Updated July 2017
Instructions
1.
Schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor
You should schedule an appointment with your advisor during their office hours. Faculty office hours are
generally posted on or near the advisor’s office door. You can contact the division office if you have trouble
locating this information or if the advisor is not in their office during posted hours of availability.
2.
Be prepared for your advising appointment.
Faculty advisors are a valuable resource to Virginia Western Community College students. Make sure you
make the most of your appointment by being on time and fully prepared to get the most from your visit.
Bring the following documents with you to your appointment:
A.
A copy of your advising transcript. It is helpful to be familiar with your current academic standing and
your program’s graduation requirements which are listed on your advising transcript. You may download a
copy of your advising transcript from the Student Center homepage located in the VCCS SIS: Student
Information System. Your transcript is found by clicking on “My Academics” and selecting “View My
Advisement Report.”
B. A copy of the Academic Program Completion Plan. You should complete the top portion of this form
prior to meeting with your advisor. This includes your name, student ID, and your program of study. It is
also important that you create a draft of the completed form prior to your visit. This is particularly helpful
when you have a limited amount of time to meet with your advisor. It is also useful to have an idea of the
number of courses you will be able to take in any given semester. Remember, your academic standing,
family, personal and job responsibilities can significantly impact the number of credit hours you can
successfully complete in any given semester. These factors should be considered and discussed with your
faculty advisor.
C. A copy of the curriculum sheet found in the academic catalog. The guidelines for completion of your
program of study can also be found in the academic catalog. It is always beneficial for you to have on hand
a copy of the catalog that was in force at the time you entered your particular program of study. Program
requirements may change throughout your tenure at Virginia Western. However, generally speaking your
graduation requirements remain consistent based upon your date of entry into your program of study.
3.
Following your appointment with your faculty advisor.
After you have met with your faculty advisor, return the signed Academic Program Completion Plan form to
the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans’ Affairs. You will then meet with a member of the financial aid staff
to discuss and sign the Academic Plan Agreement.
