Are you a "new" major?

Just changed your major to chemistry or biochemistry? Welcome to the department!

There are a few things you may be wondering since you made your switch. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

1. Who is my academic adviser?
Once your change of major form is signed, one of seven advisors should be assigned to you (Baron, Bottomley, Cox, Jenson, Morris, Peek, or Shepler). If you do NOT receive an email notification of this assignment, then please don't hesitate to contact Dr. Shepler (carrie.shepler@chemistry.gatech.edu). Dr. Shepler also serves as a secondary adviser to all chemistry and biochemistry majors.

2. How often do I have to see my adviser?
We do mandatory advising once per semester. If you do not receive an email from your advisor as Phase I registration nears, then please contact them for an appointment. We do place a hold on your registration that is not lifted until you have met with your adviser.

You are welcome (and encouraged) to seek out additional meetings with your adviser whenever you feel the need!

Most advisers use the "Sign Up" tool on the T-Square advising site (CHEM/BCHM Advising2) to schedule appointments during Phase I registration. If meeting times for your adviser do not appear, then please contact them directly to schedule.

Outside of registration periods, email is typically the best way to contact and schedule an appointment.

3. Where can I find information on scholarships, summer programs, and jobs?
The primary resource for this is the blog you're reading right now! You can search the blog by category (see list to the right) and see an archive of all old posts. The blog is updated at least once a week with all kinds of information regarding opportunities available to you.

4. How do I get involved in undergraduate research?
There's a separate post all about this. See "Interested in research" to the right.

5. How do I get access to the reading room in Boggs?
You should be put on the Buzzcard access list after your change of major form is signed, but if not please contact Dr. Shepler (carrie.shepler@chemistry.gatech.edu).

6. What students groups are there for chemistry and biochemistry students?
The primary groups are the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS) and Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE). Both are great organizations and a good way to meet people in your major.

7. Where can I find information about major courses, rules, regulations, etc.?
The T-Square Advising site is full of information (see the Resources tab) and links to important websites (Registrar, GRE, and more). The School of Chemistry and Biochemistry homepage also has good information (see the "Undergraduate" link). And, of course, your adviser can help point you in the right direction.

8. How do I get access to the T-Square advising site?
You should be added after your change of major form is signed (check under "My Active Sites" on T-Square if the tab does not automatically appear. But if not, contact Dr. Shepler.

9. What am I going to do with this major?
Look for posts addressing this topic coming soon!

10. Do I need to read all the emails from the undergraduate list-serv?
YES. Non-essential announcements go out on the blog, and emails typically contain important information about registration deadlines, degree petitions, and more. PLEASE read them.

11. How do I subscribe to this blog?
If you are in Firefox (it doesn't seem to work in Internet Explorer), then just click on the blue or orange square with three white lines that appears in the main bar of the browser header (right after the blog address). Select "Subscribe.....RSS." Follow the prompts, and select your email provider to have new posts sent directly to your inbox.