Academic Advising

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Academic Advising

Academic advising is a critical component to your college experience. Advising is an interactive process between you and your Student Success Navigator/Advisor (these terms are used interchangeably at LWTech) to ensure student success through proactive support and guidance during your time at LWTech.

Student Success Navigators and Advisors will:

  • Work creatively to make a difference by empowering, mentoring, and helping students achieve their goals.
  • Accurately communicate program requirements, graduation information, student support resources on and off campus, college policies, and procedures.
  • Communicate with students during in-person appointments, phone, email, and other technologies that are available.
  • Listen to students concerns, respect their privacy, choices, values, and maintain confidentiality.
  • Work with students towards their academic and career goals by identifying strengths, weaknesses, and barriers that may hinder their ability to be successful.

New Students: Before Meeting With an Advisor

Prior to meeting with an advisor, students must have completed the following:

  1. Apply for Admission
    • Please note that it can take up to 10 days for your admission acceptance letter and processing.
  2. Determine English and Math Placement
    • If you have an alternative placement option, please bring it to a meeting with an advisor. You do not need to send it in advance.
    • If you need to take the Guided Self Placement, please wait to schedule an appointment with an advisor until you have your results.

Placement Options

After your admission application has been processed and you have a Student Identification Number (SID), you will need math and english placement prior to meeting with an advisor.

There are multiple placement options including high school transcript or test scores, college transcripts, and LWTech’s placement assessment.

  • Completion of the LWTech Placement Assessment
  • Unofficial or official college transcripts from another institution
  • Unofficial or official high school transcripts from the past two years
  • Unofficial or official test scores such as SAT, ACT, AP scores
  • Placement test scores from another WA community or technical college

Visit the Placement page to see which option works best for you.

Transferring Credits to LWTech

Please note that we can utilize unofficial transcripts for placement purposes but students must send official transcripts to the college to transfer in credits. Please allow at least three weeks for this process. More information available at LWTech.edu/Transfer.

Who is My Advisor?

Students are assigned an advisor by their program of study.

Who is My Advisor?

Faculty Advisors

In most programs, once a student has started their first quarter of classes, they will receive their continued advising from a Faculty Advisor in their program of study.

To find your Faculty Advisor contact information, visit your program of study webpage.

Still Exploring Programs of Study?

Consider attending a Career Choice Workshop. The Career Choice Workshop will help you understand the career choice process, identify your career interests, explore resources related to various career paths, learn about trends in the labor market, and locate educational programs aligned with your career goals. Unsure what to study at LWTech, attend the Career Choice Workshop and get started on the journey to your future career.

Visit the Career Services webpage for more information.

Once you decide on a program of study, you can declare your program at LWTech.edu/ChangeProgram.

Special Populations Academic Advising

Some students are part of special population programs that provide academic advising. If you are interested in or are participating in one or more of these programs, please refer to the individual service pages for advisor and contact information:

Students must have applied for admission, received a Student ID Number, and have placement results to meet with an advisor.

Advising Appointments

Making an Appointment

At an appointment, an advisor can:

  • Review placement scores or unofficial transcripts
  • Discuss program requirements
  • Create an academic plan with you
  • Provide resources to support you throughout your education
  • Assist you with registering for classes
  • Refer you to on and off campus resources
  • Support you with navigating college processes
  • and more.

Make an appointment on your own through Legend.

    • You can find directions for how to make an appointment with your Advisor on the Who is My Advisor page.
    • Appointments are available virtually through Zoom, in-person, or on the phone.
    • Please note that you will be unable to make an appointment with your listed advisor if your program of study is incorrect or unlisted since advisors are assigned by program of study. You can update your program of study.

    • Who is My Advisor / Make an Appointment

Drop-in Advising

Drop-in advising is avaiable in-person and virtually. Drop-in hours are designed for questions that can be addressed in 15 minutes or less. They are first-come, first-served time advisor's are available without an appointment. Drop-in advising is the fastest way to connect to an advisor for any urgent questions or concerns.

New students are encouraged to make an appointment with an advisor rather than to utilize drop-in advising.

See Drop-in Hours


Advising and Resources

You can see the classes that are required for your program of study by using the the resources listed below.

College Catalog

Review your program of study in the College Catalog. The catalog details the required courses, which will show whether the sequence is recommended (flexible) or required. The courses listed in the catalog are expandable and will show you the pre-requisites that must be complete prior to taking the course. If you are confused by the program requirements, connect with your faculty advisor or the Advising Office for assistance.

Go to College Catalog

Degree Progress Report

Students who are pursuing programs from the 2021-2022 catalog year and after can run a Degree Progress Report through LionsLink. This report will show your progress towards completing your program of study and any remaining requirements.

