Academic advising is an interactive process which connects students with a knowledgeable individual who can help them make wise educational decisions. Students who have received effective academic advising will be prepared to register for courses appropriate to their skill levels and educational goals. All students are required to meet with an advisor prior to registration or during the registration period. Special students are advised by appointment during early registration in the Advising Center.

Academic advising is coordinated through the college’s Advising Center. Durham Tech has approximately 150 academic advisors. All faculty, program directors, and deans advise students, as do many professional staff members. All formally accepted curriculum students enrolled in degree, diploma, or certificate programs are assigned to academic advisors. Students remain with the same advisor until graduation.

The advisor’s responsibilities include the following:

• Serving as the student's primary contact at the college;
• Assisting the student in developing an academic plan for needed courses;
• Approving the student's registration form each semester; and
• Referring the student to other campus resources, as needed.

The student's responsibilities include the following:

• Contacting the advisor to schedule an advising appointment each semester;
• Preparing for and keeping advising appointments;
• Taking responsibility for educational decisions; and
• Keeping an orderly file of all academic records and bringing that file to advising.

Non-degree (special) students are not assigned to academic advisors. Special students are advised by appointment during early registration in the Advising Center.