Undergraduate Advising
The Chemistry Department at Virginia Commonwealth University considers academic advising a cooperative effort between the adviser and the student. Faculty advisers in the Department provide recommendations to their advisees in terms of academic planning and career goals, and expect their advisees to take a continuous, active role in this process. The student has the ultimate responsibility of his/her schedule and academic plans, including adherence to all deadlines set by the University as indicated on the academic calendar and meeting degree requirements as specified in the VCU Undergraduate Bulletin.
Advising model
Our goal is to make available all the information necessary for you to make the very best choices in your upcoming enrollment while facilitating a timely graduation which will save you money in the long run! If you do not meet with your chemistry adviser, a registration hold will be placed on your account, preventing you from registering for classes.
- Freshmen are advised by the University College in Hibbs Hall. Every semester the Department of Chemistry will hold an informational session for declared and perspective Freshman Chemistry majors.
- Group Advising is for Sophomore and new Transfer students. During these group advising sessions, we 1) present university and departmental information policies and requirements that are pertinent to chemistry majors, 2) show you how to read and understand your DegreeWorks audit, 3) provide course suggestions for the following semester, and 4) assist students with developing an academic plan.
- 1-on 1 Advising takes place after successful completion of the Organic Chemistry sequence (CHEM/Z 301 and CHEM/Z 302). During these sessions you will have the opportunity to meet one on one with a Chemistry faculty member and discuss courses for following semester and explore career pathways after graduation.
| Adviser | Student |
|---|---|
| Explain the university’s curriculum, requirements, policies, and procedures when needed | Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, schedules/deadlines, and procedures |
| Encourage and guide students to define and develop realistic education goals | Clarify personal values and goals |
| Assist students with planning programs consistent with their abilities and interests | Participate proactively in the decision-making process |
| Listen carefully to questions, concerns, and confusions | Review their degree audit prior to each appointment |
| Apprise students of available resources and job/internship opportunities | Follow through on suggested actions, resources, or referrals |
| Review degree progress with students | Keep a personal record of academic progress |
| Discuss the relationship between academic preparation and the work world | Accept responsibility for academic decisions and performance |
Students must keep the following points in mind during their undergraduate program of study:
- Students must pass a minimum of 120 semester hours (total) to receive an undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. There are no exceptions to this rule.
- Students must obtain at least 45 upper level credits in order to graduate. There are no exceptions to this rule.
- Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater and a GPA of 2.0 in their major/minor in order to graduate.
- All chemistry majors are required to consult with their academic adviser prior to registering for courses each semester. The Department places an advising hold on each student’s record prior to the registration period. Students cannot register for courses without first consulting with their adviser, who will then authorize removal of the advising hold.
- Pay attention to all departmental emails and Blackboard posts. This is the official line of communication from the Department of Chemistry to its majors.