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Honolulu Community College

Student Services

Counseling & Advising

Our academic counselors and advisors are here to help you succeed! Get in touch with the Academic Counseling Office to schedule an appointment.

Academic Counselors

Our counselors are here to assist you with defining your educational goals, discussing your options or areas of improvement, and sharing strategies and skills for academic success. Although all our academic counselors can advise students in any major, each academic program has an academic counselor who specializes in that area. We highly recommend seeing your program counselor at least once per semester for correct program information/advising. Academic advising is available by email, phone, or Zoom.

Find an Academic Counselor by Program

Academic Counselors assist Future, New, Current, and Transfer Students with the following:

  • Program Information
  • Change of major
  • Transfer Information and Credits
  • Graduation Check
  • Academic Plan
  • Course Substitutions
  • Course Selection for Registration
  • Financial Aid Academic Progress Form
  • Placement Test Results
  • Veteran’s Academic Review Form

Making Appointments

Common reasons to schedule STAR Balance Express appointments (15-minute)

  • Veteran’s Benefit Certification
  • Financial Aid Dual Enrollment
  • Change of Major (if certain)
  • Financial Aid Certification
  • Registration Errors & Holds
  • Placement referral form

Common reasons to schedule STAR Balance appointments (30-minute)

  • Financial Aid Appeal/Satisfactory Academic Progress Certification
  • Transfer Advising
  • Change of Major
  • Placement (review of unofficial transcripts)
  • Review Degree requirements
  • Probation
  • Readmission following Academic Suspension/Dismissal
  • Registration
Aerial view of campus and downtown honolulu

Get Help

Academic Counseling Office
Building 5, first floor
Phone: (808) 845-9162
Hours: M–F, 8:00 am–4:30 pm
Schedule an appointment: STAR Balance

Email Us

STAR Balance Appointments

You can now book an appointment with an Academic Counselor through STAR Balance. 15 minute or 30 minute appointments are offered. Advising service is currently offered virtually by Zoom or by phone.

Schedule 15-Minute Express Appointment
Schedule 30-Minute Regular Appointment

For assistance with booking an advising appointment on STAR Balance, please contact our office via email or phone, (808) 845-9162. How to Schedule an Appointment via STAR Balance

Academic Probation

You’re on Academic Probation—Now What? Take a deep breath! Being on Academic Probation can be overwhelming, but our Academic Counselors are here to help provide you with the skills and support you need to get you back on track.

What is Academic Probation?

If your cumulative grade-point average (GPA) falls below 2.0, you will be placed on academic probation.

  • Your cumulative GPA consists of all semesters combined at Honolulu Community College.
  • It does not include grades from other campuses.

What do I need to do if I am on Academic Probation?

Step 1: Once you receive your Academic Probation letter, schedule an appointment with your Academic Counselor through STAR Balance or call (808) 845-9162. Learn more on how to schedule an appointment

  • Go to STAR Balance & log in with your username and password.
  • Use the left-side panel to view the advising services options available.
  • Select HON-Counseling.
  • Select the Advisor Drop Down Menu.
  • Select the academic counselor you would like to schedule with.
  • Complete the pop-up form with information about your advising appointment.
  • An email confirmation will be sent to your UH Email Account.

Step 2: Create a “Get Back on Track” Success Plan with your Academic Counselor to formulate steps and develop a plan to overcome academic barriers.

Step 3: After your appointment with your Academic Counselor, you will be required to schedule a follow up appointment mid-semester to check on your progress.

Resources for Students

Advising Month FAQs (PDF)
Counseling & Advising Syllabus
STAR Info Sheet (PDF)
How to Use STAR Balance
How to Use Zoom With Your Academic Counselor

How to Calculate GPA
How to Submit Forms Via FileDrop
Academic Probation Student Evaluation
IKEA Workshop Reflection
Student & Study Resources

Petition for Readmission Following Academic Dismissal (PDF)
Placement Test Referral Form (PDF)
Request for Course Waiver/Substitution Form (PDF)

Transfer to a Four-Year University Within the University of Hawaii System

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Step 1: See a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 2: Research Majors and Degree Requirements
Step 3: Plan coursework with a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 4: Apply to UH Hilo: Standard Application | Automatic Admission
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 6: Upon Acceptance, Review the Transfer Process
Step 7: See a UH Hilo Academic Advisor

Other Resources:

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Step 1: See a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 2: Research Majors and Degree Requirements
Step 3: Plan coursework with a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Honolulu CC to UH Manoa Transfer Pathway Guides
Step 4: Apply to UH Manoa: Standard Application | Automatic Admission | Ka‘ie‘ie
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 6: Upon acceptance, review the Step-by-Step Transfer Process
Step 7: See a UH Manoa Academic Advisor

Other Resources:

University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC)

tep 1: See a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 2: Research Majors and Degree Requirements
Step 3: Plan coursework with a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 4: Apply to UH Maui College | Standard Application
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 6: Upon Acceptance, Review the Transfer Process
Step 7: See a UH Maui College Academic Advisor

Other Resources:

University of Hawaii at West Oahu

Step 1: See a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 2: Research Majors and Degree Requirements
Step 3: Plan coursework with a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 4: Apply to UH West Oahu: Standard Application | Automatic Admission
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 6: Upon Acceptance, Review the Transfer Process
Step 7: See a UH West Oahu Academic Advisor

Other Resources:

Transfer to Another University of Hawaii Community College

Hawaii Community College

Step 1: See a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 2: Research Majors and Degree Requirements
Step 3: Plan coursework with a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 4: Apply to Hawaii CC
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 6: Upon Acceptance, Review the Transfer Process
Step 7: See a Hawaii CC Academic Counselor

Other Resources:

Kapiolani Community College

Step 1: See a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 2: Research Majors and Degree Requirements
Step 3: Plan coursework with a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 4: Apply to Kapiolani CC
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 6: Upon Acceptance, Review the Transfer Process
Step 7: See a Kapiolani CC Academic Counselor

Other Resources:

Kauai Community College

Step 1: See a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 2: Research Majors and Degree Requirements
Step 3: Plan coursework with a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 4: Apply to Kauai CC
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 6: Upon Acceptance, Review the Transfer Process
Step 7: See a Kauai CC Academic Counselor

Other Resources:

Leeward Community College

Step 1: See a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 2: Research Majors and Degree Requirements
Step 3: Plan coursework with a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 4: Apply to Leeward CC
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 6: Upon Acceptance, Review the Transfer Process
Step 7: See a Leeward CC Academic Counselor

Other Resources:

University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC)

Step 1: See a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 2: Research Majors and Degree Requirements
Step 3: Plan coursework with a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 4: Apply to UH Maui College
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 6: Upon Acceptance, Review the Transfer Process
Step 7: See a UHMC Academic Advisor

Other Resources:

Windward Community College

Step 1: See a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 2: Research Majors and Degree Requirements
Step 3: Plan coursework with a Honolulu CC Academic Counselor
Step 4: Apply to Windward CC
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 6: Upon Acceptance, Review the Transfer Process
Step 7: See a Windward CC Academic Advisor

Other Resources:

Transfer to a Non-University of Hawaii Campus

Transferring To a Mainland College/University?

  • Meet with your academic counselor one year prior to your planned transfer
  • Start one year in advance of your planned transfer
  • Private or public? Learn about what is required to establish residency for tuition if public institution.
  • Financial Aid/Scholarships? Pay attention to dates and deadlines! If taking student loans ASK QUESTIONS and be sure you know how much you will be in debt upon completion of your degree.
  • Plan on college costs to include living expenses? On campus? Off campus? Do your research.
  • Work with transfer institution admissions specialist/counselors every step of the way
  • MAKE A PLAN!
  • Check out local college and career fairs
  • Are there student peer mentors/ambassadors at your new school?
  • Get as much information as possible to find the best match for your goals
  • Ask your academic counselor about the Interstate Passport Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my credits transfer?

Check with the college/university you will be attending. Most colleges will require you to apply and enroll before they will give you a transfer credit evaluation. You can search for transfer agreements between schools which outline a checklist of requirement and equivalent courses that will be accepted.

What does “accredited” mean?

This is probably one of the most important things you need to know. Accredited colleges must mean certain minimum standards which are established by regional or national agencies. Check this out thoroughly!

Are there different admission requirements for transfer students?

Most colleges do have different requirements for transfer students. These can include application deadlines, minimum gpa requirements, essays or letters of recommendation. Find out early what your new college will require and plan to meet deadlines.

What will happen to my financial aid when I transfer?

Financial aid cannot be transferred from one college to another. Pay attention to deadlines and update your FAFSA. Check with your college’s Financial Aid Office about your next steps.

Transfer to HonCC