Counseling & Advising Center

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible to meet with a counselor or advisor?
2. Do I need to make an appointment if I want to meet with a counselor?
3. What hours is the Counseling Center open?
4. Why do I need to attend an orientation?
5. Why do I need to take a placement test?
6. If I have already attended another college, what do I need to do before taking classes at Schoolcraft College?
7. Can someone help me make a semester-by-semester plan of classes that I need to take?
8. What is the difference between a certificate and an associate degree?
9. What is MACRAO?
10. How can I change my program of study?
11. Is transfer information available?
12. How will I know if my classes will transfer?
13. I am on academic probation. Do I need to meet any special requirements before registering for classes?
14. I received a letter about academic dismissal. What should I do?
15. I am a veteran. How do I access my benefits?
16. I received disability services in high school. Are services available at Schoolcraft College?
17. When and how can I register for classes?
18. What is WebAdvisor?
19. How do I apply for financial aid?
20. How much is tuition?
21. When does my tuition have to be paid?
22. Does Schoolcraft College have a payment plan?
23. When do I receive my grades?
24. Can I add or drop classes once I am registered?
25. Will I receive a refund if I drop a class?
26. How do I withdraw from a class?
27. How do I know if I am ready to graduate?
28. I am having trouble in some of my classes. Who can help?
29. Do I need a student I.D.?
30. Do I need a parking permit?
31. Where can I get something to eat on campus?
32. How will I know if the College is closed?
33. How can I find out if one of my classes has been cancelled for today?
34. Can I get health insurance through the College?

Who is eligible to meet with a counselor or advisor?

All Schoolcraft College students and prospective students are invited to meet with a counselor or academic advisor. In order to make the best use of your counseling appointment, it is recommended that new students apply for admission, complete placement testing, and attend a new student orientation program. Transfer students are encouraged to request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions before meeting with a counselor or advisor.

Do I need to make an appointment if I want to meet with a counselor?

It is a good idea to call the Counseling Center and schedule an appointment, although limited walk-in counseling is also available. Counseling appointments can be made by calling (734) 462-4429.

What hours is the Counseling Center open?

The Schoolcraft College Counseling Center maintains the following hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00am - 7:30pm, and Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm The Counseling Center is located on the Livonia Campus, McDowell Center, Room MC275.

Why do I need to attend an orientation?

Orientation is an important step in the enrollment process for all new students. Topics covered during orientation include: college policies and procedures, academic program options, using the course schedule and other registration information, student services, and study load/study skills issues. Students who have previously attended another college or university are exempt from orientation, although they are always welcome if they choose to attend. There are a number of orientation types available to fit the needs of individual students. You may link to our new student orientation schedule.

Why do I need to take a placement test?

Schoolcraft College is an open-enrollment institution, meaning that all students are accepted for admission regardless of prior academic history. However, to ensure that students are adequately prepared to pursue college-level coursework, counselors and academic advisors use placement test scores to help each student select appropriate courses. Students may submit ACT test scores earned within the past three years instead of the placement tests. If a student needs to develop further skills in the areas of math, reading, and English, core foundation courses are available to prepare students for academic success. More information about placement testing

If I have already attended another college, what do I need to do before taking classes at Schoolcraft College?

Students who plan to transfer to Schoolcraft College from another college or university need to request official transcripts from all previous institutions attended. Previous college courses will be evaluated, and upon receipt of an evaluation from Schoolcraft College, students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop an academic plan.

Can someone help me make a semester-by-semester plan of classes that I need to take?

A counselor can work with you to develop an academic plan of all necessary prerequisites and program/pre-program courses that are necessary for graduation and/or transfer to a four-year institution.

What is the difference between a certificate and an associate degree?

Two types of certificates are awarded by Schoolcraft College: pre-associate certificate and post-associate certificate.

A pre-associate certificate is awarded upon satisfactory completion of a program of study and does not require completing general education requirements. The courses for many pre-associate certificates are included in the companion associate degree program. Schoolcraft College offers two types of pre-associate certificates. A skills certificate is comprised of 16-20 credit hours of instruction and is targeted to specific employment options. A one-year certificate is approximately 10-12 courses, most of which apply to a corresponding associate in applied science degree.

A post-associate certificate may be earned after completion of an associate degree from Schoolcraft College or another college. The courses within the post-associate certificate are designed to provide higher level specialization in a job-related skill. Both certificate programs are career rather than transfer oriented.

