Advising Services
Academic advising is a process designed to facilitate student development and communicate information regarding degree programs, courses, resources, and departmental policies/procedures to help students attain their educational goals. The academic advising process helps students to:
- understand policies and procedures, curricular options, and academic program requirements
- define and outline their educational objectives
- plan programs that incorporate their interests, abilities, and goals
- take full advantage of the facilities and resources available at UC San Diego
Advising Options
Walk-In Sessions: Fast 15
15-minute walk-in sessions, available throughout the quarter (please see the schedule below), to help with simple questions such as:
- degree audit check and correction
- current quarter planning and scheduling
- picking classes for the next quarter
- academic form review (i.e., Readmit, study abroad, FAO, VA, double major, Max Unit)
Note: The last sign-in for a morning session will be 11 a.m.; last sign-in for an afternoon session will be 3 p.m.
These times are subject to change.
Scheduled Appointments
30-minute appointments to address more involved questions, such as:
- long-term academic plan
- options for majors
- questions and referrals to other campus resources
How To Schedule
Call our office at (858) 534-0557 during our business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-12pm & 1pm-4:30pm, closed Tuesdays 8am-1pm).
Students are scheduled an appointment with an available adviser; no adviser-specific appointments will be given.
Appointment Policies
- Appointments must be scheduled in advance.
- We do not schedule same day appointments.
- If you are more than 10 minutes late, we will need to reschedule your appointment.
- The last appointment of the morning is 11-11:30 a.m. and afternoon is 3-3:30 p.m.
- Appointments are not available during summer, winter, or spring breaks.
Virtual Advising Center (VAC)
Current students can submit a brief question 24-hours a day through the Virtual Advising Center. An advisor will respond within 72 business hours (and often sooner).
Note: Response times may exceed three working days during enrollment periods and/or observed campus closure.
Information Sessions and Workshops
Infosessions and workshops are designed to introduce and expose students to academic and cocurricular services and programs vital to their success.
Topics include:
- Academics
- Graduate/Professional School
- Study Abroad
- Career Options
- Student Development
- Research
Biology information sessions and workshops are scheduled throughout the year. Check the info sessions page for dates.
Note: Not available during summer, winter, or spring breaks.
Advising Schedule
Week # |
Fast 15 |
Appointments |
|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | M: 9-11am Tu: 1-3pm W: 1-3pm Th: 9-11am F: 9-11am, 1-3pm |
M: 1-3pm W: 9-11am |
| Finals | M: 9-11am, 1-3pm Tu: 1-3pm W: 9-11am, 1-3pm Th: 9-11am F: 9-11am, 1-3pm |
Not Available |
| Summer, Winter, Spring Breaks | M: 9-11am, 1-3pm Tu: 1-3pm W: 9-11am, 1-3pm Th: 9-11am F: 9-11am, 1-3pm |
Not Available |
Communication Protocol
The official methods of communication used at UC San Diego by the Division of Biological Sciences and your college are email communication via a students’ UC San Diego email account and the Virtual Advising Center (VAC).
Due to privacy regulations, the advisors will communicate solely through the VAC or your UC San Diego email account. While some inquiries may be resolved through email correspondence, most situations benefit from face-to-face interaction, so please select the most appropriate form of communication to address your inquires.
Contact Info
Location:
Pacific Hall 1128
9500 Gilman Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92093-0348
Phone:
858-534-0557
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
8am-12pm &
1pm-4:30pm
Closed
Tuesdays 8am-1pm
Questions:
Current UCSD students:
Please submit your questions via the VAC. An adviser will respond to you within 1-3 business days.
Non-UCSD students:
Email us at biousis@ucsd.edu
