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.
Regular Semester Drop-In Schedule
During the regular semester (Fall and Spring) drop-in advising is available daily. Students must sign in 15 minutes before the end of drop-in hours to be seen.
These are quick 5-10 minute chats, reserved for:
- quick clarification about requirements, policies, and resources
- time sensitive issues requiring advisor attention
- questions/concerns about a course
Topics not appropriate for extended drop-ins:
- Graduation or future semester planning
- Study Abroad planning
- Grad school discussions
- Pre-professional (pre-med/pre-dental, PA) career advising
For concerns requiring an appointment, please visit Nexus to schedule a meeting with your assigned advisor.
No Drop‑In Hours During Spring Break or Summer/Winter Breaks
Peer Advising
Peer Advisors (PAs) greet all students who enter the Biology Advising Center (BAC). PAs will be the first person students speak to as they enter the BAC and will help students sign in for drop-ins. Our PAs are highly trained students in our Biology majors, who are well versed in the various majors, reading the requirements and Advisement Report, scheduling, BAC policies and processes, CLAS policies and processes, and more!
Students who enter the BAC will generally work with a PA or will begin working with a PA, especially if the question involves one of the below topics:
- Student perspective and tips for managing courses
- Assistance navigating Student Admin
- General questions about major/degree requirements
- Clarification on deadlines and processes
- Referral to various campus resources
Guide for New Students
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.
It is the student's responsibility to track their requirements, enroll in courses, schedule appointments, and visit the office/email their advisor when they have questions. The BAC does not require advising, although it is recommended at least once an academic year (through an appointment, drop-in, or email).
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 bring your completed and printed form to the BAC during advsior available drop-ins.
Will my advisor make sure I am on track with pre-med requirements?
While there is some overlap between major requirements and pre-health requirements, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to track them. While the advisor has knowledge of the pre-health pre-requisites, general timeline, and general application process, BAC advisors do not advise students on the process of applying to medical school. Students with questions about this process should visit the Pre-Med and Pre-Dental Advising office.
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 can be ANY major and apply to medical school! This includes non-STEM majors. It is best to be successful academically and find the right major for you.
- Students don’t major or declare pre-medical or pre-dental at UConn. Rather, students take specific recommended coursework in order to apply to medical, physician assistant, or dental schools. This is an unofficial designation, therefor there is nothing to officially declare or undeclare.
- Become familiar with competitive application process and timelines.
- 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.