Advising FAQs

Who is my advisor?

All students are assigned an academic advisor their first semester at the College. Depending on your program you will be assigned an advisor, a TRIO-Student Support Service advisor or an instructor from your program of study. Watch your NICC email for information regarding your advisor.

Am I required to meet with my advisor and why is this important?

Yes, you are required to meet with your advisor once each semester prior to registration for the next semester. Registration will take place in April for fall semester and late October for spring and summer semesters, so plan to meet with your advisor a few weeks prior to these dates.

Advising and educational planning is a collaborative effort between you and your advisor. Your advisor helps you make connections with the College and offers support and guidance as you pursue your academic and life goals. You are encouraged to contact your advisor anytime you have questions or concerns about your academic progress.

How should I prepare for an advising appointment?

  • Check your NICC email for communication from your advisor that includes important updates and registration dates.
  • Contact your advisor to schedule an appointment when you need assistance and each semester prior to registration. Be sure to schedule your appointment early, advisors’ schedules fill up quickly, especially close to registration.
  • Show up early for your appointment. If you need to reschedule be sure to contact the Student Services Office.
  • Know course Placement Chart and how assessment scores relate to your readiness for college level courses. The ALEKS® assesses your math readiness, while the ACCUPLACER® assesses your readiness in reading and writing. Assessment is available at both campuses and all center locations.
  • Discuss your personal values, interests and goals for academics and life.
  • Prepare a list of questions to discuss when meeting with your advisor.
  • Know your student ID number and bring all documents from previous advising appointments.
  • Review your education plan and understand your degree requirements. Create a list of courses you would like to take each semester and review course schedules for days and times that work best for you.
  • Discuss factors that influence your selection of classes. (i.e. job, family, commuting, transfer institution, etc.)
  • If you are interested in online courses, explore the Brightspace online classroom and review “Are Online Courses Right for You?”
  • Ask your advisor for information on resources such as the learning center, accessibility services, TRIO-SSS, student life or counseling.
  • Understand and adhere to institutional policies and procedures.
  • Identify transfer credit equivalencies if necessary.
  • Send official transcripts from all previously attended schools to the Admissions Office. The Registrar will then evaluate your transcript to determine which credits will satisfy degree requirements.
  • Know and meet all deadlines.

What can I expect during my advising appointment?

  • Assess your career objectives.
  • Discuss success strategies.
  • Examine your current course load and get answers to your questions.
  • Evaluate your academic progress toward completing your program.

How and when do I register in the future?

Know registration dates and schedule an appointment with your advisor. After your first semester, you are able to register online in MyCampus after meeting with your advisor. You will also need to review your degree requirements in MyCampus to determine which courses you want to take.

Can I change my schedule once I register for classes?

Yes, prior to the start of the semester you are able to adjust your schedule in MyCampus or with your advisor. Any course withdrawals, after the semester begins, must be submitted in writing to your advisor and are subject to the Refund Policy found in MyCampus. 

Where can I take classes and in what format?

Classes are offered at both campuses, our service locations and online through multiple course delivery methods.  All students enrolled in an online or hybrid courses are required to complete the Brightspace Online Tutorial.

I want to transfer. Who can help me and how do I get my NICC transcript sent to my transfer school?

Your advisor will help you through the transfer process. It is important to discuss your educational and career goals with your advisor early, understand transfer requirements and visit with your transfer school. Most local four-year colleges visit our campus throughout both semesters, check the College events calendar for transfer schools, visit schedule and locations.

Complete the transcript request form or stop into the Student Services Office to have your transcript sent to another school.