The mission of Academic Advising is to provide students with the information, counsel, and support needed to assist them in developing and implementing individual plans to achieve their educational and professional goals.
Advising Goals
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Students will develop an academic plan aligned with their educational and professional goals.
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Students will understand the preparatory course requirements and academic standards of their major.
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Students will be advised of available campus and community resources to assist them in successfully completing their educational and professional goals.
Services Provided
Advising staff provide the following services to students:
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Assist with course selection prior to registration.
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Help to determine preparatory course requirements and academic standards needed or required for admission to a major.
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Make referrals to appropriate campus support services or community organizations.
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Answer questions concerning academic policies and procedures (e.g. add, drop and withdrawal deadlines, course repeats, full time/part-time status, academic progress, portfolio project, and graduation).
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Provide career counseling in selection of a major or change of a major.
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Assist with career planning and job placement.
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Provide options and build awareness for graduates to transfer to baccalaureate or other degree programs.
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Collaborate with Program Coordinators to assign faculty advisors for students in the major.
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Support advising services within the academic majors.
Academic Advising Guidelines
All students will be provided an academic advisor. Students are encouraged to use this important resource.
Pre-clinical and Open Studies Students
Advisement for students taking general education courses will be conducted by the Office of Academic Advising staff. Pre-major students are required to meet with their advisor prior to registering for their first semester courses. Open studies students are encouraged to contact advising staff prior to registration.
Students Enrolled in Clinical Coursework
The Program Coordinator will assign faculty advisors for students enrolled in clinical coursework. Faculty will utilize the Degree Audit Form to monitor completion of course requirements. Students will meet their academic advisor during program orientation. Individual meetings are recommended at least once per semester. Students earning less than a 74% at mid-semester will receive a grade notification letter from the Dean of Academic Affairs. A copy of this letter is sent to academic advisors and encourages these students to meet with course faculty, the learning resources center staff, and their advisor to develop a plan for improvement. Academic advisors are encouraged to take an active role in facilitating the student’s improvement plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I make an appointment with Elma Hess, Academic Advisor?
Q. How will I know who is assigned as my advisor?
A. If you are beginning clinical courses in your major you will meet with your assigned advisor during the scheduled orientation day for your major. If you are not yet starting clinical courses in the major, you will be assigned to the College’s Academic Advisor, Elma Hess. You will receive an introductory letter over the summer in your College email account. She can be contacted via email at
elhess@lancastergeneralcollege.edu or by phone at 717-544-4864.
Q. When should I be meeting with my advisor?
A. You should arrange to meet with your academic advisor at least one time per semester to review your educational plan. Your advisor can help you with the following: 1) Assist with course selection prior to registration. 2) Help to determine preparatory course requirements and academic standards needed or required for admission to a major. 3) Make referrals to appropriate campus support services or community organizations. 4) Answer questions concerning academic policies and procedures (e.g. add, drop and withdrawal deadlines, course repeats, full time/part-time status, academic progress, portfolio project, and graduation). 5) Provide career counseling in selection of a major or change of a major. 6) Assist with career planning and job placement. 7) Provide options for you to transfer to baccalaureate or other degree programs. 8) Provide guidance for the portfolio project.
Q. How do I request a change of major?
Q. What General Education courses do I need for my major?
A. The general education course requirements for each major are
available here in PDF format.
Q. What is the minimum grade requirement for General Education courses in my major?
A. The minimum grade requirements for each major are
available here in PDF format.
Q. Where is the Office of Academic Advising located?
A. Academic Advising is located at 549 North Lime Street. Faculty advisors will meet with you in their respective offices. For more information call the Office of Academic Advising at 717-544-4864.
Updated 6/25/08