How to Book an Appointment at San Diego City College

San Diego City College uses Starfish for most student appointments

San Diego City College's main appointment system is Starfish, a scheduling platform that connects you to academic advising, counseling, and other student services. You access it through your student portal, not through a separate website. The college also uses phone and walk-in scheduling for some departments, depending on the service you need.

The fastest way to book is through Starfish if your department offers it there. If you're unsure whether your appointment type is available online, call the department directly or check the college's website for that specific office.

Key Takeaways

• Starfish is the main appointment system at San Diego City College and is accessed through your student portal after you log in.
• Academic advising, counseling, and career services typically offer online scheduling through Starfish, though some departments still take phone or walk-in appointments only.
• You will need your student ID and password to access the portal and view available appointment times.
• If Starfish shows no open slots, call the department directly—they may have cancellations or alternative scheduling options not visible online.

How to access Starfish through your student portal

Log into your San Diego City College student portal using your student ID and password. Once you're in, look for a link labeled "Starfish," "Appointments," or "Schedule an Appointment"—the exact label varies by browser and portal version. Click it to see which departments are offering online scheduling and what times are available.

If you don't remember your student ID or password, go to the college's main website and look for the "Forgot Password" or "Student Portal Help" link. You may need to verify your identity using your email address or date of birth. If the portal won't let you in, contact the IT Help Desk or your department directly.

Which departments use Starfish scheduling

Academic advising, counseling services, and career services are the departments most likely to offer Starfish scheduling. Some health services and disability support offices also use it. However, not every department at the college has moved to online scheduling, and availability changes semester to semester.

If you don't see your department in Starfish, call them directly. Many offices still accept phone appointments or walk-ins during posted hours. The college's main phone line can transfer you, or you can find department numbers on the San Diego City College website under "Contact Us" or "Student Services."

What to do if no appointment slots are showing

If Starfish shows no available times, it usually means the department's calendar is full for the current week or month, not that appointments aren't happening. Call the department directly and ask when they expect cancellations or when the next batch of time slots will open. Many advisors and counselors keep a small number of same-day or next-day slots available for urgent situations and don't list them online.

You can also ask if the department offers drop-in hours or if you can be added to a waitlist. Some offices will call you if a slot opens up before your preferred date.

Preparing for your appointment

Bring your student ID and any documents relevant to your appointment. For academic advising, have your degree plan or course list ready. For counseling, know what you want to discuss. For career services, bring a resume if you have one or be ready to talk about your career goals.

If you're meeting with someone for the first time, arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to allow time for check-in. If you're meeting online, test your internet connection and camera before the appointment time. If you need to reschedule, cancel through Starfish as soon as you know you can't make it—this frees up the slot for another student.

Phone and walk-in options if Starfish isn't available

Not all San Diego City College services use Starfish. The Admissions Office, Registrar, and Financial Aid often handle appointments by phone or walk-in only. Call the main college number or the specific department to ask about their scheduling method and current wait times.

Walk-in hours are usually posted on the college website or on the office door. If you walk in, expect to wait, especially during peak times like the start of the semester or financial aid deadlines. Calling ahead to ask how busy they are can help you decide whether to come in now or try a quieter time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a full-time student to book an appointment?

No. Part-time students, full-time students, and students taking just one class can all use Starfish and book appointments with student services. You need an active student account and access to the student portal.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. Each student must log in with their own credentials and book their own appointment. If you're a parent or guardian and need to discuss a student's progress, contact the department directly and ask about their policy for family conversations.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact the department as soon as you realize you've missed it. Many advisors and counselors will reschedule you without penalty, especially if it's your first no-show. Repeated missed appointments may result in the department asking you to call ahead before booking again.

Can I request a specific advisor or counselor?

Starfish usually doesn't let you choose by name, but you can call the department and ask if a particular staff member has availability. Some advisors specialize in certain majors or topics, so mentioning your major or concern may help the department route you to the right person.

Are online appointments available, or is everything in person?

San Diego City College offers both in-person and online appointments through Starfish, depending on the department and the advisor's preference. When you're booking, the system will show you which format each available slot is. You can choose based on what works for you.