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WELCOME!
WELCOME!
Hello colleague,
Welcome to the new Academic Advisor Training Manual! This resource is important
for any advisor at Pulaski Tech. Whether you advise full time or talk to students
between classes, advising plays a vital part in our students’ experience. Advising
defines the variety of interactions we have to support student decision making.
These interactions provide guidance to ensure that students are making the best
decisions regarding their educational and career goals.
As members of the community of advisors, it is important we have common tools.
This manual is the latest in a long line of documents. However, this version synthesizes
and condenses a variety of content into one place. The goal is to create a more
user friendly resource related to the technical aspects of advising. These resources
support the main component of advising: the relationship between the student and
advisor.
Thank you for your interest in advising and guiding our students to success. Each of
us is positioned to make a positive impact in our students’ lives. Please let me know if
there is anything I can do to support you as an advisor.
Sincerely,
Zachary Perrine
Director of Advising and Career Services
Pulaski Technical College
Office: 501.812.2812 | Fax: 501.812.2733
www.pulaskitech.edu/advising
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Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 2
Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 3
Who Are You Advising?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
New Student. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transfer Student. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Returning Student. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current Student. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Students During Late Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 4
pg. 6
pg. 8
pg. 10
pg. 12
Advising Academy Content
6. Advising Appointment Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Using Advising Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. Career Exploration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 15
pg. 31
pg. 47
General Information
9. Advising Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10. Financial Aid Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11. Advisor Observation Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
pg. 55
pg. 58
pg. 61
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHO ARE YOU ADVISING?
NEW STUDENT
i Who is a new student?
A student who has never taken classes at PTC or any other institution is
considered a new student.
This student will have no transcripts. Only test scores will be used for placement.
Before a student is able to be advised, they must complete the admissions process
including an application online, submitting test scores (ACT or Compass taken
within the past 5 years), high school transcript or GED and watching New Student
Orientation videos.
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How to advise a new student:
1. Greet student.
2. Determine which degree plan best suits the student’s goals and use the degree
plan to guide the course suggestions.
-Find current degree plan under Programs of Study on the main website.
3. Look at test scores: PTC allows students to use the highest grade in each section
from multiple tests (both ACT & COMPASS).
4. Plan all courses for semester.
-All new students should take College or Career Seminar in the first semester
5. Remove Advising Hold.
6. Student Registers for first set of classes.
- Pay special attention to location
- Make sure student is taking developmental courses if needed
- Some advisors have access to an additional laptop and allow the student to
register for the first set of classes. If not, log in as the student and guide them through
the process. All students should register themselves for classes each semester.
7. Print out schedule and account status for student and remind about important
deadlines (payment deadline, first day of classes, last day to change schedule, etc.).
8. Have student read and sign Registration Agreement (available here).
9. Fill out advising form in Insight.
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Problems?
1. Student has a hold. See hold info on page 45.
2. If you cannot pull up a new student: student may not have completed the
admissions process. Refer to Admissions & Records.
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Remember the student may not be familiar with education jargon.
Clarify when needed.
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WHO ARE YOU ADVISING?
NEW STUDENT
WHO ARE YOU ADVISING?
TRANSFER STUDENT
i Who is a transfer student?
A student who has attended another institution is considered a transfer
student. This student may not have any credits that are accepted by PTC so test
scores may be necessary for some transfer students.
Before a student is able to be advised, they must complete the admissions process
including an application online, transcripts from all institutions attended. This
student may need test scores within the past 5 years for placement (not admissions
requirement).
If student brings you a transcript that has not been evaluated by the Registrar’s
office, use your best judgment in looking through the classes and ask a full-time
advisor for assistance if needed. More information on page 26.
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How to advise a transfer student:
1. Greet student.
2. Determine which degree plan best suits the student’s goals and use the degree
plan to guide the course suggestions.
- Change degree plan in system if necessary
-To find current degree plans, click on Programs of Study on website. Print and
check off what student has taken.
3. Look at student’s transcripts. All evaluated credits will be on the student’s unofficial
PTC transcript. However, it can still be beneficial to look at the transcripts in WebEx to
see the full picture.
- If the student does not have useable credits for placement, direct the student
to take the Compass in the area(s) needed.
- The Compass is offered at the main and south campuses. Check the testing website for fee and times.
4. Plan courses for the semester.
- Transfer students must meet our prerequisite requirements—use the catalog
online if you don’t know requirements for certain courses.
-Do not use previous NC, W, WX or F grades for placement. You may be setting
the student up for failure
5. Remove Advising Hold.
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How to advise a transfer student:
6. Student registers for first set of classes.
- Some advisors have access to an additional laptop and allow the student to register for the first set of classes. If not, log in as the student and guide them through
the process. All students should register themselves for classes each semester.
- If you need an override, please see the person in your area with override
privileges or contact a full-time advisor.
7. Print schedule and account status for student reminding the student about
important deadlines (payment deadline, first day of classes, last day to change
schedule, etc.)
8. Have student read and sign the Registration Agreement (available here).
9. Fill out advising form in Insight.
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Problems?
1. Student has a hold. See hold info on page 45.
2. If you cannot pull up a new student: student may not have completed the
admissions process. Refer to room 240.
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Remind the student that all official transcripts must be turned in to
Admissions to qualify for Financial Aid.
To check transfer credits between PTC and other Arkansas public
institutions you can use the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS).
Click the ACTS button on the student section of the website. Then,
on the ACTS website, select students on the left side.
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WHO ARE YOU ADVISING?
TRANSFER STUDENT
WHO ARE YOU ADVISING?
RETURNING STUDENT
i Who is a returning student?
A returning student is a student who took classes at PTC 2 or more years ago.
Before a returning student is able to be advised, they must complete the admissions
process including a new application online and submitting any missing documents
from the previous time they were at PTC.
