Academic Advising and Career Coaching

The undergraduate academic programs office has dedicated academic advisors and an undergraduate program director who assists you in reaching your academic, personal, and career goals. The academic advisors are here to facilitate your academic and career aspirations. In the Weldon School, it is all about you as we take a student-centered approach to help you reach your educational and professional goals. Regardless of where you are in preparing for your future, we are eager to assist you. Learn more about our philosophy


Academic Advisors

Darcy Allen

Undergraduate Senior Academic Advisor

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering
206 S. Martin Jischke Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032
(765) 494-2995
 

Austin Glidden

Undergraduate Academic Advisor

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering
206 S. Martin Jischke Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032
(765) 494-2995
atglidden@purdue.edu

Career Coach

Darshini Render

Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering
206 S. Martin Jischke Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032
(765) 494-2995
render@purdue.edu


Communicating with Academic Advisors

Students who wish to communicate with the BME Academic Office or BME Academic Advisors must use their official Purdue email due to the confidential nature of the information discussed. Emails sent from external email services will not receive a response.

For Current BME Students

Appointments

All current BME students are required to schedule appointments via Boiler Connect. The appointment type (virtual or in-person) is based on the advisor’s preference. Students should arrive no later than five (5) minutes before their appointment.

Registration: All current BME students will receive an email from their primary BME Academic Advisor outlining instructions for the registration process. Students will receive an additional email from their primary Academic Advisor via Boiler Connect inviting them to make a registration appointment. Students who show up to their appointment late and/or unprepared may not receive their PIN and/or have their CRF opened and may be forced to reschedule their appointment.

Drop-In Hours

Drop-Ins are for quick issues (see description below) and are only hosted during the school year. Drop-Ins are exclusively offered for current BME students; all others will be required to make an appointment. These hours are subject to change and will be posted in the BME undergraduate newsletter. Please see the front desk upon arrival. During winter and summer breaks, please schedule an appointment.

Appointment

Issues taking longer than 10 minutes

  • Academic issues
  • Progression toward your degree changes
  • Your graduation time is extended
  • Your projected plan of study changes due to co-op, study abroad, or personal issues

Drop-In

Quick issues (taking less than 10 minutes)

  • To add, drop or modify a course
  • Signing up for research
  • Changing grade option to pass/not pass

Appointments, Non-BME Students

Non-BME students may make an appointment with the Academic Advisors by calling the BME Academic Office at 765-494-2995. Non-BME students cannot meet with the Academic Advisors during the BME Registration campaign.

All other appointments will need to call (765-494-2995) or stop by MJIS 1021 to set up an appointment due to the limitations of the scheduling system.


Our Philosophy

Austin Glidden

As an academic advisor, my primary goal is to support students in achieving their academic goals, regardless of their background. I believe every student matters, and through academic advising, students develop a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities as members of the Purdue University community. Academic advising focuses on providing accurate academic information, fostering meaningful relationships, and guiding students toward academic milestones such as graduation. I am committed to providing personalized, student-centered advising that promotes self-advocacy, degree attainment, and global citizenship. By prioritizing individual needs and collaborating with campus resources, I ensure students can access the best support possible. We continuously assess our programs and invest in training to provide excellent academic advising.

Darshini Render

I believe in the platinum rule; treat individuals how they want to be treated. I prioritize meeting each student where they are in the career development continuum and utilize an individualized approach to coach. I see career coaching as a holistic process, and I hold students accountable for their actions.