As one of the most frequented departments on campus, the College Advising Center serves as a crucial touchpoint in a student's academic journey.
"We see every single student who comes through the college," explained Amy Carmack, Ed.D., executive director of Advising, Testing, Career & Transfer.
Carmack, who has led the department for three years and brings over two decades of higher education experience, emphasizes their student-centered philosophy.
"We help students create plans where they see what their pathway will look like. By integrating their long-term and short-term goals with interests outside of their major, we create a holistic advising experience. Our proactive and collaborative approach engages them in decision-making for their educational journey," she shared. "Watching them get excited and become empowered is one of my favorite things about the job."
This commitment to student empowerment is reflected in the entire advising team's approach.
"Everyone here has different personalities, but we all share the same underlying mission of helping students achieve their goals," Carmack noted.
Their proactive approach extends beyond one-on-one advising. Through the EAB Navigate platform, faculty identify and support students who might need additional assistance. When faculty members raise early alerts, the Advising team quickly reaches out to connect students with relevant resources.
The past year brought a large increase in students to the Advising Center, in part due to the MassReconnect and MassEducate programs. Carmack said the department prepared in advance through strategic systemic changes and enhanced use of technology; noting they've maintained their high standard of personalized support.
This adaptability is a constant throughout as Advising continually evaluates and improves processes based on student feedback, ensuring their services evolve to meet changing student needs.
"We really listen to what students have to say and make changes accordingly," Carmack explains.
Most importantly, the Advising Center maintains an open-door policy. "If students have questions, we're here to help," Carmack emphasized.
The message is clear: at the Advising Center, student success isn't just a goal—it's the foundation of everything they do.
Department Info
Location: The second floor of the Harrington Learning Center (HLC). Students should check in at the Welcome Desk.
Number of Employees: One executive director, one associate director, 13 full-time advisors, 15 part-time advisors, two clerks and two clerical assistants.
Basic Functions and Services Offered: Registration, academic planning, degree audit reviews, ESL advising, change of major process and course withdrawals.
What is the mission of the Advising Department?
The Advising Center assists students in planning a strategy for achieving their career and academic goals. We guide students through the academic experience at QCC from the time they first enter the College until their final semester, and help them align their academic and career pursuits.
What is the best way for students, staff and faculty to get in touch with Advising?
Faculty and staff can email advising@qcc.mass.edu or call 508.854.4308.
Current students assigned to the Advising Center are encouraged to come to drop-in hours or email advising@qcc.mass.edu. Those with faculty advisors should contact their advisor directly.
New students (or those returning after time off) will meet with Advising through a scheduled appointment (check the student email).
If students do call 508.854.4308, they are encouraged to leave their full name, student ID number and reason for calling.