Student Success

We acknowledge that students juggle competing demands for their time while completing their degrees. In an effort to maximize potential success and satisfaction for each student throughout a challenging academic experience, the faculty and staff are committed to providing a high level of support and individualized attention every step along the way.

Orientation

BIS holds orientation for new students. Orientation is the first step in connecting you with fellow students, resources and a team of people who will help you navigate this journey. 

Transformations Course

“Transformations: Reading, Thinking, and Communicating in the Liberal Arts” is a specially-designed course required of students in their first semester to orient them to the BIS degree and the resources of the University. The course is designed to help students develop the skills they will need to complete their degrees, such as critical thinking, effective writing, and strong verbal expression. The course will also help them learn how to use library resources, cite sources, and present research so that they are prepared for their additional coursework in the BIS program. 

Advising

All students are assigned a faculty advisor. Students work together with faculty advisors to build an advising relationship that becomes an important element in an overall support system that enables them to meet and surpass their educational goals.  Prior to registration every semester, faculty advisors and students will connect, usually via email, to talk about enrollment in the upcoming term’s classes, as well as progress towards meeting the requirements for graduation. A Director of Student Success is also available to support students.

Peer Mentor

The Peer Mentor Program is designed to help new BIS students become acquainted with the BIS program, support those further along in their degrees, and foster a sense of community by hosting events and aiding in the New Student Orientation. As a student run organization, the Peer Mentor Program unifies peers as a community of thriving and successful students, and is guided by the foundational principles of the University of Virginia: honor, trust, integrity and respect.

* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.