A new semester can bring a lot of excitement—and also a lot of questions.
As students return for the spring semester at Front Range Community College, advisors are one of the best resources to help navigate everything from class schedules to long-term academic goals. Keep reading for some critical advice from an advisor here at FRCC.
Common Questions
According to lead advisor Alana McCoy, academic advisors see students with questions about nearly everything, especially during the first few weeks of classes.
Some of the most common questions include:
- How to find classrooms and navigate campus
- Which classes or instructors to choose
- Understanding class modalities (online, in-person, hybrid)
- Making sure classes are scheduled at the correct campus
- Registering for the right courses in a specific degree or career path
Although there are resources available online, with multiple campuses and course options, it’s easy for students to feel unsure. That’s where advisors come in.
Meeting With Your Advisor Matters
Alana emphasizes that advisors do more than just answer questions.
“The beauty of meeting with an advisor is that they can teach you how to find that information for yourself,” she says.
Advisors can help students:
- Build a schedule that fits their life
- Understand whether courses will transfer
- Confirm they’re in the right program for their career goals
- Avoid feeling overwhelmed by too much information
“We can help them not to drown in the information,” she adds.
Finding Answers on Your Own
Alana encourages students to try searching first, especially for questions they’ll need to answer repeatedly.
Using tools like the FRCC website and our web portal eWOLF can help students quickly locate information.
“I tell students to spend 10 minutes trying to find the answer themselves, and if they can’t find it, make an appointment with an advisor,” Alana says.
Hesitant to Ask for Help?
Many students hesitate to reach out because they’re unsure if their question is “important enough.” Alana says this is very common—particularly for new students, “especially if they don’t know exactly what the role of an advisor is.”
Her advice?
“Even if you aren’t sure if you need a full appointment for this, make the appointment,” she encourages.
Students can also reach out to other support services for quick questions, such as Wolf Central.
One Thing Every Student Should Know
If Alana could share one message with all students, it would be this:
“Your advisor is the main point of contact and main resource for you to get the help you need or at least the help to find what you need.”
Advisors serve as connectors across campus, from instructors and the registrar’s office to financial aid and other departments.
“The whole reason we have a job is to help students,” Alana says.
And while advisors are always there to help, the goal is empowerment.
“We’re definitely here to build students’ knowledge base around how to find answers for themselves and how to advocate for themselves,” she says. “We’re your ‘ride or die.’ We’re your liaison to everything that you could need.”
Final Advice?
For students starting a new semester—especially their first—Alana offers a few key reminders:
- Meet with your advisor to make sure your program aligns with your goals
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class and with peers
- Lean on fellow students for shared experiences and support
“I think students help each other a lot and can share unique viewpoints with each other,” Alana says.
Start the Semester With Support
Whether you’re navigating your first week of classes or planning ahead for graduation, FRCC is here to help you succeed this semester and beyond.
