The most frequently asked questions regarding advising in the Agricultural and Biorenewable Systems Management major.
Q: What happened to the Biorenewable Systems major name?
A: Beginning May 2024, the Biorenewable Systems major became the Agricultural and Biorenewable Systems Management (ABSM) major. All former BRS and ASM course designations will now be ABSM. The new name better reflects what the major is about. There are some changes in the curriculum as well.
Q: I am already enrolled or planning to enroll in BRS, what should I do about the change?
A: You can contact the ABSM program coordinator, Dr. Paul Heinemann, to discuss your plans and the implications of the change.
Q: Who is my adviser?
A: If you are a student at University Park and listed ABSM or BRS as your desired major prior to beginning your freshman year, you are assigned an ABSM adviser during New Student Orientation. If you aren't sure about who your adviser is, you can check on LionPATH, or contact the ABSM program coordinator.
If you are a first or second year student at a Penn State campus location other than University Park, you will be assigned an adviser at that location.
Q: If I switch to ABSM from another major, how does my adviser get assigned?
A: When you fill out a change of major form and it is approved, the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering will assign an ABSM adviser to you, regardless of your class standing.
Q: What do I need to do to get into the Agricultural and Biorenewable Systems Management major?
A: There are no specific course requirements for entrance to the ABSM major. You need to be in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 2.0) and get support from the department.
Q: I'm not currently in the College of Agricultural Sciences, but I want to pursue the ABSM major. Do I need to change to the College of Agricultural Sciences?
A: We recommend that you change as soon as possible. This will allow us to assign an adviser to you and we will also put you on our e-mail list so you can learn about department activities, curriculum issues, scholarship opportunities, etc.
Q: I'm currently at a location other than University Park, when should I change to University Park for the ABSM major?
A: If you are making good progress towards the major and are essentially following the schedule, you will be eligible to change to University Park for your 5th semester. Any earlier campus changes will be handled on a case-by-case basis and depend upon whether or not you can continue making progress towards the degree at your current location.
