Biology Major Advising

Faculty Advising
Students declare a major in biology by filling out a Long Range Plan on ACES. Once declared, each biology major is then assigned a faculty advisor by the Undergraduate Studies office. The assignments may be based on a student's interest in a particular area of biology or a preference for a particular advisor. Students may indicate their preferences by filling out an Advisor Request Form, available from the Undergraduate Studies or online. New and prospective majors are encouraged to apply for an advisor before declaring the major. Advisor assignments may be changed on the student's request and may also change because of sabbatical leaves and other demands on faculty time.

Requests for new advisors must be received by October 1st for Spring assignment or by February 15th for Fall assignment. Student/advisor assignments are revised and posted outside of Room 135 BioSci before each advising period.  New majors will be notified of their advisor assignments via email. 

Faculty advisors are available by appointment during the semester to discuss all aspects of the student's academic concerns, including post graduation plans. Questions and problems that cannot be resolved by the faculty advisor should be directed to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS). Any exceptions to major requirements or questions about transfer of credit should also be directed to the DUS. 

Advising during Registration

During the registration period, students must meet with their advisors to review their progress and approve a course schedule for next semester. Advisors will review with the student's official advisment report from the Dean and the Biology Major's Advisement Report to ascertain progress in the major. The advisor should note the student's plans and any problems or special considerations on the check sheets which are retained in the student's file. At the conclusion of the advising session, the advisor will check the "Eligible to Enroll" checkbox on STORM to authorize a student for registration. 

During pre-registration, it is the student's responsibilty to make an appointment for advising by signing the sheet posted on their advisor's door or by contacting their advisor by e-mail or telephone. Advising appointments are usually 20 minutes long and times available for advising vary from one faculty member to another. Sign up early in the advising period, well before the opening of your registration window. 

Undergraduate Studies Office & Director of Undergraduate Studies

The Undergraduate Studies office, located in Room 135 BioSci, includes the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), the Associate DUS, and the staff assistant to the Directors. The office also contains a Resource Corner for biology majors with information about fellowships, research, honors and graduate programs.

The Undergraduate Studies office provides advising for students who have not yet received faculty advisors, whose faculty advisors are unavailable, or who have questions and problems that their faculty advisors cannot address. The DUS should not be a substitute for faculty advisors. However, questions about approval of exceptions, transfer of credit, or advanced placement should always be directed to the Associate DUS. Questions about other administrative matters related to the undergraduate program in biology can also be addressed to the Undergraduate Studies office.

All questions regarding Trinity College requirements, course withdrawals or academic leaves should be taken to your academic dean.

Duke Biology Box 90338 Durham, NC 27708 Phone: 919-660-7372 Fax: 919-660-7293