Welcome Students!

We are glad you are here!

At Columbia State, our advisors are committed to helping you succeed from day one. We’ll work with you to create a personalized academic plan that fits your goals, interests, and schedule, making sure you stay on track for a timely and successful graduation.

Advising Phases/Holds

  • Decide on class format (online vs. in-person)
  • Note: Fully online classes should be registered early to ensure availability
  • Plan a schedule around work, responsibilities, and social life
  • Review upcoming courses and program requirements
  • Ensure ACT/SAT scores or placement info are on file
  • Prepare questions and priorities for your advising appointment
  • Discuss long-term goals and your program of study
  • Decide on the target graduation date and whether summer classes are needed
  • Plan future semesters with your advisor
  • Consider workload, extracurricular activities, and personal goals
  • Submit Intent to Graduate once 40 credit hours are attempted
  • Decide on participation in the graduation ceremony
  • Pick up cap & gown
  • Review exit exam requirements (if applicable) and plan for a strong finish to your classes
Advising holds are a normal part of your student success journey. They are designed to ensure you meet with an advisor at important milestones, receive personalized guidance, and stay on track toward graduation. Once you've completed the required advising step, your hold will be removed, and you'll be ready to register for classes.
  1. First Semester
    • You'll be assigned a College Success Advisor (CSA) who will help you register for classes, develop an academic plan, and connect you with the resources you need to be successful.
  2. Before Your Second Semester
    • You'll complete a Planning Meeting with your advisor to review your degree requirements, map out your remaining coursework, and plan for graduation. Completing this meeting removes your Planning Meeting Hold so you can register for your next semester.
  3. As You Progress
    • Once you've successfully started your second semester and meet the GPA requirement, you'll transition from your College Success Advisor to a faculty advisor within your academic program. If additional support is needed, you'll continue working with your College Success Advisor until you're ready to transition.

Advising Information

Orientation
First-Time Advising Appointment
Finding Your Advisor
Student Learning Outcomes for Advising:
Student Responsibilities:
Advisor Role and Responsibilities:

Advising FAQ

What is a credit hour?
What is a full-time load?
How many classes should I take if I work?
May I take a course overload (more than 19 credit hours)?
How much time do I need to study?
What is a prerequisite?
What is a corequisite?
What does audit mean?
How many courses should I take in a summer semester?
Why should I contact my advisor?
How do I know my advisor's name?
What if I'm undecided?
How do I know what courses I lack for graduation?
How will I know if my classes will transfer?
What if I change my major?

College Success Advisor Team

Joni Allison

Joni AllisonJoni Allison

Adult Student Services Coord
Office: JSC 143
Phone: 931.540.2655
Email Joni

James Brake
Chiquita Bullock
Nanette Ekimogloy
Jessica Moser
Yolanda Neal
Ivory Roberts
Kelvin Webster
Chris Witt
FERPA
It is the policy of Columbia State Community College to comply with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which is designed to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable educational records of students.
Learn more about FERPA
Charger Center
Advising and Registration Questions?