Educational planning begins before enrolling in classes and continues as students complete their educational programs at Highline Community College. The planning process involves much more than selecting classes. It involves assessing skills, defining goals, and developing strategies to achieve unique educational objectives.

During a student’s first advising/registration session with the Educational Planning and Advising Center (EPAC), a faculty adviser will be assigned. The student and the faculty adviser share a common interest: the student’s education. Each student’s faculty adviser will help select classes that are appropriate to the student’s educational goals.

Students should make an appointment for an initial meeting with their advisers during their first quarter. It is recommended that students meet regularly, every quarter, to review performance, plan class schedules, and discuss educational and career goals.

EPAC staff members in Building 6 are also available to assist with advising. EPAC advisers can help students understand program prerequisites, locate campus resources, make schedule adjustments, and explain Highline and university policies. The center has college catalogs and transfer guides, planning guides, and Internet and e-mail advising resources.

Because EPAC advisers stay in close contact with four-year schools, they will have the most up-to-date information about admissions and major prerequisites. Having current advising material will be helpful when meeting with faculty advisers. Each student is responsible for knowing Highline degree requirements and college transfer requirements.

Many students prefer to make class selections without adviser assistance; in other words, they prefer to find out what they need to do, select classes,
and plan their programs without the assistance of an adviser. Many students will find, however, that most transfer and professional-technical programs demand careful planning and complex decision-making.

An adviser can be very helpful in navigating the college and program requirements. Every student receiving financial aid is required to have an adviser. Whether students choose to be self-advised or not, they will benefit from meeting with advisers when they have completed 30 credits at the college, and again two quarters before they plan to graduate.

Evening students should make every effort to meet with faculty advisers
early in their programs and again as they near graduation. EPAC provides general advising in the evenings; see the quarterly class schedule for specific dates and times.

Building 6, upper level; (206) 878-3710, ext. 3584; e-mail: edplanning@highline.edu

This page was last edited 12/14/2007