Welcome from the BMAC
Hello incoming KU Biology students!
My name is Enrique Garcia and I am the current co-chair for the Biology Majors Advisory Committee (BMAC) for the 2026-2027 school year majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Pre-medicine. The BMAC is an undergraduate student committee that supports the representation of undergraduate biology students by providing feedback on academic experience and environment to try and share the student perspective and improve the wellbeing of faculty and students on the KU campus in the biological sciences. As many of you may be coming from high school into KU or even transitioning into a new year here at KU as a returning student, it is important to keep in mind a few tips which I would love to share with you all that have personally helped with my start here at KU as well.
Firstly, I always like to acknowledge one of the most recognizable fears coming into college or even into a new year, the fear of being left out or alone. I found this very hard in my freshmen year when I came here to KU from the state of Arkansas not knowing anyone here. But in the perspective of progression, this is that time to shine and truly give every chance you have and make those hopes of yours come true. KU provides the resources and environment for students of all ages and academic backgrounds to chase their dreams no matter how small or big of an undertaking it is. If you have a research idea, make it real and find your passion. If you have a club idea, find the people and develop the club yourself, don’t hesitate. If you see others that have similar interests with you, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself because everyone here at KU is always more than happy to add another like-minded person into the community.
Secondly, I want to preface two of the most important pieces of advice I have in terms of academic success and development during your time here at KU. Those two things are, make the connections with professors early on, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I understand that going up to a professor can be scary and anxiety skyrockets with all of the bad outcomes that could occur but more than anything, the kind-hearted network of faculty we have here at KU is here to provide you with support and knowledge in order for YOU to succeed. Every interaction you make early on with your professors can make a huge impact on your understanding in classes and with the development of your academics especially when the classes you take become more difficult. Along with that, I also want to acknowledge that we have a general fear of sometimes answering incorrectly or asking a “dumb question,” but I want to truly let all of you who are reading this to understand to never develop this mindset when approaching a difficulty in your learning. Faculty and peers here at KU are here to support your journey as a student and even if we falter at a step, the community around you will always be there to help raise you back up. It is okay to make mistakes or answer incorrectly because once we embrace our mistakes, that’s how we learn the best.
Lastly, when approaching challenges or hurdles during your time here, always know that KU has the resources to support you in every way you require. Never be afraid to ask for help when you need it if it be legal, medical, academic, financial, or mental. It is better early on to speak out about what is affecting you than try and bottle it in from those who are here to support you so always be sure to search for our on-campus resources whenever you feel you are stuck in any sort of challenge.
I hope this helped and have a great time here at KU!
Rock Chalk!