Academic Counseling

Welcome to Academic Counseling

The Counseling Department is committed to assisting students in achieving their academic goals through empowerment and education. The counselors will provide guidance by creating an Education Plan, helping students figure out a career choice, applying to transfer, and encouraging and directing students to resources for mental health and personal care.

Your registration date is now available in your SURF - here's how to find it.

Express Drop-In List

Our 10-15-minute Express Counseling sessions do not require an appointment for one-on-one time with a counselor. It's designed as a first-come, first-served session for both online and in-person formats, and is open to new, current, and returning students.

Express counseling is great for

Creating an abbreviated educational plan (for first-semester students with transcripts on file or available)
Removing separation holds
Starting a prior credit evaluation request
Requesting a unit overload
Answering general and transfer questions
Exploring career options and degree/certificate programs

First-semester plans with external credit can be addressed in Express if transcripts are on file or readily available; however, a follow-up may be needed for complex transcript evaluations.

Express counseling is not the right place for

Comprehensive Educational Plans
If you need a full academic roadmap, schedule an appointment.
Help Registering for Classes
Counselors can advise on courses, but for registration steps, visit Admissions & Records.
Technical Support
Issues with logging in, class registration errors, or financial aid forms? Admissions & Financial Aid can help!

For these services, please schedule an appointment or contact the appropriate department.

There are only TWO ways to get on to the Express drop-in list for the day

Call our office at 760.795.6670
Visit the Academic Counseling office (Buildings OC 14 or SAN 1100)

Please DO NOT email onlineadvisor in order to book an appointment or Express session.

Veterans Students

"Get Started" Steps for New Veterans Students or Their Dependents

Graduating High School or New Students

If you're graduating from high school or a new student with fewer than 15 total units and need help picking your first-semester courses, we have a workshop designed just for you. Our online "New Student Course Selection Workshop" will get you one-on-one time with a counselor

Workshops for first-time-to-college students

Schedule an appointment

Counseling staff are available from Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-7 p.m. & Fri 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Have your SURF ID (student ID) number ready, if you have one.

Prepare for Your Appointment

Whether you've got a full appointment or doing Express, there are a few things you can do to get ready before you meet with a counselor. Review our quick-reference tips.