Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to discuss their educational goals and develop an educational plan. Counselors help students work toward their goals as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Because requirements and prerequisites for colleges, universities, and careers can change, students are encouraged to stay in contact with Counseling throughout their academic experience. 

The counseling service consists of four major functions:

1. Assistance in planning academic programs;
2. Assistance in exploring career possibilities;
3. Consultation and referral regarding personal life circumstances, or personal matters;
4. Provision of additional auxiliary services, such as personal development classes, articulation with transfer institutions, referrals to outside agencies, orientation classes, and placement interpretation. 

These services are provided by professional counselors trained to assist students with academic, career, and personal concerns. Counseling faculty and staff work closely with all divisions of the College and stay current on educational programs and requirements at Cerritos College and transfer institutions. 

Counseling services are generally voluntary; however, all first-time, new-to-college students, F-1 visa students, and some students receiving financial aid are required to participate in counseling for educational planning prior to enrollment. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment, attend a workshop, or use available educational planning resources to support their academic goals. 

Students are strongly encouraged to develop a Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP) with a counselor if they have not declared an educational goal or major, are enrolled in pre-collegiate basic skills courses, are returning students, transferring from another institution, or are planning to transfer. Counselors assist students in identifying educational pathways, selecting appropriate coursework, monitoring academic progress, and developing plans that support degree, certificate, career, and transfer objectives. 

Counseling appointments may be scheduled online through the Appointments - Cerritos College webpage, by calling the Counseling Office at (562) 467-5231, or by visiting the Counseling Office in the Administration Building. Limited express (drop-in) counseling services are also available. 

For information regarding counseling services, hours of operation, workshops, and appointment availability, visit the Counseling website. 

Due to the high demand for counseling services preceding each semester, individual appointments may be limited. During this period, express (drop-in) counseling services are generally available. Students should refer to the Counseling website for current express counseling hours. 

Students on academic and/or progress probation may be limited in the number of units they may enroll in each term based on their GPA and course completion rate. They may also lose enrollment priority and may become ineligible for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Fee Waiver if they remain on probation for two consecutive semesters. These students are encouraged to meet with a counselor prior to enrollment. 

Follow-Up

Counseling and teaching faculty provide follow-up services for matriculated students. These services help students understand their academic progress and connect them with support when needed. Special services are available for students on academic and/or progress probation, students enrolled in basic skills courses, and students who are undecided about their educational goal. Referrals to on- and off-campus services are made when appropriate. 

Educational Planning and Course Selection

Counselors assist students with educational planning and course selection based on their academic, career, and transfer goals. Degree- and transfer-seeking students may use program maps as general guides for recommended coursework within their chosen programs of study. 

After applying to the college, students will have access to Degree Planner, which provides a personalized educational plan based on their declared major. Counselors may update a student’s Degree Planner during counseling appointments to reflect transfer requirements, career objectives, or other educational goals that may require coursework beyond the major requirements. 

Students should consult with a counselor to ensure course selections align with their ultimate educational objective. In accordance with college policy, students will not receive credit for coursework that is lower in level or degree of advancement than coursework they have already successfully completed. Therefore, course selection should be based on the student’s intended major, transfer institution requirements, and long-term educational goals.