Advising

Guidance for biology students

At SFA, we want you to make the most of your biology degree. That’s why we offer student advising resources every step of the way. Not sure whether you should focus on zoology, botany or evolutionary biology? Your advisor will help you choose the area of study that’s right for you. Have a specific career in mind? Your advisor will work with you to develop a program that aligns with your interests and goals.  

As you progress through your degree plan, your advisor will help you choose courses and electives, and they will help you track your progress toward your degree. In addition, your advisor will be available to answer questions and offer advice to ensure you make a smooth transition to college life.

Support, goal-setting and more

Your advisor does more than simply help you keep your degree plan on track. In addition to helping you monitor your progress and select classes, your advisor can help you:

• Change your major or minor
• Identify potential career paths that align with your interests
• Build the study skills you need to succeed
• Get back on track if you’re struggling academically

Your advisors

All biology faculty serve as academic advisors. When you declare that you want to pursue a degree in biology, you'll be assigned one who will serve as your advisor throughout your tenure as a biology major. Each semester, you’ll meet with your advisor to talk about your current progress and to discuss your academic schedule for the next semester. You may also schedule additional meetings with your advisor as needed.

All faculty are different, so at your first meeting, ask your advisor for the best way to arrange subsequent meetings. You can find your advisor’s contact information on the faculty and staff page. Don't be surprised to find that your advisor is also your professor at some point in the progression of your coursework.

Degree plans and academic progress

At certain times on your path to graduation, you’ll need to complete official university paperwork documenting your progress. For example, after you complete 45 hours of credits, you are required to file a degree plan which is basically a map of your program showing what credits you have completed and what courses remain in order to graduate. 

In situations like this, you’ll need to make an appointment with the professional advisor for biology students, Laura Turner. Your academic advisor will remind you of these deadlines; at that point, you will make an appointment by:

• Calling: 936.468.6035
• Emailing: lturner@sfasu.edu, or
• Visiting: Miller Science Building, Suite 127