Advising
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.
Virginia Tech Student Advising Handbook 2022-2023
College of Science Advising Website
As a math major, your academic advisor is a faculty member who can discuss details of course and career advice throughout your undergraduate career.
Fall 2023 Course Request
Fall 2023 course request is open from March 21 - April 4
- clear any holds from your student account so that you can submit your spring course requests
- consult the handbooks, checksheets, and sample 4-year course plans linked below when preparing for your course request advising appointment
Course Drop vs. Course Withdrawal
If you are considering whether to drop or withdraw from a course, discuss the decision with your academic advisor.
Dropping a course will remove the course from your class schedule and your transcript. It will reduce your total number of credits for the term. NOTE: 12 credits are required for full-time student status in fall and spring terms. (This can be important for scholarships, financial aid, health insurance, student visa requirements, etc.) The deadline to drop a Spring 2023 course is Monday, February 27. It is highly recommended to discuss the decision to drop a course with your advisor. Students can drop a course through the HokieSpa drop/add menu.
Requesting a course withdrawal (W grade policy) will denote a final grade of "W" on your transcript for each course in which a Course Withdrawal is applied. No credit is earned for a course with a W grade, and a W grade does not factor into GPA. Withdrawing from a course will not change full-time student status, as the course(s) withdrawn from will remain on your transcript (though no credit is earned). Students are permitted to withdraw from up to three courses during their time at Virginia Tech. The deadline to apply for a course withdrawal for a Spring 2023 course is Wednesday, May 3. A advisor's signature is not required, but it is highly recommended to discuss a course withdrawal decision with your advisor. To apply for a course withdrawal, complete the Course Withdrawal form posted on the College of Science Forms page.
Scholarships
In a typical year the Math Department awards more than $60,000 to 30+ students with the majority going to continuing students. To be considered for a Math Department awarded scholarship, complete the following steps by January 22, 2023:
- STEP 1 (required): Complete the application in Scholarship Central found at: https://vt.academicworks.com
- STEP 2 (preferred): Provide additional information to the Math Department Scholarship Committee to assist with scholarship decisions by filling out the form at: https://forms.gle/vEy682zVyHzPiyz17
- STEP 3 (optional): Fill out the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa This form is only required for eligibility to certain scholarships based on financial need.
Scholarship Applications for the 2023-2024 Academic Year are Open for Continuing Students!
The General Scholarship Application can be found in Scholarship Central. Students should complete the General Application before attempting to complete any other scholarship application in the Scholarship Central system. You must complete both the General Application and the FAFSA (for need-based scholarships) by January 22, 2023 for maximum scholarship consideration. Math majors should also complete the College of Science Scholarship Application.
The Academy for Experiential Learning has consolidated a database of scholarships, awards, and other funding for study abroad, research, and internships. This resource will be updated periodically and serves as a single source for undergraduates to find funding to support their experiential learning endeavors.
Scheduling an Advising Appointment
Use the links below to schedule an advising appointment with your mathematics advisor (will either take you to Navigate or email). If the link takes you to Navigate and you do not see any availability that fits your schedule, email your advisor to schedule an appointment. Appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
| Math Advising Team |
| Jessica Hurdus |
| E. Fanny Jasso-Hernandez |
| Jessica StClair |
| Eric Ufferman |
NOTE: The links above are for fall/spring semester appointments. Use email during summer and winter sessions.
Students interested in a math major or minor can schedule an Explore Mathematics or Explore Mathematics Minor appointment through Navigate. If you are unable to find an available appointment, please email mathadvising@vt.edu .
Change of Major/Minor
Students can change their math degree option during any of VT's common change of major periods. The next change of major period for non-restricted majors is May 4, 2023 - June 2, 2023. Note: Students in their first semester at VT must wait until final grades post before requesting to change their math degree option.
Students can change their major to mathematics during VT's common change of major periods. The next change of major period for non-restricted majors is May 4, 2023 - June 2, 2023. Note: Students in their first semester at VT must wait until final grades post before requesting to change their major to math.
Students can add math as a second major during any of VT's common change of major periods. The next change of major period for non-restricted majors is May 4, 2023 - June 2, 2023. Note: Students in their first semester at VT must wait until final grades post before requesting to add math as a second major.
Students can add or drop a math minor anytime. No appointment is necessary.
- DOWNLOAD the College of Science Change of Second Major/Minor/Option Form
- COMPLETE the first section with your student information. Complete the Request to Add or Drop a Minor section and choose MATH from the appropriate add/drop minor dropdown menu.
- SIGN AND DATE the bottom of the form (digital, typed signature is fine).
- To add a math minor, upload to the COS Dean's Office Document Portal. A department signature is not required to add a math minor.
- To drop a math minor, upload to Sadie Powell's Document Portal. After it is uploaded, Ms. Powell will include a department signature and submit the form to the College of Science.
The student shares the responsibility for developing an advising partnership with the advisor. Over time, the partnership results in increased responsibility for the student. This is achieved through the student:
- Communicating goals and concerns to the advisor in a respectful and sincere manner
- Keeping abreast of their own academic progress and requirements related to their academic program
- Making, keeping, and being prepared for appointments with the advisor
- Informing the advisor of changes in plans and/or circumstances that might impact academic performance
- Knowing departmental procedures for changing advisors
- Bringing concerns regarding quality of advising to the attention of the advising unit
The advisor shares the responsibility for developing an advising partnership with undergraduate students. This is achieved through the advisor:
- Communicating with students and delivering individualized and accurate information in a professional and sincere manner
- Being informed of, and providing accurate information about current academic policies and procedures
- Keeping appointments and being available for assistance
- Providing appropriate referrals, contacts, and information
- Conducting appropriate follow-up with students
- Seeking out and taking advantage of opportunities for professional development
| Important Dates | |
| Feb 27 | Last day to drop a Spring 2023 class; Last day to change free elective grade mode from A-F to P/F |
| Mar 6-10 | Spring Break - No Classes |
| Mar 14 | Summer 2023 add/drop opens |
| Mar 21 - Apr 4 | Fall 2023 course request |