Students speaking with an advisor

Advisement

Meet an Advisor

An advisor can help you:

  • Explore degree, transfer, and career options
  • Assist and empower you to gather information and make decisions in order to develop and complete an academic plan consistent with your values and goals
  • Answer questions about registration and college policies and procedures
  • Troubleshoot challenges and serve as a referral to campus resources

Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor throughout their time at Heartland. Please select the student population you are in below for the ways to interact with an advisor. View the meet with an advisor page.

Student Populations

Academic advisors at Heartland Community College enhance opportunities for success by empowering students to develop and pursue meaningful educational plans compatible with their values, abilities, career aspirations, and life goals through an ongoing advisor/student partnership.
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Services

Register for Classes

Heartland Hawks never register alone. Our advisors provide one-on-one support to select courses that align with your goals, whether you're earning credits to transfer or completing a certificate. We'll help you find classes at times that fit your life so you can focus on learning.

Class Registration

Degree Options

Need help choosing a career path? Heartland Hawks advisors guide you toward the right fit—whether it’s an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Engineering Science, or Applied Science degree, or a career-ready certificate. Start strong with support every step of the way!

Degree Options

Transfer Services

Heartland Community College advisors guide Hawks through every step of the transfer process. We help you select the right degree path, ensure your credits transfer smoothly, and prepare you for success at your four-year university. Start here, go anywhere.

Transfer Services

Advisement Core Values

  • We value an intentional teaching and learning environment
  • We value the importance of access to continual support, information, and resources
  • We value student development, self-discovery, and personal growth
  • We value an appreciation for lifelong learning
  • We value the individual qualities, experiences, and abilities of our student population
  • We value the spirit of inclusion and the diversity of our campus community
Advisor assisting student at front desk

Advisor Appointment Information

Students sitting together on campus steps

New & Transfer Student Advising

All incoming degree- and certificate-seeking students are required to complete a New Student Appointment with an academic advisor. During this 30-minute session, you'll discuss your academic goals, review program requirements, and select your first semester courses. Before scheduling, be sure to complete your application, confirm district residency, and submit all required transcripts (allow 5-7 days for evaluation). Appointments for Spring 2025 open November 6, with Summer and Fall appointments opening in February and March respectively.

Two students talking outside on campus

Ongoing Advising Support

Current students should meet with an advisor each semester to stay on track. We offer flexible advising options including scheduled appointments (in-person or virtual), convenient drop-in hours (weekdays noon-4pm), and email support at advising@heartland.edu. Returning students who have been away for three or more semesters will need to submit a new application before receiving advising services.

Students walking together across campus

Other Student Services

Visiting students from other institutions should consult with their home school first, then bring unofficial transcripts to drop-in hours for course approval. College NOW students receive personalized enrollment assistance through scheduled appointments or email communication. All students can register when open enrollment begins each semester (November 6 for Spring, March 4 for Summer, and April 1 for Fall 2025).

Contact Us

Normal Campus
Portrait of Rachel Cook

Rachel Cook

Director, Advisement & Transfer Coordination

Normal Campus

Educational Background

  • Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration, Illinois State University
  • Bachelor of Science in Communication, Millikin University

Special Student Populations

Student-athletes (excluding e-sports) and accelerated degree program students.

Portrait of Chandra Shipley

Chandra Shipley

Associate Director, Advisement

Normal Campus

Educational Background

  • Master of Science in Communication, Illinois State University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Illinois Wesleyan University

Special Student Populations

Honors program, STEM transfer students, and students exploring majors.

Portrait of Megan Kayfish

Megan Kayfish

Academic Advisor

Normal Campus

Educational Background

  • Master of Education in College Student Affairs, University of Louisville
  • Bachelor of Arts in English, Eastern Illinois University

Special Student Populations

Adult learners, part-time students, and returning Hawks completing a degree.

Contact Information

Heartland Pontiac Center

211 E. Madison Street
Pontiac, IL 61764
Phone: 815-842-6777
Email: Pontiac.Center@heartland.edu

Normal Campus

Community Commons Building (CCB)
Suite 1000
1500 W. Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Appointment Hotline: 309-268-8027
Phone: 309-268-8033
Email: Advising@heartland.edu

Heartland Lincoln Center

2201 Woodlawn Road
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: 217-735-1731
Email: Lincoln.Center@heartland.edu