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Being Successful in Virtual Advising

Being Successful in Virtual Advising

Whether you are meeting with your advisor or attending drop-in advising, follow these instructions to have a smooth virtual advising experience.

Drop-in Advising: Things to Know

ISSS Drop-in advising is held Monday-Thursday from 12-3pm at this zoom link. If you show up to the International House in person for drop-in advising you will be asked to join virtually so that we can keep track of the queue.

Please remember that you may be discussing sensitive information during your advising; try to find a private space where you will not be overheard. You are welcome to come to the International House, but it is a public space and there are often multiple people in the lobby.

Here are some locations to try:

  • Hodges library (and other libraries on campus) offers private study rooms and other quiet spaces

  • The 3rd floor of the Student Union has quiet study spaces

  • Classroom buildings will often have quiet study spaces

  • Residence halls, either your dorm room or the hall’s study rooms

  • Sitting in your car (with the windows up if people are around)

General Tips for Video Call Etiquette

  • Keep in mind the nature of your meeting, and try to sit somewhere private where sensitive information will not be overheard.

  • Make sure that you are seated in a space with relatively little background noise or distraction.

    • Avoid loud or busy outdoor/indoor areas or spaces with lots of other people around that may distract you or interfere with your ability to hear your advisor.

  • If possible, make sure you are seated and able to look at your screen; try to avoid taking calls while walking or driving.

  • Make sure you have a strong internet connection so that the call does not drop, skip, or have delays.

    • Please note that certain underground areas, metal stairwells, and elevators do not always have reliable reception or connection.

  • Test your sound prior to the meeting, make sure you can hear your advisor and that they can hear you. Both Zoom and Teams have audio testing features that you can use before joining a meeting.

  • Angle the camera so that your face is fully in view and that you are looking directly at the camera, so your advisor can see you.

  • Have your student ID and any other relevant identification/documents ready.

Best Practices for Microsoft Teams

  • Download the Teams app to your phone or computer prior to your meeting. See this link for instructions for downloading the app and signing in.

  • Make sure you are familiar with the Teams platform and its functions, as this is the most common platform for video calls at UTK.

Best Practices for Zoom

  • Download the Zoom app to your phone or computer prior to the meeting.