Policies

Stanly Community College recognizes the value of academic advising in student success. The College has determined the need for mandatory advising to establish a clear academic plan and develop an advisor-advisee relationship. 

The advising procedures apply differently for students who are studying through (a) curriculum or for-credit courses; (b) Early College or Career and College Promise; (c) Adult High School or High School Equivalency; and (d) Continuing Education.

Curriculum (for college credit) Students

Curriculum students are those who intend for the courses they take to earn college credit that applies toward a college-level credential (certificate, diploma, or degree).

1. Mandatory Advising Requirement

All curriculum students are required to meet in-person or by telephone with their Success Coach at least once per semester for academic advising. This advising session is essential to ensure students are following the appropriate academic pathway, making satisfactory progress toward their credential, and preparing for course registration. 

2. New Student Orientation

All new curriculum students must complete New Student Orientation (NSO) prior to registering for classes. NSO is available online through the college’s learning management system and covers essential information, including program requirements, campus resources, student expectations, and academic policies. Students will not be allowed to register for courses until they have completed the NSO.  

3. Development of Academic and Career Plans

Upon meeting with their Success Coach, each student will work with the coach to develop a personalized academic and career plan that outlines the courses required for their desired credential level (e.g., certificate, diploma, associate degree). This plan will guide their course selections throughout their program. Success Coaches will also provide guidance on how to stay on track to complete the program within the student’s desired time frame.  

4. Continuous Advising for the Duration of the Program

Advising is mandatory for all curriculum students for the entire length of their program, from their first semester until the completion of their academic credential. In addition to one advising session for registration, students will meet with their Success Coach twice more each semester to discuss academic progress, address any challenges, and ensure that they remain on track toward program completion. These advising sessions may be in-person, by telephone, or by e-mail.  Students will also receive assistance in modifying their academic plan, if necessary, based on changes in their goals, academic performance, or course availability.

5. Advising Holds

A registration hold will be placed on all curriculum student accounts to prevent the student from self-registering for classes. All curriculum students must meet with their Success Coach for advising and registration needs. Students are encouraged to schedule their advising appointments well in advance of registration deadlines.

Stanly Early College, Stanly STEM Early College, and Career and College Promise Students

1. Mandatory Advising Requirement

CCP and Early College students are required to meet with their high school counselor and/or principal and the college Liaison prior to registration. 

2. New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation (NSO) is available online through the college’s learning management system and covers essential information, including program requirements, campus resources, student expectations, and academic policies. CCP and Early College students must complete NSO prior to registering for classes.

3. Development of Academic Plans

CCP and Early College students will work with the college Liaison to develop a personalized academic plan that outlines the courses required for their desired credential level (e.g., certificate, diploma, associate degree).

4. Continuous Advising for the Duration of the Program

CCP and Early College students are required to meet with their high school counselor and/or principal and the college Liaison each semester prior to registration. Students will receive assistance in modifying their academic plan, if necessary, based on changes in their goals, academic performance, or course availability.

5. Advising Holds

CCP and Early College students are not allowed to self-register. The college Liaison will register Early College and CCP students. Students are encouraged to schedule their advising appointments with the college Liaison well in advance of registration deadlines.

Adult High School Students/ High School Equivalency Students

1. Orientation Requirement
   All students are required to attend a program orientation prior to enrolling in classes. Orientation provides essential information about program expectations, class structure, and available support services. Placement testing is a requirement to attend orientation.
2. Initial Advising Appointment
   Before enrolling in any program or class, students must meet with the Student Success Coordinator or another College and Career Readiness (CCR) Coordinator. During this meeting, the Coordinator will work with the student to develop an individualized program plan tailored to their academic goals and scheduling needs.
3. Individualized Class Progression
   Classes are self-paced and designed to accommodate the unique learning needs of each student. As students complete a class or module, they are responsible for notifying the Coordinator. The Coordinator will then assist in enrolling the student in their next class or course module.
4. High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing Notification
   HSE students must inform a Coordinator each time they pass a section of the HiSET exam. This ensures accurate tracking of student progress and appropriate academic advising as students move closer to completing their equivalency diploma.
5. Ongoing Communication
   Regular communication with a Coordinator is essential to maintaining enrollment and receiving timely support. Students are encouraged to reach out with any academic questions or concerns throughout their time in the program.

Continuing Education (Excludes non-ESER CCR Programs)

1. This category includes the following non-curriculum course types:
   • Occupational Extension
   • Self-Support
   • Employability Skills and Employment Readiness
   • Small Business Center
   • Customized Training
2. Unlike students in curriculum (for-credit) programs, students enrolling/enrolled in continuing education courses are not required to participate in the Stanly Community College (SCC) mandatory advising processes described in the sections above.  Enrollment in Continuing Education courses does NOT require:
   1. completion/submission of the Stanly Community College Application; 
   2. completion of New Student Orientation; or
   3. success coach meetings, communication, development of academic plans, or continuous advising.
3. Some continuing education courses have additional enrollment requirements, such as minimum age, prerequisites, or discipline-specific applications. Potential students are encouraged to contact program coordinators if they have questions about course-specific requirements.
4. Potential students may register for classes via one of the following means:
   1. Self-registration via SCC online registration processes
   2. Eagle’s One Stop assistance
   3. Continuing education area staff/faculty
   4. Discipline-specific success coach, when applicable

Revisions: 12/08/2022 (policy); 05/23/2022 (procedures)