Navigating Your Academic Journey: A Guide to Clark College Advising Resources

Embarking on a college education is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming. Clark College offers a wealth of resources to guide students toward their academic goals, and the Advising and Credential Evaluations center stands out as a particularly valuable asset. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the advising resources available at Clark College, designed to help students at all stages of their academic careers, from initial planning to transfer to a four-year university.

The Advising and Credential Evaluations Center: Your Hub for Academic Guidance

The Advising and Credential Evaluations center at Clark College is a central point of contact for students seeking guidance on a variety of academic matters. Located in Gaiser Hall 108, the center provides assistance with:

Class selection
Degree requirements
Major declaration
Registration procedures
Transfer information
College policies

The primary goal of the advising center is to help students develop a thoughtful plan towards graduation and reach their educational goals. Advisors work directly with students to create personalized program worksheets tailored to their specific area of study. These worksheets outline the courses required for the degree and help students make short-term educational plans, including a list of classes to take for the upcoming quarters.

Accessing Advising Services

The Advising Department is conveniently located in Gaiser Hall 108. Their office hours are:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00am-6:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-1:00pm

Students can access advising services through scheduled appointments or drop-in sessions. Appointments can be scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while drop-in advising is available on Mondays and Thursdays. To schedule an appointment, call Advising at 360-992-2345. It is recommended to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to check-in.

Making the Most of Your Advising Appointment

To ensure a productive advising session, it's helpful to come prepared. Here are a few tips:

Make a list of your questions: Before your appointment, take some time to brainstorm and write down all the questions you have about your academic plan, degree requirements, or any other concerns.
Know who your assigned advisor is: You can find your assigned advisor in ctcLink.

Transferring to a Four-Year University

For students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university, Clark College provides resources and events to facilitate the transfer process. Courses taken at Clark College may transfer in some cases.

Winter and Spring Transfer Fairs

An important event is the Winter Transfer Fair held in the Gaiser Student Center. This event offers a valuable opportunity to connect with representatives from different schools that offer bachelor’s degrees for transfer students.

Understanding Registration and Course Information

Navigating the registration process and understanding course details is crucial for academic success. Clark College provides information and resources to help students through this process.

Permission Codes and Waitlists

During the registration process, a screen will pop up for all courses, indicating areas for permission codes and waitlists. Some classes have waiting lists available after the class fills up. If a class is full, students can add themselves to the waitlist. If a spot opens up, the student will have a limited time to try to register for the class. If they don't register within that time, they will be removed from the waitlist, and the next student on the list will be given the opportunity to be added to the class.

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Co-requisite Courses

Co-requisite courses are courses that must be taken at the same time. For example, a student may be required to take a specific math course while taking ENGL& 102.

Additional Academic Support and Resources

Clark College is committed to the academic success of every student and offers a range of additional support services.

Academic Plan (Google Sheet)

Clark College provides access to an Academic Plan (Google Sheet) that helps students track their academic progress. This Google Sheet allows students to enter academic planning information and share it with others.

Exploring Different Areas of Study

Clark College offers a diverse range of programs and areas of study to cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Creative and Communication Arts

Whether your creative interests involve designing, communicating, performing, or producing, you’ll find a home in our Creative and Communication Arts area of study.

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Social Sciences and Education

If you feel called to serve those around you and want to make an impact on the world, you can explore human behavior, culture, and social issues while preparing yourself for a career in education or public service.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

For students interested in STEM fields, Clark College offers programs ranging from rockets to trouble-shooting computer networks.

Business, Culinary Arts, and Office Settings

Students can choose between programs focused on business, culinary arts, or office settings. Meet with an advisor to discuss programs like: Marketing, Accounting, Small Business Management, Cuisine and Baking. Clark also offers programs in Applied Management.

Addressing Common Student Concerns

Clark College advisors can help students address a variety of common concerns and challenges.

Undecided on Major or Career Path

If you have no idea what major or career path you are interested in, an advisor can help you explore your options and identify potential areas of interest.

Transferring Credits

For students planning to transfer to a university after Clark and complete their bachelor degree, advisors can help determine if courses may transfer.

Release of Records

Advisors can provide information about the areas of release of records and the access provided to records. It is important to understand that college staff cannot discuss a student account with anyone other than the student, even if you are a parent or guardian, without the student's permission.

Understanding Course Withdrawal Policies

It is important to understand the college's policies regarding course withdrawal. To drop a class, go to your Drop Classes tab. Students may be dropped from classes when they don't attend. If you stop attending a class, it is essential to verify your enrollment status. If you do not plan on attending a class, be sure to drop yourself from the class. Failure to do so may affect your eligibility for financial aid. If you are experiencing difficulties in a course, you should contact your instructor to discuss your options.

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