Academic Advisement, Academic Advising, Academic Advising Center

Academic Advisement - Academic Advising CenterRio Salado college offers counseling services to answer questions regarding degree certificate programs, academic advisement and career education. Our academic advising center is here to provide you with not only academic advising, but career advising as well.

Academic Advisement

Live Chat by SightMax

Nominate your advisor today !

Do you have questions about which course to take or its prerequisites? What certificates and degrees we offer? About transferring to a university? Choosing a major course of study? Your career or education goals? We're here to help you make the most of your educational experience!

Academic Advisement is available via online chat, email, in person at several locations, and by telephone.

Locations & hours:

Rio Salado Tempe
Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Rio Salado Paradise Valley Mall*
Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Rio Salado East Valley*
Tuesday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Rio Salado Lifelong Learning Center in Surprise*
Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Rio@Avondale*
Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

* Appointments are strongly recommended at PV Mall, East, Lifelong Learning Center, and Rio@Avondale

For contact information please click here

To best prepare for advisement:

Determine if you need to take placement tests for math, reading, or English. Advisors use placement scores to help you select the best course options. Contact Testing and Assessment Services for more information on testing times or locations.
Review the degrees and certificates Rio Salado College offers. Also, review the current schedule for possible courses. The schedule is available online or request one by calling (480) 517-8540.

If you’ve attended college before or earned credit through an ACE evaluated program (i.e. military) you may be able to apply those credits to your certificate/degree at Rio Salado. If you have transfer credit and have or will be completing a 3-credit course with Rio Salado we’d be happy to evaluate your transfer credits towards your academic goal at Rio Salado. Just click here for the "Transcript Evaluation Request" form.

*If you are interested in Teacher Education Programs and would like an evaluation of prior education courses and/or content area courses please use the “Transcript Evaluation Form for Teacher Education Programs” found here.

Once you have decided on a program of study an online program checksheet can be created that will help you track your progress in completing your degree or certificate. To request a checksheet please call contact Advisement by email or by calling (480) 517-8580.

Education planning takes time. It may involve transcript evaluation, program advisement and/or career counseling. An advisor can help you plan a time/cost effective course of study. If you don't have an educational goal, you may want to speak with a career counselor.

Are you planning to transfer to an Arizona Public University? Find helpful information on the Arizona Course Applicability System website.

Ask about Partnerships we have with other Universities and visit our College Transfer page.

For career planning and job hunting, check our virtual Career Center or visit Maricopa Career Network (MCN), MCCCD's job search website.