Advising
Creating partnership with students in developing their educational goals while engaging and empowering them to become self-sufficient and active learners.
Academic advisors are available to help students obtain program information, evaluate assessment results, select courses, identify course prerequisites, complete graduation evaluations and assist with transfer planning to a four-year college or university.
Before you Meet with an Advisor
Check the "Advising Frequently Asked Questions" section below for to see if your question can be answered right away.
If you are a new student, be sure that you have applied, completed the online orientation (instructions shown below), and have completed the placement test or submitted ACT/SAT scores and/or college transcripts.
To get the most out of your advising session, make sure to bring:
- Copies of transcripts from previous institutions
- Any documents or worksheets from previous advising sessions
- Any questions you have about courses, programs, schedules, or your educational plans
Contact Information
Phone: 303.914.6275
Email: advising@rrcc.edu
Locations:
Lakewood Campus
Room 1303
Arvada Campus
Room 7117
Hours - both Campuses
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Remote and Phone appointments:
Monday-Thursday : 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Limited in-person appointments:
Monday-Thursday : 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Julie Gomez
Hannah Creighton
Debora Stefani
Hannah Creighton
Debora Stefani
Justin Benavides
Kat O'Brien
Sam Panter
Caly Hedlund
COSI Adviors
John McMinn - Finish What You Started Advisor
Ellie Ponce - CPP Coordinator, COSI Community Partner Program
Academic Advisors
Audrey Niedfeldt
Breanne Kester
Director, Advising, Transfer, and Special Programs
Jessica Peters
Associate Director of Advising and Transfer
Christy Richter
Additional Information
Academic Suspension Appeal Form
Guidelines
All RRCC students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Recognizing the value of measuring academic progress for all students, RRCC has established the following practice and procedures for measuring academic standing. This procedure is intended to be informational and helpful, but also establishes clear standards of academic progress that must be met and maintained in order to be a successful student at RRCC. A student’s academic standing at one Colorado Community College System (CCCS) college will impact academic standing at another CCCS college.
Process
For students who have attempted fewer than 9 credit hours, RRCC will monitor satisfactory progress through an Academic Alert process. These students are not subject to Academic Standing. Academic Standing applies to all students who have attempted 9 or more credits at a CCCS college, regardless of the number of term credits they attempt from that point forward. Academic Standing is applied consistently and uniformly within each CCCS institution. RRCC will determine Academic Standing following the posting of the majority of term grades for each semester. Students placed on probation or suspended will be notified of their status. Suspended students will not be allowed to attend any CCCS college in the subsequent semester/s unless an appeal is approved. Academic Standing status will be noted on the advising, official, and unofficial transcripts. The Academic Standing of a student is not specific or limited to RRCC as it will impact a student’s enrollment at other CCCS colleges.
Definitions
• Only college level classes will be used to calculate term and cumulative GPAs (grade point averages).
• This includes summer term courses.
• Only courses taken "in residence" will be used for this procedure; "In residence" means courses taken at RRCC. Courses taken elsewhere and transferred in do not apply. The GPA calculations for this procedure may not match those used for financial aid purposes.
Standards
Initial Standing: Student has attempted fewer than 9 cumulative credit hours with a cumulative GPA that is greater than or equal to 2.00 for all classes attempted.
Academic Alert: Student has attempted fewer than 9 cumulative credits with a cumulative GPA less than 2.00 for all classes attempted.
Good Standing: Student has attempted at least 9 cumulative credit hours and has a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.00 for all classes attempted.
Probation: Student has attempted at least 9 cumulative credit hours and has a cumulative GPA less than 2.00 for all classes attempted. Returning to Good Standing: By the conclusion of the Academic Probation term, the student must raise his or her cumulative GPA to at least 2.0. If this condition is met, the student returns to Good Standing.
Probation (continuing): If a student on Academic Probation earns a term GPA of at least 2.00 for all classes attempted during the term, but fails to raise his or her cumulative GPA to at least 2.0 for all classes attempted, the student will be allowed to attend the next term, but will remain on Academic Probation.
Suspension: If a student on Academic Probation earns a term GPA of less than 2.0 for all classes attempted, the student will be suspended and will not be allowed to enroll at any CCCS college for the next term, excluding summer term (as summer term may not be used as a "suspension term").
