Overview of Counseling & Advising
The MCC Counseling and Advising Center holistically supports the individual student and the campus community toward personal wellness, balance and growth through short term personal counseling, academic advising and mental health education.
All MCC counselors have graduate degrees in counseling, psychology, or related fields, and are Licensed Professional Counselors through the State of Michigan.
Scope of Practice Statement
The MCC Counseling and Advising Center holistically supports the individual student and the campus community toward personal wellness, balance and growth through short term personal counseling, academic advising and mental health education.
Counselors
Our counselors are committed to promoting the intellectual, emotional, occupational, social, cultural, and professional growth and development of our learning community by helping MCC students identify barriers, improve coping skills and the achievement of personal goals. The Scope of Our Practice serves currently enrolled and prospective students.
About Our Counselors
All MCC Counselors have graduate degrees in counseling, psychology, or related fields and are Licensed Professional Counselors through the State of Michigan.
Central to our mission and daily practice is a commitment to confidentiality, upholding ethical behavior, and providing counseling based on current research and proven standards. All MCC counselors adhere to the professional and ethical guidelines of the American Counseling Association.
Who is my Counselor?
Initially, students can meet with any counselor for information. As you progress in your area of interest, we encourage you to meet with the counselor designated to that pathway.
Common Concerns Addressed with Short-Term Intervention
When appropriate, students may be referred to services offered within the MCC Counseling and Advising Center. In order to use its resources most effectively, the Counseling and Advising Center utilizes a short-term model of therapy to assist students in addressing issues common in a college setting.
Some of the issues that are commonly addressed in short-term or intermittent counseling at the Counseling and Advising Center are:
- Personal concerns: mild to moderate anxiety &/or depression, loneliness, grief, low self-esteem, body image, crisis management, test anxiety and stress management
- Relationship concerns: partners, roommates, family, social
- Developmental concerns: adjustment to college, life transitions, life-style choices, personal, cultural, sexual orientation and gender identity
- Academic concerns: motivation, performance/test anxiety, perfectionism, time management
- Career counseling
- Other issues: effects of trauma, assault, spiritual concerns, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, crisis management
Referral to Community Resources
Sometimes a student’s needs fall outside of expertise or resources available at the Counseling and Advising Center. The Counseling Center provides referral services either after the initial session or as these factors become more apparent through the course of services. The Counseling and Advising Center’s counseling staff can provide referral options that we believe will best meet a student’s needs, but the decision for ongoing treatment ultimately resides upon the student.
Needs for specialized services that may require an outside referral:
- Students receiving counseling services from another provider
- Students with a desire to be seen more frequently than the Counseling and Advising Center resources can provide (e.g., more than weekly), or on a long-term basis.
- Students for whom a short-term treatment model would be detrimental or inappropriate to the presenting issues
- Students with a history of longstanding, seriously maladaptive interpersonal behaviors, requiring services beyond The Counseling and Advising Center scope
- Chronic/ severe suicidality, severe self-injury, or multiple psychiatric hospitalizations
- Evidence or risk of progressive deterioration in mental or emotional functioning, requiring intensive intervention; including active psychotic symptoms
- Significant drug or alcohol problems needing treatment
- Long standing or persistent eating disorder
- Severe and persistent mental illness, medication management
- Students whose needs fall outside the clinical expertise of The Counseling and Advising Center faculty
- Students seeking or attempting to meet requirements of court-mandated treatment, legal proceedings, disability support, or employment clearance (including evaluation)
- Students wishing to receive documentation for an emotional support animal (ESA)
- Students who engage in inappropriate, harassing, menacing, threatening, or violent behaviors toward staff
- Students who are not currently registered for classes
Additional Counseling Related Activities Provided by MCC Counselors (Outreach, Education, Mental Health Promotion, and Training)
To build a healthy campus environment, MCC counselors conduct multiple services and programming to students, staff, and academic departments. Students, faculty and staff are informed about what constitutes good mental health, about the signs of mental health concerns, and what to do when concerning issues arise. Besides our clinical services, MCC counseling staff collaborate with our colleagues to provide:
- Psycho-educational support groups, trainings, and presentations to the college community
- Workshops on various topics, outreach, facilitating and supporting campus events
- Suicide prevention QPR trainings for students, staff, and faculty
- Mental health prevention/promotion activities such as the Jayhawk Redux, Active Minds and other initiatives
Connect with Us
Schedule an Appointment
Click the button below if you’re a current MCC student.
