Academic Advising and Coaching

Spring 2025 Registration

Falcons, priority registration begins Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. High-demand classes are available to current students first, so meet with your advisor now to get ready to register before classes fill up. Contact the One Stop Enrollment Center for advising and registration at onestop@berkshirecc.edu or 413-499-4660.

Additional Registration Dates

  • Nov. 12: Readmit student registration opens
  • Dec. 2: New student registration opens
  • Dec. 16: Non-degree and Bridge to College student registration opens

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Academic Advising and Coaching

Academic Advising and Coaching

The Academic Advising and Coaching team is dedicated to supporting you, taking into consideration all aspects of your life as you pursue your path to academic success. We'll work with you from day one to clarify your academic and career goals; review your academic program requirements and develop an academic plan; navigate the complex work/life/school balance; connect you with the resources to help you succeed; overcome possible barriers to your success; and plan for life beyond BCC.

What are the benefits of working with my advisor and coach?

  • Individualized support in creating academic and career goals and developing an action plan to achieve those goals
  • Increased understanding of your program requirements and how to meet those requirements in a way that best complements your life
  • Opportunities to explore and develop your interests, goals, and success strategies
  • Increased confidence in your own success
  • Establishing connections with multiple offices across BCC to navigate barriers and increase your success
  • Learning about the opportunities available to you beyond BCC

Contact Us

Send an email
413-499-4660
One Stop Enrollment Center

Hours

Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Advising and Registration Appointment Request

New to BCC or returning after some time away? Complete the form below to request an appointment with an advisor. A member of the Academic Advising and Coaching team will contact you to schedule an appointment. Prior to your advising and registration appointment, please watch the videos below in preparation. We look forward to working with you!

Complete the Advising and Registration Request Form

Videos

Upcoming Workshops

  • Fall 2024

    Working with a Disability: To Disclose or Not Disclose
    BCC Career and Disability Services presents Working with A Disability: To Disclose or Not Disclose a fireside chat with special guests from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) and individual(s) with disabilities to share their decision-making process on disclosing their disabilities. Whether you are an individual with a disability, an ally, or advocate, join us as we discuss the why, when, what, and how of workplace disclosure.
    Nov. 6, 2 – 3 p.m., SBA Lounge

    Test Anxiety: Can it be Overcome?
    Learn strategies to reduce test anxiety and help you do better on test day.
    Nov. 7, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Student Support Center

    Kurzweil 101
    Gain hands on experience using Kurzweil (bring your laptop if you would like to follow along), the text to speech web app that helps students engage with course materials more efficiently.
    Nov. 12, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., G12

    How to Navigate the Job and Internship Search
    If you are planning to start a job or internship search, attend this workshop for some tools and best practices for success.
    Nov. 13, 2 – 3 p.m., Microsoft Teams

    Self-Advocacy: Redefining Confrontation
    For many people, confrontation is a dirty word and something to be avoided. But what if we told you that confrontation can be positive and bring about win-win situations for everyone involved? Join us as we explore how to have constructive conversations with respect and kindness.
    Nov. 19, 2 – 2:30 p.m., Melville 103

    Questions? Email Academic SUCCESS

Common Questions

  • How do I register for classes?

    New Students:
    Once you've applied and been accepted, complete the Advising and Registration Appointment Request (above) or call the One Stop Enrollment Center at 413-499-4660 to schedule a New Student Advising and Registration appointment.

    Re-Admit Students:
    If you are returning to BCC after some time away, re-apply to BCC and complete the Advising and Registration Appointment Request (above) or call the One Stop Enrollment Center at 413-499-4660 to schedule an advising and registration appointment.

    Current Students:
    You should meet with your assigned advisor before registration opens to plan the courses you need for the coming semester. On the first day of registration, you may register for classes through your Self-Service account.

  • Who is my academic advisor?
    1. Log into MyBCC.

    2. Find the Advisors Card in the MyBCC portal. Use the Discover More button if the Advisors Card is not loaded on your landing page.

    3. The Advisors Card will display the name of your assigned academic advisor.

  • How do I change my program of study?

    Visit the One Stop Enrollment Center to meet with an academic advisor who will review the new program requirements and complete the appropriate paperwork.

