Counseling

Professional counselors assist students in exploring and clarifying career and educational goals, choosing programs of study and resolving personal issues. Counselors offer workshops throughout the academic year and assist students with accessing various resources. Department members are available to students on a walk-in basis and through individual appointments. To schedule an appointment with a Counselor, visit www.triton.edu/counseling, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3588 or visit Room B-140 in the Student Center. Appointments are not available in January and August. Service hours are 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Fridays, and 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 10, 17, 24 and 31 only.

Services provided by the Counseling department include:

Pre-Enrollment Counseling

Counselors are available to assist students before registration in determining the appropriateness of educational plans.

Major Selection

Assistance is available in the selection of a program and curriculum that will meet the student’s life and career goals.

Transfer Planning

Individualized counseling is offered to students considering transferring to a four-year institution or other training/educational opportunities.

Triton College has partnerships with selected colleges and universities to offer students the opportunity to pursue their educational goals through guaranteed admission agreements. Through participation in these programs, students will be able to earn their associate's degree and bachelor's degree through a seamless process. They may be required to meet stated guidelines of the transfer institutions. Current partner institutions include the University of Illinois Chicago, DePaul University, Governors State University and Elmhurst College. For more information, please visit www.triton.edu/admissions-aid/counseling/transfer-services/.

Academic Planning

Counselors are available to help students complete a semester by semester guide of courses necessary to complete your degree.

Meetings with College Representatives

Each semester Triton hosts individual visits of admission counselors representing more than 50 different colleges and universities. In addition, Triton sponsors several college fairs per year.

Transfer Guides

Triton offers transfer guides for more than 50 colleges and universities. A transfer guide is a planning tool used to select appropriate Triton course work in preparation for transfer. Students can pick up transfer guides in Room B-140 in the Student Center or by appointment. Students may also review transfer information at www.transfer.org.

Information and Referral

The Counseling Center makes available a variety of resources, publications and catalogs that provide information regarding personal growth, the world of work, careers and educational opportunities. Counselors also can help individuals become aware of agencies, services and personnel that may provide assistance beyond the limits of the programs offered by the college.

Career Development

Through the use of self-evaluation techniques and career information, the student is led to a clearer understanding and realization of career goals. This may occur in individual counseling, workshops or credit courses.

Personal Development

The student is assisted in personal development through individual conferences, small group sessions and referrals.

Educational Development

The student is encouraged to develop college survival skills, including test taking, time management and study skills, through group workshops.

Testing

Programs of standardized testing, both individual and group, are used to help students gain new information and insights regarding future career goals.

Credit Courses

COL 102◊, Embracing the College Experience is a three-credit-hour course designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of the college experience. CSG 150◊, Career/Life Planning is a one-credit-hour course designed to enhance personal growth and career decision-making skills. CSG 296◊, Special Topics in Counseling, is a credit course on selected topics in the areas of counseling and may vary from semester to semester. The course may be repeated a maximum of four times when topics are different. All of these courses can be used as electives towards graduation.

Student Optional Mental Health Disclosure

In accordance with the Student Optional Disclosure of Private Mental Health Act, Triton College provides the opportunity for students to authorize, in writing, the disclosure of certain private mental health information to a designated person. A designated person is defined by this Act as a parent, guardian, or other person over the age of 18 designated by a student to receive disclosure of certain private mental health information. The choice to designate a contact person is at the student’s discretion. The Optional Student Mental Health Disclosure form is available in the student portal. For additional information, please visit www.triton.edu/counseling or call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3588.