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Academic Advisement Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started at Heartland Community College?

If you have never attended Heartland before, you will need to complete the steps of the enrollment process/

All new students will meet with an academic advisor as part of the enrollment process. Before meeting with an advisor, students must complete the basic skills assessment. You may take the assessment on a walk-in basis at the Assessment Office. Students should also secure a copy of the current course schedule, have an idea of courses they plan to take and be able to discuss their interests and goals with the advisor. Students should also become familiar with general education, graduation and program requirements. Those planning on transferring Heartland credits should make an appointment with an academic advisor to discuss how their credits will transfer.

Should I meet with an academic advisor?

Yes! Academic advisors provide up-to-date information about educational options, program requirements, transfer information and Heartland's academic policies and procedures.

After becoming a Heartland student, how often should I meet with my academic advisor?

New students meet with their academic advisors as part of the enrollment process.  Academic advising is a decision-making process in which you and an advisor work together to achieve a successful college experience involving exploration of life and career goals, selection of an educational program, choosing courses, and scheduling classes.

The goal of academic advising is to assist you in realizing the maximum educational benefits available to you at Heartland Community College.  We hope to help you to better understand yourself and to learn to use the resources of Heartland to meet your particular educational needs and goals.

Academic advising takes place all year long. Important contact times are:

  • Before registering for classes
  • Before changing your class schedule (if you have questions)
  • When considering transfer options
  • Following a report of any unsatisfactory performance or attendance
  • When you are experiencing academic problems
  • Before withdrawing from classes
  • Before applying for graduation

It is advisable to begin an ongoing relationship with one advisor who knows you and is familiar with your academic situation. However, you can also meet with the first available advisor, as well.

What is a GPA? How do I calculate my GPA?

Your grade point average (GPA) is used to determine academic standing. You can calculate your GPA by using the GPA calculator or the following formula:

  • Use these values: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0
  • For each course, multiply the number of credits by the values of the grade received. This equals the grade points for that class.
  • Add all credits attempted
  • Add all grade points earned
  • Divide the total grade points by the total credits attempted
  • The answer is your GPA
Credits Attempted x Grade = Grade Points
3 x 4 (A) = 12
3 x 3 (B) = 9
4 x 2 (C) = 8
Total 10       29

29 grade points divided by 10 credits equals a GPA of 2.9.

I have credits from another college that I will be transferring in to Heartland. What do I need to do?

If you plan on completing any type of degree or certificate from Heartland, you must submit official transcripts to Heartland. To be considered official, your transcripts must be sent directly from your other college to Heartland. We cannot accept hand-carried transcripts as official.

If you want an evaluation of your transfer credits, Heartland must have your official transcripts on file at least one week prior to your appointment. We cannot complete official credit evaluations on unofficial transcripts.

How do I change my major, address, contact info, etc.?

To change any of your information, you can fill out a change of information form and submit it to Student Records at the Normal campus in CCB 1000. These forms are located at the Student Records counter and also in Advisement. If you have any questions about the changes you are making, please talk with an academic advisor.

What do I need to graduate?

If you are working towards a transferable Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree, review a list of the general education and elective classes needed to complete your degree (available in PDF format, 16KB, 2 pages). Note: You must download and install Adobe® Acrobat® Reader™ in order to view and print the graduation checklist.

Graduation requirements can also be found in your Heartland Community College Catalog & Student Handbook available online and at Advisement or Student Records.

If you are working towards an Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate in Engineering Sciences (AES), Associate of Applied Teaching (AAT) degree or Certificate, please refer to your Heartland Community College Catalog & Student Handbook for a list of specific course requirements.

When do I apply to graduate?

Graduation application deadlines are March 1 for spring semester and summer graduation and October 1 for fall semester graduation. Make an appointment with an academic advisor to confirm you have met all requirements prior to applying for graduation.

I'm trying to enroll online, and I'm getting an error message. What should I do?

It depends on the error message you are getting. If you click on the word "error", it should tell you the problem. The following are some common error messages:

  • Prerequisite not met - If you have not completed the required prerequisite for the course you're trying to enroll in, you won't be able to take it. If you have completed the prerequisite at another college, you must submit your transcripts showing the completed course to Advisement. If you have already done so, please call or stop in the Advisement Department and speak with an advisor.
  • Time conflict - This means that you're trying to enroll into two classes that either meet at the same time or overlapping times. You will need to select another section of one of the classes.
  • Class is full - The class is already full. You will have to select either another section of the same class or a different class that is not full. There are no overrides into classes and no waiting lists.

I can't remember my login name or student ID. Where can I get it?

Call the Student IT hotline at (309) 268-8380 to get your login information. You can also stop by the Student Records counter.