Building connections, building confidence

Starting college as a biology major can feel overwhelming, but at Central Michigan University, students don’t have to do it alone. Launching in Fall 2025, the new Biology Bridge Program is designed to support first- and second-year students as they begin their journey in the biological sciences. It’s more than just an introduction to the major, it’s a launchpad for success that connects students to faculty, mentors, and a thriving campus community from day one.

Students enrolled in BIO 111 will meet their Biology Bridge Mentor Team beginning in the Fall 2025 semester. Each team includes faculty from Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (EEC) and Biomedical, Cellular, and Molecular (BCM) areas, along with trained undergraduate peer mentors, including Biology Ambassadors. These teams will meet with students regularly, through lab sessions, Blackboard communication, and one-on-one or small group check-ins, to provide support and guidance throughout the semester.

Whether it’s understanding how office hours work, creating a four-year plan, finding research opportunities, or exploring different career paths, students have a dedicated support system every step of the way. The Biology Bridge Program is part of CMU’s holistic advising approach, which brings together faculty, college advisors, university advisors, and peer mentors to create a connected, supportive environment.

By helping students build relationships and understand the resources available to them early on, CMU’s Biology Bridge Program ensures that every student starts strong and feels confident in shaping their academic and professional path. It’s about more than navigating the major, it’s about building a future in science, together.