Our Services

At the Oceanside Campus during the enrollment periods in January, May, August, and November, the Counseling Department switches to our Express Counseling format to make sure we can assist as many students as possible. If you need an education plan created during this time, we will schedule you a follow-up appointment after the enrollment period ends.

"If you've got questions, we've got answers! Come on by or hit us up on chat and we'll be happy to assist you!"

Counseling Services

45 Minute Appointment
Our scheduled appointments allow time for you to talk with a counselor about your educational objectives, explore majors, and develop an education plan, which outlines the classes you need each semester to reach your stated goal.
Express Counseling
Express counseling doesn't require an appointment for one-on-one time with a counselor. It's designed as a first-come, first-served queue for both online and in-person formats and are open to new, current, and returning students. If more time is needed with a counselor, our staff can schedule a follow-up appointment.
Online Express Chat
Get your questions answered in a live-chat with one of our counseling specialists. Type "live chat" in the "Ask The Spartan" chatbot interface at the bottom right-hand corner of our web page. Live chat is available during regular operational hours and if someone is available you will be connected.
Email Advising
Our email advising is ideal for students who have non-traditional schedules and need a swift response within 1-2 business days. If you have a question, email one of our counseling specialists at onlineadvisor@miracosta.edu.
Committee on Exceptions
The Committee on Exceptions (CoE) exists to address the warranted exceptions to policies or procedures. You can submit your application from within your SURF account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to see a counselor in a 45-minute appointment?

Photo I.D or inquire with staff for alternative methods to verify identity
A MiraCosta SURF I.D number
Completion of the orientation process
All official college transcripts on file with MiraCosta College.
*Please note*: If the transcript is coming from a school outside of California, it will need to be evaluated by the Admissions and Records Department before it can be used for official purposes. To order a transcript from your previous college(s), go to their website and type in "official transcript" in the search feature; the link is usually one of the first search results.

What do I need to see a counselor in Express Counseling?

Photo I.D or inquire with staff for alternative methods to verify identity
A MiraCosta SURF I.D number

How do I know if I need a 45-minute appointment?

Creating an education plan, conducting long-term academic planning, filing a SAP appeal, or reviewing transcripts are in-depth processes and require a 45-minute appointment.

I would like to bring someone else with me for my appointment is this possible?

This is totally possible, but we have a form that needs to be filled out, please arrive a few minutes early.

*Please note: In compliance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974), students requesting for a third party to attend their counseling appointment must complete a consent to release information. Please refer to a front office staff member for more information or to complete the form.

What happens if I'm late to my appointment?

Students arriving more than 10 minutes after the appointment start time will be marked as a no-show. Please speak with a staff member to reschedule the appointment.

How do I search for a course and enroll? What is a Permission Number? How do I clear a hold?

We have an all-in-one SURF tutorial page that will walk you through everything from searching and enrolling in courses, accessing your Financial Aid account, updating your personal information, and resolving any holds on your account. These clear and concise guides are in one handy location. If you're still having trouble with your SURF account, our Student Help Desk has someone that can assist you.

I took classes at other colleges; how do I send those transcripts to MiraCosta?

Go to that college's website and type "Official Transcript" in the search bar; the correct link should be one of the top three results. Follow the instructions to order your official transcript; please note that an electronic transcript arrives much faster than paper one. Our counselors need to know what classes you've already taken so you don't repeat any.

How do I get a unit override approved?

Students can register for up to 18.0 units during the Fall or Spring terms and 8.0 units in the Summer term. If you wish to take more than the maximum allowed units, you’ll need approval from the Counseling Department. To request a unit override, you should meet with a counselor through one of our service options. The counselor will review your readiness for taking on additional coursework, considering factors such as your prior semester coursework, cumulative GPA, and overall academic preparedness. If you’ve attended or are attending other colleges, be prepared to provide transcripts to support your request. Concurrently enrolled high school students have different unit requirements and can meet with a counselor to learn more about their options.

I'm under 18 and not currently enrolled in high school; how do I take courses at MiraCosta?

If you want to enroll in courses and are under eighteen (18) years of age, have not completed high school, and are not pursuing the equivalent of a high school education, complete a minor’s petition to determine eligibility to take credit and/or noncredit courses.

You and your parent/guardian must meet with the dean of Counseling and Student Development to determine eligibility. Email your petition to Valerie Varela, the admin to the dean (vvarela@miracosta.edu) and you'll be contacted to arrange a meeting.

If you GRADUATED high school and are under the age of 18, then you DO NOT need a Minor's Petition; fill out the Educational Update form through our Admissions & Records Department.

If you are currently enrolled in high school, you must complete the Early College Credit Form in the Admissions and Records Office (no Minor’s Petition required).

Academic Success and Equity Programs

Student Equity is designed to promote student success and ensure equal educational opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, especially when measured according to differences such as race, gender, age, disability or socioeconomic status.

COE

The Committee on Exceptions (COE) was established to address the occasional warranted exception to policy or procedure. You may complete and submit your application by logging into your SURF account.