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 printable form to document cases of academic dishonesty and a general outline of graduation requirements.

Details of the Sophomore Entrance to Major Policy in the College and printable checksheets of major requirements in the College of Communications are available online here: Advertising/Public Relations, Film-Video, Journalism (Prior to Fall '07), Journalism (Effective Fall '07), Media Studies, Telecommunications.

To download the academic integrity policy and major checksheets, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not currently have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please click on the Get Acrobat icon, which will take you to the Adobe site to obtain the free software.

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.

Where to go for advising services—freshmen and sophomores.
The professional advising staff in the Academic Services Office in 204 Carnegie Building, advises first-year students and sophomores who have been accepted into Communications. Students enrolled in the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) who are interested in a communications major can meet with the DUS Coordinator located in the Grange Building. 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 advisor 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 Center for Academic Computing (CAC) computer labs, send and receive email, connect to Internet and access bulletin boards. To receive your Access Account, please visit the CAC staff located at 12 Willard Building.

Students await the start of commencement exercises.

Advising Office

Located in Carnegie Building, the advising office helps students with everything from freshman scheduling to the senior "check out" process. The staff of five advisers comprises:

Jamey Perry, jrp5@psu.edu
Director of Academic Services

Melissa Hughes, mjg124@psu.edu

Kevin Leddy, ktl2@psu.edu

Penny Repsher, psr4@psu.edu

Debra Thurley, djd116@psu.edu

Their offices are located at
204 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802-5101
Phone: (814) 865-1503

Walk-In Advising Hours
M-F, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
T, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.