In continuing efforts to accommodate current and future SOWELA students while also implementing measures to slow the transmission and spread of COVID-19, the following changes have been made regarding procedures for SOWELA’s Academic Advising:

IMPORTANT ADVISING UPDATES

• At this time, students will not be able to schedule an advising appointment through QLess nor sign in for Walk-In advising hours at the kiosk.
• Students that have already scheduled appointments through QLess are being contacted by their advisors.
• If you are unsure as to who your advisor is, you may view the listing of our F.A.S.T. advisors.
• You can also email FASTadvising@sowela.edu requesting assistance for advising with the following information included in your email:
  • Name, working contact phone number, your Student L# (found on LoLA) and/or DOB, and your major/program
• If you are a student at the Jennings/Morgan Smith site, please email Matthew Ferguson at matthew.ferguson@sowela.edu to request assistance for advising with the following information included in your email:
  • Name, working contact phone number, your Student L# (found on LoLA) and/or DOB, and your major/program
• If you are a student at the Oakdale Site, please email Brittany Barkdull at brittany.barkdull@sowela.edu to request assistance for advising with the following information included in your email:
  • Name, working contact phone number, your Student L# (found on LoLA) and/or DOB, and your major/program
• Please note that it may take between 24-48 hours for an advisor to be able to respond to you depending upon the timing of the email (including emails sent over the weekend).

The mission of the Flight Advising Success Team at SOWELA Technical Community College is to support and empower students to reach their academic and career goals by promoting an environment of shared responsibility that fosters an ongoing collaboration between advisors and students.

• Encourage, teach, and help students to develop a realistic academic plan consistent with educational, personal, and professional goals.
• Inform students about college policies and procedures.
• Inform students about resources and opportunities on campus.
• Provide transfer information and guidance as needed.
• Share knowledge about programs and graduation requirements.

• Carefully consider your academic and career goals and share this information with your academic advisor.
• Review your major and degree requirements.
• Ask questions!
• Create an academic advising file.
• Contact your Flight Advisor about any academic difficulties.
• Pay attention to important dates and deadlines.
• Review the Academic Calendar on the SOWELA website.
• Prior to dropping or changing a course, consult with your Flight Advisor.

• Act as a mentor with detailed knowledge of the student’s program of study.
• Double-check to see that the student is following an accurate plan toward graduation.
• Inform the student of current trends in business and industry.
• Assist the student with securing internships and networking with professionals in their chosen careers.
• Serve as a critical link to the employment pipeline, especially as a student nears graduation.

• Apply for admissions
• Schedule for New Student Orientation
• Set up your LoLA account (opens new window)
• Please have your SOWELA ACCUPLACER test scores or your ACT scores on file with SOWELA. It is important to know where you are in Math, English, and Reading. (Please note: These scores are necessary for Associate’s degree and Practical Nursing diploma programs only.)
• Determine if you plan to enroll as a full-time (12 or more credit hours) or part-time (less than 12 credit hours) student.