Advising and Other FAQ's

General Education FAQ's

Q: I understand that beginning in Fall 2009 there are new general education requirements. Is this true?

A: Yes, there are new GER requirements, but they affect only those students who matriculate during Fall 2009 or later. Transfer students may use the new requirements, but are not required to do so.

Q: Are there courses that serve as "double dippers" for General Education?

A. Yes, there are many courses which count for two, and sometimes 3 General Education credits. These are what we call "double dippers."

Q: Can I graduate in COMM with a D or F in any of my major courses?

A: No! Beginning in Autumn 2005, only UM and transfer courses graded C- or above count toward GER's and major requirements, except ENEX 101 and courses meeting the Math requirement must be graded a C (2.0) or higher.

Class Schedules

Q: What courses will be offered during the 2009-10 academic year?

A: We have a number of online and face to face classes offered. See the attached schedule for classes offered.

Q: At what days and times will courses for 2009-2010 be taught?

A: See the schedule grid, for Spring semester 2010 classes.

Q: When will the summer 2010 schedule of classes be posted? 

A: The summer 2010 schedule is available here.

Online Courses

Q: Does the department offer online courses?

A:  Yes, we offer online courses every semester as well as during the summer semester.  To see a list of proposed online courses, click here for courses offered during the regular academic year, Wintersession and during Summer Semester.

Q: I've never taken an online course before.  What can I expect?  Check out the Extended Learning Services website for more information on registration, what to expect in an online course, etc.

Common Course Numbering

Q: Many courses have new numbers and prefixes beginning this fall. Is that true?

A: Yes. To ease transferability, faculty from across the state have been meeting to review what courses transfer from institution to institution. A list of the common course numbers is posted here and on the Common Course Numbering website.

Q: Will COMM course numbers and the prefix change?

A: Yes, but not until Fall 2010. A tentative working list can can be found by clicking here. The likely prefix will be COMU.

Graduation Applications

Q: When are graduation applications for spring 2010 due?

A. They are due in the COMM Department no later than Monday, September 28, 2009. Make sure that you bring your application, a transcript and a completed checksheet to the office by that day. Your application will not be reviewed unless you have submitted all three.  Once the chair reviews your application, you will be contacted and asked to bring it to Griz Central no later than October 5, 2009.

Q: Why are so many graduation applications turned back from the COMM department chair?

A: They are turned back because they are incomplete. It is imperative that you specify which catalogue you are using for your major requirements. Moreover, once you pick a catalogue, make sure that the classes you have selected are the same as the courses offered in that particular catalogue.

Q: Can I see someone to assist me with completing my application?

A: Yes. We will have a meeting for all graduating seniors on Wednesday, September 16 at 5:00 p.m. in LA 302 to discuss how to fill out graduation papers.  Students who missed this meeting are encouraged to see their advisors with questions.

I'd Like a Letter of Recommendation

Our faculty are happy to write letters of recommendation with advance notice. We typically need two weeks to write a letter. Please read the attached "So, You Want a Letter of Recommendation?" and follow the steps outlined.