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 Outcomes
1. Students will develop an academic plan aligned with their educational and professional goals.
2. Students will make informed decisions to realize their goals.
3. Students will understand the preparatory course requirements and academic standards of their major.
4. Students will be advised of available campus and community resources to assist them in successfully completing their educational and professional goals.
5. Students will demonstrate an understanding of academic policies and procedures.
6. Students in the associate and academic certificate programs will successfully complete the portfolio project required for graduation.
Academic Advising Plan
An academic advisor is assigned to each student. Students are responsible for scheduling meetings with their advisor on a regular basis to discuss their academic and career plans.
The staff in the Office of Academic Advising is responsible for advising preclinical and open studies students. Preclinical 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 a major are advised by faculty in the major. Students in the major will meet their academic advisor during program orientation. Individual meetings are recommended at least one time each semester. Advisors are responsible for initiating the Graduation Form which is completed to document graduation requirements.
Students earning less than a 74% at mid-semester will receive a grade notification letter from the vice President, Academic Affairs. A copy of this letter is sent to academic advisors and these students are then encouraged to meet with course faculty, the Learning Resource 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.
The Office of Academic Advising serves as a resource for faculty advisors and is responsible for faculty development related to advising.
Career Services are offered within the scope of academic advising. The Office of Academic Advising oversees the following:
1) Counseling for students requesting a change of major
2) Job posting on Blackboard
3) Career Services webpage
4) Annual Job Fair
To Schedule an Appointment
Current Students – Appointments with Elma Hess, Academic Advisor, may be scheduled via Appointment Search, an online calendar by
Clicking here. You may also contact her by email at
elhess@lancastergeneralcollege.edu or by calling 717-544-4864.
Prospective Students seeking advisement should call the Office of Admission at 717-544-4912 for an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How will I know who is assigned as my advisor?
The name of your advisor is on your SONIS record. When you click on the link, you will automatically be directed to their email. If you are beginning clinical courses in your major, you will meet your assigned advisor during the scheduled orientation day for your major, usually the week before classes begin. Preclinical students meet their advisor during the registration session.
2. When should I be meeting with my advisor?
You should arrange to meet with your academic advisor at least one time per semester to review your educational plan, or at anytime you find yourself struggling with your coursework and in need of advice. Your advisor can help you in the following ways:
• Assist with course selection prior to registration by reviewing your degree audit to be sure you are meeting graduation requirements.
• Help to determine preparatory course requirements and academic standards needed or required for admission to a major.
• Make referrals to appropriate campus support services or community organizations.
• Answer questions concerning academic policies and procedures (i.e. add/ drop procedures, course repeats, full-time/part-time status, academic progress, portfolio project, and graduation).
• Provide career counseling in selection of a major or change of a major.
• Assist with career planning and job placement.
• Provide guidance for completion of the portfolio project required for graduation.
• Provide options for you to transfer to baccalaureate or other degree programs.
3. Where is the Office of Advising located?
The Office is located at 410 North Lime Street, lower level, #10009.
4. What should I do if I am having trouble in class?
You should first seek help from your instructor. You may also contact the Learning Resource Center for assistance by calling 717-544-7740 or stopping by the Center on the second floor of the main College building. Your advisor can also assist you with developing a plan of action.
5. How do I transfer in credits from another institution?
After beginning your major course of study at LGC, you may only take six credits at another institution to transfer into Lancaster General College. You need to complete the “Request to take Courses at Another Institution” form located on the College website under the Student Affairs, Registrar’s Office link. The Registrar will review the request for approval and return the approval form to you. Credits completed prior to enrolling at LGC will be reviewed for transfer by the Registrar prior to the start of your first semester.
6. What General Education courses do I need for my major?
A table listing the general education course requirements for each major is located on
Blackboard under the Academic Advising Community, Frequentyly Asked Questions, Gen Ed Requirements by Major.
7. What is the minimum grade requirement for General Education courses in my major?
Go to the webpage under Student Life and open the Student Handbook . Locate the Academic Progression Policy for this information.
8. How do I add/drop a class?
You are required to notify the Registrar to add or drop a class. Classes may be added during the first two weeks of the semester. It is recommended that you discuss your plans to drop a class with your academic advisor. Dropping a class could affect your status as a full-time student, your eligibility for financial aid, and your grade point average. See the grading policy in the Student Handbook.
9. How do I change my major?
You should contact your advisor to discuss your plans to change your major. Permission to change majors must be granted by the Program Chair of the new major. Complete the
Change of Major Form and return to the Office of Academic Advising, 549 North Lime Street.
10. How do I withdraw from the College?
You should first contact your advisor or program chair to discuss the situation. To withdraw from the College, you should complete a withdrawal form, which can be obtained in the Registrar’s Office, 549 North Lime Street.
11. What should I do to make sure I am ready for each new semester?
Review the
New Semester Checklist to review the requirements for each new semester. The checklist is designed for our new and returning students, clinical students and non-clinical students
12. How do I enroll in a Bachelor of Science program at the College?
Students intending to continue in a Bachelor of Science program after completing the associate degree, should complete a
Letter of Intent Form. Submit the form to the Office of Admission, 549 North Lime Street. The application and enrollment fees are waived if you begin the baccalaureate program within one year of graduation from Lancaster General College.
13. I have an urgent need to see my advisor and am having difficulty reaching them. What should I do?
You may contact the Office of Academic Advising for assistance by calling 717-544-4864. If an advisor is not available, call the College Office at 717-544-4912 Option “0”. Situations related to safety and security should be reported immediately to the College Security Office at 717-544-1159.
For more information call the Office of Advising at 717-544-4864.
Updated 08/24/11