View Degree Progress Guide in Full Screen

Abbreviated Instructions (Student View)

  • Click on ‘Academics'.
  • Click sub-menu, ‘Degree Progress’
  • Your degree progress will appear in the main dashboard to the right.

Continue for detailed instructions. 

Step 1 (Student View

On the LionsLink Portal (LWTech.edu/StudentView), click on ‘ctcLink Login’.

Step 2 

Enter your ‘ctcLink ID’ number, and click on the ‘Next’ button. Then enter your ‘Password’ and click on the ‘Verify’ button.

Step 3

On the left side navigation bar, click on ‘Academics’.

In the newly appeared dropdown, select ‘Degree Progress’.

Step 4

Your degree progress will be displayed in the main window area. Click on the ‘Caret’ icon to view additional details for a specific degree.  

Step 5 

The degree requirement details will display to the right.

Step 6

Click on the ‘Caret’ button to view credit and course requirements for each area.

Step 7 (optional)

Click on ‘View Courses’ to view what classes are offered to meet your degree requirements.

Step 8

The course information displays. You can click on the ‘View Sections’ button to view available class options for the quarter.

Step 9

When you are ready to register for a class, click on the ‘3-dot menu’ (A) on the right.

Click on ‘Add to Cart(B) to save it in your Shopping Cart while you search for additional classes. 

Please Note

This report is an unofficial audit of your program or degree progress.

We highly recommend that you meet with your Academic Advisor to verify your progress towards completion. 

In addition, in order to officially complete and graduate from the college, you must apply for graduation with Enrollment Services. 

You can see the classes that are offered, including the days and times, by using the resources on the Class Schedule webpage.

See Class Schedule

Students can view their class schedule in LionsLink.

View Your Class Schedule Guide in Full Screen 

Abbreviated Instructions (Student View)

  • Click on ‘Schedule’.
  • Your schedule will appear in the main dashboard to the right. 
  • Use filters at the top to adjust your view.

Continue for detailed instructions. 

Step 1 (Student View)

On the LionsLink Portal (LWTech.edu/StudentView), click on ‘ctcLink Login’.

Step 2 

Enter your ‘ctcLink ID’ number, and click on the ‘Next’ button. Then enter your ‘Password’ and click on the ‘Verify’ button.  

Tip: If you forgot your password, click on ‘Password Help’ to reset it. Additional directions can be found in the Reset Your LionsLink Account Password tutorial. 

Step 3 

Click on ‘Schedule’ on the left side navigation bar. 

Step 4

Your class schedule will be displayed in the main window area. You can use the ‘Dropdowns’ at the top to view your schedule different ways. 

Step 5

Use the ‘Print Icon’ to print your schedule to your printer or as a PDF. 

You can also use the ‘Download (.ics)’ dropdown to download your schedule as an .ics format to add to your calendar (Google, iOS/Apple, Outlook, etc.).

Continuing students can register for classes online through LionsLink using the Class Search.

View Enroll (Register) for Classes Guide in Full Screen

Please Note

This How-To Guide is for students not enrolled in High School programs.

Lake Washington Technical Academy and Running Start Students: you must register with the assistance of an Advisor. Please add your chosen classes to your Shopping Cart, and then contact your LWTA or RS Advisor for assistance.

Step 1 (Student View

On the LionsLink Portal (LWTech.edu/StudentView), click on ‘ctcLink Login’.

Tip: You must be logged in to your LionsLink account in order to add classes to your shopping cart and enroll. You can use the ‘Class Search’ tile if you are just browsing classes. 

Step 2 

Enter your ‘ctcLink ID’ number and ‘Password’. Then click on the ‘Sign in’ button. 

Tip:
If you forgot your password, click on ‘Password Help’ to reset it. Additional directions can be found in the Reset Your LionsLink Account Password tutorial. 

Step 3

On the left side navigation bar, select ‘Class Information’. In the newly appeared dropdown, select ‘Class Search’. 

Tip: Depending on the size of your screen, you may need to click on the ‘hamburger’ menu icon on the left side of your screen to expand the menu options.

Step 4

From the first search criteria dropdown, select the ‘Term (Quarter)’ for which you want to view classes for.

The term is required to search for classes. 

Tip: The page may display differently depending on the size of your screen. You may need to scroll to see all information. 

Step 5 

From the second search criteria dropdown, narrow down your search by selecting the ‘Subject’ for which you want to view classes for.

Tip

  • Can’t find the class you want? Try searching under CCN as well as the regular subject name (Example: ‘Accounting’ vs. ‘Accounting (CCN)’).
  • CCNs are Common Course Numbered (CCN) courses and allow for easier transfer between colleges and are noted by an “&” symbol after the department name.

