Academic Advising at Biola
Learn more about Biola’s academic advising model and how to find your academic advisor.
Traditional Undergraduate Academic Advising
During their first year at Biola, students are assigned an academic advisor who specializes in their major. Their advisor gives important information about registration and academic support to help students make the most of campus resources. After the first year, a student's primary academic advisor shifts to a faculty member within their major. If a student is Undeclared, they will continue advising with The Advising Center until a major is declared.
First Year at Biola
Advisor from the Advising Center
Second Year & Beyond
Faculty Advisor from Department
Note: Students in Nursing, Accounting/Business and Education majors will be advised by their academic program and will not meet with the Advising Center for first-year advising.
Find My Advisor
Use the following steps to find your assigned academic advisor:
- Log into and navigate to the “Degree Planning” tab and then “Degree Audit.”
- Your advisor will be listed in the top section of your Degree Audit. If you are on a mobile device, click “Show more” in the top section to see your advisor.
- To find their contact information, click the envelope icon in the upper right hand corner.
Schedule an Appointment
Use the following steps to schedule an appointment with a staff or Peer Advisor in the Advising Center:
- Log into and click “Schedule Appointment”
- Find your First-Year Advisor under "My Primary Advisor" or your Peer Advisor under "My Success Team" and select "Schedule Appointment"
- Choose the appointment type and modality (in-person or virtual)
- Choose the day and time of the appointment
- Share a brief description of what you hope to discuss
- You will receive an email confirmation once scheduling — with a virtual appointment link if applicable
Academic Advisors in the Advising Center
Haley Penner
Traditional Undergraduate Students
Talbot School of Theology (Bible, Theology and Ministry) and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Spanish, Undeclared)
Jonathan Hernandez
Traditional Undergraduate Students
Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts (Cinema & Media Arts, Game Design & Interactive Media, Writing for TV & Film)
Jamie Sommerville
Traditional Undergraduate Students
Music, Undeclared; Incoming Student Registration & Enrollment
Veronica Cruz-Schwerin
veronica.cruz.schwerin@biola.edu
Traditional Undergraduate Students
School of Science, Technology and Health (Allied Health, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences/Health Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Engineering Physics, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Robotics, Physics, Physical Science); Athletes
Matthew Roberts
Traditional Undergraduate Students
Rosemead School of Psychology, School of Science, Technology and Health (Kinesiology & Public Health), Undeclared
Caitlin Perry
Traditional Undergraduate Students
School of Fine Arts and Communication (Art, Communication)
Temporary advisor for Fall 2025
Department Academic Advisors
Students in Nursing, Accounting/Business, and Education majors will be advised by their academic program and will not meet with the Advising Center for required advising. Torrey Honors College students have additional advising support provided by their program. Refer to the list below for the program advisor’s contact information.
Raeann Lopez
School of Science, Technology and Health: Healthcare Management, Nursing
Hannah Lee
School of Science, Technology and Health: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Temporary Advisor for Fall 2025
Allison Walton
Crowell School of Business (Accounting, Business Administration)
Anna Glenn
Special Programs: Torrey Honors
Valaree Lazinos
School of Education (Early Childhood, Liberal Studies: Elementary Education, Liberal Studies: Multidisciplinary, Lead Credential Analyst)
Andrew Arregin
School of Education (Senior Credential Analyst)
Peer Academic Advisors
Our Peer Academic Advisors (PAA's) are here to provide you with accurate academic advising information to help you achieve your academic goals at Biola. These trained student leaders coach fellow students in major/minor advising, class registration, and other academic requirements (e.g. filling out a Graduation Petition).