Advising Centers
| The Advising Centers provide integrated academic and career services to students. Through collaborative teaching and learning, the advising process empowers our diverse student populations to explore and navigate their academic and career pathways. Our teams are committed to providing quality academic advising services and information about available resources to support students in achieving their desired goal, whether that be the completion of a certificate and/or Associate degree and support their transition to a four-year institution or the workforce. |
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Out of an abundance of caution, Palo Alto College and the entire Alamo Colleges District have made temporary changes to the way we provide instruction and operate in light of the concerns related to the coronavirus. Our teams are ready to provide assistance remotely. Please contact them via phone or email to get started. Academic Advising will have "Remote Drop-in Hours" via Zoom every Monday from 1–5 p.m. Click on tabs below for respective Zoom links. |
BOLD (Business Opportunities Leadership Demand Occupations) Advising Center
The BOLD Advising Center assists students who are studying programs in business, landscape, logistics, and other career and technical education degrees and certificates.
Phone: 210-486-3366
Remote Drop-in Hours
Monday:
1–5 p.m.
Carmen Velasquez-Avila College Tip: Do something today that your future self will thank you for |
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Mako Ivory College Tip: You cannot “wing-it”, plan adequate study time for every class. |
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Christina Barrera College Tip: Make today the perfect day to be AWESOME! |
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Selso Casares College Tip: Never be afraid to ask questions at Palo Alto College, we are here to help you succeed. |
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Elena Olivo College Tip: The start of your journey is full of unknowns, the middle of it is hard work, the end of it is gratification. |
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Rafael Sayago College Tip: In college as in life, a positive approach will lend strength to challenging days. |
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Devin Vasquez Major: Politics and Law (University of Texas at San Antonio) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: I like being a peer advisor because I get to be a part of the PAC family and what it stands for. We are constantly helping students and I feel proud to be a helping hand in their educational goals. I will always encourage students to keep going and to dream big. |
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Jean “Kali” Price Major: Psychology (St. Mary’s University) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: I am currently a junior undergraduate at St. Mary’s University under their Psychology program, but I trace my educational roots to Palo Alto College where I formally graduated in December 2019 with an Associate of Science. As a Peer Advisor, I aim to make the transition into higher education easier for first-time college students—I’ve been there before myself! Both as a student and student ambassador, I learned that the path to education is a team effort and I hope to pass on that lesson to students I assist in the future. |
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Lauryn Maldonado Major: Communications (Texas A&M University–San Antonio) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: I enjoy being a peer advisor because I like to help people see their full potential and also help everyone see they can reach their goals. My advice for current PAC student would be to always stay on top of your school work but also take the time to take care of yourself because college can be a bit stressful for some, but not impossible! |
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Asia Ledezma Major: Political Science (Palo Alto College) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: I am currently attending Palo Alto College and working as a Peer Advisor there as well. One thing I like about being a Peer Advisor is that I’m able to have a flexible schedule that works with my school schedule. Education is one of my top priorities and I love that my job cares about my education as much as I do. One piece of advice I have for PAC students is to take advantage of all the opportunities the school has for you. |
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Shelby Fabian Major: Interdisciplinary Studies Generalist EC-6 (Texas A&M University–San Antonio) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: I like being a peer advisor because it gives me the opportunity to help other students navigate their way through college. My advice to PAC students would be to stay focus on your own journey through college and to utilize all the resources on campus and online. |
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SEED (Service Education Empowerment Diversity) Advising Center
The SEED Advising Center assists students who are studying programs in education, criminal justice, kinesiology, fine and performing arts, communications, psychology, and social work.
Phone: 210-486-3131
Remote Drop-in Hours
Monday:
1–5 p.m.
