Academic Advising

 

 

Our Certified Advisors provide an integrated academic and career service to students. Through collaborative teaching and learning, the advising process empowers our diverse student populations to explore and navigate their academic and career pathways. Our teams are committed to providing quality academic advising services and information about available resources to support students in achieving their desired goal, whether that be the completion of a certificate and/or Associate degree and support their transition to a four-year institution or the workforce.

View academic and registration calendars

Transfer Advising Guides

How-to” Videos and Guides

Student Forms

Request Transcripts

TRIO Student Support Services Program

Advising Drop-ins
September 3–October 31

Monday: 2 p.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
(check-in cutoff times are 30 minutes to an hour of closing time, depending on traffic and advisor
availability).

Drop-ins average 15-20 minutes, and students will be served in the order they were checked in. Wait times may vary depending on student traffic and advisor availability.

  • General Program Information
  • Change of Major/Change of Primary Institution
  • Registration Assistance
  • Hold Questions
  • Course and Pre-requisite Overrides
  • Graduation Applications

Zoom

Advising Appointments

Scheduled 24-48hrs in advance via Navigate during Non-drop-in times
Typically, 45 minutes to 1 hour

  • General Program Information
  • Change of Major/Change of Primary Institution
  • Course and Pre-requisite Overrides
  • Graduation Applications
  • Early Alert Advising
  • Academic Probation
  • Creating/Updating your Advising Plan
  • Degree Audits
  • Degree/Career Planning
  • Transfer Advising
  • PIN Release (students requiring a PIN have been notified via e-mail)
  • Financial Aid Appeals (during the petitioning period only)

How to Schedule an Appointment via Navigate in ACES

Advising will be closed on the following dates:

  • September 2 (Labor Day)
  • October 25 (Employee Development Day)
  • November 28-29 (Thanksgiving Holiday)
  • December 19-Jan 1 (Winter Break)

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Creative & Communication Arts

The Creative & Communication Arts Institute is designed for students who have a key interest in areas such as the arts, audio/video technology and communications.

More about a creative path 

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Business & Entrepreneurship

The Business & Entrepreneurship Institute is designed for students who have an interest in areas such as business management and administration, finance, hospitality and tourism and marketing.

Business Programs for you 

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Health & Biosciences

The Health and Biosciences Institute is designed for students who have an interest in areas such as health sciences.

Health Programs for you 

 

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Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics

The Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics Institute is designed for students who have an interest in areas such as architecture, construction, manufacturing, transportation, distribution and logistics.

More on making & moving 

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Public Service

The Public Service Institute is designed for students who have an interest in areas such as education, training, government, public administration, human services, law, public safety, correction and security.

Learn about ways to serve 

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Science & Technology

The Science and Technology Institute is designed for students who have an interest in areas such as agriculture, food and national resources, information technology, science, technology, and more.

Science and Tech Info 

Certified Advisors

Nora Arredondo
nesparza@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor

210-486-3120

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Art
  • Criminal Justice Forensics*
  • Criminal Justice
  • Dance
  • Digital Art
  • Digital Arts & Media
  • Liberal Arts
  • Speech
 

Christina Barrera
cbarrera96@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor
210-486-3342

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Agriculture Science*
  • Business Administration
  • Cosmetology Esthetician
  • Cosmetology Esthetician Specialty Level 1 Certificate
  • Cosmetology Nail Technician Level 1 Certificate
  • Floral Design Technician Level 1 Certificate
  • Horticulture Science
  • Horticulture Science Level 1 Certificate
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics Management Level 1 Certificate
  • Small/Organic Farmer Level 1 Certificate
  • Transportation Management Level 1 Certificate
  • Turf & Landscape Irrigation Level 1 Certificate
  • Turfgrass & Golf Course Management
  • Turfgrass & Golf Course Management Level 1 Certificate
  • Warehouse Management Level 1 Certificate

