Academic Advising

For most students, college is a completely new experience.  How do you know what rules apply to you, and at what times? How do you know when to apply for graduation, or who to turn to for help?  How do you know what classes lead to what degrees?  How can you avoid embarrassing or costly mistakes?

The answer can be summed up in one word: Advisor.  Your academic advisor helps you through all stages of your educational career.  At first, your advisor will help you learn the college lingo, navigate the sometimes complex college registration processes, and assist you in selecting the courses which will help you prepare for and earn your health science degree.  Over time, you will turn to your advisor for help resolving conflicts, identifying health care or Native American scholarships, sharing resources with your fellow students, and setting your career goals. 

Your advisor is someone who is there for you.  Make an appointment to visit with your advisor early, and check back with that person on a regular basis.

To make an advising appointment, contact the Advising and Counseling Center at (505) 566-3526, or contact Phyllis Tracey directly at 505-566-3391.

Preparing for Your First Advising Visit
During your first advising appointment, here are a few things you and your advisor may talk through:

Goals: What are your educational goals?  What health professions or academic areas would you like to explore?  How might SJC be of service to you as you prepare for your future in health care?

College Preparation: How comfortable are you with starting your education?  Are there specific fears or uncertainties your advisor can assist in overcoming?  Will you be attending school full-time (12 or more credits, usually 4-5 courses) or part-time?  What other time commitments will you have during the semester?

Accuplacer: The Accuplacer Assessment will tell you which English and math course you are ready to begin during your first semester.  You don't want to take a class too advanced, nor one too basic.  Your advisor will help you schedule your Accuplacer assessment, and will help you interpret your results.

Admissions: As an SJC student, you will need to complete the admissions process.  Your advisor will walk you through the process, and answer any questions you may have about policies or paperwork.

Course Selection: So now comes the fun part -- the reason you are attending school in the first place.  Each semester, SJC publishes a list of college courses called a Semester Schedule.  These schedules are available at the Admissions Office, through your advisor, or on the web (see the links in the box to the right).    Before your advising appointment, take a few minutes to review the courses listed in the schedule.  Highlight the courses you think you "should" take, and then highlight the courses that look fun to you.

When you meet with your advisor, you will review these courses and begin putting them together to form a degree.  You may do this during your first visit, or you may select courses during a subsequent visit after completing admissions processes and placement exams.

You will register for your courses during New Student Orientation.

Registration: When everything is ready to go, your advisor will assist you in registering for courses.  Registration is the process of signing up and paying for a specific set of classes.

Check-ups: Now you've started!  And if you are new to college, that first week can be a bit of a shock.  There is so much information to learn in so little time.  Don't worry.  You're not alone.  If you need help, go back and visit with your advisor.  She will have useful advice on how to handle the load.  After that, check back with your advisor on a regular basis.  You can never have too much contact with the one person most able to help you succeed!

Here is a handy checklist for getting started at San Juan College:

• Turn in an Application for Admission at the FAAB or Admission’s office. IMPORTANT: There is a 24 hour processing time from the time we receive your application before you can sign up for a new student orientation, create your username and password, or get your student ID. Therefore, it is strongly recommended you complete this step before completing any other step! Questions? Call 566-3479.
• Request that an Official Transcript from your high school and from any colleges where you have taken classes be sent to the Admissions Office. Your high school transcript MUST include your graduation date.  Transcripts must arrive at our office (mailed or hand delivered) in a SEALED envelope. Note: a separate transcript must be submitted to the financial aid office if you are seeking financial aid. No Financial Aid funds will be released until all transcripts have been received (high school an and college). College transcripts will not be evaluated until all transcripts have been received.
• Apply for Financial Aid.  We recommend you submit your Financial Aid application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Instructions and help with financial aid questions and for filling out forms can be found over the internet, by phone (566-3323), or in person at the Financial Aid Office.
• Complete the Accuplacer.  SJC is a mandatory placement institution. The Accuplacer is an academic evaluation tool that will specify which level of Math, English and Reading class you will begin with. This assessment is given Monday – Friday, 8am-3pm, in the Advising & Counseling Center. No appointment is necessary and it’s FREE. This must be done before you sign up for a New Student Orientation. Note: It is strongly recommend you complete your application for admittance BEFORE completing the Accuplacer. Failure to do this may result in delayed registration for New Student Orientation and classes. For questions, call the Advising & Counseling Center at 566-3526.
• Attend a New Student Orientation.  Attending Orientation is required before you may register for classes. You will sign up for an orientation at the FAAB or Admissions office after your application has been processed AND after you have completed the Accuplacer assessment.
• Create Username and Password. To create your username and password, log onto sanjuancollege.edu and click “my sjc portal.” Sign in with your username and password. Your initial username is your first initial, middle initial, last name (up to 12 letters), and last two digits of your social security number. Your initial password is “sjcp” and then the last four digits of your social security number (with no spaces). For example, if your name is John A. Smith and your social security number is 123-45-6789, your username would be “jasmith89” and your password would be “sjcp6789.” After completing this, you will need to reset your password by going to www.sanjuancollege.edu/reset. This must be completed before you attend a new student orientation. Need help? Please call the computer help desk at 566-3266.
• Get your Student ID card at the Information Desk, next to the FAAB office.  Your first ID card is FREE. Replacements cards are $5.00. You will use this ID card at the campus Bookstore, Library, HHPC, and to print from the campus computer labs.
• Pay your Tuition.  It is your responsibility to know the tuition deadline and to pay for your classes by that date. Please check the catalog and/or schedule for information concerning tuition dates and deadlines. Automatic payment plans are available through  Nelnet (www.sanjuancollege.edu/register). Additionally, tuition can be paid over the internet, the phone (566-3396), or in person at the BusinessOffice. Questions? Call 566-3396.
• Buy your Books.  You should purchase your books prior to the first day of class.    

Any other questions? Please call Admissions & Records at 566-3300