Nidia Lopez College Tip: Be present, ask questions, take notes and study! |
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Elizabeth Garcia College Tip: It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop! |
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Nora Arredondo College Tip: Sometimes in life we fail, but never give up, that is where our greatest lessons are found. |
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David Mancha College Tip: Always strive to do your best, and never be afraid to ask questions! |
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Raquel Alvarez-Valenzuela Major: Sociology (University of Texas at San Antonio) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: Being a peer advisor provides me with the exciting opportunity to assist students with achieving their academic goals and assist the certified advisors with daily task and projects! Advice for PAC Students: Preparation is the key to success, always plan ahead and be prepared follow through. |
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Crisley Esquivel Major: Social Work (Our Lady of the Lake University) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: I like being a peer advisor because I get to help students navigate through college. One advice that I have for PAC students is to do not be afraid to ask for help. |
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Heaven Trevino Major: Psychology (University of Texas at San Antonio) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: I like being a peer advisor because I get to assist individuals with a hard transition in their life; college isn’t easy, and for some it’s the first time they’re truly on their own. My advice to students would be to take a breath and trust the process, it seems scary but you will find your way. I am one of many who is dedicated to the student’s success, with the student’s help we can ensure that they follow whatever path they seek. |
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Advising Center
The STEM Advising Center assists students who are studying programs in the science, technology, engineering, and math areas.
Phone: 210-486-3660
Remote Drop-in Hours
Monday:
1–5 p.m.
Maria Diaz-Viesca |
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Nancy Gonzales College Tip: Always back up your assignments to a spare flash drive when our technology gets a little glitchy. |
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Danielle E. Medina College Tip: Get involved on campus- Join a college club, sport, community service, volunteer for a campus event, etc. Don’t be afraid to be active on campus. |
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Jennifer Huebenthal College Tips: Invest in yourself and your dreams, your worth it! |
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Shawn Melendes College Tip: Try to soak in as much information as possible and use the resources that are available to you. |
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Adam Rodriguez College Tip: College can be difficult mentally, physically, and emotionally. You will face new challenges and will start to question things that you previously knew. Do not fear these changes; rather embrace them! Change is the only way we can become better people and create a better future. Understand that you are not alone in this journey. Seek advice from those that have been in your same situation and that are here to help you succeed. |
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Malorie Vallejo College Tip: Always believe in yourself, and you will be unstoppable. |
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Jose Vega College Tip: Little by little will soon become a lot. |
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Clarissa Abrego Major: Psychology (Texas A&M-San Antonio)
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Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: Advice for PAC students: |
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Cheyenne Cisneros Major: Biology/Pre-Professional (Palo Alto College) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: Advice for PAC students: |
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Miroslava Cruz Major: Psychology (Palo Alto College) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: Advice for PAC students: |
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Ashley Hernandez Major: Social Work with minor in Psychology (Our Lady of the Lake University) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: Advice for PAC students: |
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Jose Sotelo Major: Kinesiology (Palo Alto College, graduating Fall 2020) |
Why I enjoy being a peer advisor: Advice for PAC students: |
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Veterans Affairs
The Office of Veterans Affairs assists students who are receiving VA benefits or Hazelwood Exemptions. Your assigned advisor will assist you with processing your benefits, developing a degree plan, registering for courses, completing a financial aid appeal, exploring careers, and researching transfer opportunities.
Remote Drop-in Hours
Monday:
1–5 p.m.
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Disability Support Services
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College Tip: Be your own advocate! |
What is (Remote) Academic Advising?
Academic and career advising are a series of ongoing and intentional conversations among students, faculty, and staff that establish a pathway to the realization of educational, career, and life goals. Each student is assigned a certified advisor who will assist in developing a degree plan, registering for courses, completing a financial aid appeal, exploring careers, and researching transfer opportunities.
Remote advising provides the same quality advising service virtually via Zoom. To schedule a virtual advising session, you will still request an advising appointment through AlamoNAVIGATE. Your advisor will send you a message with a link to log into your appointment via Zoom. 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) to use the link.
What is not considered Academic Advising?
