Howard College
A Beacon of Education and Life-long Learning
Guidance-Counseling
Prospective students are assisted with the admissions application process. The Admissions Application can be downloaded by clicking here. Previous college and/or high school transcripts from first-time enrollees are evaluated by our staff to determine if any placement testing is required before enrollment. All entering freshmen, who are not THEA exempt by scores from the ACT, SAT, or TAKS, are required to take the THEA or ACCUPLACER before they can enroll in classes. If the student does not pass all parts of the placement exam, they will be required to enroll in college preparatory courses, if they are seeking a degree program. The THEA requirement can be met by: 1) passing all parts of the test; 2) completing the series of college preparatory coursework with a "C" or better; or 3) transferring related coursework with a “C” or better from another higher education institution.
The following types of students are advised initially by the staff in the Advising/Career Center:
· All First-Time Freshmen
· All Students in College Preparatory Courses
· Undecided Majors
· First Semester Transfer Students
· Students on Academic Probation or Suspension
· Students with Excessive Absences
· Students Completing Pre-Requisite Courses for Allied Health Program
· Education (Teacher Certification) Majors
· International Students
· Veteran Students
The following types of students are assigned a faculty advisor:
· Returning students, who have declared a major course of study
· Students who have completed THEA Requirements
· Students who have been accepted in an Allied Health Program
· Students pursuing a certificate program
Howard College is supported by the Texas Common Course Numbering System to ensure the transferability of general education courses for students enrolled in the Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Arts in Teaching transfer programs. The academic advisors are dedicated to researching university programs in order to guide the student seeking a bachelor’s degree through their first two years in transferable courses that are conducive to their major course of study at their chosen university.
Howard College houses an advisor from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in the Advising/Career Center. This person is primarily responsible for advising HC students who plan to transfer to UTPB.
The Advising/Career Center assists students who are undecided in a major course of study to explore their interests, abilities, attributes and work ethic to reach a well-informed decision in choosing a career. Several software programs are available to students, along with other career counseling strategies to facilitate in their decision making.
In addition to career choices, the ACC also serves as a referral service for students who are seeking part-time employment on campus or in the community. Job fairs, classroom presentations, and monthly workshops are coordinated through the center to assist students with career-related issues, such as: successful job interviewing, ethics in the workplace, dressing for success, and others.
Students who are approaching graduation should see their assigned advisor to file an “Intent to Graduate” application PRIOR TO registration of their final semester. A final degree check is completed and signed by the student’s advisor and the student to ensure that effective communication has transpired in remaining coursework needed to complete their associates degree or certificate. Students wishing to file an “Intent to Graduate” can download the application (PDF) online, or it can be obtained in the Advising/Career Center.
Howard College contracts with a local Licensed Professional Counselor to assist current students with any type of personal counseling needed. The staff in the Advising/Career Center offers academic support for students having difficulty with study skills, time management, stress management, test anxiety and any other condition that is causing them hardship in the classroom. These and other topics are typically addressed through monthly workshops designed to promote student success. Contact the Advising//Career Center at 432-264-5088 for workshop dates and times.