Academics

How We Reach Our Goal...

The Thornton Center Academic counseling staff is committed to assisting student-athletes reach their fullest potential through academics and personal development. By providing a supportive environment and leadership, our aim is to not only prepare students educationally and socially but to provide them with the tools needed to live productively after their collegiate experience.

The area of Academic Services is staffed by six full-time Administrators/Counselors and several graduate assistants who may also assist with counseling responsibilities. Although students have access to all Counselors, the Counselors are divided according to sport and auxiliary responsibilities. This division allows for continuity in service provision and relationship development between Counselors, student-athletes, coaches and other Athletic Department staff.

Each student has access to and is required to meet with an Academic Advisor in his/her college/major. This Advisor's role is to assist in developing a degree plan with course selections that will meet the requirements outlined for graduation. The role of the Athletic Counselor in no way supercedes that of the college/major Advisors. Athletic Counselors can however also help students in selecting a major and deciding which courses to take while taking into consideration the unique challenges student-athletes may have i.e. practice, competition, travel etc... Athletic Counselors are also responsible for coordinating the academic support services of the students they work with. Resources like study hall, tutoring, mentoring and referrals to other resources when needed are but a part of our responsibilities. Counselors may also meet with students and parents as they are being recruited, facilitate in the admission process and in the scheduling of summer orientation. Due to the many academic rules put in place by the NCAA that govern athletic eligibility, Athletic Counselors play a crucial role in monitoring the satisfactory degree progress of student-athletes as well.

Dr. Ruth Darling
Associate Provost and Director of the Thornton Center

How We Reach Our Goal

Thornton Center Photo Gallery

Campaign For Academic Excellence

The CHAMPS/ Lifeskills Program

Our Mission:

The University of Tennessee and its Athletics Departments are fully committed to the academic success of each student-athlete. The mission of the Thornton Center and its staff is to provide the academic support, the educational programs and the learning environment in which all student-athletes have the opportunity to achieve their academic and personal goals and to encourage the student-athletes' participation in the many enriching opportunities available at the University and in the surrounding community.

University of Tennessee Athletics

Related Videos