Academic Advising
Students are encouraged to participate actively in their learning experience by meeting regularly with a member of the advising team. Advisors, faculty, and staff are available to work with students in many capacities; they can help students become acquainted with the college and provide information and referrals. Advising is a developmental process that offers students the opportunity to understand the nature and purpose of higher education and to plan courses and activities that support their career objectives. Advisors offer personal and academic support, refer students to valuable campus resources, and assist students in developing a sense of community and identity with the college
Enrollment Advisors meet with students after they’ve completed their admissions application and help them through their first semester. Advisors help students determine an academic plan, register for classes, and provide support with navigating community college during their first semester. Their role is to offer guidance to new students and students who have not declared a specific area of interest. We believe your progress is best supported through a positive, intentional relationship with our Advising team. If you declare a specific area of interest, you will transition to your designated Academic Success Coach after your first semester. The mission of an Academic Success Coach is to ensure your academic and career goals align with your university transfer plan while sustaining ongoing support until degree completion. At heart, we empower you to construct a solid foundation for lifelong success.
Common appointment topics (but not limited to):
Degree/Certificate (Pathway) selection
Master Academic Plans (MAP) development based on the selected degree/certificate
Discuss placement level for English, Reading, and Math
Unofficial transcript evaluation
Prerequisite override approval
Course suggestions and the registration process
Discuss satisfactory academic progress
Career discovery: CAC Pipeline & Strong
University transfer basics
General paying for college information including the financial aid process and CAC Scholarship information
Connect to college resources and referrals to department assistance:
Admissions & Registration, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, VA Educational Benefits, TRIO, Student Accessibility Services, Academic Assistance, Student Engagement Opportunities
Academic Success Coaches partner with students who have completed their first semester and declared a program in one of the nine Areas of Interest. We work collaboratively with the enrollment advisors and students to design an academic and career plan tailored to the student’s goals. We provide support without judgment and empower students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Common appointment topics (but not limited to):
Degree/Certificate (Pathway) Course suggestions
Prerequisite override approval
Goal setting: academic, career, and personal
Early intervention, encouragement, and referrals to academic support
Identify degree completion barriers and create a support plan
Career dream and design: CAC Pipeline & Strong
University transfer assistance and planning
Academic progress status
Prerequisite override approval
Connect to college resources and student support
Students who plan to transfer to one of Arizona’s three public universities, or any other college or university, should access resources at the CAC Career and Transfer Center. Additional transfer tools for ASU, NAU, and UA can also be found at aztransfer.com
High School Students Attending CAC
Students in High School Programs: Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment work with their high school guidance counselor and CAC Outreach team. Follow the steps outlined on the High School Programs webpage for admissions and registration. When registering for classes there is an electronic form that will be signed by the student, parent, and high school counselor before being submitted to the Records and Registration department.