A returning student may have attended another school since they were at PTC
last. Make sure to look through this information for placement. If a student has not
successfully completed English or Math courses , check to see if Compass or ACT
scores are still valid (within the past 5 years).
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How to advise a returning student:
1. Greet student.
2. Determine which degree plan best suits the student’s goals.
-Change degree plan in system if necessary
3. Look at previous course work, valid test scores, and transfer credits.
-To use current degree plan, click on Programs of Study on website. Print and
check off student’s classes. For older degree plans follow directions on page 23.
4. Plan all courses for semester.
5. Remove Advising Hold.
6. Student registers for first set of classes.
- Pay special attention to location
- Make sure student is taking developmental courses if needed
- Some advisors have access to an additional laptop and allow the student
to register for the first set of classes. If not, log in as the student and guide
them through the process. All students should register themselves for classes
each semester.
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How to advise a returning student:
7. Print out schedule and account status for student reminding him/her of important
deadlines (payment deadline, first day of classes, last day to change schedule, etc.).
8. Have student read over and sign the Registration Agreement (available here).
9. Fill out advising form in Insight.
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Problems?
1.
Student has a hold. See hold info on page 45.
2.
If you cannot pull up a returning student: have to reapply and check in at
room 240 to make sure admissions process is complete.
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WHO ARE YOU ADVISING?
RETURNING STUDENT
WHO ARE YOU ADVISING?
CURRENT STUDENT
i Who is a current student?
If a student has attended PTC in the last 2 years, then they are considered a
Current Student.
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How to advise a current student:
1. Greet student.
2. Check to make sure the degree plan in Campus Connect best suits the student’s
goals and use the degree plan to guide the course suggestions.
-Change degree plan in system if necessary
3. Look at current courses and test scores: PTC allows students to use the highest
grade in each section from multiple tests.
4. Mark courses off the degree plan the student has completed or note courses the
student is currently taking.
-To use current degree plan, click on Programs of Study on PTC website.
-To find older degree plans, follow directions on page 23.
5. Plan all courses for semester.
6. All current students should register themselves each semester unless they need an
override.
- Make sure student is taking developmental courses if needed and not waiting
until later to take these courses
- Beginning summer 2014: If a student is currently enrolled in the prerequisite
needed for a course, has completed the prerequisite, or has the appropriate test
score, the student can register for the next course in the sequence.
7. Fill out advising form in Insight.
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Current students need to add their classes through their own
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MyPTC Portal account. Given the new updates to Campus
Connect, students can register their next class as long as they are
in the prerequisite. Students will have to successfully complete all
prerequisites to stay in the calss. Advisors, please only add students
to permission only courses. All other courses need to be added by
students.
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WHO ARE YOU ADVISING?
CURRENT STUDENT
WHO ARE YOU ADVISING?
LATE REGISTRATION
i What is late registration?
Late registration occurs before classes begin during the last three to four days
of registration for fall and spring. During this time students can turn in documents and
complete any admissions requirements they have missed during regular registration.
During these last days of registration, students will generally start in the Admissions
office (or an area designated by Admissions) before they are able to be advised. All
properly admitted new PTC students (transfer, returning, first-time entering included)
will have a checklist with them clearing them for advising.
Due to the volume of students seen during late registration, more part-time or faculty
advisors are utilized.
Students who register during this time (or who have completed the admissions
process during this time) may not have financial aid in place. Make sure the student
is aware of payment deadlines.
During late registration, transcripts may not be evaluated for transfer students.
-Use caution when analyzing these transcripts and contact a full-time advisor if
help is needed
Appointments are not made during this time. Students are seen on a walk-in basis
only.
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How to advise a student during late registration:
1. Greet student
2. Determine which degree plan best suits the student’s goals and use the degree
plan to guide the course suggestions
-Change degree plan in system if necessary
-To use current degree plan, click on Programs of Study on PTC Website
-Find older degree plans on page 23.
3. Look at test scores: PTC allows students to use the highest grade in each section
from multiple tests
4. All new degree seeking students should be advised to take College or Career
Seminar in the first semester
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5. Plan all courses for semester.
New Students: New students will not have any transfer credits. Only test scores
will be used for placement
Returning Students: Returning students will have older credits from PTC that are
still valid. Care should be taken in looking at previous coursework. If the student
did not pass previous courses, they should not be placed back in those unless
the test scores are still valid. Returning students may have transfer credit to look
at as well. If the student does not have credits or test scores to use
for placement, they should be directed to take the Compass.
Transfer Students: Transfer students may have turned in transcripts during late
registration that have not been evaluated in Campus Connect. They may have credits to use for placement even though the transcripts are not evaluated yet. Students are considered transfer students even if they do not have transferable credits (barber college, an unaccredited school, or no passing grades). Do not place a transfer student into courses based on
F/NC grades or W/WX. Please see a full-time advisor if you need assistance. If no credits can be used for placement, direct the student to take the Compass.
Current Students: Current students should be directed to register themselves
unless they need an override into a class.
6. Remove Advising Hold for all students seen. Current students should not have a
hold but may have other holds. See page 45.
7. Register student for first set of classes if student is new to PTC or needs and override.
- Pay special attention to location
- Make sure student is taking developmental courses if needed and not
waiting until later to take these courses
- You may have difficulty with scheduling (MWF or TR) since it is the end of
registration
- Some advisors have access to an additional laptop and allow the student to register for the first set of classes. If not, the student should watch the process since all students should register themselves for classes each semester.
8. Print out schedule and account status for student reminding the student about
important deadlines (payment deadline, first day of classes, last day to change
schedule, etc.).
9. Have student read over and sign the Registration Agreement (available here).
10. Fill out advising form in Insight.
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WHO ARE YOU ADVISING?
