Step 4 - Meet With A Counselor

See a counselor to review the results of your English assessment, determine math placement, and develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP).  The goal of your first meeting with the counselor is to choose the appropriate courses for your first semester.
 

When should I meet with a counselor?  Why?

If you are a new student, the best time to see a counselor is after your application is on file and your English assessment testing or requirement is complete. Often students have questions after receiving assessment scores, and classes can't be well planned without knowing your current reading and writing skills.

The most convenient time for continuing students to see counselors is usually in mid-semester.  After midterm examinations each semester, meet with a counselor to plan at least your next semester. Don't wait until the new Schedule of Classes is out or it may be difficult to make an appointment.
 

The Counseling Center provides career, educational and personal counseling services. A counselor can help you plan a program to reach your goal. If you don’t have a goal, a counselor can help you explore your interests to find a goal.  This personal contact can really help students with questions.

What should I bring when I see a counselor?

• Assessment scores from Solano Community College English assessment, or from another college, or ACT, SAT, or AP Scores

• Transcripts or grade reports  from other colleges  (unofficial OK for counseling and prerequisite entry only)
    
• High school transcripts or report cards
  
  Transcripts from other schools are not sent to Solano Community College unless you request them.  This is a student responsibility and privacy right. Your signature is required to give permission. 
    
• A list of classes of interest to you for the next semester
   
• A list of questions for your counselor
     
• The worksheets and evaluations of General Education and major courses from any previous counseling sessions

If you need to bring your child, please bring toys or games they enjoy, or a friend to help keep them from being bored while they wait.

What services does the Counseling Center offer?

Solano Community College offers the following types of counseling, free of charge:

• Educational Planning - An Individual Education Plan (IEP) maps out out your classes to get you to your destination without costly roadblocks and detours.
  
  Careful course selection is crucial to a successful college experience.  Because requirements differ for each program, major, and college or university, and because these requirements change, students are advised to consult with a counselor prior to each registration period.
  
  You will find more information on graduating from Solano Community College in Step 7c.
  
  The Transfer Center in Building 100 provides access to information to facilitate transfer to 4-year colleges, universities and vocational schools.
  
  You will find more information on transferring to a 4-year college or university in Step 7d.
   
• Career Counseling - Counselors work with students to help them understand their interests, abilities and achievements.
  
  Other resources include:
  
  • Career and Life Planning class (COUN 50)
  • Solano Community College Career Information Center
    (Room 130  Phone (707)864-7000, ext 4480). 
   
• Personal and Crisis Counseling - Help is available to students with personal, family or other social concerns, especially when attendance or concentration in classes is affected by life away from college.
   
• Academic Problem Resolution - Counselors can help you find options to deal with roadblocks such as low grades, being on probation or disqualified from college.
   
• Referrals - Counselors are knowledgeable about other campus and community services that may be of interest to you.
   
• Athletic Counseling - Counselors help athletes keep on track to meet their special educational requirements and eligibility.
   
• DSP Counseling - DSP (Disability Services Program) provides services for students with physical, communication, learning or psychological disabilities, or other medical problems.
     
• EOPS Counseling - EOPS  (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) offers services to students who are both financially and educationally disadvantaged.
     
• International Student Counseling - International Students from other countries who are studying on F-1 visas are provided with counseling and assistance.
     
• Puente Counseling - The Puente Project is designed to increase the number of educationally underserved students who enroll in 4-year colleges and universities, earn degrees, and return to the community as leaders and mentors to future generations.
     
• SUCCESS Counseling - The SUCCESS Consortium supports college preparation efforts of students in grades 4 through 12 and those interested in transferring to a 4-year college from Solano Community College. 
        
• Veteran Counseling and Assistance - Veterans Affairs staff assist veterans or qualified dependents in applying for and receiving education benefits for various G.I. bills.    

Online Counseling is available for general academic information.

Counseling Classes are taught by the counselors.  Days and times are listed in the current Schedule of Classes.

How can I meet with a counselor?

Appointments are made on a same-day basis only and are usually scheduled for twenty minutes.

• Examples of topics that can be covered in a 20-minute session
• Examples of things that take longer

  
How often should I see a counselor?

To start off and continue on the right path, meet with a counselor at least once a semester.

 

Will I be assigned to a counselor?

No, you choose which counselor(s) you enjoy working with. It is important that you feel comfortable asking questions so you can take an active role in your education. When you select a counselor, it is helpful to continue to meet with the same counselor whenever possible.

However, if YOUR counselor isn't available, you need to know that all counselors have access to your computerized records. Counselors who work during the summer aren't here every week of Fall and Spring semesters. Also, YOUR counselor may be working on a special assignment on campus, but not scheduled to see students. 
 

Who and where are the counselors? 

Counseling Staff          EOPS Staff

Counselors are located both in the 100 and 1100 Buildings on the main Suisun Valley Campus.

Limited counseling is offered at our off-campus centers: 

• Travis University Center

• Vallejo Center (JFK Library lower level)

• Vacaville Center

How can I reach the counseling office?

The counseling office can be reached in one of the following ways:

• Call (707) 864-7101

• Come to the 100 Building on the main Suisun Valley Campus

• Contact an off-campus center