About Biology Advising
Advising for biology students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is overseen by the Biology Advising Center. Our mission is to provide guidance to students on academic matters and help them navigate the organizational structure of the University.
About the Biology Advising Center
Part of the CLAS Academic Services Center, the Biology Advising Center is dedicated to supporting undergraduates who major and minor in the College’s biology programs.
Our Center’s advisors help students make important decisions about their academic careers. They can also answer questions and refer them to resources related to career development, research, and graduate education.
The academic advising process supports the development of students into lifelong learners and proactive, critical thinkers. The advising relationship is both consultative and mutually respectful. The advisee should respect the advisor’s suggestions, and the advisor is considerate of decisions made by the advisee.
Drop-in hours with Academic Advisors - quick 5-10 minute questions - are held in BPB 101 Monday through Thursday.
Drop-in hours ARE NOT to be utilized for course planning/registration advising.
Monday: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.-noon
Wednesday: 1-3 p.m. (CANCELED for 11/20)
Thursday: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Stop by BPB 101 chat with a Peer Advisor on the following days:
Tuesday: 2-4 p.m. w/ Gianna
Friday: 9-11 a.m. w/ Stephanie
Missed the First-Year Group Advising Presentation? Watch the video below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Contact biologyadvising@uconn.edu.
What is academic advising?
Academic advising is an ongoing process that engages students in educational planning that is consistent with their academic strengths and career goals. Academic advising requires an active partnership between students and advisors. Advisors provide guidance to students on academic matters and help students navigate the academic and organizational structure of the University.
Do you offer drop-in hours and appointments?
Yes we offer drop-in hours, as noted above, and regular appointments. Advisors in the Biology Advising Center are working on a hybrid schedule, with some days in-person and some days remote. You can refer to Nexus to see what meeting options your advisor has available on what days.
Drop-ins are for quick and general questions. Advisors typically spend 5-10 minutes with students. If your concern can’t be fully addressed, you’ll be asked to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
How do I find my assigned academic advisor?
All biology students have assigned advisors from orientation to graduation. Learn how to view your advisor in the Student Administration System.
What is StudentAdmin?
The Peoplesoft Student Administration (StudentAdmin) system is an all-in-one platform where students can manage their courses, financial aid, contact information, and official documents. Students also use StudentAdmin to apply for graduation.
Find instructions on how to enroll in courses, view grades, request transcripts, and more.
How can I obtain advisor signatures for forms?
Please complete your portion of forms and email them to your assigned academic advisor.
Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Advising
The UConn Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Advising Office provides guidance to students interested in applying to medical, physician assistant, or dental schools.
Academic advisors in the Biology Advising Center can provide general advice and answer basic questions about pre-medical/pre-dental studies. However, we recommend that you make an appointment with a pre-medical or pre-dental advisor for specific information.
General Tips for Students Interested in Medical or Dental School
- Visit the pre-medical or pre-dental advisor on a regular basis throughout your academic career. Start as early as your first year.
- Students don’t major in pre-medical or pre-dental at UConn. Rather, students take specific recommended coursework in order to apply to medical, physician assistant, or dental schools.
- Become familiar with competitive application process and timelines.
- Biology majors are popular for pre-medical/pre-dental students. However, students can pursue any major and take pre-medical/pre-dental coursework. We encourage you to explore the right major for you.
- Attend workshops for pre-medical/pre-dental students to learn about admission requirements, the application process, and much more.
Health-Related Professions
Many students, after careful consideration, realize that they would like a career in health care but that medical or dental school isn’t necessarily the best path for them. Find out more about job and career paths for biology students or visit the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills website to learn about alternative pathways to health care.