Advisors help students plan personal, professional goals
by KC Jones, reporter

    When TCC students need help, they have many options—teachers, lab instructors, counselors and academic advisors.

    Academic advisors assess the student’s academic, career and personal goals. They serve the needs of students by determining their basic skills and helping students develop comprehensive plans.

    Lonzetta Smith-Allen, director of counseling on South, has realized students often have a misconception of the advisor’s role.

    “Often times advisors are confused with registration. In reality, they are two very separate entities. Students should get one-on-one advisement before registration. We help them plan the moves, to get them from where they are to achieving their academic goals. Advisement is crucial to the success of students,” she said.

    Students get help mapping out their courses. They get assistance in course selection for a specific degree plan, including college transfer courses, and help choosing the four-year college that is appropriate for continuing their education.

    The advisors are up-to-date on all curricular programs of major institutions, especially those close to TCC. They also understand the uniqueness of the private university’s curricular patterns.

    Dr. Joe Rode, NW director of counseling and dean of student development, advises students to consult with their advisor often.

    “The college requirements and degree plans change frequently,” he said.

    David Brownlie, a NE advisor, notices some students changing their minds faster than degree plans.

    “I will make up a degree plan for a student who wants to transfer as a public relations major one day, then a music major the next,” he said.

    Many students have strong desires toward a particular career.     Advisors use a developmental rather than a prescriptive approach.

    Rather than just giving objective information about how to get from point a to point b in a prescriptive way, the advisor looks at what the student is considering in a broad sense. The idea is to assist students in formulating educational goals that are consistent with their talents, interests and lifelong pursuits.

    Advisors take into account the student’s history. Experiences and internships are considered as well as how they apply to a student’s goals. They look over the student’s dream and consider limiting factors, helping the student to understand available choices. Advisors also look at the student’s lifestyles and career goals. Students and advisors work together to compare alternatives when conflicts arise and assess the consequences of alternative courses of action.

    Brownlie has helped many students establish realistic academic goals.

    “For instance, I advised a student who was a single mother. She had decided to become a pediatrician. After realizing the degree plan would take over 11 years and numerous hours away from her child, we looked for a compromise. She decided to train as a speech therapist to work with children in schools. That degree plan would take only five years,” he said.

    Some students do not have a clue what they want to do as a career or what classes to take, Brownlie said. The advisor will recommend reading about college majors and careers for an overview of what is available. Most people go to college to train and equip themselves for a career.

    The advisor can refer a student to a counselor, who will arrange a career-interest inventory. The inventory looks at academic skills, social behaviors and other factors that will aid in discovering the student’s career preferences.

    If a student is having trouble with any part of the TASP, an advisor can help the student put together a game plan to overcome the obstacle.

    Dr. Marisa Garcia-Luna, SE director of counseling, is very proud of the success rate of SE students.

    “Many students are returning after graduation for continuing education. Many are professionals who are changing careers and need technical training. We also provide opportunities to network with businesses and communities. We help them get connected through community and service agencies,” she said.

    Academic advisors are located in the counseling centers on each campus.