Not an MCC student? The Muskegon Community College’s Admission team will help you start the process! Click here to become a student.
Express counseling is for quick questions and immediate concerns where you can interact with counseling faculty.
Drop-In Counseling & Advising
Express Drop-in
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Visit Express Drop-In to:
- Answer general questions
- Verify secondary applications (nurse, respiratory therapy, medical assistant, certified nurse aide)
- Questions regarding dropping a course
- Verify/update program codes
Extended Service Tuesdays: 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (In-Person only)
The counseling team is available for drop-ins face to face to…..
- Help with registration
- Update program codes
- Receive secondary applications if ready (Nursing, Medical Assistant and Respiratory Therapy)
- Financial aid appeals/plans
- Answer general questions
- MI Works training plans
Extended Services/Drop-Ins will be closed when capacity is reached, and we will stop accepting students 15 minutes prior to the closing of service.
AUGUST EXTENDED SERVICE DROP-IN SCHEDULE:
August 19 – 22nd( Monday – Thursday) 8:30 am – 3:30pm
August 26, 28, 29 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) 8:30 – 3:30
August 27th( Tuesday) 11:00am – 3:30pm
Services
Academic Advising
Academic advising is an intentional and continuous process of meeting with a college counselor to help students achieve academic success in the college setting. MCC counselors can assist students with academic planning, career and educational advice and questions about transferring.
Whether you’re planning to take one class to build skills, complete an associate degree or take courses to transfer, we can help.
Throughout your time at MCC, you should regularly talk with one of your counselors.
Students will benefit by working with counselors in the following areas:
- College enrollment procedures including orientation and testing
- Course selection
- Academic planning
- Choosing a major/career pathway
- Dropping/adding classes
- Changing a program or major
- Preparation to transfer to a four-year school (link to transfer services page)
- Campus resource referral
- Staying on track to meet your individual and personal goals
Career Counseling
The Counseling and Advising Center has a number of resources which may help with deciding on a career path and getting started on that path.
Career Counseling page
Personal Counseling
Everyone gets stressed out by school – it’s normal actually. But each of us manages stress differently. If you need someone to talk to, our MCC counselors are here to help. Maybe you have self-doubt, worries or confusion about all that life is throwing at you. Our professional counselors on staff are equipped to provide you with the help you need, to assist and support each student to be successful in school and life.
Do not wait for problems to get out of control, see a counselor now.
MCC counselors will provide the following services:
- Guidance, support, feedback, and information
- College survival skills
- Human relations skills
- Study and learning skills
- Stress management
- Crisis intervention and support
- Referrals to community agencies and resources when necessary
If you are off-campus and experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988.
Transfer Services
We’re here to help with all aspects of the transfer process:
- admissions applications,
- college visits,
- official transcripts,
- credit evaluation,
- essays,
- references,
- academic requirements,
- financial aid,
- housing arrangements,
- major choice, etc.
Transfer Services page
Choose Your Pathway
Explore six career pathways with different academic areas of study and degrees to help you identify a possible career.
Choose your Pathway page
Resources
Mental Health Resources
All MCC counselors are Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Limited Licensed Professional Counselors (LLPC).
The MCC Counseling and Advising Center holistically supports MCC students’ mental wellness through short term personal counseling & mental health education.
Schedule an appointment by calling (231) 777-0362.