Suspension Rules
• Summer term may not be used as a "suspension term".
• Summer term may be used to remediate (improve) the GPA if approved by RRCC. If a student wishes to enroll for summer term after being suspended, the student will need to follow RRCC’s Suspension Reinstatement Procedure.
• Initial suspension is for one term, excluding summer term.
• A second suspension is for two terms, excluding summer term.
• If a student, who has served the suspension time for initial suspension or second suspension, wishes to return, the student will be allowed to re-enroll only after meeting with a RRCC academic or program advisor. The student will be placed on Academic Probation.
• A third suspension is for two full years, or four academic terms, excluding summers.
• If a student, who has served the third suspension time of two years, wishes to return, the student must meet with a RRCC Academic or program advisor. Suspension Appeals
• A student may appeal his or her suspension by following the RRCC Academic Suspension appeal process. If a student intends to transfer to another CCCS college, the student must appeal to the transferring CCCS college.
• If the student’s suspension appeal is approved, the student will be placed on Academic Probation.
• Students put on Suspension will be dropped from all courses for any future terms. Students will not be able to register for courses until they meet the requirements outlined in the Academic Suspension appeal process. Students are ultimately responsible for their enrollment and need to check their enrollment schedule for accuracy.
Suspension Reinstatement
Students wishing to appeal their suspension need to fill out the suspension appeal form that is emailed to them and schedule an appointment with an Advisor to appeal. The Advisor will consider the student’s appeal and make a final determination. If approved, students will be eligible to register, but in a probationary status.
What is Degree Check?
Degree Check is a software program designed to help you track your progress to graduation. Once you choose a program of study, Degree Check will tell you exactly which courses you need to take in order to attain your degree or certificate. This helps you know exactly where you stand academically and what you still need to do in order to achieve your goals.
How do I change my Degree?
To permanently change your declared degree program, complete the degree change form (link is external). If you just want to see what a different degree evaluation looks like using Degree Check, use the "What If" function.
Degree Check Student Training Manual
View or download the Degree Check Student Training Manual (.pdf) to learn how to log into Degree Check, interpret the Worksheet, and create plans of study from templates or from scratch.
What services do academic advisors provide?
- Academic Advising – Assist you in identifying what courses are needed to fill academic requirements.
- Guidance – Help undeclared majors choose the next course of action.
- Information – Provide information for course sequencing and prerequisites.
- Assessment – Help you choose appropriate courses and programs based on assessment results.
- Referrals – Refer students to faculty for further program information and assistance in choosing a major.
- Semester/Degree Planning – Assist with planning a semester schedule before registration.
- Transfer Assistance– Program plan for students intending to transfer to a four-year school.
- Graduation Evaluation– Evaluate courses to make sure you meet graduation requirements for your degree.
When should I see an advisor?
You should meet with an advisor at least once a year and whenever:
- You have filled out an application and completed a placement test or submitted your ACT scores or transcripts
- You want to change or declare your major
- You want assistance selecting your classes prior to registration
- You want to know how adding/dropping or withdrawing from courses will affect your academic standing
- You are having difficulties in your classes and would like to see what resources are available to you
- You are on academic suspension or probation
- You want to discuss transfer programs
- You want to investigate career options
- You need clarification of a college policy or procedure
- You are considering changing your academic focus or direction
- You think you are close to graduating
What if I have a quick question for advising and/or don’t have time to wait?
Emailing the advising office is a a great way to get your questions answered without having to stop by the advising office. You will receive a response within 48 business hours from the time it was received.
Please note that students should utilize their student email account (____________@student.cccs.edu ) due to privacy laws and policies. If you are a new student and don't have a student email account yet, you can use your personal email for general questions. Click the Ask an Advisor link to the right if you’d like to email an advisor.
How do I schedule an advising appointment?
Please refer to the "Schedule an Appointment" section above for detailed information. You can also schedule an appointment in person by stopping by the advising office front desk or calling 303.914.6275.
Do I need to meet with an advisor every semester to register?
You are not required to meet with an advisor prior to registering for classes. However, meeting with an advisor can help to ensure that you achieve your educational and professional goals in a timely and cost-effective manner. Setting up an appointment with an academic advisor to create a degree plan can keep you on track and let you know what classes you need to complete and achieve your goal, whether it’s to earn a certificate, associate’s degree, or to transfer to a four-year college/university.
