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What to Expect at Your Counseling Appointment

You can expect our counselors to help you learn to be a successful student, as well as navigate some of life’s more difficult challenges, including career changes, the transfer process and personal development. Come in and say hello–we’re here to help!

Counselors are available throughout the year to assist you with your educational goals.  You can meet with a counselor on a scheduled appointment once the semester starts or on a drop-in basis during registration period.

It is very important that you feel comfortable and confident while working with your counselor, so please do not hesitate to change your counselor to someone who you can connect with.

In order to avoid a lengthy wait during peak registration periods, schedule appointments early in the semester if possible. To plan for fall semester, make an appointment during spring starting in March. To plan for spring, make an appointment in September or early October.

Drop In Appointment vs. Scheduled Appointment

Drop In AppointmentScheduled Appointment
  • Appropriate for informational quick questions, unit overload petitions, short-term academic planning or emergency problem solving.
  • Offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Sessions are up to 15 minutes long.
  • Meet with whichever counselor is available at the time.
  • Scheduled in advance, either online, in person or by phone.
  • Appropriate for long-term educational planning, clarifying your academic goals, reviewing your readiness for graduation and/or transfer, dealing with alert or dismissal questions, addressing personal issues which are affecting your academic performance.
  • 30-minute appointment (or longer, as needed).
  • Can be made with a specific counselor of your choice.

Student Responsibilities vs. Counselor Responsibilities

Student ResponsibilitiesCounselor Responsibilities
  • Attend scheduled appointments and provide complete and accurate information.

Be prepared:

  • Bring a list of questions.
  • Bring a copy of prior educational plans and transcripts from other colleges.
  • Think about and make a list of possible interest courses and questions.
  • 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.
  • Assist in navigating the transfer process.