This month, we're covering:
- A Welcome from the Academic Advising Department Head
- Tips for a Successful Fall Semester
- Upcoming Events and Reminders
- Service Spotlight
- Contact Us
Department Head
Dear Lions:We are delighted that you chose Community College of Philadelphia for your educational journey. During your time here, you will broaden your horizons, meet lifelong friends and mentors, and complete your degree or certificate, all while enjoying the services and activities offered at the College. The Academic Advising department sends our greetings as you begin the new academic year.
Academic Advising serves as a key component within your success network at the College. We believe the academic advising experience is a collaborative partnership between advisors and students. Our goal is to provide you with the tools, resources, and knowledge base needed to navigate opportunities here at CCP and beyond. Advisors are your “guiding light” to assist you with setting realistic academic goals, and teaching you the skills necessary to develop and achieve your academic plans and career goals. It is important that you meet with an advisor at least once each semester to check in to make sure you are on track for either getting into a specialized program or degree/certificate completion.
I welcome you to schedule an appointment with an advisor assigned to your major through Starfish Connect.
Again, welcome to the 2022–2023 academic year, and we look forward to getting to know you!
—Kimberly Harris
Department Head, Academic Advising
Tips for a Successful Fall Semester
Get organized.
- If you haven’t already done so, grab a planner! Review your syllabus, due dates, work schedule and other commitments for this semester, then write them all down in your planner. If you are enrolled in online (asynchronous) classes, you should still schedule time that you will use to commit to completing assignments, studying and reviewing materials as you would for traditional classes that meet in person. Use the reverse calendar method with your upcoming deadlines to ensure that you get assignments done on time, meaning you work backward from the deadline, writing on your calendar when you'll do each step that you've outlined.
Attend every class.
- Unless you’re sick or have a valid excuse, you should plan to be present at every class. Even if attendance is not factored into your final grade, you are guaranteed to miss out on critical course information and potential announcements. Think your professors don’t notice when you’re not there? Think again! Even if you are enrolled in online (asynchronous) classes, you should be diligent in making sure that you are caught up with assignments and wisely utilizing the time that you set aside in your planner for these classes to remain prepared.
Utilize office hours.
- Visit your instructors during office hours. We repeat: GO TO YOUR INSTRUCTORS DURING OFFICE HOURS! Too many students wait until the last minute to connect with their class instructor. Visit your instructors during their office hours if you have questions or concerns about the content of the class. Use this time to review past exams, discuss strategies and resources to enhance your success in the class, and additional opportunities that may coincide with you learning the material or may be relative to your academic pathway. Attending office hours regularly shows your instructors that you are dedicated and eager to learn.
Find your “success” space.
- As you set out on your journey toward success, you will find that one of the best ways to practice such methods is to do so in a healthy environment. Identify at least one or two spaces on campus, at home or even in the community that can allow you to be comfortable as you give attention to your studies and other priorities relative to your growth and achievement. Some campus spaces that you may find useful are the Library and Learning Commons, campus computer labs, and private study rooms. The spaces that you utilize should meet your own unique learning needs. Don’t worry if it takes time to find the “perfect” space. Feel free to ask an advisor or instructor for some recommendations if you are not sure where to start.
Schedule “me time.”
- We know that the college experience can sometimes become overwhelming, so before things get hectic this semester, make an effort to schedule some time for yourself. Plan appointments for the gym, meditation or time with friends/family in the same way you would schedule other appointments. This way, you can always be sure that you have some relaxation to look forward to. Proper self-care will be greatly beneficial to help keep you energized as you work toward achieving your goals.
Set goals that motivate you.
- When setting goals for yourself, be sure that they motivate YOU. Striving for a goal that your parents, family or someone else wants for you is a difficult task if you’re not invested in it yourself. Decide on goals that represent what is personally valuable to you. YOUR vision. YOUR goals. YOUR success!
Set SMART goals.
- Increase your chances of reaching your goals by creating SMART goals. Be sure that they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Meet with your academic advisor for help setting SMART goals!
Get connected. Get involved.
- It’s never too early to get involved in campus clubs/organizations and attend different events at the College. Participating in extracurricular activities can be a great catalyst in helping you to grow your support base and general network as you meet a diverse collective of students, faculty, and staff. Your involvement can also provide plenty of opportunities to utilize your current skills and knowledge while developing new talents and putting to work what you learn in the classroom outside of the classroom. Lions thrive in prides!
Upcoming Events and Reminders
Please visit the Academic Calendar for important dates and the Pride Portal to learn about upcoming events.
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Service Spotlight: Learning Lab Academic Support Services
The Learning Lab offers free academic support services that are designed to help you achieve academic success. Faculty specialists and tutors with expertise in a broad range of subject areas are available to provide you with a personalized learning experience and help you better navigate course materials, meet individual learning needs, and enhance your overall academic skillset.
The College’s Learning Lab Academic Support Services provides you with:
- individualized tutoring support
- academic content-specific workshops
- academic skill-building/preparedness workshops
- study groups
- support services
- computer-assisted instruction for students with disabilities
The Learning Lab offers three types of appointments: online, in person and e-tutoring. To learn how to access tutoring services, visit the Learning Lab Student Resources webpage.
Learn more about the Learning Lab Academic Support Services.
Learning Lab Academic Support Services
Main Campus, Library and Learning Commons, Rooms L1-06 and LR-06
Phone: 215-972-6236
Learning Lab, Learning Commons Main Campus Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Need Advising Assistance?
Academic advisors support first-time students and continuing students in good academic standing. We're here to help you identify program requirements; discuss concerns about your academic performance; and help you explore goals, interests, potential majors, and more.
On-campus and virtual academic advising are available by appointment. Please follow our guide for scheduling an advising appointment with an academic advisor who is assigned to your major.
For further assistance, please call 215-751-8777 and leave a message. You will be contacted by a staff member as soon as possible. For quick questions, you can also email your advisor directly or email advising@ccp.edu.
Academic Advising Fall Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Main Campus Location
Bonnell Building, Room BG-12
Visit the Academic Advising page, and follow us on Instagram @CCPAdvising.