What courses should I take?
Degree Programs
- Associate of Arts Degree Options
- Associate of Science Degree Options
- Associate of General Studies
- Associate of Applied Science Degrees and Certificate Programs*
*Students interested in Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees or certificates can view the requirements on the department website or schedule an advising appointment.
Prerequisite Requirements
- Test scores must be less than five years old and transcripts must be on file prior to registration.
- Check out the list of courses that require English prerequisites. All math and many science classes require additional math prerequisites.
- One of following prerequisites will be required to register for General Education Courses:
- English ACT of 18 or higher
- Placement test results in Reading Skills of 96 or higher and Essay Score 5
- Placement test results in Reading Skills of 80 or higher and Essay Score 6
- ENG 090, CCR 092, or CCR 094 with a "S/C" or better
Where do I go for tutoring?
RRCC has different tutoring options to support learning. Visit RRCC Tutoring for more information.
Where do I go to explore career options?
RRCC offers career counseling, as well as career exploration services.
For job and internship opportunities, Career Success Center
Where do I go to find information on transferring to a four-year school?
Red Rocks Community College is proud to have transfer agreements with some of the best colleges and universities in the state of Colorado.
Your AA or AS Degree will transfer to all Colorado public 4-year colleges and universities if you complete your AA or AS degree with a C or better, and the remaining 60 credit hours will be completed at the four-year public institution of your choice. Be advised that many majors at the four-year school require specific courses, and that must be completed as part of the AA or AS degree. Also, note that some majors may exceed the typical 120 credits required to graduate. Please see an academic advisor for specific college to college course planning. Check out our online Transfer Guide for more information about transferring.
What should my parents/guardians know about the privacy of my student records?
FERPA – Family Education Rights and Privacy Act FERPA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of student records.
Why is this important to parents?
If a parent or guardian inquires on behalf of a Red Rocks student, the parent or guardian can expect to receive only general college policies and procedures information from campus offices. Only a student has full access to his/her records. Students can access these records in person or through the college portal The Rock.
If a student would like his/her parent or guardian to be able to access student record information they will need to fill out a FERPA release form with admissions.
How do I schedule a campus tour?
Visit our online scheduling form for more information to schedule a group or individual tour.
Navigate Overview
Navigate is one of the primary tools that you will use throughout your experience at Red Rocks. You can use Navigate to schedule appointments, plan classes, register for classes, and much more. For an overview, watch the video below:
Scheduling an Appointment
You can schedule appointments in Navigate to meet with a variety of student services. Follow along with the video below to schedule appointments for academic advising, financial aid, career services, and more:
Planning Classes
You can use Navigate to plan what classes you’d like to enroll in each semester at Red Rocks, whether that’s for a single semester or a few terms. Planning needs to be completed before registering—follow along with the video below to get started!
Registering for Classes
After Planning courses in Navigate, you can register for any semester that’s open for registration. While registering, you can choose specific sections of each course that meet in your preferred time, location, and modality. If you haven’t yet, make sure you’ve Planned what classes you intend to enroll in before registering (see above). If you’re ready to register, follow along with this video
Modalities
You can take classes at Red Rocks in a variety of ways, also known as modalities. Options include: Classroom-based, Remote, Online, Hyflex, or Hybrid classes. The video below covers some details that you can expect with each:
Dropping Classes
You may also use Navigate to drop a class if it’s still before the drop deadline of the course. The video below covers how to research drop deadlines for each of your classes, then drop a class in Navigate if needed:
Need accessibility? Contact Accessibility Services at 303-914-6733 or access@rrcc.edu (link sends e-mail) (link sends e-mail) at least one week prior to the event to request disability accommodations.
The Red Rocks Community College student orientation is offered in on campus and online formats. Orientation is MANDATORY for all new students and for all students returning to RRCC following a break of a year or more. It is designed to help students successfully navigate their college experience and will cover important topics such as paying for college, student support and success services, and class registration.
The orientation will cover important topics such as:
- class registration
- financial aid
- degree and certificate options
- student services
Prerequisites are not cleared automatically (unless taken at Red Rocks Community College).
