Academic and Student Resources

Student Programs & Leadership

The Student Programs & Leadership office (OSPL) is dedicated to enriching the academic life and supporting the development of students in the College of Arts & Sciences. Programs and events sponsored by the office help students to connect with peers and professors, navigate the University’s full range of resources and services, match personal goals to opportunities and mentors, get involved in campus life, exercise leadership, and plan for life beyond BU. In addition to hosting CAS-only events, the office coordinates CAS participation in University-wide events such as Spring Open Houses, Family Weekend, and Commencement.

Our office is located at the Yawkey Center for Student Services, 100 Bay State Road, 4th Floor. Contact information is available at the OSPL website.

Academic Advising

Every full-time student in the college has an academic advisor. The success of the advising system depends on the student as well as the advisor. Students must confer with their advisors before registration for each successive term and should meet with them periodically during each semester.

In planning an academic program, students may encounter complex problems that even the most careful reading of this website will not resolve. CAS Academic Advising is staffed by personnel who can assist in the resolution of such issues or any other academic problems. Freshman and sophomore students who have not chosen a major will be provided special assistance in registering, selecting a major, and developing a comprehensive program for their studies by their advisors in CAS Academic Advising. Students with declared majors are assigned advisors in their departments. All College of Arts & Sciences students are encouraged to consult the staff in CAS Academic Advising for help with any academic problem.

CAS Academic Advising is located at the Yawkey Center for Student Services, 100 Bay State Road, 4th Floor. Contact information is available at the Academic Advising website.

Declared Majors

Entering students who have indicated a choice of major are assigned to an advisor in the corresponding department. All students are expected to meet with their advisors before registration and often during the semester to keep them informed of progress and to develop a strong mentoring relationship.

Undeclared Students

Entering freshman or transfer students who have not indicated a choice of major are assigned an advisor at CAS Academic Advising, 100 Bay State Road, on the fourth floor. The academic advisors located there provide assistance to undeclared students until they select their majors.

Special Advising

The College of Arts & Sciences provides specialized advising for pre-professional students interested in law or healthcare. University offices including the International Students & Scholars office, Study Abroad, the Educational Resource Center, and the Center for Career Development provide other specialized advising. These advising arrangements supplement rather than replace departmental advising.

Health Professions

Pre-health advisors in the Pre-Professional Advising office provide assistance to current undergraduate students as well as alumni of BU undergraduate programs interested in a broad range of health-related professions, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, nursing, optometry, podiatry, and other fields. Information sessions, panels, and workshops are held each year to help students explore their interests, and students are encouraged to schedule individual advising appointments every semester to discuss a range of topics including:

Pre-health studies do not constitute a major or a minor program at the University. Pre-health students are encouraged to pick an area (not necessarily science) in which they have a strong academic interest. Though pre-health students should become familiar with the particular requirements of the health profession they intend to pursue and of the schools to which they intend to apply, pre-health advisors are available to meet with students to discuss their academic interests and develop an academic plan. Students must complete the Introduction to Pre-Health Pathway Module and review our FAQs before meeting with a pre-health advisor for the first time.

Our offices are located at the Yawkey Center for Student Services, 100 Bay State Road, 4th Floor, and students can schedule an appointment via Handshake.

Prelaw

Students considering law school and law-related careers are encouraged to engage with the resources, services, and programs available through prelaw advising. General informational meetings and programs are held each year, and individual advising appointments may be scheduled with prelaw advisors throughout the year. During individual appointments, students may receive guidance and advice on a range of topics such as curricular choices, student activities and leadership, opportunities to explore the profession, standardized test preparation, and the application process.

Boston University does not offer a specific prelaw major. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and most law schools state specifically that a prelaw curriculum is not particularly advantageous or even desirable. Students are encouraged to pursue an academic program based on their interest in the subject matter and their ability to do well. Prelaw students are also advised to develop skills that are most likely to be utilized in law school and in the practice of law, such as critical reading, research, written and oral communication, organization, and knowledge of current political and social issues.

For additional information, visit the Pre-Professional Advising office at the Yawkey Center for Student Services, 100 Bay State Road, 4th Floor. Contact information is available at the Prelaw Advising website.