College of Communication

I am an incoming first-year or transfer student, who’s my academic advisor?

You will be assigned an academic advisor during summer 2024. You can expect to receive an email in mid-to-late May with guidance and information about when and how to register for fall 2024 classes. Registration for fall 2024 classes will open for transfer students on Thurs. June 13, 2024 and will open for first-years on Mon. June 17, 2024. To learn more, visit COM Undergraduate Affairs.

I am currently enrolled in classes at BU, who’s my academic advisor?

Students have an assigned professional advisor, whose name appears on the MyBU Student Portal. In addition, students may meet with any of the professional advisors in the Undergraduate Affairs office (Email / Website). All COM undergraduate students with a formally declared major are also assigned a faculty mentor. That person’s name will be listed on the Student Portal under the “Academic Advising” link in “Academics.”

Who advises on degree and major requirements?

Professional advisors in the Undergraduate Affairs office (Email / Website) advise students on degree requirements and major requirements. In addition, students are assigned a faculty mentor who can advise on major requirements. Students can arrange to meet with a professional advisor by scheduling an appointment via Handshake, emailing comugrad@bu.edu, or calling 617-353-3471.

Who advises on Hub requirements?

Professional advisors in the Undergraduate Affairs office advise students on Hub requirements. Students can arrange to meet with a professional advisor by scheduling an appointment via Handshake, emailing comugrad@bu.edu, or calling 617-353-3471.

How do I get in touch with COM Undergraduate Affairs?

COM Undergraduate Affairs Academic Advisors will be available to meet in-person or via Zoom, and you can make an advising appointment via Handshake. COM Undergraduate Affairs is located in the College of Communication, 640 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 123. You can reach the office by phone at 617-353-3471 Monday to Friday from 9 to 5. For quick questions, email comugrad@bu.edu, your assigned advisor, or any advisor with whom you are comfortable speaking.

How do I make an appointment with my advisor?

Schedule an appointment through Handshake.

How do I declare a major?

Many COM students arrive at BU with a declared major. Students who are in COM, but undeclared usually declare their major the second semester of their first year. Undergraduate Affairs professional advisors are available to meet with each first-year student to discuss major requirements and review necessary coursework. COM has a Major Declaration Form available on the Forms page. Students can arrange to meet with a professional advisor by scheduling an appointment via Handshake, emailing comugrad@bu.edu, or calling 617-353-3471.

How do I change majors within COM?

A student interested in changing majors within COM should meet with a professional advisor in the Undergraduate Affairs office. Students can arrange to meet with a professional advisor by scheduling an appointment via Handshake, emailing comugrad@bu.edu, or calling 617-353-3471. Students changing their COM major may resubmit our Major Declaration Form available on the Forms page.

How do I apply for an Intra-University Transfer (IUT) into COM?

For policies regarding IUT into COM, please consult the Boston University Bulletin. Students interested in transferring into COM should review the IUT Fact Sheet on the Forms page and reach out to COM Undergraduate Affairs by emailing comugrad@bu.edu or calling 617-353-3471.

Who supports first-year students?

In addition to all of the faculty, advisors in the schools and colleges, residence life staff, and other students services staff across campus, BU has a team of Assistant Directors of First-Year Student Success (AD) whose sole purpose is to support first-year students as they transition to college. Courtney Ianiro is the AD for first-years who start at the College of Communication – you can find their name on your MyBU Student Portal under “Academic Advisors.” ADs provide guidance on a broad range of topics and help first-year students connect with the BU community – you should feel free to reach out to them with any and all questions!

If I have a question about a specific topic, where do I go?

Often you will have more than one possible source of information about a specific topic. And sometimes, if the topic is complex, you will be encouraged to consult with multiple people. The chart below gives you a starting place for common advising topics.