* Program reflects a catalog year prior to 2020-21

Selso Casares
scasares@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor

210-486-3341

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Administration Level 1 Certificate
  • Business Administration (G - M)
  • Business Management (A - N)*
  • Business Management & Operations – Entrepreneurship Specialization
  • Business Management & Operations – Management Specialization
  • Business Management & Operations – Marketing Specialization
  • Business Operations Level 1 Certificate
  • Entrepreneurship Level 1 Certificate
  • Energy Technician Career Foundation Core Certificate
  • Entry-Level Energy Technician Level 1 Certificate
  • Entry-Level Supervision Level 2 Certificate*
  • Global Business Management Certificate
  • Industrial Technology – Instrumentation Specialization
  • Industrial Technology – Advanced Manufacturing
  • Leadership Level 1 Certificate
  • Management Level 2 Certificate
  • Marketing Level 1 Certificate
  • Process Technology Specialization
  • Production Technician Specialization

* Program reflects a catalog year prior to 2020-21

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Britney Esparza-Marin
besparza9@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
 
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Alyssa Forey
aforey1@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor
210-486-3133

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Criminal Justice
  • Developmental Education Cohort
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
 
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Valerie Gonzales
vgonzales181@alamo.edu

Certified Advisor
210-486-3670
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Serves AlamoINSTITUES:

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  • Pre-Nursing
 
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Lauryn Maldonado
lmaldonado82@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Agriculture Sciences
  • Business Administration
  • Developmental Education Co-hort
  • Horticulture Sciences
  • Viticulture & Enology
 
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Jocelyn "Jocie" Martinez
jmartinez1370@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Pre-Nursing
 
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David Mancha
dmancha8@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor

210-486-3123

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Education: 7-12 & Other EC-12
  • Education: EC-6 Generalist
  • Kinesiology
 
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Mandy Martinez
mmunoz184@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor

210-486-3122

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Education: EC-6 Generalist
  • English/Fine Arts
  • English
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Kinesiology
  • Mexican-American Studies
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Spanish
 

Shawn Melendes
smelendes1@alamo.edu

Certified Advisor
210-486-3662

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Online Advisor (All Majors)
 

Amanda Morales
aamaya19@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor
210-486-3346

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Drama
  • Journalism (Mass Communications)
  • Liberal Arts
  • Psychology
  • Public Relations/Advertising
  • Radio & TV Broadcast Journalism
  • Speech
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
 

Elena Olivo
eamador@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor
210-486-3255

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Bill and Account Collector Level 1 Certificate
  • Business Administration (A-F)
  • Data Entry Technician Level 1 Certificate
  • General Office Level 1 Certificate
  • Health Care Administrator (ALL)

* Program reflects a catalog year prior to 2020-21

 

Adam Rodriguez
arodriguez4@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor
210-486-3667

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • All Computer Majors
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Geology
  • Nutrition
 

Rafael Sayago
rsayago@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor
210-486-3343

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Business Administration (N – Z)
  • Business Management & Operations –Entrepreneurship Specialization
  • Business Management & Operations – Management Specialization
  • Business Management & Operations – Marketing Specialization
  • Business Operations Level 1 Certificate
  • Entrepreneurship Level 1 Certificate
  • Cosmetology Nail Technician Level 1 Certificate
  • Cosmetology Operator (N-Z)
  • Cosmetology Operator Level 2 Certificate
  • Global Business Management Level 1 Certificate
  • Industrial Technology, Level I Certificate -Instrumentation/Advanced Manufacturing
  • Leadership Level 1 Certificate
  • Marketing Level 1 Certificate
  • Management Level 2 Certificate

* Program reflects a catalog year prior to 2020-21

Malorie Vallejo
mvallejo34@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor
210-486-3668

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Veterinary Technology
  • Biology/Pre-Professional (Biomedical Sciences & Veterinarian)
 
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Juan Venegas
jvenegas21@alamo.edu
Certified Advisor

Serves AlamoINSTITUES:
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  • Pre-Nursing
  • Dental Hygiene
 
Advising Team Support Specialist
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Amanda M. Cavazos
acavazos171@alamo.edu

   
Advising Team Leaders
Jennifer Huebenthal

Jennifer Huebenthal
jhuebenthal2@alamo.ed
210-486-3337

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Nidia Lopez
nlopez137@alamo.ed
210-486-3132

Maria Diaz-Viesca
mdiaz150@alamo.edu
210-486-3663

Certified Peer Advisors
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Maddie Cruz
mcruz300@alamo.edu

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Gabrielle Gomez
ggomez116@alamo.edu

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Evalynn Hoffmann
ehoffmann5@alamo.edu

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Asia Ledezma
aledezma20@alamo.edu

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Ronaldo Maldonado

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Sierah Martinez
smartinez1125@alamo.edu

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Elijah Medina
emedina149@alamo.edu

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Aljohn Steven Miclat
amiclat@alamo.edu

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Sara Peña
spena180@alamo.edu

Veterans Affairs

The Office of Veterans Affairs assists students who are receiving VA benefits or Hazelwood Exemptions. Your assigned advisor will assist you with processing your benefits, developing a degree plan, registering for courses, completing a financial aid appeal, exploring careers, and researching transfer opportunities.

