Advising

• Advising Resource Manual
• Advisors
• Advisor & Student Responsibilities (PDF)
• Core Curriculum (PDF)
• Gender Equity/Working Wonders
• Help with Math Anxiety Presentation
• Probation Advising
• FAQ's
• Self-Advising Q&A
• Suspension Advising
• Technical Education Advising
• Transfer Center
• Transfer Resources
• Resources for Transfer Students
• Transfer Services / Articulation and University Relations
• TSI Assessment
• Advisor of the Year Nomination Form (PDF) (for advisors only)

FAQ's - Advising

1. Q: How long is the wait to see an Advisor?



A: Wait times vary depending upon the needs of students. The wait is always longer closer to the beginning of the semester. Students who register just prior to the start of the semester may have wait times of up to two hours. Students on probation or suspension may have even longer wait times. Continuing students in good academic standing may be able to participate in express registration. To avoid long waits, students are encouraged to make an appointment for advisement well in advance of registration for the next semester. Approximately one month prior to the start of the new semester, individual appointments are suspended and advisement is handled on a drop-in basis only.

2. Q: How many courses should I take?

A: An advisor will help you determine the number of courses appropriate for you based on your work schedule, motivation, previous academic performance, and other responsibilities. Generally, students who work full-time should limit their enrollment to two courses. To be classified as a "full time" student, you need to be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours for Fall & Spring, 6 hours for Summer I or II.


3. Q: What is eConnect and how do I use it?

A: eConnect is a web interface that provides a variety of online services to DCCCD students. Use eConnect to check your grades, register for classes, pay your tuition, print your advising report, request a transcript, accept your financial aid award, and update your phone number and/or e-mail address. To use eConnect, go to the DCCCD home page and click on the eConnect link. You must first create an account. To log into eConnect all of your information, including the correct spelling of your name, student ID number, date of birth, and e-mail address must be accurate and identical to the same information on your application to the DCCCD/Richland. Also, your name and ID number must be in the eConnect Registry. Request that your name be added to the Registry online through eConnect or at the front counter in Admissions.


4. Q: Why can’t I register on eConnect?



A: To be eligible to register online for credit classes you must be able to log in to eConnect and have documented in your DCCCD student record an academic standing of "good", have no restrictions, blocks, or holds on your student record, have a TSI status of "complete", "exempt", or "waived", and have a valid e-mail address in the system.

5. Q: How do I get a degree plan?



A: Go to eConnect and select "Plan My Degree" or see an academic advisor at the college to file a degree plan.

6. Q: Who is the best instructor?



A: When considering instructors, take advantage of the advice of others, but be sure to get a variety of opinions, as student experiences do vary. Teaching evaluations from previous semesters are on file in the LRC (library) on campus. Another good source of information is to look at the instructor course profiles available on the college’s home page. Don't hesitate to approach your professors outside of the classroom. Getting to know them will enrich many parts of your college experience, such as your understanding of coursework, your motivation, your grades, your letters of recommendation, and your networking opportunities. You may get someone to answer a question after class, or someone who ends up being a mentor. But whatever role they play, they're there to help you learn.

7. Q: How much does it cost to attend college?



A: Tuition depends on your residency classification and the number of semester credit hours you are taking. Out-of-country and out-of-state students pay a higher tuition rate than students classified as "in district". The tuition schedule is printed in the credit class schedule and is also available online. Students also have the option of setting up payment plans to spread their tuition burden out over the long semesters (Fall & Spring).

8. Q: What are the "basics" if I only want to register for core classes, then transfer?



A: The core of learning in college is a set of courses that will provide you with the knowledge, skills and educational experiences you need to succeed in higher education. Those classes – called the Core Curriculum – are the courses that lead to an associate degree from the DCCCD and which then transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The core courses are the "basics" which are transferable to any Texas public college or university. If transferring to a four-year college is your goal, it’s to your advantage to complete the DCCCD Core Curriculum because it can save you both time and money. Core requirements are listed on the Richland website and at the end of the credit class schedule.

For more information on DCCCD’s new Core Curriculum, please visit www.richlandcollege.edu/core.