College Mix-Up: Advisor Says My Credits Are Misaligned
Hi everyone,
I’m facing a bit of a challenge. I’m currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program at my local community college, which I returned to this semester after earning my AA in 2020.
This college has always had its ups and downs, but it’s the most affordable and nearby option, so I’m sticking it out. I’m self-funding my education.
To get into the bachelor’s program, I first had to register as a non-degree-seeking student and then transfer into one of the available programs. Unfortunately, my initial advisor mistakenly provided me with the code for the wrong program I intended to pursue, which I discovered when I called back the following day to switch to the correct one.
Currently, I’m enrolled in four classes, but had to change my program again because the one I initially wanted wasn’t fully online, contrary to what I believed. The new program, however, is fully online.
When I spoke with my advisor about preparing for the upcoming semester, she mentioned that I still need six lower-level classes, despite the fact that I’m currently taking four. She was puzzled, and after some investigation, she realized my credits are being counted towards various programs.
In my school’s system, I see that one of my classes is attributed to my current program, another is assigned to the wrong program, and the third appears in the previously considered program. It looks like I haven’t completed any requirements at all.
My advisor assured me that she’ll prioritize my file, but I’m wondering if this will create issues down the line. Even though I’m taking all the necessary classes, they aren’t correctly reflected in the system yet.
Can I still proceed with my classes while ensuring everything gets transferred to the right program? I’m concerned that this error could come back to haunt me later.
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation, and I can understand why you’re concerned. Here are a few steps you can take to help resolve the issue:
Document Everything: Keep a record of all your communications with your advisors and any changes that have been made to your program. This will be important if you need to escalate the situation later.
Follow Up with Your Advisor: Since your advisor mentioned they would keep your file on “front view,” it’s a good opportunity to ask them directly what steps they are taking to rectify your academic progress in the system. Request a confirmation that your classes are being counted in the correct program as you move forward.
Request a Meeting: Consider setting up a meeting with your advisor or a higher-up in the academic advising department. Explain your situation in detail, focusing on the administrative errors and how they affect your academic progress. Sometimes, discussing matters in person can expedite the resolution.
Speak to an Academic Dean or Higher Authority: If you feel like your concerns aren’t being adequately addressed by your advisor, don’t hesitate to escalate the matter to an academic dean or the registrar’s office. They can often intervene and help correct any issues with your academic record.
Check Your Registration: When it comes time to register for classes again, ensure that all required classes are accounted for correctly. You may want to cross-check the list you received with the program requirements to ensure accuracy.
Consider an Academic Plan: After you get clarification on your academic standing and the classes you need, work with your advisor to create a clear academic plan that outlines what you need to complete your program, including any deadlines you must meet.
Stay Informed: Regularly check your academic progress online and keep in communication with your advisor. If you notice discrepancies, raise them right away.
While it’s understandably stressful, being proactive about following up and ensuring that your records are corrected will help you stay on track. Best of luck with your studies!