Academic Advising

An academic advisor is a professional who helps students navigate their educational journey. They provide guidance on

• Course selection – Helps students choose the right classes to meet degree requirements.
• Degree planning – Assists in efficiently mapping out a plan to complete a degree.
• Academic support – Guides on improving study habits, time management, and overcoming academic challenges.
• Policy guidance – Explains institutional rules, graduation requirements, and academic policies.
• Connection to campus resources – Connects students with campus resources such as peer tutoring and financial aid.

There are common questions that students ask:

• What courses do you recommend based on my academic goals?
• How will this decision affect my graduation timeline?
• If I want to change my program (ACU to ACHM or ACHM to ACU)?
• If I am struggling academically
• If I am thinking about taking a leave of absence

• In-person (stop by the office, room 500-6, Friday noon – 5 pm and Saturday 10 am – 5 pm)
• Phone (must be scheduled ahead)
• Online Zoom meeting (must be scheduled ahead)

• An appointment is strongly suggested but not required. Click here to schedule an appointment.
• You can meet with the academic advisor at any time of the year. However,
  you should meet with your advisor before it’s time to register for classes
  each trimester (about halfway through the trimester). Once registration
  opens up, the advisor is very busy, which could mean there might be a wait
  to see your advisor.

• Each session is 30 minutes, but it could be extended if there is no appointment after it.
• We recommend preparing a list of questions to ask in advance to maximize your time during the advising appointment.

• You can plan your course direction with the roadmap in the catalog. It is listed on the NYCTCM website in the current student section. (Note: the catalog may be updated every new trimester.)
• A program roadmap is a structured plan that helps you complete your degree efficiently while meeting all academic requirements. (Note: The roadmaps are drafted based on full-time enrollment. Students attending part-time will adjust their course load and timeline accordingly, extending their graduation date.)

• Check Your Registration Date – current students are notified by e-mail of the registration date and time.
• Review Course Requirements – Check your course plan and prerequisites to ensure you’re selecting the right courses.
• Meet with Your Academic Advisor – Consult your advisor for guidance on course selection and academic planning.
• Use the Online Registration System – Populi is the platform where you can search for and register for classes.
• Resolve Any Holds – Make sure there are no holds (e.g., financial, academic) that might prevent registration.
• Confirm Your Schedule – Double-check your registered courses and make any necessary adjustments before the add/drop deadline.

Talk to your professor, seek tutoring services, and discuss your options with your academic advisor.

The course add/drop/audit form (form#19) is located in the current student section of the school website.

The drop period closes at the end of Week 2. After this period, students can withdraw from a class, but tuition charges will apply according to the tuition refund policy listed in the Student Handbook. A fee of $15 will be applied to each form that you submit after the drop period closes.

Review your degree audit with your advisor to ensure you’ve met all graduation requirements.

If you have a registration lock, please contact the Academic Advisor.
If you have a financial lock, please contact the Financial Manager .

If you have an academic probation, please contact the Academic Advisor, at for future assistance.

• Check your status regularly – monitor your waitlist position through Populi.
• Please email the Academic Dean to request permission to attend the first class – some instructors may allow waitlisted students to join if there are no-shows.

It depends on the individual’s time availability, financial status, and ability to achieve the education objectives of each course.

Please contact the Academic Advisor to request a Program Change form. The form must be submitted no later than 14 calendar days before the start of the trimester.

Leave of absence may be granted for one trimester upon application, with a valid reason to the Academic Dean. Students may apply to take a temporary break for medical, personal, or financial reasons. Speak with your Academic Advisor to understand the process.

If you plan to leave the school for one trimester, please contact the Academic Advisor to request a Leave of Absence form.
If you plan to withdraw from NYCTCM, please contact the Academic Advisor at to request a withdrawal form.