How Counseling Works

You can meet with a counselor on a scheduled or drop-in basis. Since you are not assigned a counselor, you may choose, and, if you wish, you may change counselors. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident with your counselor.

In order to "beat the rush" and to avoid a lengthy wait, schedule appointments as early in the semester as possible. To plan for the Fall semester, make an appointment during spring before May 1. To plan for Spring, make an appointment in September or early October. Planning ahead in this way will help you avoid long waits when seeking academic advising before registration.

How to Get the Most from Counseling

• Attend scheduled and provide complete and accurate information
• Be prepared:
  • Bring a list of any questions
  • Bring a copy of prior educational plans and transcripts from other colleges
  • Think about and make a list of possible courses
• Follow through on counselor recommendations
• Follow up: let us know how you are doing

• Keep scheduled appointments
• Provide accurate and specific information
• Develop and revise educational plans
• Help students learn to locate and use resources
• Listen and suggest options
• Assist students in making decisions

Scheduled or Drop-in Appointment?

Scheduled Appointments

• Can be made in advance either in person, by phone, or e-SARS
• Are appropriate for long term educational planning
• Review or clarifying your academic records
• Evaluation for graduation or transfer
• Dealing with probation or dismissal questions
• Are 45 minutes long
• Can be made with a specific counselor of your choice

• Referral to college and community services
• Short term academic planning
• Informational quick questions
• Emergency problem solving
• Are on a "first come, first served" basis
• Sessions are no longer than 30 minutes