Academic Advising
ADVISING OVERVIEW
The Academic Advising department empowers students to take ownership of their educational journeys. Through one-on-one coaching, holistic support, and strategic service referrals, the advising team fosters independence and self-accountability, guiding students from their first term through graduation.
We do this through collaborative support, partnering with departments across campus to ensure you receive clear, accurate, and timely guidance aligned with your personal values, artistic goals, and career aspirations. Advisors also assist in academic planning, helping you map out degree pathways, track progress toward graduation, and navigate institutional policies with confidence. Serving as a reliable point of contact, we connect you with specialized resources—from financial services to academic support—so you can focus on your creative work.
WHAT WE DO
Comprehensive Advising
Registrar Coordination
GPA Improvement Guidance
Schedule Changes
Selecting or Changing Degree Program
Graduation Planning
WHEN TO CONTACT ADVISING
Students should contact Academic Advising whenever they need guidance on their degree path, whether selecting a major, adjusting course schedules, or preparing for graduation. Advisors are also essential during academic recovery to help rebuild GPAs and navigate official registrar policies like credit transfers. Beyond course logistics, students can reach out anytime for holistic support and referrals to campus resources like counseling, financial aid, or tutoring.
Contact Info
ADVISING TEAM
Gregory Hambleton
Academic Advisor
Ky Stracuzzi
Academic Advisor
Amelia Duax
Academic Advisor
Kiyani Sabala
Academic Advisor
Rachel Kinney
Academic Advisor
Len McGurty
Academic Advisor
ACADEMIC ADVISORS BY PROGRAM
On Campus:
Ky Stracuzzi
303-962-7936
[email protected]
Online:
Amelia Duax
720-687-2791
[email protected]
On Campus:
Ky Stracuzzi
303-962-7936
[email protected]
Online:
Amelia Duax
720-687-2791
[email protected]
On Campus:
Ky Stracuzzi
303-962-7936
[email protected]
Online:
Bhimla Beerball
303-225-8607
[email protected]
On Campus & Online:
On Campus:
Rachel Kinney
Online (Last Name A-H):
Rachel Kinney
Online (Last Name I-Z):
Gregory Hambleton
303-225-8545
[email protected]
Gregory Hambleton
303-225-8545
[email protected]
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I make a schedule change?
Advising notifies students of their upcoming schedule in Week 3 of the previous term. Keep an eye on your RMCAD email for instructions and a link to submit the Scheduling Request Form.
Once your request is submitted, Advising and the Registrar’s Office will review it based on your program requirements, course availability, prerequisites, and your requested changes.
When is the Add/Drop deadline?
The deadline to add a class is by the first Wednesday of the first week of each term.
The deadline to drop or swap a course is by Sunday of the first week of each term.
If you are considering making a schedule change, contact your Academic Advisor as soon as possible to make sure you understand your options and any potential impact on your academic plan or financial aid.
When is the last day to withdraw from a course?
The deadline to withdraw or receive a W for a course is by Sunday of Week 5 of each term.
What happens if I fail a class?
If you fail a class, you may need to retake the course to meet your program requirements. The Registrar’s Office will automatically reschedule the course in the next available term.
Failing a course can also affect your academic standing and financial aid eligibility, so it is important to connect with your Academic Advisor if you are concerned about your progress.
If you are struggling in a course, don’t wait until the end of the term to ask for help. Reach out to your instructor, Academic Advisor, and the Student Learning Center as soon as possible to discuss available support and your options.
Which elective can I take?
Your program may have specific elective requirements. You can view your degree requirements in your program curriculum/degree audit. If you are unsure which electives will count toward your degree, review the RMCAD catalog and click on “Program by Department.” There you will find a recommended list of elective options for your program. Contact your Academic Advisor for any questions.
How do I change my major?
If you know what major you want to pursue, contact your Academic Advisor to discuss changing your major. Your advisor can review the new program requirements with you and explain how the change may affect your course plan, graduation date, and financial aid.
If you are unsure which major is right for you, your Academic Advisor can help you explore your options, learn more about different programs, and identify a path that aligns with your interests and goals.
How do I check my grades?
Your grades can be found in the Student Portal. Once in the portal, click on “My Academics” and then “My Grades.”
How do I change my address?
Update your address through the Student Portal. Keeping your contact information current helps ensure you receive important RMCAD communications and documents.
Do I have to register for classes?
No. RMCAD’s Registrar’s Office schedules students for their upcoming term. You will receive information from Advising when it is time to review your schedule and request any changes.
Can I take a course outside of my program?
Possibly. Some courses outside your program may count as electives or toward other degree requirements. Check with your Academic Advisor to make sure the course will apply toward your degree and will not negatively affect your graduation plan.
How can I see my program's required courses?
Your Academic Advisor can also help you understand your requirements and identify which courses you still need to complete.
When do I graduate?
Your expected graduation date is based on your program requirements, completed coursework, and remaining credits. Your Academic Advisor can help you determine your anticipated graduation term. Keep in mind that your graduation date can change if you change your schedule, program, or enrollment status.
How do I know what supplies I need for my courses?
Course supply information is generally available through your course information, syllabus, or faculty communication. Check your RMCAD email and course materials before purchasing supplies. If you are unsure about what you need, contact your instructor.
Can I take a term off?
Yes, while RMCAD is a year-round institution, we understand that breaks are needed. Before taking time off, speak with your Academic Advisor so you understand how it may affect your enrollment status, financial aid, housing, graduation timeline, and return to RMCAD. Your Advisor will provide you with a RMCAD Withdrawal Form.
Can I have my courses scheduled out all the way to graduation?
Your Academic Advisor can help you create a long-term academic plan that outlines the courses you are expected to take through graduation. However, the Registrar’s Office schedules students one semester at a time. Fall and Spring schedules are created together, while Summer schedules are created separately. Course availability, prerequisites, and changes to your schedule may also affect your future schedule.
What is a full-time schedule?
At RMCAD, full-time enrollment is generally 12 or more credits in a term.
Does dropping to part-time affect my Financial Aid?
It can. Changing from full-time to part-time, or vice versa, may affect your financial aid eligibility, awards, scholarships, and other benefits. Before dropping a course, contact Financial Aid and your Academic Advisor to understand how the change could affect you.
Can I take ALL my courses on ground?
This depends on your program, course availability, and the courses being offered in a particular term. Your Academic Advisor can review your program and help determine which courses can be completed on-ground. Advising and the Registrar’s Office will certainly do their best to honor your request, however, please know that there are certain classes that only run online.
What do I do if I’m struggling in my class?
Don’t wait until the end of the term to ask for help. Start by talking with your instructor about what you are struggling with. You can also contact your Academic Advisor, who can help connect you with appropriate academic or student support resources, such as the Student Learning Center (SLC).
If I need to withdraw, how can I return?
RMCAD has a wonderful team dedicated to helping returning students called RMCAD Reentry. There is no charge to students to apply for reentry.
When you are ready to return, RMCAD Reentry will help you get back on track toward graduation. To begin the process, simply complete the Return Form.
When is the Commencement Ceremony?
RMCAD holds one commencement ceremony a year, and you can find the date for the upcoming year in the catalog‘s Academic Calendar.
Can I attend graduation if I’m an online student?
Absolutely! Online students are part of the RMCAD community and may participate in commencement, provided they meet the applicable graduation and commencement requirements. Watch for communications from RMCAD regarding commencement eligibility and registration.
How do I get marked present for attendance?
Attendance varies depending on whether your class runs online or in person. Review the Academic Policies | Registration | Enrollment section of the catalog for details on what activities qualify for positive attendance or count as participation in an academically-related activity.
