Academic Advising

A pre-pharmacy student converses with advisor Amy Zwaska. Photo credit: Todd Brown, Media Solutions, UW-MadisonOur advisors are located within the Office of Student Services in Rennebohm Hall, Room 2220. Advisors help students select courses and develop short and long term academic goals, connect with academic support resources, explore co-curricular experiences, navigate the admissions process, and manage both academic and non-academic concerns. Pre-pharmacy students are assigned to academic advisors based upon their primary program interest (pre-PharmD or pre-PharmTox) as follows:

  • Amy Zwaska – advises pre-pharmacy students who are interested in the PharmD program
  • Kendra Gurnee – advises students who are interested in the BS PharmTox program

Students can schedule advising appointments in the following ways:

  • Using UW–Madison’s online advising appointment scheduler (Starfish)
  • Contacting Student Services at (608) 262-6234

Email Advising


School of Pharmacy advisors Emily Tarter and Rebecca BeebeQuick questions can be addressed via email, but please schedule an appointment if you have several questions or if it would be better to address your questions in person or via a phone appointment. If your needs are urgent, please contact our Office of Student Services at (608) 262-6234 to get an immediate message to your advisor.

Advising appointments are available year-round. Please meet with your advisor at least once per semester! Freshmen typically register for spring courses in late November and early December.

How to prepare for an advising appointment:

  • Come prepared with questions or topics to discuss. Think about the big picture; don’t just think about what you need to do to get through the semester.
  • Become knowledgeable about the pre-pharmacy curriculum, criteria for admission, application process, and the academic policies/procedures of UW-Madison and the SOP. Your advisor is here to help you navigate your way through your education. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are meeting the School of Pharmacy’s requirements/policies. If you don’t understand something, ask!
  • Keep us informed about any circumstances that could influence your academic performance, such as: illness, and/or personal, family, financial, or work related issues.
  • Expect referrals from your advisor. Your advisor can be a resource to navigating the campus. If you feel overwhelmed or are having any trouble, ask for advice. Your advisor will help you get the support services that you need, but won’t know how to help if you don’t ask. Contact your advisor if you are struggling, have any questions about your program, courses, time management, or anything else. We are here to help you succeed at UW–Madison!
  • Remember that advising is more than preparing your schedule for the upcoming semester. Feel free to discuss academic and non-academic matters with your advisor. To get the most out of your advising relationship, get to know your advisor and let your advisor get to know you.
  • Watch your wisc.edu email and check the SOP website regularly!

 

 

Our Mission:

The Office of  Student Services at the UW-Madison School of Pharmacy supports and enhances the academic experience of all prospective and current students in a welcoming and inclusive environment. We develop innovative programming and provide comprehensive services through our recruitment, admissions, academic advising, professional and career development, and retention activities.

Questions About Our Programs?

PharmD Program:
Amy Zwaska
Pre-Pharmacy Advisor
2220L Rennebohm Hall
(608) 262-6234
amy.zwaska@wisc.edu

PharmTox Program:
Kendra Gurnee
PharmTox Program Coordinator
2220F Rennebohm Hall
(608) 262-4487
kgurnee@wisc.edu