Advisors can help you map out your journey

It’s time to start mapping out your next classes! BHC advisors can help you successfully navigate the process.

close up of a hand writing Register April 2 on a BHC flyerMake your college experience go as smoothly as possible by meeting with an advisor before you register each semester and anytime you decide to change your educational path.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2019 courses opens April 2, 2019, so now is the perfect time to make an advising appointment and get prepared!

The summer and fall schedules are now available for you to explore class options. Summer classes start June 3, and the fall semester begins Aug. 19.

You are required to meet with an advisor before registering if you have less than 30 completed college credits, an academic hold (for example, if you have received a warning or are on probation), or if you are adding or dropping a class after the term has started.

All students benefit from meeting with their advisor, however. It is a great idea to meet with an advisor once a semester to make sure you are on track to graduate and, if applicable, on track to transfer to a four-year school.

James Thompson of Prophetstown is earning his Associate in Arts at Black Hawk College after transferring from another community college and will graduate in December. His recent advising session paid off.

“She saved me a whole semester,” he said of advisor Cathryn Lass. “It was a huge time saver.”

During his session he found out he was planning on taking the wrong math class, and that he needed less classes to graduate than he thought. He encourages other students to make an appointment.

“They’re there to help you,” Thompson said. “You go in there and find out there are easier ways to get to your goal.”

Making an appointment

Quad-Cities Campus students can call Advising at 309-796-5100 and East Campus students can call Advising at 309-854-1709 to schedule appointments.

Quad-Cities Campus students can also make their appointments online. Here is how:

  • Log into myBlackHawk.bhc.edu/.
  • Click on the Student Tab, look at Advising and Hawk’s Journey on the left.
  • Select schedule an appointment with a Quad-Cities advisor for general advising.
  • Select schedule an appointment with a TRiO Academic Counselor if you’re a TriO student.

At the Quad-Cities Campus, Advising is in the First Stop Center in Building 1, just down the steps from the Hawk’s Hub bookstore. At East Campus, Advising is located in Building A on the second floor.

Walk-ins are accepted, but during peak times of the year, you can save yourself a lot of time by scheduling your appointment in advance. You can also pick your advisor this way.

Not a BHC student yet? Begin with the New Student Checklist and get started on your BHC journey today.

What an advisor does

An advisor helps you develop a program of study based on your needs, abilities and interests.

They work with you as you plan your future, and they help make sure you’re on the right track to meet your educational goals.

To do well in the classroom and get ready for life after graduation, work with your advisor on a success plan and follow their recommendations for professional growth.

Recommendations may include meeting with an instructor in a department that interests you, becoming active in a club, community volunteer work, attending BHC events, and using Career Services.

An advisor will help you learn about options available to you, and can teach you how to use Degree Audit tool available to students through myBlackHawk.com.

Degree Audit is located under the Student tab and can help you determine what classes are needed for a degree or certificate, research classes needed for various majors, and plan classes semester by semester.

Working with your advisor

If you change your goals, don’t forget to meet with your advisor as soon as possible to create a new plan.

Before any advising appointment, get prepared. Look at classes you want to take, write out any questions, know your BHC Student ID number, and bring appropriate materials to all advising sessions.

Bring transcripts from other colleges attended and any assessment scores you have not submitted to Black Hawk College, as well as information about any transfer schools you are interested in.

If you are looking to explore transfer schools, the Transfer Guides and Agreements page is a good place to start. Note that you are not limited to those schools when making a decision – Advising can help you transfer to another school of your choice.

Always communicate with your advisor. Make sure to share:

  • Your goals
  • Scheduling changes
  • Academic problems
  • Transfer institution
  • Change in major or area of interest

Don’t stop preparing yourself after a session, though. Continue researching academic, transfer and career options, utilize Degree Audit, and follow through on recommendations made by your advisor.

You are here to succeed at Black Hawk College, and one way to help ensure your success is meeting with your advisor regularly. Appointments are available to all students and your advisor is here to help you succeed.