Academic Consulting

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Academic Consulting

This site provides you with a roadmap for finding pertinent information about academic consulting at SFCC. Academic consulting is designed to assist you with making a sound and sensible educational plan that is consistent with your personal and professional goals.

Academic consulting is most effective:

when done early and often to support timely completion;
when you are planning to transfer or begin a new career;
when assisting you to fulfill your educational goals and academic needs.

During the consulting process you will receive timely and accurate information that will inform you of your options in making realistic, well-informed decisions about your educational future.

Mission

In order to provide high-quality learning opportunities, the mission of Academic Consulting is to support students in achieving their academic, career, and personal goals through building an effective working relationship between student and consultant.

Effective Academic Consulting Relationship

An effective academic consulting working relationship provides a holistic approach:

guiding students to relevant resources to foster their success;
collaborating with others who have complementary expertise;
and designing an educational, engagement, and academic success plan based on the students' values, attributes, learning styles, and academic/career/goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is academic consulting?

Academic consulting is an intentional educational process through which a student grows to understand the meaning and purpose of higher education, develops and uses strategies for his or her academic success, and cultivates an intellectual and personal appreciation of lifelong learning. Through the working relationship the student builds with the academic consultant, the two create an educational plan aligned with the student's personal potential, interests, and goals.

*Remember: helpful suggestions from friends do NOT replace assistance from a qualified faculty academic consultant or counselor.

What is a faculty academic consultant?

Academic consulting is more than selecting courses for the upcoming quarter. At SFCC, we believe the relationship between you and your faculty academic consultant is essential for your success. Your faculty academic consultant is your primary point of contact on campus and is familiar with the college's policies and procedures, and can either answer your questions or direct to one of many campus resources. You should maintain contact with your faculty academic consultant to discuss situations and issues affecting your academic performance.

How do I find out who is my faculty academic consultant or counselor?

When should I see my faculty academic consultant?

Schedule an appointment with your faculty academic consultant when you:

Want to create your academic plan, and develop your schedule for the next quarter
Have questions about degrees, certificates, areas of study and the registration process
Have questions about your program of study/major
Are experiencing academic difficulties
Need information about on-campus resources (e.g. tutoring)
you want to celebrate or share good news about your academic success!

How do I prepare for my academic consulting session(s)?

Schedule an appointment, in advance to ensure that you and your faculty consultant have adequate time to discuss and explore your options
Familiarize yourself with the various online resources available to you (e.g. online education planner; degree audit; degree worksheets or career planning guides; myBigfoot portal, including Online Catalog, Class Schedule, Plan My Schedule. See the Resources tab for links.)
Complete the Student Academic Consulting Profile (see Resources tab for links), especially information about your academic goal(s)
Prepare a list of questions for your faculty consultant to help him/her understand your unique needs and interests
Review the Online Catalog for information about courses/course descriptions, general program requirements, academic policies and procedures, etc.
Bring your official degree audit letter and other appropriate documentations, if applicable
Follow-through on recommendations and referrals
Remember to remain open-minded
Do YOUR research!

What YOU, the student, can expect of your faculty academic consultant

Your faculty academic consultant will...

Be knowledgeable about degree options, graduation requirements, academic policies and procedures
Assist with development of realistic academic goals
Encourage and guide you with creating a comprehensive educational plan
Demonstrate the use of online resources to promote self-efficacy, e.g. registration tools
Refer to appropriate campus resources, when and as needed

What your faculty academic consultant can expect of YOU

You will...

Schedule regular appointments or make regular contact with your faculty academic consultant during the quarter
Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, and procedures
Clearly express your values and goals so that you are provided accurate and timely information
Actively participate in the academic consulting and decision-making process
Update your online educational plans as your needs and progress change
Prepare questions as needed prior to each academic consulting session
Follow through on referrals or other recommended actions
Accept responsibility for your academic decisions and performance