Advising Services

Welcome Students!

We are glad you are here!

• Students are assigned a College Success Advisor or Faculty Advisor based on the students’ amount of earned college credits, program of study and home campus.
• The assigned College Success Advisor or Faculty will work with the student towards a goal of success at Columbia State and timely graduation through a tailored process.
• Students will remain with the College Success Advisor until they have successfully completed their first academic year of credits or equivalent.
• The student will then transition to a Faculty Advisor in the area of their program of study.

Orientation

After completing all admissions requirements incoming degree-seeking students with 24 transfer credit hours or less should complete the online student orientation. (Information can be found at Student Orientation.)

First-Time Advising Appointment

Once orientation is complete, incoming students are assigned to a College Success Advisor, please make a first-time advising appointment with your assigned advisor using Navigate. If you have difficulties making an appointment please email ChargerCenter@ColumbiaState.edu.

Returning and transfer students with more than 24 transfer credits should have an assigned advisor. If no advisor is assigned students should check with the division office of your declared major.

Finding Your Advisor

To find the name and contact information of the assigned advisor, log into ChargerNet and:

• Click “Student” tab in green shaded area.
• Click “My Advisor” button under Student Services.
• Choose current term.
• Identify “Primary Advisor” (If an advisor is not listed after three weeks of classes please contact ChargerCenter@ColumbiaState.edu).

Student Learning Outcomes for Advising:

As a result of actively participating in academic advising, students will:

1. Understand program requirements, to include general education requirements.
2. Create an academic plan based on his or her goals and interests.
3. Use advising technology to make advising appointments, register each semester, and communicate with advisor.
4. Utilize college student support services to meet academic, personal, and career goals.
5. Locate college policies and procedures regarding registration, academic standing, and student conduct.

Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities:

• Checking their Columbia State student email regularly (individual class email may be separate).
• Scheduling appointments when required or needed with an advisor.
• Knowing important dates such as priority registration, schedule adjustment periods, financial aid deadlines, drop/withdrawal, etc.
• Consulting with an advisor or instructor for referrals to college resources if experiencing academic difficulty.
• Knowing the graduation requirements for their major and transfer institution if applicable.
• Satisfying all requirements for degree completion and graduation.

Educational decisions are ultimately the student's responsibility. However, it is important for every student to receive academic advising to ensure the best possible choices are made. 

Advisor Role and Responsibilities:

• Maintain confidentiality
• Be knowledgeable about and ensure students understand advising technology, academic programs, college policies and procedures, and graduation requirements.
• Encourage and guide students to develop and pursue their goals and create an academic plan through graduation.
• Refer students to appropriate campus resources.
• Be accessible via phone, email, and by appointment and respond to students in a timely manner.
• Follow through on actions promised to students.
• Recommend appropriate classes and describe catalog of record and other tools/resources to assist students in course selection and registration.
• Collaborate with program faculty to ensure a smooth transition to the faculty advisor.