Your Academic Advisor
Helping You Stay on Track
Academic advising is a key part of your success at Central Maine Community College. Your academic advisor will help you plan your coursework, monitor your progress, and stay on track toward graduation. Full or part-time students admitted into a college program at Central Maine Community College are assigned an academic advisor in your program of study. Your academic advisor will:
Academic Advising FAQs
Get answers to common questions about academic advising, graduation, and FERPA. For more in-depth policies and information, see the expanded FAQs at the bottom of the page.
View All FAQsWhen will I be assigned an academic advisor?
All students admitted into a degree or certificate program at CMCC are assigned an academic advisor in their program of study as soon as they begin.
What does my academic advisor help me with?
Your academic advisor helps you:
- Plan your courses and academic schedule
- Monitor your progress toward graduation
- Approve registration and schedule changes
- Provide guidance on adding or withdrawing from courses
- Connect you with campus resources when needed
What do I need to do to graduate?
To graduate from CMCC, students must:
- Complete all program requirements
- Earn the required credits
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Complete required assessments
- Meet residency requirements
- Fulfill all financial obligations
- Submit an Application to Graduate
What is FERPA?
FERPA is a federal law that protects your student records. CMCC cannot share information such as grades, schedules, financial aid, or transcripts without your written permission, except in limited cases.
How do I authorize someone to access my student records?
You must submit a FERPA Student Consent to Release Education Records form for any individual or organization you want CMCC to share information with. A separate form is required for each person or party.
We're Here to Help!
Academic Advising
The Center of Advising and Registration located in Jalbert 400 provides students with a welcoming atmosphere of guidance, information, and support in their academic journey at Central Maine Community College.
While the Center of Advising and Registration academic advisors are the primary advisors to General Studies students, they are available to all students in any program. We strongly encourage students to stop in, say hello, and get familiar with our campus-wide academic advising team.
Ready to Graduate?
Graduation
Students nearing completion of their degree requirements must apply to graduate. Please complete your Application to Graduate.
Please remember students must:
- Satisfactorily complete all courses in the program.
- Complete the aggregate number of credit hours in a program with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
- Participate in College-wide or program-specific assessment activities.
- Meet the residency requirements as defined in the CMCC catalog.
- Fulfill all financial obligations to the College in order to receive a degree or certificate. (Make sure all library fines, fees, account balances, etc. are paid at the CMCC business office).
All degree requirements, including transfer credit, must be completed and accepted by the College prior to the last semester of enrollment. The only exceptions are the courses in which the student is currently enrolled.
Continuing classes or pursuing another degree at CMCC after graduation? Let us know on your Application to Graduate.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of your education records, and Central Maine Community College complies with all FERPA requirements. In general, the College cannot share information from your student record—such as class schedules, grades, financial aid, billing, discipline records, or transcripts—with anyone (including parents, spouses, or employers) without your written consent or a valid FERPA exception.
If you would like CMCC to share specific information with a designated third party, you must submit a FERPA Student Consent to Release Education Records form. Information is only released upon request and only for the duration authorized on the form. Separate forms are required for each designated party.
Forms may be submitted in person to the Office of the Registrar or electronically from your CMCC email to CMCCRegistrar@mainecc.edu, along with a copy of a signed photo ID (not your CMCC ID).
Under limited circumstances, the College may release “directory information” without written consent. You may opt out of directory information by contacting the Office of the Registrar.
Expanded FAQs
Academic Advising & Policies
Explore additional details about academic advising, graduation requirements, and FERPA policies at CMCC.
How often should I meet with my advisor?
Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor regularly to review progress, discuss course selection, and ensure they remain on track for graduation. Frequency may vary based on program requirements and individual needs.
Can I change my academic advisor?
Academic advisors are assigned based on a student’s program of study. Changes are generally only made if a student changes programs or under specific departmental circumstances.
What is the Center for Advising and Registration?
The Center for Advising and Registration, located in Jalbert Hall Room 400, provides academic advising support for all CMCC students. While it primarily serves General Studies students, all students are welcome to utilize its services.
What happens if I don’t meet graduation requirements?
Students who do not meet all graduation requirements (including GPA, credit completion, residency, or financial obligations) will not be awarded a degree or certificate until all requirements are satisfied.
If all requirements are not completed in the intended graduation term, students may need to continue enrollment in subsequent semesters.
When should I submit my Application to Graduate?
Students should submit their Application to Graduate when they are nearing completion of program requirements. This ensures academic records are reviewed and eligibility for graduation is confirmed.
Students planning to continue at CMCC should also indicate future enrollment plans on the application.
Deadlines are:
- Last Friday in March for May graduation
- Last Friday in July for August graduation
- Last Friday in November for December graduation
What is directory information under FERPA?
Directory information may include limited details such as a student’s name, program of study, and enrollment status. CMCC may release this information unless a student submits a request to opt out through the Office of the Registrar.
What is not released under FERPA without permission?
Without written consent, CMCC will not release:
- Grades
- Class schedules
- Financial aid information
- Billing or account information
- Disciplinary records
- Transcripts
Can I revoke FERPA permission once it is granted?
Yes. Students may update or revoke FERPA authorization at any time by submitting an updated consent form to the Office of the Registrar.
Who can I contact for help with advising or records?
Students can contact:
- Their assigned academic advisor
- The Center for Advising and Registration
- The Office of the Registrar for FERPA-related questions
Have Questions?
Contact Advising & Registration
We’re here to help! Visit the Center for Advising & Registration, located in Jalbert Hall, call (207) 755-5380, or email cmccadvising@mainecc.edu.
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 4:30 pm