LATE REGISTRATION
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
i Advising Seasons:
Fall Registration: April– August
- Current students begin fall registration in April each year
- New students begin registration in June
Spring Registration: October—January
- Current students begin spring registration in October each year
- New students begin registration in November
Summer Registration: April—June/July
- Current student begin summer registration in April
- New students begin registration in May
- Since there are two sessions, there is a second registration date for students
who are registering for summer 2 only. If a student is taking summer 1 classes,
they should register for all courses (summer 1 and 2) at the same time.
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General Advising Locations:
For a complete list of advising center times, visit:
http://www.pulaskitech.edu/advising/academic_advising.asp
Main Campus, North Little Rock
Campus Center Building, Room 105
South Campus
Room 101
West Campus, Kanis
Room 107A
s Departmental Advisors:
Advising happens in a variety of departments and locations. As a result, we havea
large group of departmental advisors ready to help students. A complete list of
full-time and departmental advisors are available for viewing and printing on our
advising website.
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Advising Resources
In addition to our advising website, we also have a page dedicated to Faculty and
Staff Advisors here: http://www.pulaskitech.edu/advising/advising_resources.asp
There are a variety of helpful tools and handouts for all advisors to use.
To go directly to advising documents, click here: http://1drv.ms/1gDuAE4
-Some resources commonly used in this folder: developmental flow chart and
scores, installing LYNC, and commonly used phone numbers.
Veterans’ Advisors:
There is an academic advisor for students who are receiving VA
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benefits. Because the government has specific requirements for
keeping VA funding, students who are using that funding should
meet with the VA advisor. General advisors may not have the
training or required paperwork that is needed, so encourage
students to meet with the Veterans’ Advisors any time they have
questions.
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
i Intrusive vs. Appreciative Advising:
Students from 1st generation and low-income backgrounds are among the least
likely to complete a degree. Institutional retention efforts must take the needs of
these students into account.
More likely to:
Attend part time (take longer, more barriers to completion, not engaged/
involved)
Choose an institution based on cost & location
Not necessarily the best fit
Unclear expectations of what types of degrees are offered and the
process of getting from point A (where they are currently) to Z (their
long-term career goal)
Significant work & family responsibility
May not have much time to seek out resources, meet with instructors
outside of class, receive tutoring or get involved in activities.
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Intrusive Advising:
Seek Out Students
Be Available
Meeting with students throughout the semester
Helpful/encouraging
Build trusting relationship
Get to the heart of what is causing difficulty and helping the student overcome
the obstacles
May be academic or personal
Referrals
Active concern for student’s success
Proactively monitor grades
Early Alert
Involvement outside of classroom and office
Student activities, eating in cafeteria, taking breaks in library
Maintain professional boundaries
Genuine care
Positive attitude
Openness
Honesty
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6 Phases of Appreciative Advising:
Disarm: The disarm phase involves making a positive first impression with students and
calming any fear or suspicion they might have of meeting with the advisor
Discover: The discover phase is spent continuing to build rapport with students and
learning about the students’ strengths, skills, and abilities through utilizing effective
and positive open-ended questions that encourages narratives.
Dream: The dream phase involves uncovering students’ hopes and dreams for their
futures.
Design: The design phase is spent co-creating a plan to make their hopes and
dreams come true
Deliver: The deliver phase is the implementation phase where students carry out their
plan and the advisor’s role is to support them as they encounter roadblocks.
Don’t Settle: The don’t settle phase involves challenging students to achieve their full
potential and supporting them along their journey.
*PTC CTE has webinars throughout the year related to advising. For a list of
Professional Development related to activites please check the CTE Schedule.
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
2
The Advising Appointment:
1. Opening – Greet the student by using his/her name and offering yours. The student
may be unsure of how to phrase what he is seeking so asking questions can help get
to the root of what the student needs.
•
How can I help you today? Or What brought you in today?
A. Introduce yourself. Ask the student what his/her name is (does he prefer
Mike instead of Michael).
B. Use the student’s name. Avoid nicknames such as sweetheart, dude, hon,
etc. We expect students to treat us with respect and use our names – we
should show them the same courtesy.
2. Talking with the student – the student may not be familiar with terminology or
school jargon. Avoid finishing the student’s sentences and “helping” him along. Let
the student finish his thoughts and continue asking questions until you are on the
same page.
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Are you a current student?
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Are you a transfer student or have you attended college classes before at
another school? If so, have you submitted transcripts?
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What degree plan are you working on? Do you plan to attend a 4-year
institution for additional college work or to obtain a bachelor’s degree?
•
What are your career goals? What do you want to do when you finish school?
A. Allow students time to explain their issues before getting down to business.
Many of our students come in with a laundry list of problems and if we cut
them off and move on to the business, we miss an opportunity to assist the
student and help their overall success.
B. Take the time to listen to the entire question or concern. Too often students are given the “run around” because someone hears a key word and
immediately sends them to a different office. Sometimes students say they
want to see a counselor or advisor or want to enroll and they are using
incorrect terminology and actually need something else.
3. You set the tone.
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The Advising Appointment:
4. Admitting your ignorance – If the student asks a question regarding factual
information to which you do not know the answer, admit it. Avoid sending the
student on a “wild goose chase” to find the answer himself. Be accurate in your
information and find out the best solution for the student.
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I think you need to discuss your issue with financial aid, but let me check to
make sure first.
•
Let me call the VA representative to find out if he is the person to discuss your
military questions with and see if he has any free time today.
A. Refer, Refer, Refer. When you don’t know an answer, admit it. Find the
resource and tell the student directly or let him/her know where to find the
answer.
5. Ending the appointment – make sure you have accomplished everything the
student needs. After you have completed the appointment, ask “is there anything
else you need help with today?” or “have I answered all your questions today?” The
student may have other issues other than advising and you can direct them to the
correct resource.
A. Encourage the student to plan ahead. Give the student important dates to
note, remind them of online resources for checking financial aid, drop dates,
etc.