Step 6 (optional)

Select additional filters to narrow your class search results. You may also select ‘More Filters’ for additional search criteria. 

Step 7 (optional)

Check on the ‘Show Open Classes Only’ box to see only classes that have space available. 

Tip: Do not check the ‘Show Open Classes Only’ box if you want to add yourself to a waitlist.

Step 8

Once your filters are set, click on ‘Search’. 

Step 9

Review the class options.

Tip:

  • Pay special attention to the ‘Section’ name. This provides information on the course format. 
    • LEC=Lecture
    • LAB=Laboratory/Studio
  • The ‘Status’ shows how many spots are available. 
    • O=Open
    • W=Waitlist 
    • C=Closed 

Step 10

Expand the course(s) you want to learn more about by clicking the ‘Caret’ button.

Depending on the size of your screen, it may appear as a ‘View’ button.

Step 11A

Review all the class details.

Step 11B

Important class details include:

  • Meets’: Lists the days and times the class takes place. 
  • Room’: Where class is located on campus.
  • Instructor’: Who teaches the course.
  • Status’: How many spots are available.
  • Enrollment Requirements’: Also known as prerequisites. This is a course or other requirement that must be taken before enrolling. 
  • Class Notes’: Gives additional details about class meetings and other important information. 
  • Instruction Mode’: Course format (Example: In person, online, hybrid, etc.)

Step 12

When you are ready to register for a class, click on the ‘3-dot menu’ on the right.

Click on ‘Add to Cart’ to save it in your Shopping Cart while you search for additional classes. 

Important Tips for Lab/Studio Classes:

Some classes require you to enroll in two courses at the same time. For example, a ‘Lecture’ and ‘Laboratory’ class. If so, add both classes to your Shopping Cart by clicking on ‘Add to Cart’.

You may be prompted to choose the lab section. If so, select the option ‘Circle Button’ corresponding to your preferred lab section and click on ‘Continue’.

Step 13

You will notice the ‘Permission Number’. These are not being used in LionsLink. Leave this box blank.

If you want to be added to the waitlist for a class, check the box ‘Wait list if class is full’. 

Click ‘Save’. 

Step 14

To continue to search/add courses from the class schedule and add to your Shopping Cart, click on the ‘3-dot menu’. 

Then click ‘Add to Cart’.

Step 15

When you are ready to enroll in the classes in your cart, select ‘Enrollment’ on the left side navigation bar. In the newly appeared dropdown, select ‘Shopping Cart’. 

Step 16

Check the boxes for the classes that you want to enroll in. Then click on the ‘Enroll’ button. 

Step 17

Review the ‘Enrollment Results’ window to confirm classes have been added to your schedule. 

If you cannot add a class, an ‘Error Message’ will appear. 

When the class has been added successfully, the window will say ‘Added to your schedule’.

Tip: A green results box means that you have either been enrolled in the course or added to the waitlist. A red box means an error occurred and the class has not been added to your schedule. If you have been added to a waitlist, you will see your position number. 

Important Tip - Enrollment Requirements (prerequisites):

If you believe you have met the requirements to enroll in a class, but are being blocked from enrolling, please visit LWTech.edu/LionsLinkStudentHelp for registration assistance.

Continuing students can drop classes online through LionsLink using the Drop Courses function.

View Drop/Withdraw From Classes Guide in Full Screen

Please Note

This How-To Guide is for students not enrolled in High School programs.

Lake Washington Technical Academy and Running Start Students: you must register with the assistance of an Advisor. Please check with your LWTA or RS Advisor for assistance.

Please note that dropping/withdrawing from a class: 

  • May impact your Financial Aid and/or your student account balance.
  • Does not guarantee a refund. Pay attention to key refund dates each quarter, which are located at LWTech.edu/Enrollment.
  • Could impact your college transcript and GPA.

Before dropping/withdrawing from a class, you are strongly encouraged to talk to a Financial Aid Specialist. If you are part of a special population program that provides funding, you are strongly encouraged to speak with them as well (ex: Veterans, Worker Retraining, WorkFirst, BFET, Opportunity Grant).

Step 1 (Student View)

On the LionsLink Portal (LWTech.edu/StudentView), click on ‘ctcLink Login’.

Step 2 

Enter your ‘ctcLink ID’ number and ‘Password’. Then click on the ‘Sign in’ button.

Tip:
If you forgot your password, click on ‘Password Help’ to reset it. Additional directions can be found in the Reset Your LionsLink Account Password tutorial. 

Step 3

On the left side navigation bar, click on ‘Enrollment’.

In the newly appeared dropdown, select ‘Drop Classes’.

