Academic Advising
Turn your goals into a plan with academic advising.
Our advisors are your partners in success from your first semester until graduation, helping you build a plan that fits your goals, interests, and life.
All first-time college students—including those with dual enrollment credit—are required to meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.
- New-to-college students will do this at Registration Day, an on-campus event where they enroll in courses for the upcoming semester.
- Returning and transfer students must schedule a one-on-one advising appointment.
What to Expect From Your Advising Session
Advising sessions are designed to build on what you already know about college, focusing specifically on what it means to be a student at North Central. During your appointment, you’ll explore programs of study, the financial aid process, faculty expectations, and available student resources. Your advisor will also review course and degree requirements and help you stay up to date on important academic policies and procedures. Appointments typically last about 45 minutes.
To schedule, call 231-348-6605 or click here to book online.
Your Advising Partnership: Who Does What
Academic advising at North Central is a two-way partnership designed to help you succeed. Understanding both your role and your advisor’s role ensures that each meeting is productive and personalized to your goals.
As a student, you play an active role in your academic success. Here’s how to make the most of advising:
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Be proactive. Reach out to your advisor and schedule regular appointments each semester.
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Come prepared. Share your goals, passions, and questions so your advisor can better guide you.
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Stay informed. Learn about your degree program, college policies, and important deadlines.
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Communicate clearly. Keep your advisor updated on changes in your academic progress, plans, or career goals.
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Develop key skills. Strengthen your time management, goal setting, and decision-making abilities.
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Explore opportunities. Get involved in co-curricular activities to enrich your college experience.
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Take ownership. You are ultimately responsible for your academic decisions, progress, and outcomes.
Your academic advisor is here to guide, support, and empower you to achieve your goals. Their responsibilities include:
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Clearly explaining degree requirements, college policies, and academic procedures
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Creating a welcoming, respectful environment during advising sessions
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Providing accurate and consistent information to support your academic planning
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Connecting you with on-campus resources and support services
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Helping you understand how higher education fits into your personal and professional goals
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Being accessible through office hours, phone, and email communication
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Clarifying both your responsibilities and theirs in the advising relationship
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Supporting you in developing decision-making and goal-setting skills
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Maintaining your privacy and confidentiality at all times
Meet Your Advising Team
Our dedicated advising team is here to help you succeed—whether you're just getting started, transferring in, returning to college, or balancing school with work and family. Each advisor works with specific student populations to provide personalized, knowledgeable support throughout your college journey.
Pictured, from left: Cara Deschermeier, Beth Senecal, Kristin Jardine, Lauren Halter, and Shana Kingma
🕒 Ready to register? Beat the rush!
Get the best schedule by meeting with an advisor early.
📍 Drop-In Advising: Aug. 25 – Sept. 8
- Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.*
- Visit Student Services—no appointment needed
Cara Deschermeier – Dual Enrollment & Early College Advising
Cara supports high school students enrolled in North Central's dual enrollment and Early College programs.
Specialty Areas: Dual enrollment, Early College
More Information: Dual Enrollment & Early College Programs
Lauren Halter – Accessibility Services & General Advising
Lauren works with students seeking academic accommodations as well as those navigating general advising needs.
Specialty Areas: Accessibility support, general academic advising
More Information: Accessibility Services
Book an appointment with Lauren
Kristin Jardine – Student Parent Advising
Kristin helps student parents create an academic plan that fits their goals, family responsibilities, and work schedules. She also connects students with additional resources and offers extended advising hours to meet a variety of scheduling needs.
Specialty Areas: Student parents, flexible advising
More Information: Student Parent Support
Book an appointment with Kristin
Shana Kingma – Presidential Scholars, International Students & General Advising
Shana advises Presidential and Tip of the Mitt scholarship recipients, international students, and students with general advising needs.
Specialty Areas: Presidential and Tip of the Mitt scholars, international student advising, general advising
More Information: Scholarships, International Students
Book an appointment with Shana
Beth Senecal – Veterans & General Advising
Beth specializes in advising for veterans, active-duty military students, and military-affiliated students and their families, along with general advising support.
Specialty Areas: Student veterans, active military, military-affiliated students and families, general advising
More Information: Veterans Services