Academic Advising/Retention

Academic Advisement and Retention

Elston Hall, Room 222 518-381-1277 academicadvisement@sunysccc.edu

Mitzi Espinola, Assistant Director of Academic Advisement and Retention................................................ espinoma@sunysccc.edu Heidi Borofsky, Academic Advisor II ....................................................................................................................borofshl@sunysccc.edu Anna Westerman, Academic Advisor/Veteran’s Certifying Ofcial.................................................................. barthap@sunysccc.edu Racene Lawes, Academic Advisor........................................................................................................................... lawesrr@sunysccc.edu Karyn Raney, Academic Advisor.............................................................................................................................. raneyk@sunysccc.edu Margaret Ann Williams, Academic Advisor........................................................................................................ williama@sunysccc.edu

Academic Advisement is integral to student success. Professional Academic Advisors help students develop their educational plans, answer questions about exploring major felds, provide general information about academic policies and procedures, and refer students to appropriate resources. Services are designed to assist students in achieving academic and personal success through informed decision-making and academic planning.

Te Value of the Academic Advisement Center

Te Academic Advisement Center serves as an academic information center for all students attending SUNY Schenectady, as well as all prospective students needing advising assistance. Advising assistance includes academic/program planning, course scheduling, program changes, withdrawals, transfer opportunities, and referrals to appropriate ofce/individual when necessary. Advising is available in-person, virtual, or phone by appointment and on a walk-in basis. It is best to bring to the meeting: your curriculum worksheet, Degree Works degree audit, and an outline version of your class schedule. Also, to be most successful, know the policies and procedures and be knowledgeable about the various services available on campus. For more information visit us at sunysccc.edu/Current-Students/Academic-Advisement/index.html.

Introduction to Academic Advising at SUNY Schenectady

Academic advising is a structured service on college campuses that guarantees a student interaction with a concerned representative of the institution. It may be viewed as the hub of the wheel, with connecting links to all of the other support services available to students. As a result, it is a critical component of the educational services provided for students and is a key factor in helping students adjust to college life and become integrated into the academic and social systems of our institutions. Tat integration is directly linked to student success, satisfaction, and persistence. Academic advisement is provided for full-time matriculated and part-time students by professional advisors. Following acceptance into SUNY Schenectady each student is assigned an academic advisor. Advisor assignments are made in accordance with the student’s program of study and are intended to be continuous throughout the student’s college career. Advising services are provided on a continuous basis throughout the academic year to non-matriculated students, and prospective students by professional staf in the Advisement Center, located in Elston Hall, Room 222. Academic advising is a process in which advisor and advisee enter a dynamic relationship respectful of the student’s concerns. Both the advisor and advisee have certain responsibilities that, when followed, will result in a positive experience for both individuals involved. It is the responsibility of the advisor to: 1. Guide students as an academic mentor. 2. Help students defne and develop realistic educational goals. 3. Assist students in defning a program of study consistent with abilities and interests. 4. Monitor students’ academic progress. 5. Inform students of academic resources beyond the classroom. 6. Provide accurate information about college policies, procedures, and requirements. 7. Facilitate student planning in career options beyond college graduation. 8. Discuss student’s time constraints and other responsibilities. It is the responsibility of the advisee to:

1. Take responsibility for educational plans while working with an advisor. 2. Clarify personal interests, abilities, values, and goals. 3. Initiate contact with an advisor when needs and issues arise. 4. Be familiar with college policies, procedures, and requirements. 5. Explore career options beyond graduation. Te importance of quality Academic Advisement cannot be expressed enough. It is vital to a student’s long-term success, helping guide students through their educational journey, helping to ensure that educational and career goals are being met, helping students adjust to a new environment, and clarifying expectations.

Great Tips for Creating a Semester Class Schedule that Best Meets Your Needs:

• Register early for the best possible schedule. • Be aware that courses are ofered during the days, evenings, Saturdays, and online. • Also be aware of the class location: Main Campus, Center City, or online. • Balance your schedule with other obligations in mind, such as family and work. • In order to complete your program on time, you will need to take 15 credits per semester. • 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. Te 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. Te information is available in the College Catalog, on the SUNY Schenectady website, and on individual curriculum worksheets located online. • 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 are not sure about the institution, connect with your Academic Advisor (Elston Hall, Room 222) soon.

When To See Your Academic Advisor

1. To discuss problems which afect academic performance. 2. To discuss academic progress. 3. To withdraw from a course or courses. 4. To explore change of major. 5. To explore of-campus learning opportunities (internships, study abroad). 6. To select courses for the upcoming semester.

How To Contact Your Academic Advisor

1. Your advisor’s name can be found on your DegreeWorks audit. You can e-mail your advisor by clicking their name. 2. Be familiar with your advisor’s ofce hours and schedule. 3. Whenever possible, call to make an appointment or use their Calendly link to schedule an appointment. 4. If it is necessary to drop by without an appointment, try to do so at a time when your advisor has posted ofce hours, and allow plenty of time in case you have to wait to see your advisor. 5. Because the frst and last two weeks of each semester are the busiest, schedule longer conferences during the middle portion of the semester. 6. You may obtain a “Request for Change in Advisor” form from the Registrar’s Ofce if you need to change advisors.

Academic Advisement: Student Responsibilities

Know College Policies And Procedures

Students should be familiar with the College Catalog and their SUNY Schenectady Student Handbook. Both contain necessary policies and procedures, as well as requirements and deadlines.

Prepare For Academic Advising Conferences

Students are expected to obtain class schedules, review possible course options, and prepare a trial schedule before meeting with an advisor. Students are expected to schedule and keep advising appointments. Students should also