With the 2024 Fall term kicking off on September 4, Niagara College’s Academic Advising and Career Services wants to remind employees about the services available to support students. Whether they are new to NC, struggling with their courses, planning their future career or wanting to learn more about course requirements, students can benefit from the services offered by the department at every stage of their academic journey.

The team consists of professional advisors who are dedicated to helping students achieve their academic, career, and personal goals. Advisors are program specific which allows for course and program expertise as well as close relationships and ease of referrals when supporting students. They provide guidance and support to students from start to finish of their academic journey at NC, beginning with the Academic Success Series – virtual programming which helps students prepare for the academic expectations and opportunities at NC.

NC’s Academic Advising team located at the Welland Campus.

The Academic Advising team’s philosophy is grounded in student-centered support, holistic development, empowerment, advocacy, inclusivity, collaboration, and ethical practice. By cultivating an enriching and supportive advising experience, their aim is to inspire, guide and create a lasting impact for students.

Some of the services that the Academic Advising team offers include:

• Assisting students with course selection, registration, and timetable changes;
• Connecting students to additional college supports, such as Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services, Indigenous Education, Library and Learning Commons, Enrolment Services, and more;
• Advising students on academic options, such as program changes, withdrawals, appeals, and academic progress;
• Exploring career pathways and opportunities with students, such as further education, co-op, work placements, and employment; and
• Developing resources for students such as the Academic Advising Guidebook – A guide to support the student academic journey and provide important tools, documents and guidance that can help students better understand the supports available at Niagara College leading to academic success.

Faculty and staff members are reminded of the important role you play in helping students access these services. Here are some tips on how to refer your students to the Academic Advising team:

• Inform your students about the Academic Advising services and encourage them to visit the Advising team in person and familiarize themselves with the Advising website, where they can find useful information, FAQs, and an online booking system;
• Identify students who may need academic guidance or support and reach out to them personally or via email, offering them the option to connect with an advisor;
• Share the contact information of the Academic Advising team with your students and direct them to the appropriate advisor based on their program or campus. Please note, International students are served by International Student Advisors (ISA) and are located in W015 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake and in S100 at the Welland Campus;
• Collaborate with the Academic Advising team and invite them to your classes, orientations, or events to promote their services and programs; and
• Encourage students to participate in Advising Month activities during the month of October, themed ‘Don’t leave your academic success to chance.’

By referring your students to the Academic Advising team, you are helping them make the most of their college experience and achieve their full potential.

Academic Advising and Career Services is located in SE101 at the Welland Campus and W115 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.