Prerequisite clearance requests should be requested two weeks prior to your registration date either in person or by emailing advising@rrcc.edu using your Student Email Account.
Requests to clear any prerequisite MUST be initiated by the student and include the following:
- Student Name
- Student ID Number (Social Security numbers are not accepted)
- Course(s) you wish to be cleared for
- Documentation (acceptable forms of documentation are transcripts, grade reports, and AP/IB test scores)
- Note: Whether or not your transcripts are on file, you will need to provide documentation
How do I meet the Prerequisite requirement?
You can meet a prerequisite using one of the following:
Send a copy of your scores (excluding the Red Rocks self-guided assessment scores) along with your Student number (S#) to student.records@rrcc.edu:
Your UNOFFICIAL transcript should be:
Upload your transcript and include your name, student number (S#), and the course(s) you wish to register for. Your request may take up to 5 business days; please plan ahead.
OR
You may meet with an Advisor at either the Lakewood or Arvada campus, or remotely, to discuss your academic plan and the prerequisites you will need. Please provide your advisor with a copy of your transcript(s).
In order to have your courses transferred to Red Rocks, you must send an official transcript to our Student Records Department and submit a Transcript Credit Evaluation Request Form
In certain subject areas, a prerequisite override may be an option. Please see the appropriate campus academic department if you feel this applies to you.
- Test Scores - any of the following
- Red Rocks Self-Guided Assessment Scores
- Appropriate SAT/ACT scores (less than 5 years old)
- High school transcript documenting chemistry courses, 2 semesters with grades of C or better
- AP test scores
- CLEP scores
- DSST scores
- Previous College Coursework:
- Prior college-level credit earned from a regionally accredited university or college completed with a grade of "C-" or higher. STEM courses must have been taken in the last 10 years to be used. Please provide us with an official transcript.
- Mailed to :
Student Records, Box 8
Red Rocks Community College
13300 W 6th Ave
Lakewood CO 80228-1255
- Emailed to: student.records@rrcc.edu
- Fax to: 303.989.6919
- Hand carried to: Student Records (This option is not available while staff is working remotely)
- Submit your Prerequisite Override Request.
13300 W. 6th Ave
Lakewood, CO 80228
Schedule an Appointment:
To schedule an appointment, please visit Navigate
Click here for instructions on how to schedule an appointment in Navigate
Please schedule your appointment with your Pathway advisor found below:
Business – Kat O'Brien
Humanities, Social Sciences, & Education – Debora Stefani
Creative & Preforming Arts – Caly Hedlund
Outdoor Leadership & Emergency Services - Hannah Creighton
Health Sciences – Audrey Niedfeldt
Manufacturing & Technical Trades (CTE) – Julie Gomez
Computer Information Technology – Sam Panter
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)– Justin Benavides and Breanne Kester
Schedule an appointment at the link above to schedule through Navigate.
10280 W 55th Ave.
Arvada, CO 80002
Schedule an appointment:
303-914-6010 or Navigate
at our Arvada campus
Click here for instructions on how to schedule an appointment in Navigate
Health Sciences –Audrey Niedfeldt
Please call to schedule an appointment
or click the Navigate link above
Transfer Days and Open Houses offered at other colleges
Red Rocks collaborates with many colleges to support students seeking transfer-ability to four-year schools.
Test Drive your transfer options by attending a transfer day or open house at your chosen 4-year college or university.
View a schedule of other upcoming open houses at other colleges.
If you plan to graduate from RRCC and would like to apply transfer credit from other institutions to your RRCC certificate or degree program, please complete the Transfer Credit Evaluation Request form (link is external) and submit official transcripts to Student Records.
How can you submit official and unofficial transcripts?
- Mail: (Please allow for longer processing times while Student Records is working remotely)
Student Records, Box 8
Red Rocks Community College
13300 W 6th Ave
Lakewood CO 80228-1255 - Emailed to: student.records@rrcc.edu
- Fax to: 303.989.6919 – Unofficial transcripts only (Please allow for longer processing times while Student Records is working remotely)
- Hand carried to: Student Records (THIS OPTION IS NOT AVAILABLE WHILE CAMPUS IS CLOSED AND STAFF ARE WORKING REMOTELY)
Note: Consult the “Credit for Prior Learning Handbook” for information on alternate forms of learning that might be eligible for college credit.
