Advising
Your Guide to Biology Academic Advising
Whether you’re a current or future Biology major or minor, our advisors are here to support you. Book a 20-minute appointment through Patriot Connect. Meet with us in person on the Fairfax Campus, or choose a Drop-In or Online session if that works better for you.
Have a quick question? Email us anytime at biology@gmu.edu
New to Mason? Thinking about studying Biology?
If you have a G#, create an account and schedule through Patriot Connect. If not, just email us at biology@gmu.edu and we’ll help you get started.
Making an Appointment
To make an appointment, you must go to Patriot Connect.
To Make an Appointment using Patriot Connect:
- Click the link above.
- Enter your GMU NetID and password and Login. It may prompt you to make a new password, this will only be for PatriotConnect, as far as we know.
- Click "Schedule Appointment".
- For Biology Advising:
a) Click "Undergraduate Academic Advising" and then click Next.
b) Utilize "Type to Filter" and simply type in Biology to limit the long advising list. "Biology Major Advising" and "Biology Minor Advising" will appear on the list. Click your preference and then click Next. - If you are a declared Biology Major or Minor, click "Advising in my program." If you are seeking to declare or learn more information, click "Advising outside my program." These pool the same times, and won't give you alternative times. Click Next.
- Select your preference In-Person or Virtual. Due to limited availability, you may want to look at both to find more options.
- Click "Check Next Available Times" and you should see advising times for the next 30 days**
- Click the advisor name on the available date, and times should appear. Pick your timeslot.
- Check the details of your appointment, add in a brief explanation of what your trying to accomplish in this visit (don't worry you can change your mind later!), there's a convenient area to upload forms or document, and click your reminder preference (text or email).
- Click Confirm, and your appointment should be set!
**Biology Advising Appointments fill quickly at the beginning of the semester and when the next semester schedule has been released. During the Summer, advising becomes very limited to accomodate Transfer Student Orientations. If there are no times available in Patriot Connect for 30 days, in-person or virtual, email biology@gmu.edu. We will route you to an advisor for drop in times, or an emergency appointment.
For special accommodations, SEP/suspensions, academic requests/appeals, and emergency advising, email Dr. Valerie Olmo, at volmo@gmu.edu. (Dr. Olmo's appointments can be scheduled through PatriotConnect as well).
Checklist for your Advising Meeting
You scheduled your appointment, now what?
Day of appointment
- For online sessions, students should be instructed to confirm the online link in Patriot Connect and join at the appointed time.
- For in person advising, students should wait in the Biology office lobby (Exploratory 1200) until the advisor is ready to meet.
- Students should be prepared with questions and to take notes.
Preparing for Advising
To make the most of your time with an advisor, it helps to come prepared. Here are some easy steps:
Check your degree requirements
- Review your DegreeWorks or program requirements so you know what you still need to complete.
Make a list of questions
- Write down anything you’re unsure about (classes to take, prerequisites, internships, research opportunities, career goals, etc.).
Look at the upcoming course schedule
- Have a few course options in mind for the next semester.
Bring important information
- Your student ID number, a copy of your unofficial transcript (if needed), and any forms you need signed.
Think about your goals
- Be ready to share your academic or career interests so your advisor can suggest opportunities.
Arrive on time and bring notes
- Whether in person or online, show up a few minutes early and have your notes/questions ready.
Drop In Appointments
Drop in appointments are first-come, first-serve. Availability is not guaranteed. You may not be able to see your regular advisor. The wait for a walk-in appointment may be considerable, especially during busy times of the semester. If your situation is complicated, you may be asked to schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Director of Advising, Dr. Valerie Olmo. Common complicated situations include, but are not limited to suspensions, Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, transfer credits, or late graduation forms.
Please check with the Biology Front Desk or biology@gmu.edu for any available walk in times for the semester. Walk in times will only be available during the Fall and Spring Semesters, they are not available during the Summer or Winter Break.
Specific GMU Advising Tips
Academic advisors can assist you with selecting and changing majors, program planning, credit transfer issues, withdrawals, reviewing degree requirements, course substitutions and waivers, and requests to study elsewhere. Advisors are also available to discuss non-academic issues and may refer you to other student support services. This Student Support Services page created by CHSS has many links for non-academic services including but not limited to learning services, financial assistance, or personal counseling.
Here are some tips to help you make your advising session productive:
- Be early and be thoughtful
- Review the Academic Calendar to find out registration priority dates.
- Avoid the rush, and set up an advising appointment well before your scheduled date to register.
- Notify your advisor and the front office staff if you have to cancel the appointment.
- Be prepared
- Review the Mason catalog for program requirements and prerequisite courses.
- Review BS Biology Requirements or the BA Biology Requirements in the for your major and catalog year.
- Review your degree evaluation in Patriot Web. If you are planning to change your major, you will want to do a What-if Analysis. The What-If allows you to see how your credits will transfer into your new major and/or minor.
- Review your Mason transcript to make sure all transfer credits appear on the transcript from all colleges and universities attended.
- Create an advising folder to keep all of your advising notes while at Mason.
- Be informed
- Know important deadlines and dates. The Academic Calendar lists important semester dates and deadlines (e.g., first and last day of classes, last day to drop or add a class, last day to request a selective withdrawal (undergraduates only), holiday breaks, reading dates and the semester exam period).
- Read the catalog.
- What to take to your advising session
- Degree evaluation
- Preliminary course selection
- List of questions
Advising Resources
An invaluable website where you can find academic calendars, forms, order transcripts/verifications, and file for graduation.
Need Pre-Health Advising?
Visit the GMU Health Professions Advising website if you are interested in health professions.
General Advising plans such as a road map to success and advising FAQs.
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