Virginia Commonwealth University

 

 

 

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Academic advising

As a student in the biology major, you will be assigned an academic advisor. This advisor plays a key role in your studies — from your first biology class to your graduation. Along the way, your advisor will point you to university resources, such as academic success programs or research opportunities, designed to enhance your education and prepare you for professional or graduate school or a job in your field.

Each semester, you should meet with your advisor to plan your course load and updated your advising plan. Together you will maintain a planning worksheet to keep track of the courses you take each semester, ensuring that you fulfill your graduation requirements.

First-year freshman
You are typically advised through the University College. Please contact them for more information.

Second Year students, transfer students, and others
You are advised directly through the Biology department. Until you complete the introductory biology sequence of courses (BIOL 151, BIOZ 151, BIOL 152, and BIOZ 152 - all with a "C" or better), you will be advised by the Department of Biology directly.

Once you have completed these introductory biology courses and reach junior/senior standing, you are then typically assigned to a faculty advisor within the department. Faculty advisor are assigned as space is available, so it is possible you may still be a junior and not have a faculty advisor (you will still be advised by a Departmental advisor).

You can check to see if you have already been assigned to a faculty advisor by clicking the "Who is My Advisor?" button in the Blackboard Organization "Biology Undergraduate Advising". You should contact that advisor directly to set up an appointment.

If you do not know who your advisor is, please call 828-1562 and ask or email bioadvising@vcu.edu.

 

Virginia Commonwealth UniversityThe College of Humanities & SciencesDepartment of Biology
1000 West Cary Street, Room 126 • Richmond, Virginia 23284-2012 • (804) 828-1562
biology@vcu.edu • Updated: 03/08/2011

 

VCU Department of Biology