With the fall semester winding down and registration for the spring semester soonto be under way, it’s time for Richland students to visit with their academic advisers.
The Richland academic advising team is designed to help students keep track of their degree plans, make sure that they register for the correct classes and assist them in transferring to two or four-year universities. Their mission is to offer students the best pathway to a successful college and professional career.
Advising is essential for every student who should meet with their academic advisers once or twice each year.
“It is important so you can stay on top of the latest dates,” said academic adviser John Ford. “If you’re in a full term class you need to know when your last drop date is for your refund; different dates if you want a full refund or the different levels of refunds.”
Without advising assistance, you might waste time and money by taking unnecessary classes or classes on the wrong academic track. For example, students wanting to drop a class can just go online and drop it, but they won’t know how it affects their academic status. This is especially important for international students who must complete at least 12 credit hours each semester. It’s also important to know the drop policy and deadlines, which can effect possible refunds and grade-point averages.
Sometimes registration can be confusing. Richland offers a variety of class options, including full and flex term classes, six-week and eight-week classes. “Students need to be mindful that they register in the proper class and make sure they register at Richland because we have other campuses,” said Ford. Advisers will assure that you are on the right track.
Lindsay Blair, a volunteer student at the Office of Student Life, is one of many Richland students who benefit from academic advising.
Advising benefits students in many ways. According to Blair, it helps students save time, money and offers a road to completion so students can earn their degree in a timely manner.
It can also be customized for each individual student. Blair believes that advising can provide a plan that is personalized to meet each student’s individual goals and needs.
Students can make an appointment with personal advisers through email or visit the advising office in Thunderduck Hall. Priority registration begins Tuesday, Nov. 22 and continues through Jan. 11, 2017. The advising offices are open Monday to Thursday 8a.m. to 7p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During high traffic times, the office will be open later and with certain hours on Saturday.
Students must be signed in 30 minutes in advance, or one hour in advance if they have a grade point average (GPA) below a 2.0. Additional information is available online at: richlandcollege.edu/advising.