Helpline Resources
Search and Connect to Support ServicesWhat you Need to Know About 988, the New Mental Health Hotline60 Mental Health Resources for College StudentsCrisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-PRIDE (7743)NAMI Helpline: 800-950-NAMI (6264)National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) OR Text START to 88788National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network: 800-656-HOPE (4673)Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357)Veterans Hotline Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 & press 1 or Text 838255
Online Apps and Resources
Meditation & Relaxation
Mental Health Platforms
Videos
Resources for MCC’s Faculty/Staff
MCC Benefits
Counseling Presentations
QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) Suicide Prevention: A training to learn the 3 steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide.
Presenter: Trefny Chelesvig, Counselor
Dates/Times:
Location:
Please complete the form to reserve your seat:
Department Staff
- George Sharp Faculty – Department Chair, Counselor - Human Services
- Sylvia Hayes Faculty – Counselor – Health Services
- Jordan Wolfe Faculty – Counselor – Disability Support Services
- Lori Hartman Adjunct Counselor
- Pamela Riley-Barbier Adjunct Counselor
- Karen Elaine Hicks Adjunct Counselor
- Danielle Smith-Walker Adjunct Counselor
George Sharp
Faculty – Department Chair, Counselor - Human Services
- Hometown:Muskegon, MI
- High School:Muskegon High School
- Professional Experience:A devoted educator, with a passion for counseling students through obstacles that may serve as barriers to attaining personal goals. I’m trained and certified in a variety of interventions that focus on the integration of counseling, therapy, and teaching that support the development of wellness habits, emotional stability, and academic preparedness. Prior to beginning my professional journey in higher education with MCC as an Enrollment Services Representative, Adjunct Instructor, and Faculty Counselor. I worked within the K-12 sector as a long term Secondary Education substitute teacher, 21st CCLC Alternative Education After School Program Site Coordinator, Student Success Interventionist, Coach, School Counselor, and Assistant Program Director for Muskegon Public Schools 21st CCLC After School Programs.
- Academic Degrees:ASA – Muskegon Community College 2006, BS, Liberal Arts (Sociology Emphasis) – Northern Arizona University 2008, M.Ed, School Counseling – Grand Valley State University 2010
- Classes Taught:Faculty Counselor – Adjunct Instructor – College Success Seminar
MORE ABOUT ME
- I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
- Passionate about learning new things to better serve others.
- Words of wisdom – “At the center of bringing any dream into fruition is self-discipline” ~ Will Smith ~
- “The secret to success is falling in love with learning” ~ G.Sharp ~
- Main: 231-777-0362
Seth King York
Faculty – Counselor – Arts, Humanities & Communication
- Hometown:Saugatuck, MI
- High School:Decorah (Iowa) High School
- Professional Experience:Over ten years of experience in higher education helping students work towards their academic goals. Completed my graduate degree internship at Muskegon Community College. Worked at Davenport University as an academic advisor for online students for five years. Worked as a Distance Learning Coordinator in the Engineering Extension Office for Oklahoma State University for five years. I strive to help each student with their individual needs to achieve their academic goals.
- Academic Degrees:Bachelor of Arts in Community Recreation – University of Northern Iowa, Masters in Counselor Education: College Counseling – Western Michigan University
MORE ABOUT ME
- Enjoy going to a great musical production!
- Love to lose myself in a great novel!
- Love spending time with my 3 kids & all of their hobbies!
- Main: 231-777-0296
Trefny Chelesvig
Faculty – Counselor - Business & Information Technology
- Hometown:Saugatuck, MI
- High School:Decorah (Iowa) High School
- Professional Experience:Over ten years of experience in higher education helping students work towards their academic goals. Completed my graduate degree internship at Muskegon Community College. Worked at Davenport University as an academic advisor for online students for five years. Worked as a Distance Learning Coordinator in the Engineering Extension Office for Oklahoma State University for five years. I strive to help each student with their individual needs to achieve their academic goals.
- Academic Degrees:Bachelor of Arts in Community Recreation – University of Northern Iowa, Masters in Counselor Education: College Counseling – Western Michigan University
MORE ABOUT ME
- Enjoy going to a great musical production!
- Love to lose myself in a great novel!
- Love spending time with my 3 kids & all of their hobbies!