What is MACRAO?

The MACRAO Articulation Agreement ensures that any student who is accepted as a transfer student at a participating four-year institution has satisfied the basic general education requirements of that four-institution by successfully completing certain requirements at a Michigan community college. To meet MACRAO requirements and be eligible for the MACRAO stamp, students must successfully complete this distribution of courses: ENG 101 and ENG 102, 8 credit hours in Humanities, 8 credit hours in Social Science, and 8 credit hours in Science, including one laboratory science course. Some of the participating four-year institutions may have special conditions to their agreements for general education beyond the MACRAO agreement. Transcripts of students who qualify can be stamped “MACRAO Agreement Satisfied.” See the MACRAO website

How can I change my program of study?

If you have decided on a program of study, you may complete a Change of Academic Program form, which is available on-campus and online. We encourage students who have concerns about selection of a program of study to meet with a counselor.

Is transfer information available?

Transfer information is available in a number of formats. The Counseling Center maintains transfer guides and course equivalencies for most four-year colleges and universities in Michigan. Throughout the year, many of these institutions visit Schoolcraft College and are available to meet with students to discuss transfer. College Visitation Schedules are posted throughout campus as well as in the Counseling Center. The Counseling Center also maintains catalogs, program brochures, applications for admission, and financial aid/scholarship information for four-year schools.

How will I know if my classes will transfer?

Schoolcraft College maintains a close relationship with in-state four-year colleges and universities. Most of these transfer institutions provide course-by-course equivalencies as well as program-specific transfer guides. The transfer guides list specific degree requirements for individual majors along with appropriate Schoolcraft College courses that meet these requirements. Counselors are available to meet with students and discuss course transferability.

I am on academic probation. Do I need to meet any special requirements before registering for classes?

As a student on academic probation, it is important that you meet with a counselor to discuss issues that may be impeding academic success as well as develop strategies for future success. Prior to registering for courses, a student on academic probation is required to meet with a counselor to develop a plan for success. It is recommended that students call to schedule a counseling appointment.

I received a letter about academic dismissal. What should I do?

Students who have been notified that they are on academic dismissal need to follow some specific steps in order to petition for reinstatement. Academically dismissed students must: 1. Meet with the Associate Dean for Learning Support Services; 2. Schedule an appointment and meet with a counselor; and 3. Write a letter of appeal to the Dean of Instruction.

I am a veteran. How do I access my benefits?

A veteran’s representative is available in the Counseling Center to meet with veterans and eligible family members about benefits.

I received disability services in high school. Are services available at Schoolcraft College?

The Learning Assistance Center assists the College in ensuring equal access to programs and activities by facilitating accommodations and by providing encouragement and support for individuals with disabilities. Services for students with disabilities may include: books on tape, testing accommodations, readers, or scribes. The Learning Assistance Center is located on the Livonia Campus in the Bradner Library, Room L119 and at the Radcliff Center in Room RC120. For more information call (734) 462-4436.

When and how can I register for classes?

Registration dates are published in the Credit Schedule. Schedules are published 3 times each year: Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer. Schedules are also available online.

You may register for classes online using WebAdvisor, via telephone or in person.

What is WebAdvisor?

WebAdvisor is a secure online environment where students can view grades and transcripts, pay their tuition, view financial aid and student account information, and register for classes. Access to WebAdvisor is strictly controlled to protect your privacy and the security of the information on Schoolcraft’s administrative network.

WebAdvisor’s web address is http://webadvisor.schoolcraft.edu. You may also access WebAdvisor from the Schoolcraft College home page under the heading “Current Students”. Each time you access WebAdvisor you will need your WebAdvisor Username (first name initial and 7 digit Schoolcraft Identification number) and Password. Your password, by default assignment is your six digit month, day, and year of birth (e.g. June 15, 1977 = “061577”).

How do I apply for financial aid?

Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Additional information may be found on the College’s financial aid page or in the Office of Financial Aid, McDowell Center, Livonia campus.

How much is tuition?

Tuition rates depend on your residency status. Current tuition rates and fees are listed on the College’s website and in the current course schedule.

When does my tuition have to be paid?

Tuition and fees are due in full the day you register for classes. The college accepts cash, checks, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover, and the Nelnet tuition payment plan. Contact the Cashier’s Office at (734) 462-4449 if you have any questions.

