Advising
Your advisor is here to guide you through the Biology major. We can address your questions and concerns, provide advice, help you create a four-year degree plan that meets your major and professional goals, and connect you to resources. It is important to remember that advising is about the process, and some questions do not have a quick and easy answer. Your advisor will challenge you to self-reflect, to critically think about your goals and strategies, and to develop decision-making skills.
Each year we prepare a list of student advisors. Normally biology majors are assigned an advisor during their freshman year and students stay with the same advisor for the duration of their studies. However, students may change advisors if they so choose.
Change of Advisor Form (Forms are also available in the Biology Department office, SENG 321)
Students need to meet with their advisor at least once a semester. During the advising appointment the student and advisor will discuss the student’s progress toward meeting degree requirements, career plans, and courses to be selected for the coming semester. At that time the advisor will lift the student’s advising hold.
| You | Your Advisor |
|---|---|
|
Seek support Take the initiative to seek support as often as you need it. It's up to you to schedule (and attend) your appointments. |
Be available Your advisor will be available to you on a regular basis and respond to you in a timely manner. |
|
Monitor your progress Become familiar with, and track important deadlines, requirements, and policies that affect you. |
Clarify information Your advisor will help you interpret or find answers to university policies, procedures, and requirements. |
|
Come prepared You’re in charge of leading your advising appointment. Check your DARS, start to look into your questions, be ready to talk about your goals. |
Stay current Your advisor will actively stay up to date through professional development opportunities and training. |
|
Be honest Your advisor can only help you if they understand your interests, goals, struggles, and concerns. Be willing to open up. |
Provide supportive environment Your advisor will be non-judgmental, and keep your information confidential (unless there are special circumstances). |
|
Follow through Your advising appointment is only half of what you need to do. To get the most out of your advising experience, you need to follow through on your “homework.” |
Make suggestions & connections Your advisor will explain the pros and cons of different options, give you some suggestions, and make referrals to appropriate resources and advising offices. |
|
Take responsibility Understand that the final decision is always up to you. Your advisor is here as a guide, and will challenge you to make independent decisions, and to set your own goals. |
Help develop independence Your advisor will challenge you to take initiative, and provide a supportive environment for you to develop your decision making skills. |