Academic Advising

You can expect your Academic Advisor to:

• Encourage and guide you to develop and pursue your goals and help you create an academic plan
• Refer you to appropriate campus resources
• Be accessible via phone, e-mail and by appointment and to respond to you in a timely manner
• Recommend appropriate classes and direct you to tools that will assist you in course selection
• Assist you in making academic decisions consistent with your interests, abilities and goals
• Be helpful, respectful and maintain confidentiality

Students are expected to:

• Be prepared for your advising session: come ready with questions
• Access your Degree Works page regularly, become familiar with your degree requirements and track your academic progress
• Become knowledgeable of campus policies, procedures and resources
• Reflect upon your goals and your educational plans. Be prepared to discuss and consider other paths
• Be respectful of others’ time: be on time and treat your advisor and other students the way you would wish to be treated.

Advising Teams consist of Professional, Faculty and Peer Advisors, First Year Seminar Faculty and staff members from a variety of College offices and departments.

Advising occurs one-on-one, both in-person and electronically, as well as in groups through New Student Advising and Registration (NSAR), First Year Seminar and at Advising events.

Log in to My LaGuardia to message your assigned advisor or Advising Team.

Business & Technology
Majors: Accounting, Business Administration, Paralegal Studies, Travel Tourism and Hospitality Management

Education & Language Acquisition
Majors: Education Associate: The Bilingual Child, Childhood Education Option, Early Childhood Education Option, Secondary Education Option, Spanish-English Translation

Health Sciences
Majors: Dietetic Technician, Food Service Management, Human Services, Licensed Practical Nursing, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Veterinary Technician

Humanities
Majors: Commercial Photography, Communication Studies, Fine Art, Industrial Design, Music Recording Technology, New Media Technology, Philosophy, Theater

Liberal Arts and English
Majors: Creative Writing, Deaf Studies Option, History Option, International Studies Option, Japanese Option, Journalism Option, Latin American Studies Option, Media Studies Option, Music Option, Political Science Option, Social Science & Humanities, Writing and Literature

Social Science
Majors: Criminal Justice, Psychology

STEM
Majors: Biology, Computer Operations: Network Administration & Security, Computer Science, Computer Technology, Engineering Science, Environmental Science, Liberal Arts: Math & Science, Programming & Systems

BE PREPARED Learn more about your major at www.LaGuardia.edu/majors Review Degree Audit. Schedule appointments before registration periods begin. The best time to go is mid-October and mid-April.	MEET YOUR ADVISOR Check My LaGuardia to see who your advisor is. Book an appointment and keep it! Cancel online if you can’t make it. No appointment necessary between 9:00AM-2:00PM on Fridays.
AT YOUR APPOINTMENT Take notes! Be sure to ask questions. Keep a calendar handy and jot down important dates.	HOW ADVISORS CAN HELP YOU Stay on track with your academic journey. Help you select which courses are right for you. Learn about campus support services. Prepare for graduation.

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THE WRITING CENTER Room B-200 Writing Center tutors can help you get started on a research paper, teach you how to proofread, or explain and correct your graded essays.

THE MODERN LANGUAGE LAB & TUTORING CENTER Room B-207 The Language Lab offers one-on-one and small group tutoring in each of the language classes offered at LaGuardia. Also, if you already speak a language other than English, you can take a placement exam there.

SCIENCE STUDY CENTER Room E-342 The Science Study Center offersfree one-on-one and group tutoring in Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology..

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY STUDY HALL Room E-312 At the Anatomy and Physiology Study Hall, you can learn from peer tutors, faculty members, anatomical models, videos and specimens. You can also take practice exams there.

THE MATH LAB Room MB-44 The Math Lab can help you with any level of math. You can work on your homework, courses, and projects. You can choose to work alone or in small groups, asking tutors for assistance.

SGA STUDY HALL Room M-159 Get help with English, accounting, math, reading and science courses through one-on-one tutoring, group tutoring sessions and study skill workshops.

API TUTORING HALL Room M-159 Learn from peer tutors who have successfully completed the courses you seek help in, re-attend the class and organize weekly group study sessions.

LIBRARY Room E-101 The Computing Center offers PC and MAC workstations. Group study rooms are also available to you for studying in groups with classmates.

TUTORING LABS Many academic departments have Tutoring Labs. Professors keep weekly office hours and can direct you to courses specific tutoring services or study groups.

