Garden City Community College Launches Centralized Advising Model to Enhance Student Support
[Garden City, KS] August 26, 2025 -- Garden City Community College (GCCC) is proud to announce a significant change in its approach to academic advising that aims to streamline student support and improve retention and completion outcomes. Beginning this fall, GCCC has moved to a centralized advising model, where full-time professional advisors serve as the primary advisor for students.
Under the new model, students will be assigned to dedicated, full-time academic advisors who will guide them from enrollment through graduation, providing consistent and personalized support throughout their academic journey. Faculty will remain closely involved with students and advising staff as mentors and subject-matter experts but will no longer be responsible for the technical processes of course registration and graduation.
“This shift allows our faculty, who are the subject matter experts in their disciplines, to focus more on teaching, mentorship, and career exploration and support, while our professional advisors can give students the dedicated, proactive support they need to navigate their educational path,” said Dr. Ryan Ruda, GCCC President. “Centralized advising is a proven strategy that puts students first and positions them for long-term success.”
The full-time advising team offers year-round support in degree planning, transfer processes, and institutional policies and procedures, among other key areas. By centralizing the advising process, GCCC aims to provide more equitable and consistent guidance for all students, whether they are traditional first-time students, adult learners returning to college, or students pursuing a transfer or technical degree.
Advisors are housed in the Advising Center, located in the Student and Community Services Center (SCSC). Students can schedule in-person or virtual appointments and are encouraged to meet regularly with their assigned advisor to stay on track toward graduation.
“We’re excited about the opportunities this change brings,” said Sydnee Claussen, Executive Director of Enrollment Management. “Our team is committed to building strong relationships with students and helping them make informed decisions at every step of their college experience.”
This shift to centralized advising supports GCCC’s Strategic Plan and is designed to enhance student success. GCCC has invested in additional full-time advising staff and comprehensive onboarding and training, ensuring students have access to competent, qualified advisors. GCCC’s commitment to serving students is shown in the advising caseload well below the national average of 300 to 1.
To contact GCCC Advising, please email advising@gcccks.edu, call 620-276-9653, or text 620-390-9877.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.