Academic Counseling

Before Your Appointment:

• Have Your ECC ID Number: You get this a few days after applying. If you haven’t taken classes in over a year, you may need to reapply.
• Know Your Purpose: Think about your questions and what you need help with—planning for next semester or your full education path.
• Write Down Questions: Preparing questions ahead of time will help you use your appointment wisely.
• Review Your Academic History: Know your progress and future goals. Bring copies of transcripts if they aren’t on file.
• Have Backup Class Options: If your first-choice classes are full, have alternatives ready.

During Your Appointment:

• Arrive On Time: Check in at the front desk and wait for your counselor.
• Be Honest and Open: Share your goals, challenges, and any concerns.
• Listen and Take Notes: Pay attention to recommendations and write down key points.
• Ask Questions: If something is unclear, ask for an explanation.

After Your Appointment:

• Check Your Plan Online: Log in to ECC Connect to review your counselor’s notes and degree planner. Click here for step by step instructions. 
• Complete Next Steps: Enroll in classes, fill out forms, or visit resources as recommended.
• Plan for the Future: Schedule follow-ups when needed. Appointments can only be booked up to two weeks in advance.
• Stay Organized: Keep all ECC-related information in one place (folder, bookmarks, or USB) for easy access.

Online counseling and phone appointment counseling provides a way for students to connect with a counselor via phone, email, and/or videoconferencing.

The following tips will give you an overview of appropriate etiquette when interacting in this new environment. It is important for you to read and understand the information below in order to use online counseling services and make the most of your virtual appointment.

• Please make sure you have the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Safari before your counseling session begins
• If you scheduled a phone appointment, make sure your phone is charged and ready, and your ringer is on so you will not miss the counselor's phone call
• Counseling appointments are confidential, therefore, the use of a private computer, tablet or smartphone in a quiet environment is strongly encouraged
• Please do not engage in videoconferencing while you are driving or participating in other activities.
• Wear proper attire
• Make sure there is proper lighting in the room
• Make sure there is little to no background noise
• Have a headset with microphone ready (your cell phone headset will work great!)
• Avoid interruptions – Do not answer phone calls, text or surf the web during the appointment
• Be respectful when communicating with your counselor.

Counseling faculty and staff reserve the right to end a chat, phone call, or videoconferencing session if a student engages in behavior deemed inappropriate, offensive and/or discriminatory.

To utilize videoconferencing appointments, you will need to have access to a computer with specific technical requirements listed below:  

• Browser: Latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. Safari may work as well.
• Webcam & microphone: Required for face-to-face online appointments
• Headset/Earbuds: Optional, but highly recommended for online appointments

If you do not have access to this technology, you can still meet with a counselor by scheduling a telephone appointment. Returning students may also call the Counseling Front Desk for assistance, as they may not have access to their El Camino email to obtain appointment information and video links.

• Covid-19 Campus and Community Resources
• How to Access Ed Plan in Degree Planner 
• Student Health Services
• Undocumented Student Resources
• Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health- Access Line
• Reduced Cost or Free Internet Access
• What I Need (WIN) App
• College Skills Workshops
• ElCo Chats Podcast