Three Essential Items:
All advising sessions build on three important process:
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1. The student’s unofficial transcript, including current classes.
2. An unofficial degree audit to note completed courses and what
remains on a students degree plan.
3. Planning out the remaining courses to graduation.
Advisors also need to make sure that from the beginning of a session
the student is declared for the correct degree or major.
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
i Degree Options:
Associate of Arts
Associate of Science
Associate of Applied Science
Technical Certificate
Certificate of Proficiency
Degrees designed to transfer to a four year school:
Associate of Arts
Associate of Science
Degrees designed to gain job skills:
Associate of Applied Science
Technical Certificate
Certificate of Proficiency
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Semester-by-Semester Plan:
Here’s a helpful tool for assisting students see the progression of courses and their
anticipated graduation date. Visit the Resources for Advisors page for this and other
helpful handouts.
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Finding Old Degree Plans:
Advisors can gain access to important shared folders in Microsoft OneDrive.
The two most helpful contain general advising documents and degree plans from
previous academic years.
The following link will connect an advisor to these folders: http://1drv.ms/QCyg46
To log into your Microsoft OneDrive account go to https://onedrive.live.com/about/
en-us/, click “Sign-In”. Type in your PTC e-mail address. For your password use
!PtcXXXX, with “XXXX” being the last four digits of the advisors Social Security Number.
When logged into OneDrive and in the shared folder, add these folders to your
shared documents.
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Students are eligible to stay under their degree plan for 5 years.
NT After that time, they will be changed into the current degree plan. If
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a degree plan changes while a student is at PTC, they can opt into
the new changes if it benefits the student.
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
i Placement Information:
Compass and ACT scores are used to place students in the correct classes. Scores
must be within the last 5 years.
If a student has multiple test scores, we will take the highest score in each section.
For COMPASS, a Math score must be an Algebra score and not a Pre-Algebra score.
Students can always retake a test if they are not satisfied with a specific score.
Transfer students will need scores if their math/English courses were not completed with a D or better.
Please do not place a student based on a failed course (or W, WX, NC) at another institution. Scores need to be seen to ensure accuracy in placement.
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Developmental Courses:
Developmental Courses are required by Arkansas state law if scores in reading,
English and math fall below Compass/ACT scores for placement into college level
coursework.
Students must successfully complete (C or better) the previous developmental
course before they are able to start the next course.
Students should work through these courses from the first semester so they gain the
skills necessary to be successful in future courses.
Students who need developmental reading and/or English will not be advised into
upper level courses such as history, psychology, sociology, etc.
Don’t register students for a class in which they are not ready just to give them full
time enrollment.
Fast-Track and Emporium options are available to speed up the developmental
courses. Fast Track: Allows students to complete 2 levels of classes in 16 weeks. Two
8 week courses. Counts as 6 hours. Be careful with veteran students. Emporium
students can go at a set pace through modules. Can potentially work through all
developmental courses in one semester. Sign up for 3 hours.
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ADVISING BASICS
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
i Transcript Help:
Please see full-time advisor for evaluation assistance.
• Verify Accreditation of Transfer Institution
• PTC only accepts transfer credit from institutions accredited by a U.S. Department
of Education nationally recognized accrediting agency.
PTC accepts transfer credits from institutions accredited by the following regional
accrediting bodies:
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Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
No credits awarded for courses completed at the following institutions (this is not an
exhaustive list):
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ITT Technical College
Remington College
Shorter College – accreditation withdrawn May 16, 1998. Accreditation status
(accredited on probation) extended to Dec. 31, 1998 to allow students to
complete a teach-out program and receive a Shorter College degree
Eastern College of Health
Barber colleges
Southern Technical College
International Transcripts
We do not typically award transfer credits for transcripts from non-U.S. universities. The
student can pay an international organization to evaluate the transcript and make
recommendations for transfer credit, but the student is responsible for paying for this
service and it can be costly.
Quarter Hours
-For assistance contact Catherine DiVito (812.2206) or Kristen Chadwick (812.2275) in
the Registrar’s Office
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i Accepted Science Courses:
For completion of the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree
students are required to complete one physical science class with lab (4 credit hours)
and one biological science class with lab (4 credit hours).
The following classes meet the physical science with lab requirement. Students are
responsible for meeting all prerequisites.
PHYS 1401 PHYS 1402 PHYS 1403 CHEM 1403 CHEM 1404 CHEM 1405 CHEM 1406 ASTR 1401 GEOL 1403 Physical Science
College Physics I
College Physics II
Fundamental Chemistry I
Fundamental Chemistry II
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
Introduction to Astronomy
Historical Geology
The following classes meet the biological science with lab requirement. Students are
responsible for meeting all prerequisites.
BIOL 1400 BIOL 1401 BIOL 1402 BIOL 1403 BIOL 2401 BIOL 2402 BIOL 2405 M
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Biological Science for Non-Majors
Biological Science for Majors
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Microbiology
General Botany
General Zoology
CHEM 1407 Intro to Chemistry for Health Care will not count toward
the Physical Science requirement on the AA or AS Degree Plans.
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING BASICS
i Math Courses:
Beginning Summer 2014, students can test directly into higher level math
courses based on scores on the ACT or Compass. The classes and test requirements
are listed below.
