At Chemistry Academic Advising, we provide support for: 
Educational planning and goal setting 
Understanding major requirements 
Navigating academic policies and procedures

All current UC San Diego students must submit advising questions via the VAC. Non-UC San Diego students can reach us at chemadvising@ucsd.edu.

Advising Services:

• Virtual Advising Center (VAC): The preferred and most efficient way to contact our office is by sending a message to our team of academic advisors via VAC. Questions submitted via VAC typically receive a response within 24-48 hours.
  • Response times may increase at the TSS go-live; this is because we are learning the system alongside you and want to be able to provide the best possible answers. We appreciate your patience.
• In-person/Remote Drop-Ins: We offer virtual one-on-one 15-minute advising sessions as well as in person in York Hall 4010. Please refer to the schedule below. 
• Appointments: 30-minute sessions intended for long-term planning, including major planning for readmission purposes. Most questions about planning for the academic year can be answered in the VAC or in drop-ins, or via the sample plans we have posted. You can request an appointment through the "Meet with an Advisor" tab in the VAC. Please note that appointments can only be booked 10 days in advance. If no appointments are available, please check back, as new slots open daily.
  • Please note: Due to our limited staffing, we may encourage that you visit walk-in advising hours or submit a question in the VAC, or you otherwise may have to wait a week or more to be seen. We are still happy to help with any question you may have and ask for your patience as we work to help as many students as efficiently as possible.
• Advising is not done via email

PLEASE READ FOR FALL 2026

Incoming students:  Due to our limited staffing and appointment availability, we may encourage that you visit walk-in advising hours or submit a question in the VAC. Most incoming student questions, including on track 4 year plans, can be done during walk-ins. We are still happy to help with any question you may have and ask for your patience as we work to help as many students as efficiently as possible with our limited resources.

For all students: We do not have walk-ins during Week 1 as we have to focus on enrollment and preparation for the quarter ahead. If you have an urgent inquiry regarding enrollment or otherwise, please reach out to us. Walk-ins will start Week 2. 

Please see the calendar below for specific availability for FA26 (calendar will be updated during Week 1); walk-ins may occasionally be moved or canceled based on department events. 

Note: Any changes do not affect Graduate Student walk-ins, which will continue as planned unless otherwise noted on our website or via email.

Peer Advising

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Who are Peer Advisors?

Chemistry Peer Advisors are undergraduate students majoring in one of the degree programs and who are available to answer questions from fellow students. It is especially helpful for freshmen and new transfers, but all are welcome!  They can provide insights on questions such as:

• Why did you pick Chemistry as a major?
• What is it like to be a Chemistry student at UCSD?  
• What resources have you found helpful?
• How did you get involved in research or teaching?
• What do you plan to do after you graduate?

Have quick questions? Our Peer Advisors are available via e-mail at chempeers@ucsd.edu.

Chemistry Advising Calendar

Meet our Peer Advisors!

Elana Friedlich

Elana is a third-year student studying Public Health in ERC. She is currently studying abroad in Valencia, Spain and is completing biochemistry courses abroad! After she graduates, she hopes to pursue medical school. She is interested in psychiatry and is currently working in a lab which is studying the improvement of neural pathways after a mild traumatic brain injury. In her free time Elana loves to explore beaches in San Diego and hike! As a peer advisor, Elana hopes to help students achieve their goals in and out of the classroom.

 

Bryan Rinde

Bryan is a fourth-year Biochemistry major in Roosevelt College originally coming from Ventura, CA.  He is conducting research into biodegradable plastics in the Pomeroy Lab and cancer metabolism in the Metallo Lab at the Salk Institute.  He hopes to pursue a career in surgery and research.  In his spare time, Bryan likes adventuring outdoors, especially in the water, and enjoys an active day working with others.

 

Rubini Mohanaraj

Rubini is a fourth year Biochemistry major and a biology minor at Revelle College. She is an International student from Sri Lanka. Rubini has previously worked in Joseph lab studying the translational control of Influenza virus. Rubini is interested in pursuing a career in research and is specifically interested in research and development in RNA World. In her free time, she likes to paint and go on hikes. Her goal as a Chemistry peer advisor would be to assist students to achieve their educational goals and navigate through undergraduate studies.

 

Pop Chanwong

Pop is a fourth year biochemistry student and a general biology minor in Marshall college. She is an international student from Bangkok, Thailand. She is currently research autoimmunity from silica induction at the Pollard Lab. She enjoys cooking for her friends, crocheting, and shopping! As a peer advisor, she hopes to learn more about each student and help personalize a plan that will help you achieve your goal.