- Advisors do not provide mental health counseling, but will make referrals, when necessary.
- Advisors will not register you for your classes.
- Advisors will not choose your career or your classes for you.
How am I assigned an advisor?
An advisor will be assigned to once you have enrolled for classes for the semester. The advisor assigned to you is dependent on your degree plan or program of study.
How do I schedule an appointment to meet with my advisor?
All students can schedule an appointment with their assigned advisor through AlamoNAVIGATE via their ACES portal. Appointment times fill quickly; please plan accordingly.
Appointments are scheduled for 30-45 minute periods and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Same-day appointments are not available. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact your advisor via phone or email to reschedule as soon as possible. Arrive on time (in person or remotely) and check-in at the Advising Center. If you arrive 5 minutes or later for an appointment, you will be asked to reschedule. Bring all necessary documents (i.e. your Progress Report) and a valid photo ID to your appointment.
Need help? View this Step by Step Guide to schedule an appointment in AlamoNAVIGATE.
Can an advisor assist me via email?
Your assigned academic advisor is available to answer questions submitted from your ACES student email. In emails to advisors, please include your first name, last name, and student Banner ID number, as well as a detailed description of what you need. Your advisor will return your message as soon as possible on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep in mind that your advisor may take up to 24-48 business hours to respond, so please be patient. If a question is of high importance or requires more time, we recommend you set up an appointment with your assigned advisor though AlamoNAVIGATE via ACES portal.
What are some advising best practices?
To have a productive meeting with your advisor, please consider the following:
- Create a reminder on your phone or in your planner with your appointment date and time.
- Prepare for your meeting by creating a list of topics you want to discuss, such as classes to take, transfer planning, graduation planning, goal setting, and any additional concerns regarding your educational and career goals.
- Meet with your assigned academic advisor every semester to ensure you stay on track. Meet with them early to avoid any issues with registering for future classes once registration begins.
- Create an advising folder to keep yourself organized with advising-related materials [Example: degree plan, schedule plans, notes from advising meetings] and keep it updated.
- Check your ACES student email regularly, as this is how your assigned academic advisor will communicate with you. Keep in mind that any emails sent from your personal email may get caught in our SPAM folder, and we will be unable to see them.
- Personal accountability – It is important that you review your grades and GPS degree plan in ACES at the end of each term.
What if I have a hold?
If you are a student trying to enroll for Spring 2021 and are encountering registration holds, please review the information below to learn how you can solve some of the holds:
- Bacterial Meningitis (BM)- The Texas State Law (SB 1107) established the requirement for students entering any Texas institution of higher education to provide proper documentation showing that they have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination within five years and at least ten calendar days before the start of the semester. To submit your BM documentation, please follow these steps.
- Title IX- All entering freshmen, former, and transfer students must complete the Sexual Assault Prevention for Community Colleges, an online survey and course addressing critical life skills. To complete your Title IX, please follow the directions.
- High School/College Transcripts- All official transcripts may be mailed to:
Palo Alto College
ATTN: Enrollment Services
1400 W. Villaret BLVD.
San Antonio, Texas 78224 - Testing (Multiple Measures waiver)- Incoming Freshmen that registered for Fall 2020 were allowed to be admitted based on the individual review of high school transcripts for course placement. Moving forward, any student that did not successfully complete a college-level English and/or Math course will be required to take the TSI assessment for Spring 2021.
Palo Alto College is providing TSI testing services remotely through Examity online proctoring. Please contact the Testing Center via email at pac-testcenter@alamo.edu or phone at 210-486-3444 to register for the exam.
Advising “How-to” Videos
Video Tutorials
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Alamo Colleges District Registration Tutorial |
How to schedule an appointment with your certified advisor
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How to create and submit a My Mission Statement |
Contact Information
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Michael Ximenez Brenda Espinoza Phone: 210-486-3300 |
January Hours Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. |
Regular Hours (Feb.–May) Monday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. |