MATH 1303 Trigonometry
Prerequisite: MATH 1302 with a grade of “C” or better, a COMPASS Algebra
placement test score of 70 or higher, or a score of 26 or higher on the mathematics
section of the ACT. (3 credit hours)
MATH 1308 Business Calculus
Prerequisite: MATH 1302 with a grade of “C” or better, a COMPASS Algebra
placement test score of 70 or higher, or a score of 26 or higher on the mathematics
section of the ACT. (3 credit hours)
MATH 1404 Calculus I
Prerequisite: MATH 1303 with a grade of “C” or better or a COMPASS Algebra
placement test score of 85 or higher, or a score of 30 or higher on the mathematics
section of the ACT. (4 credit hours)
MATH 2301 Finite Mathematics
Prerequisite: MATH 1302 with a grade of “C” or better, a COMPASS Algebra
placement test score of 70 or higher, or a score of 26 or higher on the mathematics
section of the ACT. (3 credit hours)
MATH 2310 Discrete Mathematics
Prerequisite: MATH 1302 with a grade of “C” or better, a COMPASS Algebra
placement test score of 70 or higher, or a score of 26 or higher on the mathematics
section of the ACT. (3 credit hours)
MATH 2320 Introduction to Statistics and Probability
Prerequisite: MATH 1302 with a grade of “C” or better, a COMPASS Algebra
placement test score of 70 or higher, or a score of 26 or higher on the mathematics
section of the ACT. (3 credit hours)
For additonal course deacriptions plese visit the Academic Catalog secion of the
PTC website.
28
ADVISING BASICS
i UALR Pre-Core Math:
Beginning in Fall 2013, UALR began using a different score scale for
developmental math. While most students should have transfer credit articulated,
this guide can provide some immediate help.
The first letter of any UALR pre-core math indicates the number of modules a student
has passed. The second letter in the grade refers to whether or not the student has
placed into a college level math yet.
For any pre-core math course number, if the second letter is an A: award
Intermediate Algebra credit.
For any pre-core math course number, if the second letter is a Q: award Elementary
Algebra credit.
If the second letter is an N, the credit awarded will depend on the first letter grade
and if the student has completed more than one pre-core math. A student could
complete two pre-core math classes and still only have Elementary Algebra credit.
Award credit based on the following:
AN only - Pre-Algebra Skills
BN only - Pre-Algebra Skills
CN only - no credit
BN in one course + CN in second course = award Elementary Algebra
CN in one course + CN in second course = award Elementary Algebra
Any other combination would result in a second letter grade of A or Q.
29
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academy
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advising
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31
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
i Registering for Classes on MyPTC Portal:
Step 1: Go to the Pulaski Tech website (www.pulaskitech.edu).
Step 2: Click on the box labeled “MyPTC”.
Step 3: Login to the “MyPTC” Portal using your user name and password
Step 4: Click on the tab labeled “Campus Connect”.
Step 5: Under “Registration” Select and Click “Add/Drop Courses”.
Step 7: Select the term (semester) in which you are enrolling. Then, select the
department of the class you want to take. Finally, click the button labeled “Display
Schedule & Available Courses”.
Step 8: Click the “Add” button next to the desired course.
32
i Registering for Classes on MyPTC Portal:
Step 9: To add more classes, repeat “Step 7”.
Step 10: To verify your class schedule, review your student account or to make a payment go to “Account Info”.
33
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
i Insight Appointment System Guide:
Insight is our advising appointment system. PTC Student schedule advising
appointments through their MyPTC Portal. PTC Advisors can also use Insight to
document advising sessions or upload advising documents to a student’s account.
Logging into Insight:
• Go to https://pulaskitech-insight.symplicity.com/manager/
• Login using your MyPTC login and password.
• Once you are logged in, this is your home screen
M
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IMPO
If you are unable to log into Insight please call the Main Advising
Office at 501-812-2220.
34
i Setting up your Advising Schedule:
Step 1: Click on Advising Appointments in the Navigation Links on the left.
Step 2: Click on the “Staff Availability” tab at the top of the screen.
Step 3: Click on the blue “+Add New” button.
Step 4: Then, a blank form appears to create your advising schedule will appear.
Availability Label – Name your schedule. It is helpful to include your name and dates.
Schedule to Copy – After you enter at least one schedule in, you can copy
that schedule and alter the dates as needed.
Location – Choose the location where your appointments will be from the drop
down menu.
Start Date – Choose the date you wish this schedule to start.
End Date – Choose the date you wish this schedule to end.
Appointment Length – Choose 30 minutes.
Appointment Type - Choose the type of appointments you see, may be schedule specific.
Degree/Major– Choose the degrees/majors you will be available to students for. Choose multiple areas by checking the box next to the area. These may also be schedule specific.
SR Enroll Status- Set to all statuses except High School Concurrent.
Step 5: Choose your times for each day of the week. To choose multiple times, hold
down the “CTRL” key and click on each time you wish to make available in blue.
Step 6: Click the “Submit” button to save your advising schedule.
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
i Who Are You Trying to See?:
A major change to Insight starting in Fall 2014 relates to the automatic sort
happening behind the scenes.
Students with certain degree plans, majors, and/or statuses can now be specifically
routed to appropriate advisors. When making an availability the first consider the
Appointment Type you are scheduling. Then consider which students you want to
see during these appointments.
Advisors can select who they see for Academic Advising appointments. By selecting
certain degrees, departmental advisors can only see those students they typically
advise. Students will only see a limited selection of options since their degree and
status is already getting sorted behind the scene.
To make this system successful, advisors need to confirm that a student’s degree plan
in Campus Connect is accurate. If it is not, advisors can change this with the student
through the Degree Change Form in Campus Connect.
A How-to-Guide for Advisors for the Degree Change Form is available on the
Advising OneDrive: http://1drv.ms/1gDuAE4
36
i Multiple Appointments:
Since advisors can set the exact degrees they see for Academic Advising
appointments they also need to have a way to speak to non-majors. Advisors can
set up an additional “Explore” schedule that overlaps with their “Advise” version.
Insight can handle overlapping schedules. So if an 9:00a.m. appointment is taken for
an “Explore” schedule that time is also taken from an “Advise” schedule.
For non-Academic Advising appointments, an advisor would want to see the
largest group of students. A student interested in going from a Business degree to
an Education degree could select Explore a Degree or Major and meet with an
Education advisor. For the appointment type “Explore a Degree or Major”, advisors
need to select the areas they would typically advise. However, instead of selecting
specific majors, ALL majors would be selected.
