Lifestyle concerns are also subjects students can discuss in sessions.
By Samantha Woodward
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Advisers have begun seeing students through appointment-based scheduling with limited walk-ins.
Christine Horton, director of institution-based advising, said Feb. 8 that an appointment link was sent to students’ email; however, students can call to schedule an appointment.
Appointments are based on adviser availability, according to a flyer in the advising area on the first floor of Moody Learning Center.
“We are very excited with this new scheduling because it allows us to gather information on the student and any necessary documents the student might need before they see us,” she said.
Advisers help students register for classes and assist them with issues such as communicating with professors, housing, food and child care, she said.
Advisers undergo professional training from the Center for Adult and Experiential Learning after they are hired.
They are required to attend three training sessions. They attend 60-70 hours of training and pass a certification test to become a master certified adviser.
“We have 40 institution-based and special population advisers on campus,” Horton said.
Every adviser is assigned 350 students. Some advisers are located in the departments in the institutes they are assigned to.
The college has divided all courses of study into five institutes. They are Creative and Communication Arts, Science and Technology, Health and Biosciences, Business and Entrepreneurship, and Public Service.
“We have about 12 different areas where advisers are embedded on campus,” Horton said.
A few programs that have already implemented these changes are American Sign Language, law enforcement and fine arts.
“We are not done yet. The process is done slowly to ensure everything is running smoothly.”
The advising department also will implement a feature on the SAC app called “Who is My Adviser?” so students can know who their advisers are, she said.
“Communicate with your assigned adviser,” she said. “We want to help. Schedule an appointment to meet with your assigned adviser at least once a semester. Connect with us on social media and share feedback so we can improve your future experience.”
She also stressed students should check their ACES emails for updates and information. Appointments can be scheduled by email or by calling.
Hours for advising are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 8-11:30 a.m. Tuesday 1-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays 8-11:30 a.m. Friday.
Walk-in visits are 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday and 1-5 p.m. Friday.
Hours may vary for the Victory Center, empowerment center and disability support services.
For information, call 210-212-5266.
