Academic Advisement

What is Advising and Why is it important?
Academic Advisement is a process that helps you—the student—approach your education in an organized and meaningful way. Advising also involves guiding you—the student—to make responsible and viable decisions about your academic career at Georgia Piedmont Technical College.

You will meet with an Advisor when you first start Georgia Piedmont Tech and you should meet with an Advisor EVERY quarter until you complete your program. Why? Because your advisors hold key information that will help you get through Georgia Piedmont Tech. Don't register for a class until you've talked to an advisor!

Academic Advising Most Frequently Asked Questions

Advisement Tips

Who are your advisors at Georgia Piedmont Tech?
Professional advisors who work with new students to evaluate test scores, transfer credit, discuss career plans, develop first quarter schedule, and assist with registering for classes and setting up student email accounts.

Program Advisors
Faculty who teach the technical courses. Most of these program advisors will meet with you during your second quarter and beyond. However, First Quarter Student advisors may refer some students to the program advisors immediately following test score evaluation.

Co-advisors
Faculty who teach all levels of general studies courses to include English, reading and math. These advisors work with students who are enrolled in their classes.

Current Students Program Advisors
DeKalb Campus Students
Newton Campus Students

New Students
You've submitted your admissions application. You've paid your $25 fee. You've taken COMPASS test, or at least you're schedule to take it, or you're waiting for Georgia Piedmont Tech to evaluate your college transcripts.

What do you do next? It's time to meet with a FIRST SEMESTER STUDENT ADVISOR.

DeKalb Campus
Corey Parker – 404-297-9522 ext 1152
Rhashida Fields – 404-297-9522 ext 1152 (evenings)
Jacqueline Love – 404-297-9522 ext 1152

Newton Campus
Angela Cummings – 404-297-9522 ext 3246

YOU—the student—must initiate the Advising session.

What happens in an Advising session?
"When I meet with my program advisor, we talk about a lot of stuff. We talk about my work schedule, how I feel about a certain class, my grades … a lot of stuff.  My advisor helps me understand everything, and then make a decision about the next quarter … a decision.  I feel good about." 

DISCUSS
Your career plans, test scores, any transfer credits, program requirements
select appropriate courses for the upcoming quarter
learn how to read program curriculum guide, discuss family obligations and class schedule needs
Complete your Course Sequence form and ILP packet

REGISTER
Look up PIN ID and Student number
show you how to use BANNER registration to register for the classes recommended
Set up your Georgia Piedmont Tech student email account

REMIND
About completing financial aid
Other assistance that may be available
About Orientation day and first day of classes
First day of class procedures if taking online class

Everybody needs help sometimes … look for it, ask for it

Advising Resources
This section tips in handling issues that come up in your academic life—such as making a career decision, changing programs of study or trying to pay for school. Read each section for more insight. Visit the website links.

GET READY FOR AN ADVISING SESSION
Meet with your program advisor every quarter before your register. This could be in person, email or via phone. Have these documents with you when you interact with you program advisor.

• Academic Advising Course Sequence Sheet
• Unofficial Banner Web Transcript
• Program Study Guide

ABOUT FINANCIAL AID
Apply for financial aid. Hope grant recipients get free tuition and small amount toward books. But ALL students should be prepared to pay for books out of pocket.
A good estimate is $100 per book, per class.

NOT SURE ABOUT A CAREER
Choosing a career is :

1. What you know about yourself and your skills
2. What you know about the job market
3. What you're willing to do to get that job

Visit our Career Services offices for career assessments, job search and salary information. Log on to Georgia Career Information Systems (User Id: 'dekalbtc'; password: 'gcis625') for more career information.

THINKING ABOUT TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER COLLEGE
Check with the school you want to transfer to-find out their admissions policies for transfer students. The classes you need to Then, bring that information back to your First Quarter Student Advisor at Georgia Piedmont Tech who will help you map out that move.

WANT TO CHANGE PROGRAMS OF STUDY?
Talk to the program advisor for the program you're interested in.  Take a copy of your transcript, and test scores if you have them. Learn about the new program requirements. Speak back with the advisor for the program you want to CHANGE FROM. Make an INFORMED decision before you change programs. REMEMBER: Classes cost money and time. Don't waste either!

NEED TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE?
Visit the STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER. Talk with your instructors to let them know you need help. Instructors may refer your to tutorial services.