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Apply Early Check the Academic Calendar online and apply early for financial aid, TAP, and scholarships.

Pay Plan Manage your tuition bills with payment plans.

Explore Options Make sure you research all financial opportunities – FAFSA, scholarships, job opportunities, and more – to find the right match for you.

• Scholarships - You can apply for the Foundation Scholarship online. You can apply for emergency funds for books, tuition and transportation by visiting the scholarship office in Room E-508.
• Work Study - The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program offers students an opportunity to earn money by working part time on or off campus. You can apply for FWS through your FAFSA application.
• Job Search - The Center for Career and Professional Development helps you plan your professional path and obtain employment. Getting a job can help fund your education plus build your resume while in school.
• Federal Loans - You’ll need to pay back the federal government if you decide to take out a loan. There are two federal loan options you can apply for: subsidized (interest accrues after graduation) or unsubsidized (interest accrues at point of disbursement).

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Student Financial Services is committed to removing financial barriers by ensuring that all eligible students receive aid in a timely manner, in accordance with federal, state, and CUNY policies and regulations. Professional Financial Aid Advisors are available to assist students in successfully financing the cost of their education. Over fifty percent of LaGuardia students are awarded approximately $50 million in Federal, State and institutional grants annually.

Visit the CUNY Financial Aid website to learn more about applying for financial aid, and contact Student Financial Services at LaGuardia at 718-482-7218.

Degree Audit Analyze your past and present classes to keep track of your academic progress, plan ahead and stay on track for graduation. Login to your My LaGuardia and click on Degree Works.

GPA Determine your academic standing by reviewing your grades, credits earned and GPA on My LaGuardia.

Course Catalog Learn about the courses in your major and see an extensive list of classes to choose from by visiting LaGuardia.edu/majors.

• Advising Team - Your Advising Team can help you pick classes; remember to take notes and ask plenty of questions. After your session, you’ll want to visit CUNYfirst online to register.
• Finances - Check if you have an outstanding balance by visiting CUNYfirst. There’s a lot of options to help pay for college, visit LaGuardia.edu/PayingforCollege.
• Reminders - To be considered full time, you must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits combined in sessions one and two. PRO TIP: Register for sessions one and two at the same time to balance your schedule.
• Deadlines - Stay informed by reviewing the academic calendar for deadlines. Go to: LaGuardia.edu/Academic-Calendar

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Explore It’s never too early to explore your academic options for after LaGuardia. Be sure to attend transfer events and workshops happening at LaGuardia to learn more about four-year colleges.

Plan Choose the best four-year colleges that will connect your LaGuardia education to your career aspirations.

Review Research the colleges you’ve chosen on websites like College Board and Princeton Review, so you know the details about admissions expectations, and financial commitments.

• 0-30 Credits - As you work through your first year, decide if a four-year degree is right for you and your career goals.
• 30-45 Credits - You should have a long list of options, and now it’s time to narrow down your search.
• 45+ Credits - Applications, essays, letters of recommendation – it’s paperwork time!

• One-on-one advising appointments to determine which college or university will best meet your goals. Create an academic plan to ensure you meet the transfer requirements of your chosen institution.
• Navigate the application process and provide tips on essays and references. Provide resources such as transfer guides, course equivalencies, and scholarship information to help you make the best choice.
• Connects you with representatives on campus from four-year colleges during Transfer Fairs, Information Sessions, and Instant Decision Days.

Room B-215
Contact: (718) 482-5185
Email: transfer@lagcc.cuny.edu

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Fall & Spring Fest Every semester there is a Fall or Spring Fest where students can learn about current clubs and how to get involved. Check the Campus Calendar online to find the date of our next Fall or Spring Fest.

Online You can view a list of student clubs online Visit Campus Life, in Room M-115, to get to find out where and when students a list of student clubs that you can join meet. Student Clubs.

Campus Life Visit Campus Life, in Room M-115, to get a list of student clubs that you can join or information about how to create your own club.

• PHI THETA KAPPA - Phi Theta Kappa recognizes academic achievements and provides opportunities to improve your scholarship, leadership skills and participate in service projects.
• DELTA ALPHA PI - Delta Alpha Pi is an international honor society that celebrates and supports the academic achievements of students with disabilities. They advocate for students, provide support and teach students the importance of leadership
• Student Government Association - Become the voice of the student body, serve as a credible source for information, give guidance and advocate for students.
• President's Society - Get the opportunity to attend networking events, cultural outings and workshops designed for your professional development.

