Academic Advising Syllabus
2025-2026 Academic Advising Syllabus
The Academic Advising Syllabus is meant to help you understand how to connect with your advisor, the benefits of working with your advisor, and the expectations and responsibilities of students and advisors. It also provides valuable resources, college policies, and important dates.
Academic Advising Learning Outcomes
Academic advising is an essential part of the college experience. Academic Advisors and students work collaboratively to enhance student success. The following learning outcomes identify students' abilities, knowledge and developmental progress acquired as a result of the advising process.
- Actively participate in the student enrollment process while adhering to deadlines (Financial Aid, Registration).
- Utilize WCTC student technologies (myWCTCmail, myProfile, myWCTC Portal, Canvas, Degree Works, etc.).
- Demonstrate knowledge of specific program requirements and take responsibility for academic planning and decision-making.
- Develop, implement and maintain a clear academic plan suited to enhance life and career goals.
- Use college policies and procedures to make informed decisions.
- Connect with campus resources in order to support student success.
Academic Advising Facts
Preferred Communication Method
WCTC email or phone
Include your first and last name, student ID number, program, phone number (if applicable) and your reason for reaching out.
Contact Information
Expectations for Response Time
Your advisor will attempt to respond to your communications and inquiries within 1-2 business days. Please note, during peak times (registration, beginning of term) response times may be delayed.
Office Location
Ollie's Compass, Room C-019, College Center, Pewaukee Campus
Office Hours
Monday, Wednesdday, Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Appointment Availability
Appointments offered in-person, virtual or by phone
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Contact your advisor directly for evening appointments.
Schedule an appointment or call 262.691.5578.
Drop-ins
Tuesdays: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
A drop-in is an unscheduled meeting with an advisor to address quick action items, such as adding or dropping courses, schedule review and resource referrals.
Website
Schedule
Check out the Academic Advising Schedule for all the upcoming dates students should know.
| Expectations of Students | Expectations of Academic Advisors |
| 1. Contact your Academic Advisor at least once a semester. | 1. Encourage and guide students to define and develop goals and move towards success. |
| 2. Demonstrate professionalism (plan ahead, call if cancellations are needed, be punctual to appointments). | 2. Guide, encourage and help to empower students to take responsibility for educational choices and assist with the development of educational goals. |
| 3. Come prepared to appointments with questions and documents. | 3. Treat students with respect and listen carefully to questions and concerns. |
| 4. Seek to understand the program curriculum and be an active participant in developing your education plan, which includes personal and academic goals. | 4. Help students navigate and understand program requirements while providing resources and referrals. |
| 5. Be aware of important dates and read all WCTC mail and email. | 5. Understand WCTC degree and program requirements and effectively communicate them. |
| 6. Familiarize yourself with college policies, procedures, program requirements and opportunities when appropriate. | 6. Academic advising services are offered year-round. A student's academic advisor will be accessible to meet for advising via email, appointment and telephone. |
| 7. Follow through on the academic plan developed with your academic advisor. | 7. Connect students' academic experience with personal and professional goals. |
| 8. Notify your academic advisor of any significant changes in your education plan. | 8. Be familiar with college policies and procedures and develop a plan for academic success. |
Critical Life Skills
Waukesha County Technical college strives to help students reach their full academic and career potential. four critical life skills are purposefully integrated into campus activities, coursework and academic advising. These critical life skills are:
- Communication - students demonstrate appropriate communication
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving - students demonstrate critical thinking skills to analyze situations and solve problems
- Relationship - students demonstrate effective interpersonal skills
- Self-Management - students demonstrate responsible and respectful behavior
Confidentiality
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects students' academic information. FERPA restricts the disclosure of students' educational information. As such, academic advisors comply with FERPA guidelines to protect the privacy of your educational record, as it is classified confidential information. You may choose to grant permission to an individual or organization to access your academic information by completing the Authorization to Release Educational Record Information. For more information, go to www.wctc.edu/ferpa.
Technical Support
Students needing technical assistance may contact the WTC Service Desk at 262.691.5555 or via email at servicedesk@wctc.edu. Additional technology support information is available online at www.wctc.edu/technology.
Student Support Resources and Policies
Waukesha County Technical College has numerous resources available to help you achieve your academic and areer goals. Resources include:
- Academic Support Services
- Accessibility for Students with Disabilities
- Activities and Organizations
- Career Connections
- Mental Health Counseling Services
- Technology Support
- Veterans Services
- WCTC Library
WCTC also maintains several campus-wide policies related to learning and the student experience that include:
- Academic Ethics
- Anti-Discrimination
- Accessibility and Disabilities
- Equal Opportunity
- Student Code of Conduct
Detailed descriptions of these valuable resources and policies can be found on the online General Syllabus Information page, WCTC Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct and the Academic Ethics Code of Conduct. Please review this information to help you learn and succeed at WCTC.