- Main: 231-777-0362
Lisa Ribbe
Faculty – Counselor – Engineering/Manufacturing & Industrial Technology
- Hometown:Grand Rapids, MI
- High School:Grandville High School
- Professional Experience:I began my career teaching elementary education in Rockford Public Schools before moving to the lakeshore. Once I moved to Grand Haven, I focused on raising my two children and getting involved in my community as a volunteer. Through my volunteering efforts, I continued to work with students as a mentor, tutor and coach, while also serving on various executive boards where I was able to plan events, fund raise and help with school district millage campaigns and bond proposals. I completed my counseling degree interning at a high school, then went on to work with at-risk high school students and to mentor first generation high school students through the college research and application process. Through these efforts I discovered that I had a passion for helping students find their path, which became a primary focus for me as I started my own clinical mental health practice while serving on the panel for TCM Counseling of Grand Haven. Through TCM, I was able to continue counseling in schools and helping students with issues like depression, anxiety, trauma and self-harming behavior. As a new counselor to MCC, I love that I get to provide academic and emotional support to a diverse group of students as they work towards their goals.
- Academic Degrees:Bachelor of Science Social Group Science/Elementary Education- Grand Valley State University, Master of Arts Counseling Education- Western Michigan University
MORE ABOUT ME
- Warm summer days are my favorite when I can get lost in a historical fiction novel.
- Music would be the one thing I would want on a deserted island, and I’m not genre specific.
- In my free time, if I’m not walking my dogs in the woods, I can often be found at Home Goods shopping for home interior decor.
- Main: 231-777-0362
Sylvia Hayes
Faculty – Counselor – Health Services
- Hometown:Shelby, MI
- High School:Montague High School
- Professional Experience:Over eight years of teaching experience for Lansing Public Schools and Mona Shores Public Schools; Peace Corps Volunteer, Honduras; Counselor who is committed to facilitating student success
- Academic Degrees:B.A. in Education – Western Michigan University , M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling– Michigan State University
MORE ABOUT ME
- I love to travel! “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” -Anonymous
- I enjoy being outdoors and enjoying nature!
- I have not owned a television since 2002! I can’t imagine owning one as I can’t find time to do everything I want to do now!
- My husband, Tim, and I have four children.
- Main: 231-777-0362
Jordan Wolfe
Faculty – Counselor – Disability Support Services
- Hometown:Lansing, MI
- High School:Lansing Catholic Central
- Professional Experience:I began my counseling and advising experience working as a peer academic advisor in the Psychology Department at the University of Michigan. During graduate school, I had the chance to intern in high school and college settings providing mental health counseling, academic advising, and career counseling. Before coming to MCC in 2021, I worked at Kettering University as an Academic Advisor.
- Academic Degrees:B.A., Psychology – University of Michigan, M.A., Counselor Education: School Counseling – Central Michigan University
MORE ABOUT ME
- I love learning about other cultures, and I spent a summer living in Belgium
- I’ve always had an interest in historic architecture, and I enjoy architectural photography
- I enjoy attending live performances and musicals
- Main: 231-777-0309
Lori Hartman
Adjunct Counselor
- Main: 231-777-0362
Pamela Riley-Barbier
Adjunct Counselor
- Main: 231-777-0362
Karen Elaine Hicks
Adjunct Counselor
MY BACKGROUND
- Hometown:Lansing, MI
- High School:Waverly High School, Lansing, MI
- Professional Experience:I have been a counselor in K-12 setting since 1984 when I was a special needs counselor in Cheboygan, MI. I was middle/high school counselor at Holton from 2000-1998 and with Whitehall District Schools from 2000-2014 in both Early Elementary and the high school. I have worked as an adjunct counselor at MCC off and on since 1989!
- Academic Degrees:BS in Biology and Education, Michigan State University, MA in Counseling, K-12, Michigan State University
- Classes Taught:I taught Abnormal Psychology in the Criminal Justice Department.
MORE ABOUT ME
- I have coached cross country and girls track for a number of years. My personal running accomplishment was completing the 5/3rd 25km race in Grand Rapids!
