When to See Your Advisor

• Whenever you encounter any problems that affect academic performance.
  
• When it is time to schedule classes for the next semester (Registering as early as possible is highly recommended).
  
• To discuss academic progress.
  
• To discuss career considerations.
  
• To withdraw from a course or courses.
  
• To explore change of major.
  
• To explore off-campus learning opportunities (internships, study abroad).

Full-time students (12 credits or more) are assigned to a faculty advisor.  If you don’t know who your advisor is, check the advisor list at the Registrar’s Office (Elston 212) or the Academic Advisement Center (Elston 222).

Part-time students (less than 12 credits) and all 24 Credit Hour Students see an advisor in the Academic Advisement Center (Elston 222) on a walk-in basis.
Be familiar with your advisor’s office hours and schedule. 

Whenever possible, call to make an appointment instead of dropping by without one. If it is necessary to drop by without an appointment, try to do so at a time when your advisor has posted office hours, and allow plenty of time in case you have to wait to see your advisor.

Because the first and last two weeks of each semester are the busiest for students and faculty, schedule longer conferences during the middle portion of the semester.

If you want to change your advisor you can obtain the appropriate paperwork from the Registrar’s Office.

Your Advisor:

Be prepared with any questions or concerns you would like to ask or share with your advisor.  If you are meeting with your advisor to register for classes please adhere to the following points:

Use the curriculum worksheet for your program as a guide to selecting courses.  You can obtain one online or from the Academic Advisement Center.  Your advisor will also have a degree audit that shows your courses completed to date. 

If registering in person, fill out the top portion of the Registration Form (name, address, etc.) before you see your advisor.

Have a preliminary class schedule worked out before meeting with your advisor. 

It’s also a good idea to have “back-up” classes selected in case any of your first choices are closed, cancelled, or if you don’t have the prerequisites completed.

Remember… For every credit hour you take, you can expect to have two additional hours of work associated with that course every week. Example:  12 credits = 12 hours in class + 24 hours homework = 36 hours total;  6 credits = 6 hours in class + 12 hours homework = 18 hours total

The Role of the Academic Advisor

• Discuss student’s educational and career plans.
  
• Review test results, previous college credits, and courses needed as prerequisites.
  
• Review required program courses and make recommendations.
  
• Discuss student’s time constraints and other responsibilities.
  
• Refer students to appropriate office/individual when necessary. 

• Vital to long-term success.
  
• Link between student and institution.
  
• To help guide students through their educational journey.
  
• To help ensure educational and career goals are being met. 
  
• To help students adjust to a new environment.
  
• To help students clarify expectations.
  
• To reduce the initial student confusion.
  
• To enhance clarification on matters pertaining to the higher education experience.
  

a Semester Class Schedule

• Register during Advance Registration – save seats in the classes you want with no bill payment required until later in the semester.
  
• Be aware that courses are offered during the days, evenings, Saturdays, and online.
  
• Balance your schedule with other obligations in mind, such as family and work.
  
• Don’t overload your schedule – take 12 credits instead of 15 if you are questioning how much time you will have for coursework.
  
• Be prepared for more challenging academic work than you had in high school.
  
• Don’t register for early morning classes if you are not a morning person. The same applies for evening courses.
  
• Take courses in the correct sequence. Be sure to complete any pre-requisites (courses that prepare you for a higher level course) if applicable.
  
• Know the course requirements for your program of study. Enroll in classes that meet your degree requirements. The information is available in the College Catalog, on the SCCC Web site, and on individual curriculum worksheets located outside of Elston Hall, Room 222. See your academic advisor.
  
• If you’ve never taken an online course before, it’s not recommended until your second semester.
  
• Full-time study and full-time employment is never recommended.
  
• For every hour you’re in the classroom, allow an additional two hours of time for outside work.  Consider this when   deciding how many credits to register for.
  
• If transfer to a four-year institution is a possibility, be sure to register for courses that will transfer to the institution you have in mind. If you aren’t sure about the institution, connect with the transfer Counselor (Elston Hall, Room 222) soon.

• Attend your classes, arrive on time and come prepared to participate.
  
• Stay organized, set a schedule and manage your time wisely.
  
• Take good notes. If you need assistance, visit The Learning Center in Elston Hall, Room 523.
  
• Take advantage of campus resources including Tutor Services, The Learning Center, Math Lab and Accounting/CIS Lab.
  
• Don’t procrastinate, finish work early in case something comes up.
  
• For every 1 hour of class time allow 2 hours to study and complete assignments.
  
• Balance your academics with work, family and a social life.
  
• Get involved with campus activities.
  
• Register for FSS 120 (First Year Success Seminar) and CSS 116 (Skills for College Success), which are both 1-credit courses.
  
• Demo of online resources (advising page, course schedule, online registration, etc.)

Degree Audit

For currently enrolled students click on the Records & Registration tab on the bottom of the homepage.  After logging in you can view your degree audit from the main menu.

Important Information

for Undeclared Students:

• Selecting a program of study (major) can be a difficult and confusing decision. Maintaining academic motivation may be a struggle for students who are uncertain about their program of study. Please refer to the following resources to help you make this decision:
  
• Read the College Catalog for descriptions of the different programs and courses available.
  
• Use electives as a way to explore possible options.
  
• Call the Academic Advising Center at 381-1277 to speak with an Academic Advisor or a Career Counselor. You can also visit the Student Development Center, Elston Hall, Room 222.
  
• Learn about the job market, employment trends, and specific career areas by checking the Career and Employment Services link on the SCCC homepage: www.sunysccc.edu. While you are there be sure to register with EASE, where you can obtain career and employment information. You can also call the Student Development Center at 381-1365.
  
• Call Student Activities at 381-1335 to find out about clubs, organizations and other activities available on campus. Focus on those activities that are related to your areas of interest.
  
• Get some work experience in your areas of interest. This could include part-time, full-time, summer, seasonal, work study, internships, etc.
  
• Talk to other students who are majoring in programs you are considering.
  
• Talk to department chairs and faculty members in all areas you are considering.
  
• Talk to people currently employed in an area in which you are interested.
  
• Meet with your advisor frequently to discuss your thoughts and ask additional questions.
  

Useful Links