There is A LOT to know about this process. Please see the information below to get an idea of what to expect. For full details on our evaluation policy and what RRCC can and cannot accept, please see our Transfer Credit Policy information sheet.
If you change your degree program after your initial evaluation, please submit a Re-Evaluation of Credit Form. We will then conduct another evaluation. Note: We cannot remove credits that have already been posted. We will only transfer in credits that are applicable to the degree/certificate program you are pursuing.
Once the transfer evaluation is complete, you can review the results by accessing your unofficial transcript online.
- Log into The Rock
- Click on the Student tab
- Click on Unofficial Transcript in the My Student Information section
To help you with your transfer process, we recommend that you visit with one of our advisors prior to making a commitment. For more information on these institutions, click on any of the below sites or transfer guides.
- Transfer Guide (placeholder)
- Transfer Guide (placeholder)
Montana State University Billings
- Transfer Guidelines
- Application Deadlines: Fall, July 1, Summer, May 15, Spring, January 1
- Scholarship Deadline: March 1
Northwest Missouri State University
- Transfer Guide (placeholder)
Purdue Global University (formerly Kaplan University)
- Transfer Guide (placeholder)
- Transfer Guides
- Application Deadlines: Post Traditional (formerly College of Professional Studies) - Rolling application, Traditional - Fall, Dec. 15, Spring, August 1st
- Scholarship Deadlines: Post Traditional: Fall - July 15, Spring November 15, Traditional: Fall, Dec. 15, Spring, August 1st
-
Edger Lopez: Traditional Transfer to Regis University
elopez009@regis.edu, 303-458-4904 -
Dina Harder (Florez): Post Traditional Transfer to Regis University
dflorez@regis.edu
303-625-1262
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
- Transfer Guide
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions - no strict deadline
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
- General info for RRCC/CSM Transfer Agreements for all degrees/career paths
- RRCC to Mines Transfer Guide (updated 08/2021)
- CCCS HASS Undergraduate Prior/Post-Approval Form
- Official Articulation Agreement (August 2018)
- Application Deadline: April 1 with rolling admissions
- Scholarship Deadline for Phi Theta Kappa: No deadline
Southern New Hampshire University
Colorado State University-Pueblo
- Transfer Guides
- Application Deadline: Fall early action and full scholarship consideration - Feb. 1, Fall regulars decision and limited scholarship consideration - June 1
- Transfer Representative: Katy Wicks, katy.wicks@colostate.edu
United States Air Force Academy
University of Colorado at Boulder
- Transfer Info and Checklists
- RRCC to Boulder Transfer Guides for College of Engineering
- Transfer Rep: Jennifer Glenn
University of Colorado at Denver
- Transfer Guide
- Scholarship Deadline: March 1
Colorado State University - Global Campus
- Transfer Guide
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions - multiple start dates
- Scholarship Deadline: Rolling
University of Colorado at Denver - Anschutz Campus
- Transfer Guides:
- Application & Scholarship Deadlines: Vary depending on program - visit each program website
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
- Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE savings)
- Transfer Guide
University of Northern Colorado
- Transfer Guide
- Nursing Prerequisites
- Application Deadline: Colorado Residents: Fall - August 1 - June 15 to be considered for scholarships, Fall non-residents: March 1, Spring - Colorado residents, December 1
- Transfer Guide (placeholder)
If you decide to transfer to another institution BEFORE earning your degree, you still have options to earn your associate degree from RRCC. Please speak with an advisor about Degree Within Reach. This is a reverse transfer option for students to complete an associate degree by transferring credits back to RRCC. Full information regarding this process can be found at Degree Within Reach .
Grades are posted to your transcripts after the term is completed. If a grade is missing, contact the instructor first, and then contact Academic Affairs if you need further assistance.
Note: End-of-term grades are not mailed to your home. You can view your grades and your unofficial transcript using your student portal access through “the Rock”.
Steps to View Grades and Your RRCC Transcript
- Log on to The Rock at https://myportal.cccs.edu/jsp/misc/schoolLoginNew.jsp?school=rrcc
- Click on the Student Tab towards the top of the page
- Under “My Student Stuff,” click on View Unofficial Transcript