Academic Advising
How can academic advisors help?
Our advisors at the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences help students develop an academic plan to keep on track for graduation; assist in navigating Virginia Tech procedures and available resources; 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.
SPES Advisors
Paige Normand
Academic Student Support Advisor
Smyth 335
Majors:
- Environmental Science
- Ecological Restoration
Minors:
- Ecosystem for Human Wellbeing
- Environmental Science
- Wetland Science
Karen Drake-Whitney
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
Smyth 240
Majors:
- Crop and Soil Sciences
- Environmental Horticulture
- Integrated Agriculture Technologies
- Landscape Design and Turfgrass Science
- Plant Science
Minors:
- Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
- Global Food Security and Health
- Horticulture
- Plant Health Sciences
- Turfgrass Management
- Viticulture
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.
Course Catalog
Explore programs and courses using the Virginia Tech Academic Catalog.
Scholarships (How to Apply)
Virginia Tech awards scholarships through the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid (USFA) as well as colleges and departments. For maximum financial aid and scholarship consideration, complete your FAFSA and General Scholarship Application by January 22nd each 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.
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!