Location: Palomino Center, 116

Drop-in/Walk-in Hours

April – May 2024

Monday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tuesdays–Thursday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
First Saturday of the Month: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (in person only)
(check-in cutoff times are 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and advisor availability)

Zoom Link

Vince Bosquez, Senior Coordinator for Veterans Affairs
Central Texas College (AA), University of Texas San Antonio (BA), and National University (MBA)
College Tip: The expert in the field was once a beginner—don’t give up!

 

Angelica (Annie) Acosta, Senior Specialist
Northwest Vista College (AAT/AA), Texas A&M University-San Antonio (BS)
College Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help, we are here to support you!

 

Flor Arambula, Certified Advisor
Palo Alto College (AA), Texas A&M University San Antonio (BAAS)
College Tip: Remember WHY you started your journey when things get tough.

 

Eloisa Cordova, Certified Advisor
St. Mary's University (BA), University of Texas at San Antonio (M.Ed)

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College Tip: Follow your dreams and know that you are paving the way for others too!

 

Photo of TaylorTaylor Markgraf, VA School Certifying Official
San Antonio College (AA), The University of Texas Permian Basin (pursuing BA)
College Tip: Believe in your ability to succeed, and never give up!

 

Disability Support Services

Cindy Gibbs
cgibbs3@alamo.edu
Sr. Coordinator - Student Success
210-486-3027
Rio Grande Building (RG 133A) map

College Tip: Be your own advocate!

Elizabeth Garcia
Senior Specialist
egarcia1200@alamo.edu
210-486-3020

Timmy Ivory
Senior Advisor

tivory2@alamo.edu
210-486-3397

College Tip: A little progress each day adds up to big results

 

Advising FAQs

What is (Remote) Academic Advising?

Remote/Virtual advising provides the same quality advising service virtually via Zoom. To schedule a virtual advising session, you will still request an advising appointment through AlamoNAVIGATE during the semester (not allowed during walk-in times) and indicate the virtual option. You are not required to create a Zoom account or download the Zoom app to your personal device (phone, tablet, or computer) to use the link.

What is not considered Academic Advising?
  • Advisors will not register you for your classes but will assist in identifying classes.
  • Advisors will not choose your career path but will provide guidance and resources to help identify a career path.
  • Advisors do not provide mental health counseling but will make referrals when necessary.
How am I assigned an advisor?

An advisor will be assigned once you have enrolled for classes for the semester. The advisor assigned to you is dependent on your degree plan or program of study.

How do I schedule an appointment to meet with my advisor?

All students can schedule an appointment with their assigned advisor through AlamoNAVIGATE (during the semester) via their ACES portal. Appointment times fill quickly; please plan accordingly.

Appointments are scheduled for 45 mins – 1hr periods and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Same-day appointments are not available. If you cannot keep your appointment, please contact your advisor via phone or email to reschedule as soon as possible or the front desk at 210-486-3300. Arrive on time (in person or remotely) and check in at the Academic Advising. You may be asked to reschedule if you arrive 5 minutes or later for an appointment. Bring all necessary documents to your appointment, including a valid photo ID.

Need help? View this Step by Step Guide to schedule an appointment in AlamoNAVIGATE.

Can an advisor assist me via email?

Your assigned academic advisor can answer questions submitted from your ACES student email. In emails to advisors, please include the following:

  • Your first name.
  • Last name.
  • Student Banner ID number.
  • A detailed description of what you need.

Your advisor will return your message as soon as possible on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember that your advisor may take up to 24-48 business hours to respond, so please be patient. If a question is of high importance, please call 210-486-3300. If you require more time, we recommend you schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor through AlamoNAVIGATE via the ACES portal.

What are some advising best practices?

To have a productive meeting with your advisor, please consider the following:

  • Create a reminder with your appointment date and time on your phone or in your planner.