Step 4

Check the box next to the class you want to drop. Click on ‘Drop’ button.

Step 5

Click on ‘Drop’ on the confirmation message or ‘Cancel’ to go back.

Step 6

You have successfully dropped/withdrawn from classes.

Click on ‘OK’ to return to your schedule.

 

Common issues related to adding courses online are:

  1. An error for "unmet requisites" came up
    • All courses require pre-requisites. If you do not have placement on file or have not taken the published pre-requisite courses, you are ineligible to register for the course. 
      • If you do not have placement on file, review your placement options at LWTech.edu/Placement
      • If you meet the pre-requisites and this notification appears to be an error, please follow the directions in #4 below.
  2. A box asks for a "Permission Number"
    • The permission number box will display even if a permission number is not required. leave this box blank.
  3. I have a hold on my account
    • If you have a hold on your account, you can click on it for more details and the contact information for the office you can connect with.
  4. I meet all of the pre-requisites, have placement on file, and no holds
    • If you have trouble adding/dropping classes online, you can email registration@lwtech.edu from your student email address with the classes you are trying to register for. Include the class name, item number, and quarter you are registering for (ex: ENGL&101, item #: 12345, Fall 2022).

Students can add themselves to a waitlist and check their waitlist status in LionsLink.

  • When a class is full, you can add yourself to a waitlist. If enrolled students drop the class, students from the waitlist are automatically registered for the class. 
  • The waitlist is open and active until the first day of the quarter. As of the first day of the quarter, the waitlist is no longer active and students must contact the instructor for permission to join a class or find an alternative class.
  • Contacting the Instructor: Students who are on a waitlist are encouraged to contact the instructor teaching the class to see if they can be added to the class on or after the first day of the quarter.
    • You must contact your instructor from your student email address.
    • You can find the instructor's contact information in the LWTech Directory. If the instructor is not listed in the directory, please email Advising@LWTech.edu for assistance.
    • Permission to Join Class from the Waitlist: If you contact the instructor and they provide permission for you to join the class from the waitlist, you can forward the email with permission to Registration@lwtech,edu from your student email with a request for them to add you to the class. Also include the quarter, class name, and item number (ex: Summer 2022, ENGL&101 item 12345). The Registration department will add you to the class.

View Join a Class Waitlist Guide in Full Screen

Step 1 (Student View)

On the LionsLink Portal (LWTech.edu/StudentView), click on ‘ctcLink Login’.

Step 2 

Enter your ‘ctcLink ID’ number, and click on the ‘Next’ button. Then enter your ‘Password’ and click on the ‘Verify’ button.

Step 3

On the left side navigation bar, click ‘Class Information’. In the newly appeared dropdown, click ‘Class Search’. 

Tip: Depending on the size of your screen, you may need to click on the ‘hamburger’ menu icon on the left side of your screen to expand the menu options.

Step 4

Select additional filters to narrow your class search results. After filters are set, click on ‘Search’.

Tip: Check ‘Show Open Classes Only’ if you only want to see classes with available spots. Leave blank if you would like to be added to a waitlist. 

Step 5

When you have identified the class you would like, click the ‘3-dot menu’on the right. Click on ‘Add to Cart’ to save it in your Shopping Cart

Step 6

On the Enrollment Options page, check the box for ‘Waitlist if class is full’, if you would like to be added to the waitlist.

Remember to click ‘Save’.

Tip: The permission number box is not required. Please leave this blank.

Step 7

To continue to search/add classes from the course schedule to your Shopping Cart, click the ‘3-dot menu’.

Then click ‘Add to Cart’.

Step 8

When you are ready to enroll in the classes in your cart, select ‘Enrollment’ on the left side navigation bar.

In the newly appeared dropdown, select ‘Shopping Cart’. 

Step 9

Check the Box or Boxes’for classes you want to enroll in. Click the ‘Enroll’ button.

Step 10

Review the ‘Enrollment Results’ window and confirm you are added to the class waitlist. 

Tip: A green results box means success! A red box means an error occurred and the class has not been added to your schedule. If you have been added to a waitlist, you will see your position number. 

Step 11

To check on your waitlisted classes, navigate to ‘Enrollment’ then ‘View Waitlist’.

You can view your place in the waitlist line.

Drop-in Advising

Drop-in advising during Fall quarter is in-person and virtual (via Zoom or phone). Drop-in hours are designed for LWTech students who have questions that can be addressed in 15 minutes or less. They are first-come, first-served time advisor's are available without an appointment. Drop-in advising is the fastest way to connect to an advisor for any urgent questions or concerns. New students are strongly encouraged to schedule an advising appointment.

Drop-In Hours

Getting Started At LWTech


Learn More About Academic Advising