• About the Department
• Choosing Communication
• Undergraduate Programs

  • How to Apply or Declare
  • Course Descriptions
  • Advising in the Department of Communication
  • Major/Minor Requirements
  • Planning Your Academic Career
  • Working with Your COMM Advisor
• Graduate Program
• Student Resources
• Student Opportunities
• National Advisory Council
• Martin Center
• Give to the Department
• Contact Us

Upon successful declaration of a major or minor in Communication at the College of Charleston, the student will receive a confirmation email with details including the name of their assigned Department of Communication faculty advisor. The relationship between a student and their advisor is one of the most critical to a student’s success. Please review the following resources intended to help you make the most of your advising relationship and ensure academic success.

(If you have not yet declared in COMM and would like to, please visit How to Apply or Declare for detailed instructions.)

WE EXPECT OUR MAJORS TO:

• Schedule an advising meeting at least once per academic year
• Make an appointment before your registration period begins 
• Allow time to schedule an advising appointment (i.e. do not wait until the last minute when your needs become an emergency)
• Arrive on time for advising meetings
• Call/email if you need to cancel the appointment
• Use and check your College of Charleston email account for all advising purposes
• Review your Degree Works audit before meeting to prepare any questions (MyPortal)
• Review requirements for the major before the meeting
• Consider courses you are most interested in taking
• Review Planning Your Academic Career link 

YOUR ADVISOR CAN:

• Discuss progress toward graduation
• Provide advice on communication and general education courses
• Recommend minor programs to complement academic and career interests
• Offer guidance on professional careers and graduate school opportunities
• Suggest best practices for academic success
• Encourage involvement in professional development and extracurricular activities
• Review professional materials (i.e. resumes and cover letters)
• Write letters of recommendation when appropriate
• Provide information on important dates and deadlines relevant to communication majors/minors
• Respond to student inquiries in a timely manner

YOUR ADVISOR IS NOT ABLE TO: 

• Register you for classes
• Approve transfer courses
• Apply for graduation
• Override course enrollment
• Supervise the internship enrollment process
• Change your advising assignment
• Discuss your academic record via email or telephone
• Supply official college transcripts
• Address your specific financial aid situation
• Review scholarship eligibility requirements
• Provide suggestions/advice for other degree programs
• Provide course-specific information about study abroad programs

Get in touch with your assigned advisor if you have questions about this process. Refer to DegreeWorks on MyCharleston to lookup your individual advisor. Please contact Dr. Lynn Cherry (cherryl@cofc.edu), Associate Chair of the Department of Communication, with advising issues that require immediate assistance.  

If you have questions or concerns about the quality of your advising, please contact Dr. Ryan Milner (milnerrm@cofc.edu), Chair of the Department of Communication.