  • Will my credits from another college transfer to BCC?

    When completing the application process, submit your official transcripts to the BCC Admissions Office for evaluation.

    Courses completed at regionally accredited institutions with a "C" or better will transfer to BCC.

    For questions, contact the One Stop Enrollment Center at 413-499-4660.

  • How do I withdraw from a course/the College?

    After the add/drop period, we move into the withdrawal period. You should consult the Academic Calendar on the Registrar webpage for the withdrawal deadline each semester.

    To withdraw from a course or the College, follow the prompts in your Self-Service account under Student Planning > Go to Plan & Schedule.

    After the Add/Drop deadline and through the Last Day for Course Withdrawals you will receive a grade of "W" for the course on your academic transcript. A withdrawal grade of "W" has no impact on the calculation of your GPA. After the withdrawal date, it is not possible to withdraw from a course and your instructor must assign you a final grade.

    You are strongly encouraged to meet with your advisor and Student Financial Services to review the impact of a withdrawal on your acdemic plan and to discuss the Withdrawal Refund and Financial Aid Policy.

Meet the Academic Advising and Coaching Staff

  • Staff bios
    Shelly Armstrong

    Student Advising Coordinator

    Shelly provides leadership for our early alert/progress report system working to identify students needing additional support in the early weeks of the semester. She also works with students on academic probation to create a plan to return to good academic standing. While able to advise any of the programs at BCC, Shelly specializes in Business and serves as the liaison for the Science & Business Division. Shelly has a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Social Work and Masters in Education from MCLA. She has previously served as BCC's College and Career Navigator and Academic Counselor. She is a mother to five adult children, and in her spare time enjoys walking her two rottweilers and spending time with her grandchildren.

    Shelly Armstrong
    Sarah Burdick (she/her)

    Academic and Career Counselor

    Sarah Burdick is an Academic and Career Counselor. She earned her bachelor's degree from MCLA majoring in Psychology. Sarah is certified as an Out Alliance Safe Zone Trainer and has prior experience in academic coaching/advising, multicultural affairs, and student records. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and her two pets, a cat and a dog.

    Sarah Burdick
    Dana Buxton (she/her)

    Academic SUCCESS Coach

    Dana Buxton is the Academic SUCCESS Coach for the Disabilities Resource Center. She came to BCC with more than 15 years of experience supporting diverse populations to heal, grow, and achieve their life goals. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Stanford University and her master's degree in Psychology, with a focus in Ecopsycholgy, from Antioch University Seattle. Originally from Texas, she loves the natural beauty of the Berkshires and is an avid birder.

    Dana Buxton
    Lauri Byrnes

    Administrative Assistant

    Lauri Byrnes is the first point of contact for students, and she coordinates the day-to-day functions of Academic Advising and Coaching. Her previous experience at BCC in the Enrollment Services and Financial Aid Offices ensures Lauri is well-versed in many of the One Stop functions. She is able to triage a number of initial advising inquiries and schedule appointments as appropriate. Lauri is a BCC alum graduating in 2017 with an Associate's Degree in Human Services. She went on to receive an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy from Maria College. Lauri uses this degree when volunteering in an equine therapy program working with children and adults. She lives here in the Berkshires and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and pets as much as possible.

    Lauri Byrnes
    Anne Erickson

    Academic Counselor

    Anne joined the Academic Advising and Coaching team in summer 2022 as an Academic Counselor serving students in all academic programs. She is the advising liaison to the Humanities, Behavioral, and Social Science Division. Anne taught college English and Student Success courses for several decades. Firmly believing in lifelong learning, after earning degrees in English (BA degree from Fairfield University, MA and PhD from Purdue), she attained additional graduate degrees in Education (Curriculum), Public Administration, Public Communications and Higher Education Student Services. She relocated to the Berkshires from southern Jersey, and has also called Indiana, Connecticut and Cape Cod home. In her spare time, she enjoys cross-stitching and mysteries, and watching her six amazing children and husband create theater.

