advising_introduction

	Academic Advising with Mr. Murray Attention students! You now have the ability to sign-up for classes without seeing me. Go for it! I'm still available for consultation. Just give me a call - an e-mail would be even better and we'll set a time to talk.			Serendipity (home page)

	For what it's worth... I have left my old advising information on-line (below). Perhaps some of it may still be of use to you.
How does this early registration work?	How to register yourself!	BRCC Class Schedules Here's where you'll find a link to the upcoming class schedule.		2003-2004 Catalog
What's a good time for me to see you?		Going to JMU? They have a message for you...
When I ask you what you will be majoring in... better have an answer.
	This Space For Rent	Information for specific majors (including future teachers)		Useful Links and Resources
The Value of an Associates in Arts & Sciences Degree. Think you can make it without an AA&S ?..... or a low GPA?
	I'm thinking of maybe majoring in... uh-huh.... like..... uhmmmm...
	Information for folks clueless about a major!		My Letter (October 19, 2003) (The one your dog ate)

Here's how this advising thing is going to work....

In order for our meeting to be productive, please do the following BEFORE sitting down with me:

1. Decide on a major. (problems? See Clueless)

2. Decide on several colleges you would like to attend.

3. Pick up the schedule of courses (it may also be on-line, check out Class Schedule)

4. Read the entire section of the Catalog (Student Handbook) called College/University Transfer Program. (Here they are on-line: Curriculum & Requirements for A.A. & S. degree)

5. Repeat step #4.

6. Decide on specific courses you want to take that will satisfy step #4 & #5.

7. Assume that all of your courses are filled and make a backup list of courses that will still satisfy step #4 & #5.

8. Sign up for a time on my door for advising & registering for your classes. We only have 30 minutes... be organized.

9. Complete steps 1-8 A.S.A.P. You wouldn’t believe how fast "popular" classes fill up!

How does this early registration work?

Can you sign me up for classes?
Nope... not anymore. Sorry. The good news is that you will be able to sign yourself up. The bad news is that the system is new and will probably have a number of glitches to work out before it works as advertised. For the time being I recommend contacting our admissions office for more information (extension 2287).

I'm a little confused about this advising thing. Can I just hang around and listen to an advising session?
Sure! I call it Group ~~Therapy~~ Sessions. Check the sign-up sheet on my door for times. I'll have a couple of Group Sessions when you can just hang around and listen.

What's a good time for me to see you?

Check my office hours (on my door - J111).
One week before early registration I place a sign-up sheet on my door so you can reserve a time. Make sure you write your name and e-mail clearly, I'm involved with several committees this semester and I may have to call/e-mail you to reschedule.
I have over 65 students to advise this semester... maybe we can meet in small groups?

Note: As explained in my letter... for October/November 2003 I'll be out of the office more than I'll be in. Contact the BRCC Counseling Office for assistance.

If so... then you have got to check out the JMU Academic Advising Guide. Click on it. Read the BRCC-JMU Guaranteed Admission Agreement Procedures. We (BRCC) have recently worked out a new arrangement to help in the transfer process. Do your part and carefully read this information... for example, what's the minimum GPA JMU is expecting?
If you're planning on transferring to JMU and have completed 45 or more credits at BRCC... then you better head over to the BRCC Counseling Center and complete a Student Letter of Intent Form.
At the above link (JMU Academic Advising Guide) you will find important information for folks planning on majoring in the following transfer areas:

I have received word that the VCCS website for students to look up their EMPLID is not yet fully functional. Therefore, during the advising period, it will be best to refer students to the website Cheryl has developed for the most up to date information about all aspects of the status of the new SIS. At the website Cheryl will have detailed information that will help students understand the registration options, how to look up EMPLIDs, etc.

John A. Downey, Dean, Health and Human Services Academic Division
Coordinator of Counseling Services, Blue Ridge Community College

Considering a major?

If you have been assigned to me - you must have expressed an interest in the College/University Transfer Program or in an education major.
Here's a snippet of a conversation you're bound to hear during the next two weeks of advising...

Student: What's the rush? Can't I do it when I go to the University of String Cheese?
Me: Have you noticed the electives we offer? Some of these electives may actually help you in your major.

Student: Cool, so how do I know what electives to take?
Me: Better contact someone familiar with your major at USC and ask them... don't forget to bring your BRCC catalog which lists all of the courses meeting the degree & elective requirements (Requirements for the AA&S Degree in College Transfer).

Student: Cool, road trip!
Me: Whatever. (Looking into the hallway...) Next!

Please contact our Career Resource Center (Mary Kier, brkierm@brcc.edu) and schedule a time when you can "do" a neat computer program (What Color is Your Parachute) designed to help you select a career.

Here's a useful link to help you decide on a major. Career Guide for JMU majors. Not only is it a great site, it also helps you decide on what electives are important to you!

Think you can make it without an AA&S ?
(The Value of the Transfer Program... see below)

More power to you!
I just hope you have a combined SAT between 1,000 – 1,100 and you graduated within the top 10 – 15% of your high school class.

And now... a word from our former Coordinator of Counseling Services, John Downey:
Attached please find a document that explains to the rare student who wants to get into JMU without graduating, what courses to take to partially fulfill their general education requirements. Of course, we continue to strongly encourage most students to stay and graduate in the transfer program, since JMU and other state-supported four-year colleges and universities will waive their general education requirements for Community College graduates. Last Updated in Fall 1999

The Value of the Transfer Program and the AA&S degree.
In my opinion... it's a no-brainer:
1. It's a college degree.
2. It's another line on your resume under "education"
3. You're demonstrating to a future employer that you can recognize and take advantage of an opportunity. Just tell him how much you spent on tuition, the quality of the courses/instructors, the small class size, etc..
4. You probably been working part-time while you've been going here so here's an opportunity to discuss that during the job interview process.

Questions (Murray): Where is your GPA?
Answer (student): I’m working to get it above 3.0

Tuesday, November 12, from 11:00am until 1pm JMU faculty will meet with BRCC students who are planning to transfer into teacher preparation programs. Two of several purposes of the meeting are to allow students an opportunity to ask questions, and to have faculty show students the pathway into becoming certified to teach. The meeting will be in Room J117.
Students may come to Student Services today or early tomorrow to request tracking sheets to take with them to the meeting so that JMU faculty may assess student progress.
Coming from JMU will be Dr. Sharon Lovell, Dr. Chuck Watson, Director, School of Education; Stephen Fairchild, Early and Elementary Education; Emma Savage Davis, Middle; Karen Santos, Special Education; and Secondary, Elizabeth Ihle.
Student Services strongly urges you to take advantage of this opportunity to have face-to-face contact with JMU advisors for teacher preparation programs.