Advising Information
The Office of Academic Services, located in 204 Carnegie Building, provides advising to all students.
Walk-In Advising Hours
8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday
Scheduled Appointments, for academic graduation plans, study abroad planning, petition requests, change of major applications and more. Daily, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Call (814) 865-1503.
General Advising Information
The College of Communications recognizes the importance of advising and supports students as they plan and achieve their academic and career goals. The ultimate responsibility for understanding University and College policies and for completing all degree requirements rests with the student. Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed.
| Recommended Academic Plans |
By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their education goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role (Policy 32-30).
An adviser's signature is required on student action forms such as course substitution or independent learning, but it does not imply automatic approval. Advisers understand and can explain degree requirements in the major in which they are advising. They also are familiar with the requirements for other programs within the College.
The University provides an online Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin, which includes course descriptions.
The College provides an academic integrity policy, a form to document cases of academic dishonesty and a general outline of graduation requirements.
Advisers can assist students in building skills for their academic success and in referring them to appropriate campus resources. If a student's academic performance is unsatisfactory, he or she should discuss its implications with an adviser. Advisers can offer guidance in developing career goals.In consultation with the adviser, each student should develop an academic plan which will maintain normal progress and assure an appropriate sequencing of courses.
The Academic Services Office, as designated by the dean, holds the responsibility for certifying students for graduation. To assure that requirements are being satisfied in a timely fashion, students should review their academic audit on a regular basis.
Major Information (program descriptions and major checksheets)
- Advertising/Public Relations -- Checksheet
- Film-Video -- Checksheet
- Journalism -- Checksheet
- Media Studies -- Checksheet
- Telecommunications -- Checksheet
Minor Information
Where to go for advising services—freshmen and sophomores
The professional advising staff in the Office of Academic Services, located in 204 Carnegie Building, provides advising to all students. Students enrolled in the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) who are interested in a communications major can explore that major with their assigned DUS adviser. The advising staff provides academic information about college and university programs, and assists students in curricular decisions and course scheduling. They also serve as an important source for referral to other university services. Students have access to an adviser through appointment, walk-in, email, and telephone consultation, as well as more structured information programs and activities.
Where to go for advising services—juniors and seniors
Juniors and Seniors who have been accepted into one of the five majors in the college are assigned a faculty adviser in their academic major. Students should meet with their faculty adviser immediately after the assignment is made. If an adviser's office hours are incompatible with the student's schedule, the student can make an appointment for another time. Office hours are posted outside the faculty member's office. Students may also be able to consult with their adviser by e-mail. Juniors and seniors also may meet with the professional advising staff in 204 Carnegie Building.
Student Access Account
Every student who registers for one or more credits in the university is assigned an Access Account. The Access Account is an assigned user ID and password combination that enables a person to use Information Technology Services (ITS) computer labs, send and receive email, connect to Internet and access bulletin boards. To receive your Access Account, please visit the ITS Accounts staff located at 204 Wagner Building.