- I have 2 large dogs, 4 cats, a bird and goldfish at my house. Sometimes it looks like a Warner Brothers cartoon with everyone chasing each other!
- My home is a National Wildlife Certified Habitat.
- I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren that are the most important people in my life.
- My favorite quote: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
- Main: 231-777-0362
Danielle Smith-Walker
Adjunct Counselor
- Main: 231-777-0362
FAQs
How do I change my major? (Curriculum Code)
- Talk with an MCC counselor to determine your program of study.
- You can either schedule an appointment or utilize Express Counseling to meet with a counselor.
- Visit the page to see hours, schedule an appointment or drop in during Express Counseling.
How long will my counseling appointment take?
Advising appointments are scheduled for 30-45 minutes. Express Drop-in sessions are between 10-15 minutes. Some appointments, depending upon the nature, may be scheduled for 60 minutes.
Is there a fee for counseling?
No, counseling and advising services are free for MCC students.
How many times can I meet with a counselor?
As many times as you need.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for my counseling appointment?
Yes! If you are meeting with a counselor for the first time, please bring unofficial transcripts from other colleges you have attended if you have questions about transferring credits to Muskegon Community College or completing a degree at MCC. If you are coming in to register, think about the days and times you would like to go to school. You may also want to look over classes you are interested in taking in theMCC Course Catalog.
How many times can I retest in Accuplacer?
Students are allowed to take the Accuplacer test twice. You will need to call to make an appointment to test at the MCC Testing Center: testingcenter@muskegoncc.edu or (231) 777-0394.We recommend you review the questions for the Accuplacer test with Accuplacer’s free study app.If you feel your Accuplacer scores do not reflect your ability, see an academic counselor to discuss your concerns.The counselor will evaluate your request and provide you with retest referral if appropriate.
I do not know what I am going to major in or if I am going to transfer. How do I know what courses to take?
A counselor in the Counseling and Advising Center can help you begin to make this decision and suggest good courses to take. You can also make an appointment with our Career Services and Transfer Coordinator to help you identify your career interest areas and assist with transfer information.
What do I do if I want to drop a class?
First, you should talk to your instructor. For additional help, you can talk to a counselor to consider alternatives like tutoring. Also, a counselor can help you access support available to prevent future drops. You can drop a class online through your MyMCC registration button. Make sure you are aware of the reimbursem*nt dates and deadlines as well as financial aid implications before you drop a class!
How do I apply for financial aid?
Our financial aid page is very helpful and will explain what you need to do to apply for financial aid. If you have questions regarding your financial aid, we recommend you speak with a financial aid representative in the MCC Financial Aid Office. The MCC Financial Aid Office is located in room 1040 on our main campus.
How do I figure out my GPA?
Each grade is worth a total number of honor points. Multiply the number of honor points of each grade received by the number of credit hours for that course. Then divide the total number of honor points by the total number of credit hours earned. The following grades do not have honor points and are not factored into your GPA: I = Incomplete W = Student Initiated Drop
I haven’t gone to college before. I need to figure out how much time I need to have available for school. How do I figure this out?
College offers classes in the morning, afternoon, and evenings. We also offer online and hybrid courses. You can take whatever course you want during any time of day that works with your schedule if you have the pre-requisite courses needed. You need to be in class for as many hours a week as the amount of contact hours you are registered for. A typical three-credit class will meet twice a week for 90 minutes. (1.5 hours x 2 times a week = 3 hours per week in class.) You should allow 2-3 hours of homework per hour per week that you are in class. (3 credit hours x 2 hours = 6 hours to study for one class.) So, if you are taking 12 credit hours, you will probably need 24-36 hours of study time to be successful in school. It is hard to be successful in school if you work too much or don’t have enough time to study.
I need to talk to a counselor about a personal problem. Can I do that?
Yes! All the counselors in the Counseling and Advising Center are licensed counselors and have experience with personal as well as academic issues. When making an appointment for personal counseling, let the office staff know that you would like a longer appointment time for personal counseling. Everything discussed in personal counseling is confidential. All personal counseling is absolutely free.
