Advising
Every student entering Gettysburg College is assigned a faculty adviser. Students who indicate an interest in biology when they enter the College will, whenever possible, be assigned an adviser from the Biology Department. At the end of the first year, any student who was not assigned an adviser in the Department, and who plans to major in biology, should choose a member of the Biology faculty as his or her major adviser. This is accomplished when completing the "Declaration of Major" form available in the Registrar's Office. Students should contact their new adviser before registering for sophomore year. Upon declaration of the major, students also choose between the B.A. and the B.S. degree.
Major advisers meet and consult with students, provide guidance with course selections, assist with academic difficulties, and provide counsel on vocational and other goals. The adviser signs the student's course-of-study card prior to registration and signs any change-of-study forms during the academic year.
Departmental Honors
Seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 in Biology or seniors who have conducted significant research with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 in Biology and upon nomination from their research mentor graduate with Honors from the Biology Department.
William C. and Helen H. Darrah Award
An award presented annually to a senior student who has demonstrated a keen interest in Biology and has given time and energy to the Department beyond normal academic work. This award was established in 1980 through the generosity and thoughtfulness of Biology Professors William C. and Helen H. Darrah.
Betty M. Barnes Memorial Award
An award presented annually to a senior student of high academic ability preparing for a career in biology or a related field. This award was established in 1983 by Dr. and Mrs. Rodger W. Baier P’79 in memory of Dr. Betty M. Barnes, biologist, teacher, and member of the Gettysburg College community.