When making your appointment schedule consider each appointment type you
want to have, then consider which students you want to see. Most advisors will
end up with two overlapping schedules. One specific to the degrees, majors, and
statuses they see. The other for the other appointment types and exploration options
they would want any student to schedule.
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
Before students can set an
iappointment:
• A student must be completely finished with the admission process to set an
appointment.
• You can verify they are in the system under “Students/Alumni” in the Navigation
Links
• You can search for students by name or ID number in the “Keywords” box. Type
either in and click “Apply Search”. You must click the “Clear” button to remove
the name and start a new search.
• You may also search for a name by looking for the last name using the A-Z index
to the left.
• When you find the student name you are searching for, they will be able to make
an appointment.
• Click on the underlined last name in the “Last” column to view the Student
Record.
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i Student Records:
• Each student has a record with several options.
• Click “Students/Alumni” on the Navigation Links.
• The Core tab offers the student’s demographic information under the “Main”
link in Core. In the screen itself, you can scroll down to see more demographic
information.
• You can scroll through the different areas (Main, Profile, Account) to see the
various info on that student
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
i Seeing what the student sees:
You can view what the student sees from your account. Click on the “Login As” tab
after you look up the student. This is the same screen the student sees when they log
in from the PTC Portal. If they have the green “Request an Appointment” button,
they are able to schedule an appointment with their advisor.
M
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IMP
Students should set up their own appointments by clicking on the
advising appointment button in their MyPTC Portal.
40
i Setting an Appointment:
When an appointment is set, you will get an email requesting an appointment.
Step 1: click on “Assigned to Me/Unassigned/All Pending Appointments” under
“PENDING ACTIONS SUMMARY” to approve or deny the appointment.
Step 2: All appointments that need approved by all advisors will be listed. Make sure
you only approve appointments listed under your name. Click on the “Edit” button
to approve or reject the appointment. You can click “View” to simply look at the
appointment record.
Step 3. At the top of the Academic Advising Record, you have several options. You
can approve or reject the appointment. You can cancel or delete appointment
if you need to for any reason, although using cancel or delete removes the record
completely. If necessary, you can alter the time, date, and advisor to change the
appointment to another advisor. After you approve or cancel the appointment,
students will receive a confirmation email.
M
If a student put a note in the “Student Comments” section, please
NT note you can’t respond to the student via Insight.
A
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R
IMPO
You can contact
them via student email or number listed in their Core information.
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
i Filling Out Notes After Appointment:
Step 1: When a student arrives for an appointment, you can access the appointment
record by clicking “Advising Appointments” on the Navigation Links on the left.
Step 2: Click on the “Appointments” tab and locate your appointment.
Step 3: Click on the “Edit” button beside the student’s name.
Step 4. After clicking the “Edit” button, scroll to the Advising Record.
Step 5: Visit Type: Choose Scheduled Appointment or Walk-in Appointment.
Step 6: Reason for Visit: Choose the reason. Hold down “CTRL” for multiple reasons.
Step 7. Division Referral: If you refer to another division, you can do so here.
Step 8. Resource Referral: Choose if you make a referral to another office. You can
hold down the “CTRL” button and click on multiple referrals.
Step 9: Advisors Notes: Make notes about the advising appointment.
Step 10: Click the “Submit” button to save.
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i
Filling Out Notes for Walk-in Students:
If you see a student who did not have an appointment and you want to add this
information to their record in Insight, you can manually add an appointment in
Insight.
Step 1: Search for Student under “Students/Alumni”
Step 2: Click on student’s name and select “Advising Appointments”
Step 3: Click “Add New” and fill out advising form making sure you select the date/
time and “walk-in” for the appointment type.
Do not click “Edit” for any appointment by your own. You can click “View” in order
to see the details of other advisor’s appointments.
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
i Adding Documents to Student File:
Step 1: Click “+Add New”.
Step 2: Label – Choose any name you wish for the document.
Step 3: Document Type – Choose what kind of document you are uploading.
Step 4: Click the “Choose File” button to pick the file from your computer.
Step 5: Private – If you choose yes, this will make the document private meaning the
student will not be able to see it. If you click no, the student will be able to see the
document.
Step 6: Approved – Choose yes to approve the document. If you do not approve
the document, it will not post.
Step 7: Click the “Submit” button to save the document in the student’s record.
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i Hold Information:
Please make sure you are checking holds in Campus Connect when advising
Students. Below is a guide of what you should do for each type of hold.
Advisement Needed Hold
All new students will have this hold on their account. You should remove this hold in
Campus Connect before registering the student.
Immunization Hold, Business Office Hold, Disciplinary Action Hold
Do NOT register a student with one of these holds. He/she will need to go through the
proper channels to remove the hold before an advisor can register the student.
Suspension Hold
If the student has sat out his suspension, notify Catherine DiVito (cdivito@pulaskitech.
edu or ext. 2206) or Kristen Chadwick (kchadwick@pulaskitech.edu or ext. 2275) in
the Registrar’s office to remove the hold. After the hold is removed, the student will
have the ability to register.
Advisement Hold, Needs Permission (International Student), or High School Student
Students with a High School Student, Advisement Hold, or Needs Permission hold
should only be seen by a full-time advisor.
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ADVISING ACADEMY
ADVISING TECHNOLOGY
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ADVISING ACADEMY
CAREER EXPLORATION
i Career Goals:
When advising a student, it is important to match career goals with
educational opportunities. If a student is unclear about their career plans, there are
services we can provide PTC students:
1. Career Assessments & Job Searches
Match your skills and interests to a career field
- KUDER
- TORQ
- Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Arkansas JobLink
2. Career Counseling
Discuss careers that interest the student
Find out what degree is needed for chosen career field
3. Job Readiness
Resume-writing tips
Interview techniques
When students utilize these services, the advisor can better assist the student with
matching education goals with career goals.
