IB offers three types of undergraduate advising: staff advisors, faculty advisors, and peer advisors. Each type of advisor provides a unique perspective on the IB experience. See below for some reasons to see each type of advisor. Staff advisors are usually the main resource for intended and declared IB students.
In support of the IB major, the Undergraduate Student Services Office (USSO) is part of the Biosciences Divisional Services in the L&S Biological Sciences Division and the Departments of Integrative Biology and Molecular & Cell Biology. Our services are guided by the following mission:
BDS Student Services Mission Statement
We partner with faculty, staff, and students to create an inclusive academic community that offers holistic advising and innovative services to support educational success.
Advising support for IB undergraduates is provided by:
Undergraduate Staff Advisors:
Staff advisors are available year-round, Monday through Friday, to answer your questions. Click on an advisor's name to view their profile.
See an Advisor
Students can see an advisor scheduled appointments or quick appointments, depending on the intended appointment subject. Drop-in advising is only available select Fridays, 1-3 pm, over zoom. Refer to the table below to determine if you need to make an appointment.
| Schedule a 20-40-minute appointment for: | Quick appointment or Drop-in for: |
| Declaring or Changing Majors | Course Planning |
| Academic Difficulty | Study Abroad |
| SAP Appeal | Degree Check |
| Transfer Coursework | Excess Units |
| Withdrawal & Readmission | Research, Honors |
| Undeclared Senior Hold (discussion) | Career Planning |
| Petitions & Appeals | Advising Holds |
| Info about IB |
Schedule an Appointment
Short-Notice Appointments
20-minute appointments. Open 24 hours in advance, must be scheduled at least 30 minutes in advance. Example: a 3 pm appointment will open at 3 pm the day before.
Pre-Scheduled Advising Appointments
20-40 minute appointments. Open 2 weeks in advance, must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
Drop-In
Drop-In advising takes place on Fridays, 1:10-3pm in person at 3060 VLSB and on Zoom (link only works during drop-in period).
View our calendar for drop-in availability, special events, and partner office advising times.
Email Us:
Email is an excellent way to have your quick questions answered or to find out where to start!
Peer Advisors
Peer Advisors are available to discuss the content of specific classes, help you to develop plans and answer general questions about being a student at Cal. They are available during the fall and spring semesters in 3060 VLSB.
More about Peer Advising and their availability
Faculty Advisors
IB students meet with a faculty advisor during the declaration process. Developing a good student-advisor relationship benefits both parties. We also encourage you to meet and talk to other IB and Berkeley faculty, particularly those conducting research in an area that interests you.
- Your advisor can assist with questions about coursework to fulfill requirements and career goals.
- They can be a good mentor for your present and future goals.
- Share your future goals with your Faculty Advisor, even if they might change, including what has inspired you to establish such goals.
Faculty advisors are available only during the semester. Some request that students sign up for appointments at least 24 hours in advance; others are available for drop-in advising. See the table below for office hours, location, and preferred method of scheduling an appointment. Please note that the hours and availability are subject to change without notice.
Faculty Advising Office Hours for Fall 2024
Faculty advisors' office hours are posted on this shared sheet - you must be logged into your UC Berkeley account to access it. Please do not contact multiple faculty with the same request. Staff advisors are available year-round.
Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs)
Establish and maintain contact with your Graduate Student Instructor (GSI). GSIs can be supportive in helping students achieve immediate and long-range goals. GSIs can also be a valuable conduit to earning a research opportunity. Add them to your network of resources and information here at Cal.