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YOUR MAJOR Choose the major that’s right for you. Utilize the LaGuardia website to learn more about academic majors, and seek help from an advisor if you need support. Visit laguardia.edu/majors.	WHAT IF? Thinking about switching to a different major? Degree Works allows you to see what classes would transfer over to a new major if you were to switch. Log into Degree Works and click on “What If.”	DEGREE MAPS & DEGREE WORKS A Degree Map shows a possible path of what courses to take to get to graduation based on your major. Check Degree Works to see a checklist of your progress towards graduation. Use these tools together to plan. Visit laguardia.edu/degreemaps
EARN CREDITS Most courses are 3 credits and meet for 3 hours a week. You also need to set aside time for homework. Think ahead about how many courses you can take each semester. Take courses in Sessions I and II to streamline your credit accumulation. Use the Degree Calculator in theLaGuardia mobile app to help plan.	MY DEGREE PLAN Every student should create a plan of courses to take to get to graduation. Use My Degree Plan in ePortfolio to enter in your personalized, semester-by-semester plan to get to graduation.	CHECK WITH AN ADVISOR Once you have completed My Degree Plan, meet with an advisor every semester to check your progress, update your plan if needed, and get support to be successful. Log into My LaGuardia to send a message to an advisor or to schedule an appointment.

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TO-DO LIST It can be tough remembering everything you have to do when you start classes. Making a list and checking off your tasks as you go can be very helpful! You can get an agenda in our school Book Store in the M-Building basement or use an app to keep everything in one place.

MAKE A SCHEDULE Aim to sign up for 4-6 courses a semester. Spread them out over the week so you have time for studying. If you find your schedule isn't a good fit, once school starts you can change it during the first few weeks of classes. Check the academic calendar out online for deadlines: laguardia.edu/academic-calendar

SEE A TUTOR Tutors can help you understand difficult concepts or provide more in-depth instruction for you to expand your knowledge in a particular subject.

ASK QUESTIONS If you don’t understand the work, make sure to ask your professor or a classmate for help. If you get questions wrong on a test, ask your professor for the answers so you don’t get it wrong on the final.

OFFICE HOURS Visit your professor during office hours to help build a stronger relationship. While you’re there get help with your homework, and get feedback on projects or essays.

FLASH CARDS Flash cards help with memorization when you’re making and using them.

STUDY GROUPS Studying with friends helps by sharing notes and discussing classwork.

NOTE TAKING Take notes during class! If you miss a class, ask your classmates for their notes.

PRACTICE TESTS Search for tests online or work with your study group to quiz each other.

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Consultation with your Advising Team is strongly recommended prior to completing and submitting the forms listed below.

Dropping/Course Withdrawal

There are two mechanisms for students to drop courses: Drop and Official Withdrawal. During the change of program period, students must log in to CUNYfirst to drop a course or courses. The course will not appear on the student’s transcript. You may however be responsible for part of the tuition cost, depending on how long you attended and were registered for class. If you need to withdraw from a course or the college after change of program (that is, your major), you must go to CUNYfirst. If you withdraw during the official withdrawal period, you will receive a “W” as a grade and will be responsible for all tuition charges. Instructions and student guides are available on: http://www.laguardia.edu/CUNYfirst/Student-Guides.

Change of Curriculum

Students who wish to change their major must file the appropriate form. Changing your major is an important decision and should be discussed with your Advising Team prior to making any changes. The procedure to change your major is as follows:

1. Download the Change of (Major) Curriculum or Concentration Form

2. Complete the form with proper Major Codes and get appropriate signatures, if necessary.

3. After you have obtained the proper signatures, return this form to the Enrollment Service Center in room C 107

My LaGuardia Momentum indicates your rate of progress, or momentum, toward graduation. It is based on data as of last semester and your major at that time. Students with higher momentum are more likely to graduate. Ask your Advising Team for more information.

G.P.A
Your GPA, or grade point average, calculates your final grades of all courses you have completed on a 4.0 scale.

Credits Earned
Most associate degrees require the completion of 60 credits. Take 15 credits per semester to graduate in two years.

Priority Courses
Priority Courses are considered to be critical for success in your major.

Basic Skills
Completing developmental courses allows you to move on to college-level courses.

To find your My LaGuardia Momentum progress bar, visit: my.laguardia.edu

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