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i KUDER Assessment:
The KUDER is the primary assessment tool offered at PTC. The KUDER helps
determine what a student likes, and matches interests, skills, and work values. The
KUDER is administered in College Seminar.
For information on how to log into KUDER: http://www.pulaskitech.edu/advising/
content/kuder.pdf
49
ADVISING ACADEMY
CAREER EXPLORATION
ADVISING ACADEMY
CAREER EXPLORATION
i TORQ:
The TORQ is an assessment that determines what a student can do now based
on current and previous skills and experience. This service is offered as part of our
partnership with the Department of Workforce Services.
To request TORQ access, please contact Zach Perrine. Throughout the
year, Workforce Services will provide TORQ training sessions and create user
accounts. 50
i Occupational Outlook Handbook:
The Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates income & growth rate for jobs.
Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ (also linked through our PTC library page)
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ADVISING ACADEMY
CAREER EXPLORATION
CAREER EXPLORATION
i Arkansas JobLink:
Arkansas JobLink allows users to research career information, conduct a job
search, and build a resume online. Arkansas JobLink can be accessed here: https://
www.arjoblink.arkansas.gov/ada/
For more information or to go through a AJL training, contact Zach Perrine.
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information
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financial aid
advisor observation form
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GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
i Advising Policies:
1. Students transferring from out of state or from private AR institutions not in ACTS
must have transcripts evaluated by Registrar’s Office.
• During the regular new student registration time, transcripts will be evaluated
before a student’s advising appointment. During late registration, advisors do their
best to use unofficial transcripts, but they must be evaluated by the Registrar’s
Office for official credit to be posted. If possible, avoid questionable areas (math,
English, etc)
2. In cases where a student may need to be Comp I ready (Business Courses, Classes
with heavy reading, Biology), completion of similar type courses could be used for
placement (Speech, Developmental reading/writing from another institution)
3. Higher level courses can be used for placement.
Example: A student who has completed Calculus can use that as the math
requirement to take Chemistry
4. For placement into A&P I, Microbiology: a student needs to have completed BIOL
1401 (not BIOL 1400) with a C or better.
• Exception: the student has a valid nursing license. To check current AR Nursing Licenses, check here: https://www.ark.org/arsbn/statuswatch/index.php/
nurse/search/new.
• A&P I can be used for placement into Microbiology.
5. Advisors do not use W, WX, NC or F grades for placement. Example: If a student
has a transcript with Comp I and received a W, WX, NC or F, we will not use that to
place them back in Comp I (unless they completed the necessary developmental
courses OR have test scores within the last 5 years showing they tested directly into
Comp I) This policy should be used for Math placement, Speech, etc.
6. Advisors will not complete any overrides or advising via phone or email
7. All overrides and advising notes must be put in advising form with explanation for
the override.
8. Transfer students who do not have Reading, Writing, Math on transcript (WX and F
do not count), must take the Compass for placement.
Transfer students with only F/NC grades and W/WX grades (even if in Reading,
writing, math) must take the Compass unless they have valid test scores.
9. If a developmental class from a previous college/university does not have a PTC
equivalent, student would have to take COMPASS test for placement.
56
i Advising Policies:
10. Academic Advising cannot override into full classes.
11. Post Bach students should be able to register themselves for any general
education courses. If they are working on a specific degree in technical/industrial
or allied health, the advisor in that area will assist with registration for those specific
courses.
12. Students who took classes with PTC while in high school must fill out a new
application when they graduate. They will not be allowed to continue taking courses
until they complete a new application and turn in any necessary documentation
including new student orientation.
13. Students who wish to change their degree plans should be directed to their
advisors to make these changes.
14. Overage Policy: for students requesting permission to go over the term hourly limit
(Summer terms: 7 hours, Fall/Spring: 18 hours), the student must make that request
through the Vice President for Learning. Students should contact the office’s assistant
at 812.2838. The student must have a 3.0 or better on their PTC transcript (or for
transient students, their main institution) to be eligible. If the overage is approved, the
waiver will be sent to the Registrar’s Office, not Advising.
15. Student pre-requisites and registering for next level classes. A student can now
register for a next level class as long as they have the appropriate test scores and/
or are currently enrolled in the necessary prerequisites. Students must successfully
complete the necessary prerequisite to enter the next level course. A report will be
ran after grades have posted. Students who do not complete the necessary pre-req
will be dropped from their next level class.
*For questions related to course requirements please refer to the Academic Catalog.
57
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
i Financial Aid Information:
Academic Advisors are not financial aid experts, but there are a few things we
should know that affect our student’s ability to proceed successfully at PTC.
1. According to Federal Law, Financial Aid CANNOT pay for you to repeat a course
that you have already successfully completed.
2. Successful completion, according to the federal government, is earning a “D
or higher in a class.
For example, a student who receives a D in English Comp I must go back and retake
this course and obtain a C or better to move on to English Comp II. The student will
retake this course and financial aid not count this repeat in the financial aid hours to
be awarded for the semester.
2
Financial Aid Appeals Packets:
Occasionally, advisors may need to fill out degree plans and semester-bysemester plans for students who are submitting financial aid appeal forms. It is
required that all students who want to appeal meet with an advisor and have the
two advisor forms filled out.
Advisors can just fill out the “Academic Advising Statement” and Course Planning
Guide in the packet. All additional documents should be stapled to the student’s
packet.
The following 2 pages show you the two forms you will be requested to complete
for a student with an appeal packet. For the Course Planning Guide (Semester-bySemester Guide), please fill it out as the student plans to take the courses (when they
plan to come back, how many classes they plan to take each semester, if they plan
to come in summers, etc.).
