During the session, you and your advisor will address issues you would like discussed. The goal is to identify your needs and to make you feel comfortable. Before your session please review How Do I Prepare for My Advising Session?

Review Of Previous Session

You may be asked if you have previously met with another advisor, such as an admission's advisor or faculty advisor. It is important to share all of the information you previously received as well as any decisions you may have made affecting your academic career.

Information Gathering 

You will be asked questions about your educational background, goals and interests. It is important that you share pertinent information your advisor will need to identify solutions and assist you in making academic and career choices.

Identify Possible Options and Alternatives

The more fully and complete the information is that you provide to your advisor, the better the options will be for you! Following this information gathering, your academic advisor will help you generate:

• Options for programs of study 
• Class selections
• Career Options

While your advisor will be able to explain college or transfer policies and procedures, most academic advisors suggest you familiarize yourself further with the college Catalog and the student handbook. These college references contain policies and procedures that will better help you plan your academic career.

Decision-Making

Decision-making is often the hardest part of the advising session! The role of the academic advisor is to provide you with the proper information for you to make informed decisions. As it is important that you sort through the various options presented to you during your advising sessions, be sure to:

• Ask questions
• Participate in the advising process
• Consider the relationship between your selected program of study and your career goal
• Consider the relationship between the classes you are choosing and your transfer goal

Remember:  Academic Advisors… 

• Teach you how to complete forms
• Never fill out registration or other forms for you
• Make suggestions for what classes to take based on your information to them and the program of study you select 
• Inform you of course requirements for your selected program of study
• Assist you in making good decisions 

Next Steps

Academic advisors suggest action steps you must take to complete the advising process. They will suggest steps for you to take to become successful:

• Gather more information about a program of study  
• Talk to faculty members about educational experiences and related careers
• Refer students to academic resources as needed
• Recommend transfer programs through ARTSYS*
  *ARTSYS is the online Transfer Articulation System for Maryland Colleges and Universities that provides students and advisors with course equivalencies, AACC courses recommended for specific majors, and the ability to search for majors in Maryland. Students can also enter their courses and grades in the Transcript Evaluation function to determine course equivalencies at transfer institutions.

Next Meeting

• Your advisor will discuss when to return to the Counseling, Advising and Retention Services office
• You may want to schedule your next appointment before you leave
• Do not wait until the last minute to register for classes as that may result in limiting your time with your advisor and/or your options for an appointment

In December, January, July and August students are seen on a walk-in basis only depending upon the campus location. During these months you may be required to meet with an advisor other than your assigned advisor.  We recommend that students plan their advising sessions regularly throughout the semester rather than waiting until the last minute as it will save you time and help ensure you have a better class schedule.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact us at: Advising@aacc.edu