Does Schoolcraft College have a payment plan?

Schoolcraft College offers the Nelnet Business Solutions (NBS) tuition payment plan for credit class tuition and fees. NBS is a payment plan offered online that provides you with a low cost option for budgeting tuition and fees. It is not a loan program; therefore, you have no debt, there are no interest or finance charges assessed and there is no credit check. There is a $30.00 per semester nonrefundable enrollment fee. The enrollment fee is automatically deducted within 14 days from the day the agreement is submitted. Additional information on the Nelnet payment plan

When do I receive my grades?

Final grades are available after the end-of-semester processing is complete. You may view your grades through WebAdvisor. Once you log in, select either Grades or Transcript to display your grades. Grade reports are not mailed unless requested. If you wish to request grade reports, use the kiosks or visit the Admissions and Enrollment Center, located in the McDowell Center, Room MC240.

Can I add or drop classes once I am registered?

After you have initially registered for your classes, you may adjust your schedule during the schedule adjustment period, which is typically the first week of the semester or session. Registration and schedule adjustment deadlines are published in the Credit Schedule of Classes. If you have questions about whether or not to add or drop a course, you may wish to meet with a counselor first. If you have questions about how adding or dropping classes will impact your financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (734) 462-4433.

Will I receive a refund if I drop a class?

Refund deadlines are published in the Credit Schedule of Classes. Registration fees are not refundable. If you wish to receive a refund for your class(es), complete the Refund Request form available in the Registrar’s Office in the McDowell Center at the Livonia campus. If you have questions about how this may impact your financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (734) 462-4433.

How do I withdraw from a class?

Go to the Registrar’s Office in the McDowell Center at the Livonia campus, or the main office at the Radcliff Center to complete a withdrawal form. Withdrawal deadlines are published in the Credit Schedule of Classes. Non-attendance does not represent a withdrawal. You are responsible for classroom activity until you officially withdraw. If you have questions about whether or not to withdraw from a course, you may wish to meet with a counselor first. If you have questions about how withdrawing from classes will impact your financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (734) 462-4433.

How do I know if I am ready to graduate?

It is recommended that you meet with a counselor periodically as you progress through your academic career so that you can gauge your academic progress toward graduation. A counselor can work with you to develop an academic plan as well as perform a periodic degree audit.

As you prepare to take your final semester of courses prior to graduation, make an appointment to meet with a counselor so that you can formalize your graduation requirements, including completion of an Intent to Graduate (ITG). Call the Counseling Center at (734) 462-4429 to schedule an ITG appointment.

I am having trouble in some of my classes. Who can help?

There are a number of ways for students to ensure academic success. First, it is important for students to develop a good working relationship with instructors, and communicate any academic concerns they may be experiencing. Also, free tutoring and learning resource materials are available in the Learning Assistance Center (LAC). Counselors are available to meet with students to discuss issues that may be impeding academic success including time management, stress management, study skills, etc.

Do I need a student I.D.?

Picture I.D. cards are available at no charge in the Admissions & Enrollment Center, McDowell Center, Room MC240. A current class schedule and valid identification must be presented to obtain a card. There is no charge to replace a lost I.D. card. A Student I.D. or current schedule is required to use the Schoolcraft College computer labs.

Do I need a parking permit?

Schoolcraft College does not require parking permits for students.

Free parking is available in the North, South, and Central Parking Lots of the Livonia Campus with the exception of restricted areas which are posted. Any vehicle that is parked improperly will be ticketed. Tickets are payable at the 16th District Court, 15140 Farmington Road, Livonia, Michigan.

Students attending the Radcliff Center in Garden City are provided ample free parking. Parking violations at Radcliff Center will be issued by the Garden City Police Department.

Where can I get something to eat on campus?

Food service is located at the Livonia Campus in the Waterman Campus Center. Radcliff Center provides food service in the Options snack shop. Vending machines are available in all classroom buildings.

How will I know if the College is closed?

Listen to major metro area radio stations and local television stations, or check the College’s website for College closing information.

How can I find out if one of my classes has been canceled for today?

A list of classes that have been canceled for a specific day is available online.

Can I get health insurance through the College?

Hospitalization and accident insurance is available for full and part-time students. Insurance brochures are also available at: Admissions & Enrollment Center, Business Office, Counseling Center, Women’s Resource Center and the Radcliff Center Office.