Advisement FAQs

1. Log in to RioLearn.
2. Your assigned academic advisor displays in the right column.
3. See email and phone information for your assigned advisor. You can use the “schedule appointment” button to schedule a meeting with your advisor. The meeting can be done by phone or virtually.

There are some important steps to prepare and make the most of your advising appointment. Please see Prepare For Your Advising Session. One of the most important things to do is confirm that you have declared the correct program plan.

If you need to reschedule your advising appointment, please contact your advisor directly through your Maricopa gmail and cancel your meeting using your ConexED confirmation OR log into ConexEd to cancel.

Please visit our Track My Progress page for instructions on how to utilize your Degree Progress Report to create an Academic Plan. Please consult with your advisor as needed.

Using Your Degree Progress Report

Using Your Academic Plan

Note: Please refer to the block dates on your Academic Plan or on the block calendar planning tool when scheduling your classes.

Review your program requirements and then click on the Class Schedule and then Search by Designation to find options for the designations below.

• First-Year Composition [FYC]
• Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L]
• Mathematical Studies [MA]
• Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS]
• Humanities and Fine Arts [HU]
• Social and Behavioral Sciences [SB]
• Natural Science-Quantitative [SQ]
• Natural Science-General [SG]
• Cultural Diversity in the United States [C]
• Global Awareness [G]
• Historical Awareness [H]

What’s easy and what’s hard is relative to each student. When choosing classes consider your interests, goals, study skills, learning style, and academic abilities. Review the syllabus or "class requirements" for each class to find a breakdown of course competencies and assignments. Advisors can provide guidance on course selection, but students must ultimately decide what to take.

Before your advisement appointment, make sure to complete any FYE (First-Year Experience) plan assignments (FYE101/FYE103) and review the following steps:

• If your FYE plan is due and you haven’t scheduled your advising appointment, request an extension through your gradebook.
• Notify your instructor via RioLearn messenger that you’re working on scheduling your appointment.
• You may also attend an upcoming Academic Plan Webinar or watch this recorded FYE Webinar for guidance on completing your plan.
• After completing your plan, request a review from your advisor and they will make any necessary corrections.

For time sensitive advisement matters please call 480-517-8580.

If you are a new degree or certificate-seeking student and have prior credits from outside of the Maricopa Colleges, submit your official transcripts to Rio Salado College. Follow the Transcript Submission Instructions for the correct steps. Please have transcripts sent directly to Rio Salado College from each college or university you have previously attended.

Even classes you took a long time ago may be able to be used towards a certificate or degree. However, to meet industry standards, some certificate and degree courses may have time limits. Courses being considered to satisfy a prerequisite may be subject to time limits. Please check your program requirements or consult your academic advisor for specific details.

You may drop or add a class through maricopa,edu/students. For assistance with dropping, adding, or withdrawing from courses please contact Admissions, Records, and Registration at 480-517-8540.

To view your enrollment status log in to your Maricopa.edu/students. If you have questions, call Admissions, Records, and Registration at 480-517-8540.

For enrollment, registration, or record-related questions, reach out to Admissions, Records and Registration at 480-517-8540.

For any Financial Aid inquiries visit the Financial Aid Contact Page or use the "Video Chat with Financial Aid" feature for real-time assistance.

For questions about document submission or to upload additional paperwork please refer to the Financial Aid Contact Page, we recommend you reach out directly through the video chat option: Click“ Meet virtually” to chat.

For assistance with RioLearn, course materials, or instructor contact, call the Instructional Helpdesk at 480-517-8380. You can also message your instructor directly via the RioLearn messenger.

For login or password-related issues please contact the Technology Helpdesk at 480-517-8600 for assistance.

For software-related issues or troubleshooting contact the Technology Helpdesk at 480-517-8600.

If you're facing personal challenges that affect your classes or need help with basic needs, career guidance, or other support services, please contact Counseling Services at 480-517-8785. For assistance with job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and personal branding, contact Career Services at (480) 517-8785.

If your course requires a textbook, lab kit, or other course material, please refer to our Bookstore page. Be sure to have the material you need in advance of your classes' start dates.

Yes, Rio's Library has information on article and book databases, research guides, citation help, and a 24/7 chat tool.

Yes, Rio provides both online and in-person tutoring in many fields. Please click here to review our different options.