Enrolling in the wrong classes wastes students’ money, time and effort.
Academic counselors can help keep young scholars on track, but many students do not know about this resource.
To schedule appointments, students need to visit the counseling center on the second floor of the Cesar Chavez building. There, scholars must complete a short Student Services Needs Assessment sheet to schedule an appointment.
These tips will help scholars properly take advantage of a counselor appointment.
Ask for help
Some students feel like they can do it by themselves. Others are just afraid of asking for advice.
EOPS Director Omar Orihuela said asking for help is crucial.
“I always advise students that talking to a counselor is very important,” he said. “A lot of times students do not take the time to come and ask us questions.”
Students must participate in the discussion.
“They need to have a dialogue with the counselors,” Orihuela said. “You need to have that two-way communication.”
Do research
A great place to start doing research is the Southwestern College website. Students can take a look at the helpful resources on campus. A clear vision of what the school offers will make the meeting more productive. Informed students can ask more specific questions that will lead to successful outcomes.
Adriana Siordia, 20, a chemistry major, said going into an appointment without prior research can lead to taking the wrong classes.
“You should do your research first and then show up and confirm it,” she said.
SC’s catalog lists all classes offered at the five campuses. Having specific classes in mind will help students focus the counselor’s advice.
Make a list
Collect questions in a notebook. It is common to have many questions in mind, then forget them on appointment day. A list of questions will help students walk out of the appointment feeling satisfied.
Nicole Slade, 19, a biochemistry major, advise classmates to write down questions even if they do not have an imminent appointment.
“Write all the questions that come up throughout your semester,” she said. “Make sure to review those questions in advance.”
Ask professors
Talking to professors about careers and beneficial classes could be eye opening. Students show-seek out their professors for advice and talk about SC courses and university programs.
Dulce Gonzalez, 21, a biochemistry major, said talking to a professor before a counseling appointment is helpful.
“Talk to your professors,” she said. “Whenever you get your appointment, you are prepared. You know what classes you need to take.”
Talk to other students
Conversing with other students with the same major is a great way to stay on the correct path,
Slade said.
“Make sure to talk to other people that are going through the same thing so you can correlate what the counselors say to what they are saying,” she said.
Use walk-in counseling
This service is incredibly helpful for students who have urgent or quick questions. With walk-in counseling, students do not have to wait long for an appointment.
Slade said she has used the service and it has been helpful.
“Sometimes you just have little questions that you can’t get solved and you have to wait until your next appointment,” she said.
Ask as much as wanted
It is imperative that students understand the information shared by their counselor. Students who comprehend requirements for successful transfer, do not take random classes. Be assertive and ask until the information is clear.
Orihuela agreed.
“As much as the information is valuable, it is equally valuable to understand the information you are getting,” he said.
Graphic by Gamaliel Carreno
