Undergraduate advising in the CCNY Biology Department is a structured, faculty-driven process designed to ensure that all Biology majors receive consistent academic advising from onboarding into the major and throughout their degree. Advising begins when declared students complete the major onboarding process, after which they are officially assigned to a faculty advisor who guides them through course selection, major degree requirements, and academic progress.

The department's advising system is coordinated by two lead undergraduate advisors, Dr. Yevgeniy Grigoryev (Head Undergraduate Advisor) and Dr. Jay Edelman (Deputy Chair), who oversee the assignment of advisors, conduct degree audits, and manage graduation checks. They also serve as the main points of contact for students with complex academic issues or transfer-related concerns.

Each semester, Biology majors must meet with their assigned advisor to review their academic progress and obtain approval for their upcoming course schedule before registration is permitted. This ensures that students follow the correct course sequence, meet prerequisite requirements, and make timely progress toward graduation.

The head advisor also work closely with the Division of Science Advising Office, which handle pre-major science students, and coordinate with administrative staff to maintain accurate records of student advising and degree completion. Additionally, advising often extends beyond course planning to include discussions about research opportunities, graduate school preparation, and career pathways in the biological sciences.

Overall, the Biology Department's advising process combines faculty mentorship with administrative oversight to promote student success, improve retention, and align academic choices with each student's educational and professional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions