Have Questions about Advising?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Academic Advising?

How am I assigned an Advisor?

An advisor will be assigned to at the start of your first semester.  Advisors are assigned to students based on Institute, so which advisor is assigned to you is dependent on your degree plan or program of study. If a student changes their major once assigned, they may be re-assigned to a new advisor at the end of that semester.  Your current advisor will support you through the transition. 

How do I schedule an appointment to meet with my advisor?

All currently enrolled students are able to schedule an appointment with their assigned advisor through Navigate in ACES. Appointment availability fluctuates throughout the semester and is updated regularly.  If you need immediate assistance please email your assigned advisor.  Appointments must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact your advisor to reschedule as soon as possible. Make sure you have a valid photo ID that you can show to the advisor at the start of the session for privacy purposes. 

I am a student parent, can I bring my children with me to my advising session?

Advising is a family friendly environment. You are welcome to to bring your children with you to your appointment. We also have free childcare available on campus and resources for parenting students. 

How often should I meet with my advisor?

You are strongly encouraged to meet with your advisor at least once per year, so that they can ensure you are on the right academic and career track. It is also important to verify your courses are all part of your degree plan and therefore eligible for financial aid (or Alamo Promise) if applicable.  It is imperative you visit with an advisor at any point you are experiencing the following:

• Your cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below a 2.0.
• You are thinking about changing your career and educational goals.
• You are experiencing challenges in any of your courses.
• You are considering taking time away from Northwest Vista College.

Can I meet with my advisor virtually?

Virtual advising sessions are available.  You can schedule a virtual advising appointment through Navigate, and a confirmation email containing the zoom link will be sent to your ACES student email. You are not required to create a Zoom account, nor are you required to download the Zoom app to your personal device (phone, tablet, or computer) in order to use the link.

More information is available online at:
http://alamocolleges.screenstepslive.com/s/19065/m/73845/c/286523

Can an Advisor assist me via email?

Your assigned academic advisor is available to answer questions that are submitted from your ACES student email. Advisor will return your message as soon as possible. If a question requires an immediate response, you may contact the Advising Services office via chat or phone at 210-486-4100. Some questions may not be able to be answered through chat or phone, and you may be referred to connect with your assigned advisor. 

What can I do to prepare for my advising session?

• Check your ACES student email regularly for important information from your advisor. Keep in mind that any emails sent from your personal email may get caught in our SPAM folder.
• Come prepared to talk about: classes to take, transfer planning, graduation planning, goal setting, and any additional concerns you might have regarding your educational and career goals. 
• It is important that you review your grades and GPS degree plan to make sure you maintain eligibility for graduation and any applicable aid. 

What can I expect from my advisor?

• Assistance with course selection based on educational and career goals.
• Encouragement and guidance to define clear and realistic educational plans using your Alamo GPS.
• Monitor and coach you through your academic journey.
• Communicate degree requirements, graduation requirements, and college policies and procedures.

What will my advisor expect from me?

• Be prepared to discuss goals and educational plans during your advising session.
• Be aware of deadlines regarding registration, financial aid and tuition, adding or dropping classes, and application for graduation or petitions for Academic Dismissal.
• Communicate important changes that directly affect your academic performance and educational goals.

How do I know what classes to take?

Your AlamoGPS, and Transfer Advising Guides that will help you and your advisor create a plan that will ensure you are taking classes that transfer and apply to your degree. When working with your advisor you will create a semester by semester plan indicating what classes you should take and in what order.