  • Prepare for your meeting by creating a list of topics you want to discuss, such as classes to take, transfer planning, graduation planning, goal setting, and any additional concerns regarding your educational and career goals.

  • Meet with your assigned academic advisor every semester to ensure you stay on track. Meet with them early to avoid any issues with registering for future classes once registration begins.

  • Create an advising folder to keep yourself organized with advising-related materials [For example, degree plans, schedule plans, and notes from advising meetings] and keep it updated.

  • Check your ACES student email regularly, as this is how your assigned academic advisor will communicate with you. Remember that any emails sent from your email may get caught in our SPAM folder, and we will be unable to see them.

  • Personal accountability – You must review your grades and GPS degree plan in ACES at the end of each term.
What if I have a hold?

If you're encountering registration holds, please review the information below to learn how you can solve some of the holds:

  1. Bacterial Meningitis (BM)- The Texas State Law (SB 1107) established the requirement for students entering any Texas institution of higher education to provide proper documentation showing that they have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination within five years and at least ten calendar days before the start of the semester. To submit your BM documentation, please follow these steps.

  2. High School/College Transcripts- All official transcripts may be mailed to:

    Palo Alto College
    ATTN: Enrollment Services
    1400 W. Villaret BLVD.
    San Antonio, Texas 78224

  3. Testing - TSI is a state-mandated program that measures reading, writing, and mathematics skills to determine students’ readiness to enroll and perform in entry-level academic coursework. Students are required to test and to be advised based on the results of their TSI assessment scores. Visit the Testing Center for more information.

 

What is Academic Dismissal & Reinstatement Procedure?

Students on academic probation who earn a semester grade point average below 2.0 will be placed on academic dismissal. As per the Alamo Colleges District policy, students placed on Academic Dismissal must remain out a period of time as dictated by level of academic dismissal. Upon completion of the sit-out period, students must complete the petition process by the set deadlines listed below.

  • Students on their 1st or 2nd Academic Dismissal must sit out one full 16-week semester prior to petitioning.
    Only students on 1st Academic Dismissal have the option to complete the petition process without sitting out at least one full 16-week fall or spring semester. 
  • Students on third (3rd) or Permanent Academic Dismissal must sit out one (1) full academic year (spring, summer and fall) prior to initiating the petition process. 
  • Transfer Students must include a copy of their transcript(s) from the last college/university attended with their petition packet at time of petitioning and adhere to sit out periods indicated above.
  • Transient Students referred to take courses by their home institution advisor will need to provide signed documentation including recommended courses and eligibility to return to that home institution in the subsequent semester.

Petitions must be received by the date listed below according to term of enrollment. Submission by the Priority deadline is recommended due to limited interview sessions and course availability.

Term/Session Petition Process Begins Process Priority Deadline Last Day to Complete Process First Day of Class
Fall 16-week Session April 2, 2024 July 26, 2024 August 3, 2024 August 26, 2024
Spring 16-week Session September 3, 2024 December 2, 2024 January 4, 2025 January 21, 2025
         

Dismissal Petitions for the summer semesters are not accepted.

Academic Dismissal Petition Packet

Can I register for a Full Academic Year?

Yes, you can register for Full Academic Year (Fall, Spring, and Summer simultaneously). Registering for Full Academic Year secures your classes, reduces stress, and helps you stay on track to achieve your educational goals. Learn more about Full Academic Year registration.

What is CPOS?

CPOS (Course Program of Study) is a requirement that states only courses that are part of your degree plan or certificate can count towards your total enrolled hours for receiving financial aid.

Advising “How-to” Videos and Guides

How-to videos and guides

Alamo Colleges District Registration Tutorial

How to schedule an appointment with your certified advisor

How to create and submit a My Mission Statement

 


Step-by-step registration steps (PDF)

How to drop before census (PDF)

How to drop after census (PDF)

How to access Canvas Course
(PDF)

 

How to view your class schedule (PDF)

 

How to Upload Bacterial Meningitis (PDF)

 

How to view your Financial Aid Award in ACES (PDF)

 

How to check SAP status in ACES (PDF)

 

How to check final grades (PDF)

How to download Navigate App (PDF)    

 

 

Contact Information

Michael Ximenez
Director of Advising

Phone: 210-486-3300

Email: PAC-Advising@alamo.edu

Location: Rio Grande 106A

Monday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

First Saturday of the month: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.