The Advising Center
At LC State, we believe great advising is the foundation for a successful college experience.
Academic coaching is a holistic, hands-on model. It expands the role of academic advisor from helping students select majors, minors, and semester class schedules to help students utilize appropriate resources to benefit all facets of their college experience. Upon their initial semester at LC State, students (freshmen) advised through The Advising Center will be provided with an Advisor, a Faculty Mentor, and a Peer Mentor.
Educational Advising
First-time freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 14 post-high-school credits begin their LC State experience with staff advisors through The Advising Center’s STAR program. Once students complete this initial advising experience, they are assigned an academic advisor who will support them through their initial semester (and beyond!). During their initial semester, first-time freshmen receive additional support through a faculty mentor in the instructional division of their major.
As part of an extended New Student Orientation experience, students participate in a First Year Foundations course where they will be assigned a peer mentor and will:
- Build an academic plan.
- Develop a career plan.
- Learn about campus resources and opportunities.
- Participate in activities designed to help them connect and get involved.
First-time freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 14 post-high-school credits work with The Advising Center to plan their first semester of courses.
Once students are registered in a STAR program, they are connected with faculty advisors within their program and receive support from a peer mentor. Students entering as pre-program students receive guidance from a staff advisor, faculty advisor(s), and peer mentor until they are fully admitted to their program.
As part of an extended New Student Orientation experience, students participate in a First Year Foundations course where they will be assigned a peer mentor and will:
- Build an academic plan.
- Develop a career plan.
- Learn about campus resources and opportunities.
- Participate in activities designed to help them connect and get involved.
Students entering LC State with more than 14 transferable post-high-school credits are directed to the instructional division associated with their major and work with a faculty advisor in their area of study.
Whether you’re choosing your first semester of classes or preparing for graduation, your advisor is here to help you stay on track.
Advisors help students select courses that meet degree and certificate requirements and connect students with resources and opportunities that support their goals. All degree-seeking students are required to meet with an advisor before registering for classes each term.
Advisor assignments are made after students complete a Program Information Form (PIF). PIFs are available online through the Registrar’s Office, as well as from the Offices of Admissions and the Registrar and the instructional division office for your major.
Not sure what you want to major in? That’s okay!
You don’t have to have your entire future figured out before you come to LC State. We’re here to help you explore your options and discover a path that feels right for you.
Students who are undecided begin with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, which includes the General Education Core required for all LC State degrees. While completing these requirements, students work with their advisors to explore their interests, strengths, and career possibilities—and take advantage of career exploration opportunities along the way.
Your major is an important decision. Take the time to discover what fits you best.
Sometimes, college gets challenging. You don’t have to navigate it alone.
The Advising Center provides personalized support and early intervention to help students overcome challenges and stay on track toward their goals.
Students may be connected with The Advising Center if they are provisionally admitted, experiencing academic difficulties, returning to college through the petition process, or referred by faculty.
Our team can help students:
- Understand requirements for completing the General Education Core.
- Navigate their first semesters at LC State.
- Connect with academic advisors and campus resources.
- Identify services and support available throughout their college experience.
- Develop strategies for making meaningful academic progress.
We also communicate with instructional division advisors about student requirements and progress, helping create a coordinated support network around each student.
Discover what’s next.
Choosing a major—or figuring out what you want to do after graduation—can feel like a big decision. The Advising Center offers career exploration opportunities to help you connect your interests, values, skills, and goals with possibilities for your future.
Students are encouraged to explore careers through experiences such as:
- Informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest.
- Job shadows that provide a firsthand look at different careers.
- Career assessments to help identify interests, values, and skills.
- Career research to explore occupations, education requirements, and opportunities.
Students can also explore career options through the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop career assessment resources. Explore CareerOneStop
Sometimes the best advice comes from someone who’s been there.
LC State’s Peer Advising Program gives qualified students the opportunity to support new and current students as they navigate college life.
Peer advisors can offer a student perspective, share their own experiences, and help fellow LC State students connect with campus resources and opportunities.
Interested in becoming a peer advisor? Contact The Advising Center to learn more.