Navigating the UTK Student Portal: A Comprehensive Guide for Volunteers

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), a top-tier public university known for its state-of-the-art research facilities, collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and distinguished faculty, welcomes prospective and current students to explore the Go Vols Portal and Student Portal. These portals are essential tools for navigating academic life, managing enrollment, accessing resources, and staying informed about campus events. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the UTK student portals, focusing on key features, processes, and frequently asked questions.

Go Vols Portal: Your Gateway to Enrollment and Beyond

The Go Vols Portal serves as the primary hub for prospective and current students, offering personalized information and resources tailored to their specific stage in their "Volunteer journey."

Accessing the Go Vols Portal

After submitting your application to UTK, you can check your application status by logging into your Go Vols Portal. This portal is also where you'll find your NetID and Student ID, both of which are necessary to create your login and password for confirming your enrollment.

Key Functions for Incoming First-Year Students

As an incoming first-year student, the Go Vols Portal guides you through the essential steps to becoming a Volunteer. Here are some crucial actions you can take:

Confirm Enrollment: Log in to your Go Vols Portal and pay the $250 deposit online. Note that the deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable, but the funds will be credited towards your first-semester costs.
Self-Report Test Scores: Self-report your test scores via the Go Vols Portal by navigating to the “GPA & Tests” tab and then to the “Self-Reported Test Scores” section.
Submit Transcripts and Test Scores: If you are admitted and decide to attend UTK, it is required to send your scores officially from the testing agency prior to April 1st (if you are a first-year student starting in Fall) or prior to the established date for your term enrollment.

Why Submit Your Final High School Transcript and Official Test Scores?

It is important for the university to receive your final high school transcript and/or official test scores so we can verify the information submitted on your application for admission. If you have already submitted your high school transcript and test scores on your Go Vols Portal, ensure that official ACT or SAT scores are sent directly to the university.

Read also: Comprehensive ETAR Guide

Important Deadlines

Be aware of these important deadlines:

November 1: Confirmation deadline for Spring international students (midnight ET).
December 13: Confirmation deadline for Spring domestic/US students (midnight ET).

One Stop Student Services

For any questions or support related to enrollment, academic records, financial aid, and making payments, One Stop Student Services is available to assist you. They aim to streamline your experience and provide the information you need.

MyUTK Account: Managing Finances and Authorizing Users

Your MyUTK account is crucial for managing your finances and granting access to authorized users.

Making Payments

One of the easiest and fastest ways to pay your balance each semester is by logging into your MyUTK account and making a payment there.

Authorized Users (AU)

Students can designate Authorized Users (AU) in MyUTK. An AU can discuss financial aid, billing statements, payments, and verification with One Stop Student Services.

Read also: Accessing the Cal Poly Portal

Student Portal: Accessing Disability Services and Accommodations

The Student Portal is specifically designed for students who require accommodations through Student Disability Services (SDS). It provides access to essential services and resources to support academic success.

Accessing the Student Portal

To access the Student Portal, go to sds.utk.edu and click on the Student Portal link. You must do this at the beginning of each semester to gain full access.

Requesting Accommodations

Log In: Log in to the Student Portal.
View Accommodations: A list of classes with accommodations already requested will be shown on your main dashboard.
Update Request: In the Accommodations box, click to add or remove accommodations from your request, then click Update Request.

Notetaking Services

After confirming the notetaking services request, SDS will work to hire a peer notetaker in the course.
Once a notetaker has been assigned, allow at least 48 hours after the course has ended for notes to appear.
To access notes, select the List All Notes link. A drop-down box will appear, listing the dates the notes were taken.

Scheduling Exams

Instructor Agreement: You will not be able to select a course for scheduling until the instructor has completed an Accessible Testing Agreement (ATA) in their Portal.
Review Policy: Carefully review the Schedule Exam Policy.
Exam Request: Locate the Exam Request section and complete the fields listed.

Accessible Course Materials

Format Preference: Locate the Accessible Course Materials Preference section and use the dropdown menu to update your format preference, if needed. The preference selected should match the accommodations for which you are approved.

Communication Access

Accessing Services: After logging into the Student Portal, click on the Communication Access link under the Accommodations menu on the left and ensure you are in the correct semester.
Requesting Interpreting/Transcribing: The first step is to send your course access letter and select interpreting and/or transcribing.
External Transcribing Services: If an agency other than UTK is transcribing your class, they may also upload them to a different folder they provide you access to.

Receipt Submission

In the Receipt Detail section, select Choose File to browse for and select your receipt file.

Additional Considerations for Student Success

TOTAL Access Program

TOTAL Access is the VolShop program that offers one flat fee per term for most required undergraduate course materials, like a subscription plan. This program aims to reduce the overall costs for each semester’s course materials.

Estimated Additional Expenses

Estimated additional expenses are costs that UTK does not bill you for, but that you need to consider when planning your budget. These non-billable items are based on your personal needs and spending habits and include transportation (gas, car maintenance), personal expenses, and loan fees if you choose to utilize student loans.

Living and Learning Communities

Living on UT’s campus is an invaluable experience. Consider exploring Living and Learning Communities to enhance your college life.

Read also: Accessing the MUSD Student Portal

Immunization Records

All incoming students are required to submit immunization records to the Student Health Center.

Orientation Program

The multi-phase orientation program is the beginning of your journey as a Volunteer.

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