Personalized Degree Advising for Students

HCU academic advising is a partnership in which the advisor provides knowledge, tools, and support to empower students as they navigate their path toward graduation and professional success.

Academic Advisors are faculty or staff members who can help students navigate degree requirements, counsel students on all academic matters and broad career and vocational interests, and provide referrals to campus resources.

Students must meet with their assigned Academic Advisor each semester prior to registration for the subsequent semester. All advisees are expected to avail themselves of these mentoring services in order to graduate from HCU in a timely manner since the student is ultimately held responsible for fulfilling his or her degree plan requirements.

For questions about the advising process, please e-mail advising@HC.edu.

The Advising Process

The advising process at HCU is designed to help the student make important decisions related to academic and career progress. Below are some guidelines to follow to make the advising process a successful part of the HCU experience.
  • Discuss academic successes or issues that may affect academic progress
  • Select courses for each semester
  • Consider a change of major or minor
  • File a degree plan
  • Discuss educational and career goals
  • Provide personal encouragement and support
  • Listen and help solve problems regarding academic or career issues
  • Aid in selecting appropriate courses each semester
  • Serve as a reference to appropriate campus resources
  • Assist the student in attaining educational and career goals
  • Come to the advising session prepared and ready to ask questions
  • Be knowledgeable about HCU academic policies and procedures
  • Schedule appointments with advisors
  • Keep scheduled appointments on time or cancel in advance
  • Accept responsibility for academic decisions
  • Seek assistance before experiencing academic difficulty

Information and Resources for Students

Degree Plan FAQs

A degree plan is an official list of requirements that must be completed in order to be awarded a bachelor’s degree. You must file an official degree plan with the Academic Records office for your requirements to be locked in and to apply for graduation.

Official degree plans are available online in the University Catalog. You can also obtain a copy from your academic advisor.

You should officially file your degree plan with the Academic Records office when you complete 64 credit hours (end of sophomore year). See your academic advisor to begin this process

Catalog year refers to the particular academic year that a degree plan is published. When you file a degree plan, you can either file under the year that you entered HCU or the current academic year in which you are filing. The requirements for each may be different, so speak to your advisor about which catalog year is the best choice for you.

You are assigned to a faculty or staff advisor depending on your major and classification. You can see who your advisor is by checking Degree Works or Pathfinder in the HCU Portal.

You need to take at least 12 hours each semester to be considered a full-time student (important for financial aid). However, we recommend taking at least 15-16 hours each semester in order to stay on track to graduate in four years.

Use Degree Works in the HCU Portal to track your progress. Degree Works will show you all of the requirements for your degree and check them off as they are completed. You can also work with your advisor to create a semester-by-semester plan for your remaining courses.

Go back to the HCU Student Success Main Page