Plan with confidence: How Langara’s Academic Advising Centre helps students stay on track

When Onkar Bhullar arrived at Langara College, he felt like many first-year students: curious but overwhelmed. “I was so confused between the associate degree and diploma of health science,” he recalls. “I didn’t know which was better for me.” A visit to the Academic Advising Centre changed everything.

“My advisor helped me a lot by clearing my doubts. The experience was so smooth and friendly,” says Onkar. “Without academic advising, I would be doing the same program and would be unable to get straight third-year admission to university.”

Like Onkar, many students come to Langara with big goals, from graduation to university transfer or even a change in academic direction. But figuring out how to get there can be daunting. That’s where the Academic Advising Centre and Langara’s new Academic Planner comes in.

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A personalized roadmap to success.

The newly launched Academic Planner is a visual tool that helps students map out their programs from start to finish. By selecting their credential and answering a few quick questions, students get a personalized course plan in the correct sequence, including prerequisite requirements.

“This is the first planning tool specifically designed for Langara students aiming to complete a credential with us,” says Shuhui Li from the Academic Advising Centre. “It gives students a clearer understanding of which courses to take and when. That means fewer surprises and a better advising experience.”

The tool is especially helpful for new students. “It shows prerequisites at a glance and gives a pathway to complete their program in their expected timeframe,” adds Li. “Ideally, students should explore the Planner before attending an advising session. That way, they come prepared with specific questions and make the most of their appointment.”

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A safe space for support and clarity.

Inside the Academic Advising Centre, students can find the clarity and confidence they need to make decisions that support their future. Since its opening in August 2024, the Centre has quickly become a trusted resource for students navigating course planning, registration issues, university transfer, and academic challenges.

“We want students to know they can find a safe space within our department to open up about their academic concerns,” says Academic Advisor Deanne Malarcher. “Every student’s situation is unique. Our job is to listen, guide, and, if needed, refer them to other resources across the College.”

Advisors often help students prepare for university transfer, walk them through graduation requirements, or explain College policies. “Some of the most common first-year mistakes are taking too many courses or missing important deadlines,” Malarcher notes. “We recommend new students attend our Registration 101 Workshop, then follow up with an advisor if they have more questions.”

Advising tailored for every student.

For international students especially, adjusting to a new education system can be challenging. That’s where the Centre’s holistic approach shines.

“Our Registration 101 workshops are a good starting point,” says academic advisor Susan Joe. “We cover where to find program requirements, how to activate registration times, and what support services are available.”

Joe recalls one standout example, a Post-Degree Diploma student facing the possibility of not graduating on time. “She was distraught after losing her work placement. We explored the option of volunteering to fulfill her hours, connected with her instructor, and collaborated with Langara Global. It was a team effort, and she graduated as planned.”

Joe encourages students to connect with advising early and often. “Even if your question feels small, we’re here to listen and help. Whether in-person, virtually, or by email, our goal is to support students at every stage of their academic journey.”

Empowering students to take charge.

For Onkar, personalized advising opened up a clearer, more flexible path forward. He’s now preparing to transfer to UNBC to complete a degree in health sciences.

“I am changing from the associate to the diploma program because it’s more flexible and fits my transfer goals,” he says. “For every doubt, students should go to the advisor. They’re always ready to help.”

Ready to plan your next steps?

Whether you’re just starting your studies or planning your next move, Langara’s Academic Advising Centre and Academic Planner are here to help you move forward with confidence.