Undergraduate FAQs

Q. How can I join the Comm major?

A. All students in good academic standing are welcome to join the Comm major. Interested students are encouraged to take at least one 100-level intro course prior to joining the major in order to better understand the content of the major. All interested students must meet with a Peer Advisor to declare the major.  The Peer Advising office is located in the ILC, room N323.

Q. Who do I see for questions about joining the major?

A. All interested students are encouraged to meet with a Comm Peer Advisor for information about joining the major. Students not in good academic standing or students with concerns they would like to discuss individually are encouraged to meet with DUA Marianne Neal-Joyce.

Q. What prerequisites do I need to join the major?

A. Students do not need to complete any prerequisites before joining the major. However, all interested students are encouraged to take at least one 100-level intro course in order to become familiar with the content of the major.

Q. How do I know when I'm in the major?

A. After declaring the major, staff will process the change in SPIRE within 3 days.

Q. Who is my advisor?

A. Your advisor’s name and contact information can be found at the bottom right-hand corner of your SPIRE Student Center page.

Q. How can I meet with my advisor?

A. To see your advisor, please make an appointment on Navigate.

Q. How can my advisor help me?

A. Professional advisors can help you with course selection, checking your progress toward fulfilling major requirements, exploring academic and career opportunities, sponsoring an internship, and providing referrals to other campus offices. Professional advisors can also help with study abroad, domestic exchange, and transfer credits.

Q. Can I use Communication courses to fulfill the General Education requirement?

A. You can count one course toward both your Gen Ed and major requirements.

Q. How can I check on my progress toward graduation?

A. Meet with your advisor to review your Academic Requirements Report (SPIRE), or drop by the Comm Undergraduate Advising Office, N323 ILC, to meet with a peer advisor. Either one can help you determine which requirements you still need to fulfill and then help you plan your courses.

Q. How do I get an internship?

A. You can find an internship on your own, browse opportunities on Handshake, or find highlighted positions in the weekly Comm Connection newsletter.

Q. Can I get Communication credit for an internship?

A. Internship credits can count toward the overall 120 university credits you need to graduate, but not toward your Comm credits. Sorry, no exceptions.

Q. Can I minor in Communication?

A. The Communication department does not offer a minor in Communication.

Q. What do peer advisors do?

A. Peer advisors are departmental leaders trained in advising, helping skills, and the requirements and opportunities available in the department and across campus.

Q. How can I become a peer advisor?

A. Peer advisors are selected each spring for the next fall through an application and interview process.  All rising Junior and Senior Comm majors are eligible to apply.

Q. Can I work on my Communication requirements while studying abroad or on domestic exchange?

A. With prior approval, some courses taken while studying abroad or on domestic exchange can fulfill Comm requirements. To get an answer about a particular course, make an appointment with one of the professional advisors through Navigate.