    Lyndsay Isham-Morton

    Director of Advising and Coaching

    Lyndsay was named Director of Academic and Transfer Advising in October 2022 and assumed leadership of Academic Coaching in August 2023 after serving as both an Academic Counselor and Student Advising Coordinator at BCC. She provides leadership and oversight of academic and transfer advising and academic coaching and partners with faculty and staff to continuously improve the support services we offer. Well-versed in BCC's advising software, Lyndsay offers workshops for faculty, staff, and students on how to make the most of our technology. As a first-generation college student, she loves helping students understand how to navigate their college experience and make the most of their time at BCC. Lyndsay earned her BA in Political Science from William Smith College and her MA in counseling from Johnson State College. Originally from Vermont, she now lives in Pittsfield with her family and is at home on the sidelines of the softball field watching her girls play the sport they love.

    Lyndsay Isham-Morton
    Cheryl Mirer (she/her)

    Academic Counselor

    Cheryl Mirer came to BCC with over 25 years experience in a variety of fields including teaching, fundraising, event planning, leading small non-profit organizations, and higher education. Cheryl grew up in Burlington, CT and earned a Bachelor of Fine Art and Art History at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Master of Science in Arts Administration at Boston University. Cheryl is a painter, printmaker, and mixed media artist and serves on the board of the Berkshire Art Center. Cheryl loves dogs, hiking, yoga, gardening, cooking and helping others. She is passionate about the Berkshire community and wishes to make a difference in people’s lives.

    Cheryl Mirer
    Eric Nystrom (he/his)

    Academic Counselor

    Eric earned his bachelor's degree from Nichols College majoring in psychology. He continued his studies at Springfield College where he received a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, specializing in student personnel in higher education. He has served at BCC in a variety of roles since 2005. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach.

    Eric Nystrom
    Sean Reagan

    Academic Counselor: Allied Health

    Sean serves as an Academic Counselor working primarily with students in our pre-Nursing, pre-LPN, and Allied Health programs. He assists students in understanding the admission requirements for these specialized programs and helps to create academic plans to prepare students for matriculation. Well-versed in the Massachusetts community college setting, Sean taught English for many years at Holyoke Community College. Early in his career at HCC, he served an Academic Advisor assisting students with academic planning, choosing and selecting majors, and developing student success skills. He has also worked as a Freelance Writer for a number of local and national magazines and newspapers. Sean holds a BA from St. Michael's College, a JD from Western New England University of Law, and an MFA from Goddard College. Originally from Vermont, Sean now lives in the Berkshires with his family.

    Sean Reagan
    Geoff Tabor

    Coordinator of Transfer Affairs and Articulation

    Geoff guides students through the process of transferring to four-year colleges/universities. He also collaborates with transfer institutions to ensure BCC's credits will be accepted upon transfer. Geoff serves as the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Advisor; PTK is the International Honor Society for two-year colleges. He also advises students in the Psychology program and is an Adjunct Faculty in Psychology. Geoff earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Dayton and his Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Miami University. He has worked in higher education in a variety of capacities for over 35 years and is a passionate Ohio State fan — Go Bucks!

    Geoff Tabor
    Tammy Westlake

    Nursing Advising and Enrollment Coordinator

    Tammy coordinates advising for nursing students and oversees the matriculation processes for all of BCC's nursing programs. In this capacity, she collaborates a great deal with the Nursing Division and also maintains a caseload of advisees, specifically bridge students (LPN to ADN candidates). She has worked at BCC since 2012 and previously served as a part-time academic advisor, full-time academic counselor, and an adjunct faculty member teaching BCC 101, a student success seminar. Prior to joining BCC, she worked at Le Moyne College in several capacities including academic advisor, co-director of global education, coordinator of academic initiatives and instructor of a first year seminar course for undeclared students. She previously worked as a graduate assistant student advisor in the School of Education and co-instructor of the Education Freshman Forum at Syracuse University. She obtained a bachelor's degree in Speech Communications with a minor in Health Science from the State University of New York at Potsdam, a teaching credential in Cross-Cultural Languages and Academic Development (CLAD) at California State University San Marcos and a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University. She resides in Dalton with her husband, two teenage sons, and their Great Pyrenees dog. Her greatest passion is spending time with her family and being a taxi-mom for her boys as they keep her quite busy with their sports and other interests.

    Tammy Westlake