Academic Advising

The mission of academic advising at Houston City College is to further teaching and learning by empowering students to develop an educational plan to achieve academic, personal and professional goals.

The following is a list of what you can expect to learn as part of the required advising process:

• Students will demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions concerning their degree and career goals.
• Students will develop an educational plan for successfully achieving their goals which includes learning how to read their Interactive Advising Report (iAAR) in their student account and completing the student planner by selecting courses for every term leading up to graduation.
• Students will become familiar with and utilize the information and functions within their student account.
• Students will become familiar with policies and procedures by accessing the catalog, student handbook, and web resources.
• Students will become familiar and utilize campus resources and services to assist them in achieving their academic, personal, and career goals.

The following is a list of expectations of your advisor throughout the required advising process:

• Understand and effectively communicate the curriculum, graduation requirements, and university and college policies and procedures
• Encourage and guide students to develop realistic academic and career goals
• Support students to gain the skills necessary to develop clear and attainable educational plans
• Educate students on strategies for utilizing available resources and services on campus
• Assist in understanding the benefits of higher education and its impact on lives
• Monitor and accurately document students’ progress toward meeting their goals.
• Be accessible during office hours by appointment, telephone or e-mail.
• Assist students to develop decision making skills and assume responsibility for actions.
• Maintain confidentiality pursuant to FERPA.

The following is a list of expectations from you, the student, throughout the required advising process:

• Schedule regular advising appointments as needed and come prepared with questions.
• Be an active learner by participating fully in the advising experience.
• Ask questions if you do not understand an issue or have a specific concern.
• Organize official documents and keep a record of your progress.
• Follow through on all assignments and referrals.
• Clarify personal values and goals.
• Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, procedures, and campus resources.
• Accept responsibility for decisions.