Academic Support (Palisano Learning Center)

Your Academic Advisor is Your Partner for Student Success

Academic advising is a collaborative relationship between a student and an academic advisor. The purpose of this collaboration is to assist students in developing meaningful educational goals that are consistent with their personal interests, values and abilities. Effective academic advising also encourages students to utilize the extensive network of academic support services available on campus.

Academic advising is mandatory for all students at Trocaire College. Advisor assignments are emailed to students during the second week of classes each semester informing them of their assigned advisor’s name and contact information. Students must meet with their advisor each semester to plan their program of study and be unlocked for on-line registration. In addition, students are encouraged to contact their advisor with questions and/or concerns at any time in the semester.

The student and the academic advisor each has unique responsibilities in the advising relationship.

Students are expected to:
  • Meet with their advisor within the first four weeks of their first semester at the college.
  • Meet with their advisor each semester (October/March) to discuss course registration for the next semester and to be unlocked for on-line registration.
  • Come prepared to their advisement meetings with questions or material for discussion, i.e., course selections, degree audit, etc.
  • Respond to advisor communications regarding Academic Alerts and Mid-Term Warnings.
  • Clarify their personal values and goals and provide their advisor with accurate information regarding their career interests.
  • Acquire the skills needed to assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning, and the successful completion of all graduation requirements.
  • Be an active learner and gather all relevant decision-making information as suggested by their advisor and course instructors.
  • Read their Trocaire.edu email regularly and use the eStudent portal to access important college resources.
  • Ask questions if they do not understand an issue or have a specific concern.
  • Accept responsibility for their decisions.
Academic Advisors are expected to:
  • Discuss students’ career and personal goals and specific interest in the chosen major.
  • Provide clear and accurate information regarding program prerequisites and requirements.
  • Meet with all advisees each semester (October/March) to discuss course registration for the next semester.
  • Unlock/enable advisees for on-line registration following the advisement appointment.
  • Discuss the student’s plan for success and potential for progressing to the next semester in good standing.
  • Offer an alternate major suggestion if a student is having difficulty reaching the goals for the chosen major.
  • Meet with advisees on academic probation early in the semester to help them identify the issues and situations contributing to their academic difficulty.
  • Follow up with all Academic Alerts and Midterm Warning notices that their assigned advisees receive.
  • Refer students to appropriate campus student support services whenever necessary.

Planning for course registration keeps you on track for graduation, helps to give you the best choice of classes and class times, and assists you with avoiding fees associated with late registration. Students should review their Degree Audit in eStudent to determine what requirements are outstanding for graduation and then discuss these courses with their academic advisor. It is in your best interest to enroll in classes as soon as you are able to enroll.

Current Trocaire students are notified of the registration period at the beginning of each semester and will register themselves via the online registration system in eStudent. Prior to registration, students must first meet with their academic advisor to discuss course selection and be unlocked to register online. Students are not able to register without first meeting with their advisor. In addition, students must resolve any Holds on their student account; some Holds will prevent registration for the next semester. All Holds may be viewed in the eStudent portal.

Online Registration Instructions

Online Registration How-To Video

Students new to Trocaire College and previously enrolled readmitted students are eligible to register once the following steps are complete:
Confirm enrollment with Admissions
Complete any necessary Accuplacer placement tests
Submit required health records to the Health Records Office
Complete the on-line New Student Orientation module in Moodle

Registration for new freshmen, transfer and readmit student begins in April for the summer and fall semesters and in November for the spring semester. Once all of the above steps are complete, students must call the Advisement & Student Service Center at (716) 827-2577 to schedule an advisement appointment with a Student Service Advisor. At this meeting students will discuss their academic goals, develop a course schedule, and register for courses.

Summer/Fall 2019 Registration Dates
  • March 24: Students with 31+ completed credit hours
  • March 31: Students with 0 – 30 completed credit hours
  • April 8: Summer/Fall ’19 incoming freshmen, transfer, and readmit students

Summer/Fall 2019 Course Schedule

Online Registration How-To Video

Dedicated professionals are available on campus to assist students in all aspects of their academic, career, physical, and spiritual development. Each student service department provides services to students upon request.

The Palisano Learning Center (PLC) offers academic support to all enrolled students free of charge. Through the PLC, students can access individual, group, and online tutoring in a myriad of course areas. For students seeking specialized skill development, academic mentors are available upon request. In addition, the PLC offers workshops each semester on a variety of topics including time management, test-taking and note-taking strategies, learning styles, and more.  The PLC houses a staffed Health Sciences Lab complete with nursing and health science related resources including anatomical models for student use. The PLC is located in room 113 on the Choate Campus.

The Career Services office provides comprehensive career exploration and preparation services for Trocaire College students and alumni. Assistance is available in the following areas: assessing career direction and career options; full and part-time job search; creating resumes and cover letters; and practicing job interview skills. Additionally, Career Services hosts several opportunities for students to meet directly with employers each semester. All students are encouraged to register with Trocaire Connect to access job postings and to visit the Career Services website to get 24/7 career advice.

The Career Services office is located in room 122 on the Choate campus.

The Wellness Center offers comprehensive services and programming to promote student success and healthy lifestyle choices. Counseling Services, Health Records, Accessibility Services, and wellness programming are functionalities under the auspices of the Wellness Center.  In an effort to sustain healthy living, services and programming are offered year round. Students may also visit the Wellness Center for resources related to physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as being referred to community-based organizations who can assist them.  The Wellness Center is located in room 118 on the Choate campus.

The Student Engagement/Student Life Office provides students with the opportunity for co-curricular involvement in an inclusive, student-centered environment. Whether students are seeking involvement in student government, programming, clubs/organizations, or participating in the many activities and events offered, Student Engagement/Life provides access and opportunity for all students. In addition, student’s professional skills are enriched through leadership and multicultural & inclusion workshops in order to ensure success after completion of their educational journey at Trocaire. Veteran students are supported through specialized programming at Trocaire. From Orientation to Commencement, Student Life supports student success.

The office of Mission, Ministry & Service exists to serve and advance the mission of the college on all levels of institutional life.

  • On the administrative level by orienting students and staff to our mission as a Catholic and Mercy institution and by helping to craft and implement policies that align with our values and support students as they aspire to careers of achievement and lives of purpose.
  • On the ministerial level by designing programs that promote the education and development of the whole person (mind, body, spirit).
  • Through active engagement with the surrounding community via volunteer and service learning projects that enrich student learning while serving the common good.

In addition, the Office of Mission, Ministry & Service coordinates the Sister Sally Walz, RSM  Student Emergency Fund  to assist students who are working towards success, but have an urgent financial need that is a keeping them from reaching their goals. The office is located in room 112 on the Choate campus.

The Office of Community-Based Learning coordinates the Mercy Action Project (MAP) and the Professional Mentorship Program. MAP is a graduation requirement for all students and provides service opportunities that integrate the College’s mission through an action-reflection approach that connects service to a student’s career path. The Professional Mentorship Program pair’s students with working professionals in order prepare students for their intended careers. The office is located in room 140 on the Choate campus.