Academic Advising
In the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences we know that academic advising is important to a student’s success. Our advisors help students come up with an academic plan to keep them on track to graduate; assist them in navigating Virginia Tech and keep them informed of the many resources available; help students learn more about themselves such as their interests, strengths, and values; and make students aware of many experiential learning activities so that students can apply their learning. Advisors advocate for students and are a person they can go to when they have questions or concerns. We listen, care, and help students figure things out!
School of Plant and Environmental Sciences Advisors
Dr. Matt Eick
Environmental Science Professor and Advisor
236 Smyth Hall
eick@vt.edu
540-231-8943
Advises the following major:
- Environmental Science
Advises the following minors:
- Environmental Science
- Wetland Science
Karen Drake-Whitney
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
kdrake@vt.edu
540-231-9785
Advises the following majors:
- Crop and Soil Sciences
- Environmental Horticulture
- Environmental Science
- Landscape Horticulture and Design
Advises the following minors:
- Civic Agriculture and Food Systems
- Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
- Global Food Security and Health
- Horticulture
- Plant Health Sciences
- Turfgrass Management
- Viticulture
Additional Faculty
We also have wonderful faculty that like connecting students to job, internship, and graduate school opportunities. Please reach out to them – they would enjoy meeting you!
Academic Advising Resources
Advising Syllabus
Advising at Virginia Tech is a collaborative process between student and advisor leading to the exchange of information that encourages the individual student to make responsible academic and career decisions. Find out the responsibility of the advisee and the advisor.
Change Major
If you are interested in changing your major to one in SPES, please first meet with an advisor in SPES – make sure to select “Explore” and then the major that interests you – then you will be able to view the advisor’s availability. In the meeting you and the advisor can discuss the major, jobs prospects, how your current credits will count, and answer your questions.
Student Resources
VT has many resources for students to help them succeed. If you ever need assistance figuring out a resource, please contact your advisor.
Major & Minor Checksheets
The University Registrar approves major and minor checksheets that list degree requirements by graduation year.
Schedule an appointment
Students can schedule an appointment using “Navigate,” an online scheduling system. View a brief tutorial for scheduling academic advising appointments.
Forms
Frequently required forms for students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Academic Policies
Students are responsible for knowing university policies and procedures regarding the curriculum and degree requirements. Click on the link and select the Undergraduate Course Catalog and Academic Policies for the specific year you are looking for.
Degree Audit (DARS)
The Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) is a computer-generated report that shows a student’s progress towards degree, including complete, in-progress, and incomplete requirements.
Guide to Graduation
Information regarding the graduation process and university/college commencement ceremonies can be found here.