Please contact a full-time advisor for advising assistance and financial aid for
questions specific to that department.
It is important to be both specific with courses but also allow some options for
electives. Advisor can use the term “recommended elective” to capture that idea.
58
Student: This form is required to be completed by an Academic Advisor.
Unofficial Degree Audits and Semester Class Plans will be used by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee to
establish an Academic Plan if the committee determines your appeal to be approved and requires you to follow
the plan set forth during your advising session. If for any reason you cannot follow the plan established, you
should notify the financial aid office prior to establishing enrollment that is not within your plan. Note: Failure
to follow an academic plan (if placed on one), will result in loss of financial aid eligibility.
Advisor: Please complete this form and attach an unofficial degree audit (please sign and date degree audit).
Student Name:
Student ID:
Expected Graduation (month/year)?
Completed with student:
____
____
____
____
____
Financial Aid Transcript and Unofficial Academic Transcript Review
Student Degree Plan
Unofficial Degree Audit (Copy Attached)
Semester Class Plan (Copy Attached)
Referred student for additional services:
 Learning Assistance Center
 Counseling & Disability Services
 Network for Student Success
 Other: __________________________________
Additional Comments:
Academic Advisor Signature: _________________________________________________________________
Student Signature:____________________________________________________ Date: ________________
*This form is to be completed by an approved Academic Advisor or approved advisors in specialty programs,
such as Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. The Director of Allied Health Affiliations may complete this
form for students in affiliate programs. You can also set up an appointment with many advisors through your
MyPTC Portal. Click on the link “Pulaski Tech Advising” to set up a time to talk.
Financial Aid Appeals Form Updated April 2014
59
GENERAL INFORMATION
Academic Advisor Statement
GENERAL INFORMATION
60
i Protocol for Training Observation:
When observing an advising session:
1. Contact the advisor you wish to observe to discuss their suggestion of the best
time to observe them.
2. It is the advisor’s responsibility to ask the student’s permission to be observed.
3. Do not begin observing a session that is already underway.
4. Continue the observation until the session is concluded, unless otherwise
suggested by the advisor.
5. Avoid making comments during the observation unless the advisor or student
directs a comment or question to you.
6. After the session has ended, ask for clarification, about resources used in the
session if you have questions.
7. Complete no more than 3 observations with the same advisor.
8. Please save completed observation forms to share with your supervisor or the
Director of Academic Advising and Career Services.
The certified advisors to observe are:
Kyanna Beard
Dianne Butler
Ryan Cox
Jennifer Robinson
Erin Dail
Greg Forge
Shannon Goodlow
Kimberly Blackmon
Doug Ford
Glen Acrey
Jonathan Purkiss
Kimberly Kwee
Bill WyngaardTerry Smart
Allan LemmonRebecca Chism
Sylvia CrockettLeslie O’Malley
Christy ObersteLaura Schneider
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GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Advising Observation
Advisor you are observing:
Location & Time:
Observer Name:
Welcome/Building Rapport
• How does the advisor welcome student?
• What does the advisor do to establish
rapport?
• What does the advisor do to set tone and
provide a welcoming climate?
Exploration
• How does the advisor explore and clarify
the student’s needs?
• What follow-up questions did the advisor
ask to better understand the situation?
• How did the advisor balance the amount
of time spent listening vs. talking?
Advising/Career Planning
• How did the advisor address the student’s
needs?
• How did the advisor connect career
goals to the student’s educational plan?
• How does the advisor prepare the student for the future?
Wrap-Up
• How does the advisor ensure the
student’s needs are met?
• How does the advisor encourage the
student to continue to utilize advising
services?
Overall Comments/Impressions
62
Advisor you are observing:
Location & Time:
Observer Name:
Welcome/Building Rapport
• How does the advisor welcome student?
• What does the advisor do to establish
rapport?
• What does the advisor do to set tone and
provide a welcoming climate?
Exploration
• How does the advisor explore and clarify
the student’s needs?
• What follow-up questions did the advisor
ask to better understand the situation?
• How did the advisor balance the amount
of time spent listening vs. talking?
Advising/Career Planning
• How did the advisor address the student’s
needs?
• How did the advisor connect career
goals to the student’s educational plan?
• How does the advisor prepare the student for the future?
Wrap-Up
• How does the advisor ensure the
student’s needs are met?
• How does the advisor encourage the
student to continue to utilize advising
services?
Overall Comments/Impressions
63
GENERAL INFORMATION
Advising Observation
GENERAL INFORMATION
Advising Observation
Advisor you are observing:
Location & Time:
Observer Name:
Welcome/Building Rapport
• How does the advisor welcome student?
• What does the advisor do to establish
rapport?
• What does the advisor do to set tone and
provide a welcoming climate?
Exploration
• How does the advisor explore and clarify
the student’s needs?
• What follow-up questions did the advisor
ask to better understand the situation?
• How did the advisor balance the amount
of time spent listening vs. talking?
Advising/Career Planning
• How did the advisor address the student’s
needs?
• How did the advisor connect career
goals to the student’s educational plan?
• How does the advisor prepare the student for the future?
Wrap-Up
• How does the advisor ensure the
student’s needs are met?
• How does the advisor encourage the
student to continue to utilize advising
services?
Overall Comments/Impressions
64
Thank you for using the Academic Advising Training Manual. As with
any document, there will be continuing revisions and updates. As
you use this resource please let me know what else you’d like to see
added, expanded or changed. This training manual is a resource
created by advisors for advisors. I invite all members of this
community to share their thoughts.
I would also like to thank Erin Dail and Kelsie Fannon for the incredible
amount of work they put into this manual. They’ve done a great job
on both content and design. This is a smartly designed tool that looks
great!
Again, I encourage everyone to contact me if they have questions.
Thank you.
Zach Perrine
Director of Advising and Counseling Services
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