Advising Center

Welcome to the Advising Center!

Academic advising is a critical component of your success, and the Advising Center is here to support you. We hope to provide you with intentional holistic interactions during key decision-making times on your educational journey that will serve to assist you in clarifying your educational plans and career goals.

We recognize that college can be overwhelming as you begin or continue your education, and we are here to assist you in developing an individualized educational plan of study, addressing academic and non-academic barriers, navigating course registration, and providing you with available internal and external resources, as you work towards degree completion and successful career advancement.

Your academic advisor is here to support you as you travel along your pathway toward success, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

student in a wheelchair in a library

Renee Bostelman
Director of Advising

Meet the Advising Team:

Sarah Casserino
Nursing & Allied Health Advisor

419-267-1359
Email Sarah
Schedule Appointment

Kaitlin Rohrs Cordes
Business & Public Service Advisor

419-267-1357
Email Kaitlin
Schedule Appointment

Megan Schroeder
Arts & Sciences Advisor

419-267-1430
Email Megan
Schedule Appointment

Kara Flesher
Industrial Technologies & STEM Advisor

419-267-1303
Email Kara
Schedule Appointment

Meet With Your Advisor

Advising appointments are offered in person, over the phone or via online video (Zoom or Google Meet). Advising appointments allow you and your advisor the opportunity to discuss topics such as course selection, available wraparound supports, transfer or career planning, and overall degree planning.

Appointments are typically 60 minutes and are the preferred way to receive assistance from an academic advisor.

Remember, your academic advisor is here to help you. Reach out to schedule an appointment or contact advising@northweststate.edu or 419-267-1390 for additional assistance.

Drop-In Advising

Drop-in advising is available for quick questions or concerns you may have regarding adding, dropping, or withdrawing from a class or if you have issues with a current course. For drop-in advising, you will see the first available academic advisor for about 10-15 minutes.

Drop-in advising is available:

  • Monday & Tuesday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday & Thursday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Prepare For Your Advising Session

To maximize your advising appointment or drop-in experience, we recommend the following:

  • You access your Northwest State email. If you have questions on how to do this, please contact the IT Help Desk at 419-267-1461.
  • For virtual appointments or drop-in advising please, be in front of a computer. Your academic advisor will show you how to find your classes, how to view your Degree Works, and much more.
  • We understand life happens, but during virtual appointments or drop-in advising, please try to be in a quiet location so that you and your advisor will be able to hear one another.
  • Make sure you’ve completed your placement testing or submit documentation for placement. If you need to complete the ACCUPLACER test please contact the admissions office at 419.267.1320 or  admissions@northweststate.edu. Your academic advisor will need these test scores to make course recommendations based on your placement information.
  • Make sure you’ve passed the online learning readiness (OLR) test with a score of 75% or higher prior to your appointment if you plan to register for an online class.
  • If you have college credits to transfer to Northwest State, please make sure the registrar’s office has received and evaluated your transcripts. If you have questions, you can contact the registrar’s office at 419-267-1395 or  registrar@northweststate.edu.
  • Schedule early! Academic advisors want to make sure all of our learners have the necessary information and support they need to be successful. Please note that it can take a few days to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor, and that is ok. The advising center is here for you, and we will get you connected.

Academic Resources

Aspire Program

Aspire is a free program for adults (ages 16+) who need to strengthen their academic skills. The program is designed to help those whose current academic skills fall below a 12th-grade level.

Want to add, drop or withdraw from a class? A student takes full responsibility for adding or dropping courses. This can be done through myNSCC, or by completing an Add-Drop Form and returning it to the NSCC Registrar’s Office in C120.

Learn more about public safety and healthcare training programs available through Four County Career Center’s adult education department.

Learn more about public safety and trade & industry training programs available through Four County Career Center’s adult education department.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides more information on the media pay, new job openings, growth rate, educational requirements and more for a variety of occupations.

Find free, local ESOL classes open to anyone who needs help learning English. Classes include listening, speaking, reading, writing and basic citizenship. English is taught at all levels from beginning to advanced.

In Ohio, the GED® examination is recognized as being the equivalent of a high school diploma. Browse resources on the test itself, along with preparation courses. Those who pass the GED have improved access to employment, career advancement, higher education and personal development.

Individuals who dropped out of high school years ago can still find a pathway to a diploma, opening up more opportunities for personal and professional success.