The CCPS Undergraduate Advising Center is ramping up for a very busy period in our office. Last year in the two months of February and March we accounted for more than 30% of our total annual appointments! Though we try to encourage students to come see us for planning earlier in the year, many students don't think about it until they begin to hear about the upcoming registration process.

Please encourage students to seek advising early and not wait until their day to register. We can help students understand their degree requirements and set up appropriate course plans that they can use during registration! They should plan now to avoid delays!

As we experience an influx of traffic here in our office we also realize that you may be getting more questions about registration in  your office as well. We have provided some information about how to prepare for advanced registration in this newsletter to help you with some of these conversations. We'll provide more in March, closer to the start of the registration period. If you have a student that has a question that you do not feel you can answer, please do not  hesitate to connect with us or send the student to us for assistance. Thanks for your support and dedication to CCPS students!

Please welcome the newest member of the CCPS-UAC team! Shantonya Russell graduated in 2010 with a BBA in Business Management from Saginaw Valley State University. She went on to pursue an internship with the Student Educational Services division at Delta College. After gaining experience in higher education, she obtained a position as an academic advisor with Davenport University. Since then, Shantonya has earned a MBA in Strategic Management from Davenport University and brings 3+ years of academic advising experience to the CCPS-UAC. She studied abroad in Europe (London, Paris, Barcelona) and will be a great resource for the GVSU community. She will serve as the academic advisor for the criminal justice and juvenile justice programs.

Advanced Registration for the next academic year (including Spring/Summer 2015, Fall 2015 and Winter 2016) begins for undergraduates on March 17, 2015.

Preparing for the advanced registration period is the key to securing a schedule that best meets a student's needs and interests. We have developed some steps to help students use this time to prepare for the registration process. This may be helpful for faculty to review as well. MORE INFORMATION

The Advanced Registration schedule has changed this year and is now based only on a student's credits (earned hours plus Winter 2015 enrollment). MORE INFORMATION

Students who are on academic review (probation or jeopardy of dismissal) will have an advisor hold placed on their record preventing them from registering for the upcoming academic year during the March advanced registration period without approval.

In order for this hold to be removed CCPS undergraduate students must follow the process outlined to receive the signature of an academic advisor. This process is the ONLY way to have the hold lifted for CCPS students. Holds will not be lifted over the telephone or by email!

To avoid registration delays students should begin the process immediately and complete the process prior to their registration day in order to register on time. Students with this status have been provided with this information to their GVSU email account last week.  MORE INFORMATION

The CCPS-UAC recently completed academic record reviews for the 27 GVSU student applicants to the 2015 GVSU Police Training Academy as part of the admission review process. This review ensures that students are meeting MCOLES academic criteria for admission to the police academy.

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) and Grand Valley State University requires applicants to meet one of the following academic criteria in order to be eligible for consideration:

1. Possess either an Associates or a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.

-or-

2. Be a registered student at GVSU and be eligible for graduation upon completion of the police academy.

The CCPS-UAC prepares certification letters to be provided to the student and MCOLES regarding academic eligibility for the training program which assists academy staff with ensuring that students are fully aware of the academic criteria necessary for admission.

GVSU Police Training Academy

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards

It’s hard to believe but it’s almost time for the Winter Career Fair! The Career Fair is a great opportunity for students and alumni of ALL MAJORS to attend and connect with employers whether they are looking to explore majors and career fields, needing an internship, seeking full-time employment, or simply looking to expand their professional networks.

The Winter 2015 Career Fair will be held at DeVos Place Convention Center - 303 Monroe NW from 1pm-5pm on February 24th!

CAREER EXPLORATION TIME BEGINNING AT 12:30 PM! GREAT FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS WHO MAY BE INTIMIDATED BY THE FORMAL FAIR

Career Exploration is the process of learning about yourself and the world of work, identifying and exploring potentially satisfying occupations, and developing effective strategies for realizing career goals. In an effort to encourage and foster effective career exploration opportunities for GVSU students and underclassmen, we will be offering exploration time at employer booths prior to the Career Fair opening to the public. Come explore careers and employers in your field of interest before the formal fair.

MORE INFORMATION about employers who will be in attendance.