Department of Biological Sciences

Marine Biology majors have access to several sources of advising and mentoring.

1) Freshman marine biology majors are advised through University College (as are all freshmen in the University) and marine biology faculty serve as UC advisors. When students have completed 30 credits and have achieved a GPA of > 2.0 they are transferred into CELS (College of the Environment and Life Sciences) and are assigned a permanent faculty advisor from among our marine biology faculty. This generally takes place at the beginning of the Fall of the sophomore year.

2) Faculty Advisors (Dr. Seibel, Dr. Thornber, Dr. Webb, Dr. Wilga) advise sophomores, juniors, and seniors with respect to course choices and graduation requirements, summer and study abroad opportunities, research opportunities and post-graduation options. Faculty advisors post a list of advising office hours each semester and may be contacted by e-mail or phone.

2) A Program Coordinator (Dr. Webb) is available to marine biology majors. She sends out a weekly newsletter ("News and Notices") to all majors via the Marine Biology Program listserv, which contains important information about course registration, summer field courses, job and internship opportunities and other items of interest (e.g., guest lectures, seminars). Dr. Webb is the faculty advisor for the URI in Bermuda program and the Woods Hole SEA Semester Program.
Any student wanting to be added to the listserv should contact urimbio@mail.uri.edu

4) Selected seniors in the Marine Biology Program act as Marine Biology Peer Mentors and run the Marine Biology Office (a resource center for undergraduates) where they provide an experienced student's perspective for younger students. The office is open during the academic year only.

2007-2008 Mentors: Sara MacSorley and Carla Scocchi
Spring 2008 Office Hours (BISC A-107): TBA (posted on office door and on Dr. Webb's office door)
Marine Biology Office Phone: 401-874-5494
E-mail: mbmentor@etal.uri.edu

5) Important advising resources:

• URI Catalog
• URI Student Handbook (including policies on Student Conduct and Academic Integrity)
• CELS Student Affairs Office (including downloadable forms)
• Links for Forms (forthcoming):
  • BS Marine Biology checksheet (Blue sheet) - pdf
• Other Useful Documents:
  • Strategy for Applying for Internships, Jobs and Scholarships with a Formal Application Process
  • How to Apply to Graduate School (from the Leadership Alliance)
  • Time Management Tips (forthcoming)
  • Template for a Curriculum Vitae (forthcoming)

6) Sources of funding for undergraduates - Scholarships, fellowships, etc.

• Mary Ellen Reilly Scholarship from the AAUP (American Association of University Professors) - available each year (2007 application) - October Deadline