TAKE CHARGE — WITHOUT A LITTLE HELP FROM US.
At Sandburg, you’re in charge. But you’re not alone. We’ll give you the support and tools you need to work towards a bright future — on your own terms, no matter what success looks like to you. And it starts with talking to your academic advisor about your path at Sandburg. Take charge of your future — today.
Each term prior to registration, set up a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss courses for the upcoming semester, which include program requirements, college graduation requirements and transfer coursework. Meet our advisors, and email or call student development at 309.341.5237 for Galesburg or 217.357.3129 for Carthage to schedule an in-person, virtual or phone meeting.
Advising vs. registration
Your role in the process
Advising tools
Use these tools when working with your academic advisor. Learn more about the tools.Adding classes
Learn how you can add a class. Learn more about adding classes.
Communicating with your instructors
Challenges with your classes?
If something isn’t going well with your class, don’t give up!
Donna Bradford
Student Success Advocate/Advisor, E100
309.341.5483 / dbradford@sandburg.edu
Erin Carder
TRIO SSS Academic Advisor, E136
309.341.5305 / ecarder@sandburg.edu
Stephen Descalzo
Director of TRIO Student Support Services & Gale Scholar Advisor, E136
309.341.5497 / sdescalzo@sandburg.edu
Jordon Eason
TRIO SSS Academic Advisor, E136
309.341.5362 / jeason@sandburg.edu
Sydney Godsil
Student Success Advocate/Advisor, E100
309.341.5423 / sgodsil@sandburg.edu
Jenn Johnson
Student Success Advocate/Advisor, E100
309.341.5449 / jojohnson@sandburg.edu
Margaret Kidd
Student Success Advocate/Advisor, E100
309.341.5248 / mkidd@sandburg.edu
Sarah Morrison
Student Success Advocate/Advisor, E100309.341.5338 / smorrison@sandburg.edu
Carthage campus
Melaney Quereto
Academic Advisor, room 2
217.357.3129, ext. 7258 / mquereto@sandburg.edu
Advising tools
There are a number of tools you can use when working with your academic advisor, including:
- Allied Health Transfer Guide: Offers transfer equivalents between colleges.
- GPA calculator: Illinois Transfer Portal GPA calculator.
- Career planning
- College transfer process
- Transfer program expectations
- Academic plan for Sandburg program
- Transfer college selection process
- Study habits and time management
- Employment, childcare and other outside obligations that impede study time
- Individual needs and expectations
- Personal issues
Registration
Registration is when you enroll for the classes planned at the advising appointment. Typically, there's not enough time during a registration appointment for in-depth academic advising.Here are issues you might discuss at a registration appointment:
- Any new life changes that could interfere with your academic plan
- Your class schedule for next semester
- Work schedule and times available
- Your class load — how many classes a semester can you successfully manage
- Required classes remaining for your degree or certificate
- Electives you wish to take
- Your goal date for graduation and progress toward completing your degree or certificate
Adding classes
You can add a course to your schedule without permission from the instructor until the class has met for the first time. Once a class has met, however, you must get instructor permission to add the class.Speak with your advisor to make sure the class meets your degree requirements. If it does, and you want to add the class, work with your advisor to follow the procedures for adding a class.
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Your role in the process
Advising and registration is a shared responsibility between your advisor and you. You’ll get more out of the advising appointment when you’re prepared and understand your role.- Be an active participant in your educational journey.
- Understand the requirements of your chosen degree or certificate.
- Understand Sandburg’s policies and procedures.
- If you’re a transfer student, understand the requirements of your transfer degree. Your Sandburg advisor can assist you with this, but understand that Sandburg advisors are not advisors for other colleges and universities. They’re unable to advise you on the requirements of another school.
- Have an idea of what classes you plan to take when you come to registration. Class schedules are available prior to each semester’s registration period under the “class schedule” on Sandburg’s home page.
- If you don’t understand, ask questions.
- Ultimately, you have the final say in the decision-making process. Be ready to discuss your options, and understand the advisor is there to assist you — not make decisions for you.
You may wish to check your current grades at mySandburg / Self-Service / My Classes / view my grades/transcript.
Communicating with your instructors
Communication with your instructors is crucial to your academic success. Contact your instructors when:
You have a course-related question for example:
- How an assignment should be completed
- When an assignment is due
- A course concept you don’t understand
First, try to find the answer in your syllabus, your textbook, from a classmate or in the Tutoring Center. If you still can’t find the answer, contact your instructor.
When an issue arises that your instructor should be aware of, such as:
- A day you need to miss class
- A technology issue that prevents you from submitting an assignment
- An issue impeding your success in the class
There are a number of ways to contact your instructor, including:
- Talking to them before or after class.
- Setting up an appointment in their office.
- Email or call your instructor from their contact information on the course syllabus.
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Challenges with your classes?
If something isn’t going well with your class, don’t give up! Take one of the following actions:
Stop by the Tutoring Center.
Tutors are available on a drop-in basis or by appointment for a variety of subjects regardless of your grade.
Contact your instructor.
Find out what else you can do to better understand the material and course assignments.
Talk to your advisor.
In some cases, it may be best to drop the course, but there are important deadlines, degree requirements and financial aid implications you'll need to discuss with your advisor before making this decision. Your advisor may also help you locate other resources to help you succeed in the class. Email the advisors to make an appointment, or call 309.341.5237. If you’re a TRiO SSS student, call TRiO at 309.341.5362.
Don’t stop attending class!
If you don't officially withdraw from the course, you'll receive an F on your transcript. This impacts your GPA and could impact your financial aid.
Can an instructor drop me from class?
Yes. If you're not routinely attending your class or doing the work, your instructor can drop you at midterm. Don’t assume, however, the instructor will drop you if you’re not attending the course. If you need to drop a class, contact your advisor to make an appointment via email or phone at 309.341.5237 in Galesburg and 217.357.3129, ext. 7243 in Carthage to officially withdraw from the course.
Advising appointments are available Monday-Friday:
- Fall/spring semesters: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Summer semester: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Evening appointments available by appointment only.