or continued unsatisfactory grades. More details are available under “Academic Probation, Suspension, and Readmission” in the catalog.
Syllabus
A document that lists a course’s requirements (readings, exams, due dates for projects, etc.) and the professor’s name, telephone number, email address, and office hours. Most faculty distribute their syllabus (sometimes known as a course outline) at the first or second class meeting.
Transcript
A transcript is a list of courses a student has taken at the college and the grades they have received in them. Students can request a copy of their transcript online.
Withdrawal (W)
A grade is assigned to a student when they elect not to complete a course, which is treated as though the student had never enrolled in the course; however, the course still counts toward attempted hours. To receive a “W” grade, a student must file a drop form with the registrar’s office. Depending upon when the withdrawal process is initiated, the instructor’s signature may also be required.
- WP — A grade assigned to a student who withdrew from the course after the deadline and whose coursework was of passing quality at the time of withdrawal.
- WF — A grade assigned to a student who withdrew from the course after the deadline and whose coursework was not of passing quality at the time of withdrawal.
How do I log in to my UT Southern Account?
- You can get your credentials. Credentials are your student ID number, username, and temporary password. Your credentials will be securely emailed to you before orientation. Please let us know if you have already attended orientation and have yet to receive them!
- Student ID Numbers usually look like: M0000009999
- Usernames usually look like asmith9999 (Usernames are also your email address, i.e., asmith9999@utsouthern.edu)
- Visit the student portal to access your accounts!
When does school start?
You can find our Academic Calendar here with more details!
What shots do I need before I start school?
Different students have different immunization requirements, detailed here.
The University of Tennessee Southern does not require COVID-19 antibody testing or vaccination for enrollment.
Does UT Southern have a study abroad and/or off-campus programs?
Yes! We offer study abroad programs throughout Europe, as well as South America. Talk to your Academic Advisor to see if studying abroad is right for you! What kind of job opportunities are available for students on campus?
Students have numerous opportunities to work on campus and earn extra money for personal and academic expenses throughout the year. Students can qualify for federal or state work-study positions, as well as other on-campus jobs like lifeguarding at our pool, serving through the dining hall, working at The Martin (Giles County’s only movie theater, right here on campus!), or working directly for our maintenance, media, or athletic crews. Contact Career Services to learn more!
How do I get my textbooks?
Textbooks can be bought online through the University of Tennessee Southern Bookstore. Students can provide the bookstore with their class schedules and receive assistance retrieving the correct textbook!
How do I purchase the latest apparel?
Visit The Nest for a great selection of branded gear at our new campus spirit store located in the Student Union Building. Can’t make it to campus? Shop conveniently from anywhere at our online store.
How do I receive on-campus tutoring?
Students are encouraged to visit the Student Resource Center, which is located in the Student Union building. Students can make appointments for tutoring in any subject throughout the day.
Is there a medical clinic on campus?
Yes, UT Southern has a professionally-staffed, on-campus medical clinic that operates free of charge to all students! The Clinic is open throughout the week. Medical emergencies will be directed to the Giles County Hospital.
Is there a counselor on campus I can book appointments with?
Yes, UT Southern employs a licensed counselor through the Clinic and contacts a local psychiatric nurse practitioner within walking distance of campus. Students can set free, confidential appointments with either counselor throughout the week. Text 844-986-6946 or email clinic@utsouthern.edu to set up an in-person or virtual appointment! More information is included here.
What is provided in a dorm room?
Each room in both women’s and men’s residential halls is equipped with heating and hair conditioning, internet, and access to free washers/dryers. Rooms include a bed, dresser, desk, chair, and closet. You can check out the New Resident section of the Residential Life page for more info.
Can I bring my own wifi router?
Unfortunately, students are not allowed to bring their wifi routers. The IT department supplies wifi.
What should I bring if I am living in a residence hall?
Students are encouraged to bring bedding, bathroom necessities, a shower caddy, shower shoes, a microwave, a mini-fridge, school supplies, laundry detergent, and clothes hangers. Microwaves and refrigerators are optional, as one of each is provided in the dorm kitchen. A good list of what to bring is here!
What should I bring if I am living in an on-campus apartment?
Students are encouraged to bring bedding, bathroom necessities, shower caddy, shower curtain, trash can (for both bathroom and kitchen), laundry detergent, clothes hangers, and kitchenware. Microwaves and refrigerators are supplied within the apartment.
What are visitation hours?
Visitation hours in the residence halls are from 10 am-12 am. Visitation hours in the on-campus apartments are 10 am-2 am. Overnight guests must be requested 24 hours in advance through your residential director and must be the same sex as the resident.
Contact Us
We are so excited to have you as part of the FireHawk family, so please let us know if you have any questions or need any help with this process!
Sarah Catherine Richardson
Dean of Students
![Headshot of Sarah Catherine Richardson](https://utsouthern.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sarah-Catherine-Richardson-dir-pic-2023.webp)