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Advising

Student Resources

Advising sessions are an opportunity for students to be proactive in raising the key issues related to their progress toward graduation and their preparation for what their next step(s) might be.

Advising Resources

Since a student's situation and questions may be unique, their advisor does not necessarily know which specific issues they may need to address. Navigate through our Advising section based on your needs and keep a record of what you would like to discuss with your advisor. Don't forget to check out the Helpful Links section below which is loaded with information essential to your progress in the Communication Studies program.

If you would like to change your major, follow the   How to Change My Major Steps.

NOTICE: Check out our Helpful Links section to find more materials so you can be prepared for your advising session!

PCOM Advising

Advising sessions for pre-registration are generally as follows:

  • Spring pre-registration: mid to late October
  • Summer and Fall pre-registration: end of March to early April

The Department of COM Studies believes that advising should be a collaboration between students and advisors that exemplifies civility and respect. PCOM students should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and responsibility in preparation for their advising session. In return, advisors are committed to providing informed guidance and advice about university and department policies and procedures to help students achieve their academic goals in a timely manner. Each student has different needs, and we are committed to ensuring that students are given the opportunity to meet with an experienced and knowledgeable academic advisor. The advising policies and procedures help ensure that advising sessions are an effective and efficient investment of time for both student and faculty.

PCOM Advisors

Tammy Bulger
bulgert@uncw.edu
(910) 962-7144
Leutze Hall #239

David Bollinger
bollingerd@uncw.edu 
(910) 962-7591
Leutze Hall #241

David Pernell
pernelld@uncw.edu 
(910) 962-7526
Leutze Hall #242

Chris Stuart
stuartc@uncw.edu 
(910) 962-0623
Leutze Hall #238

 

Declared Interest in COM

Students must declare PCOM (pre-communication studies) to begin their journey through the Communication Studies Department. If you have earned a B or better in COM 105 follow the instructions below to declare PCOM as your major. If you are currently taking COM 105 follow the instructions below to declare PCOM the last two weeks of the semester, the declaration will be reviewed and approved after exams.

  • Log into mySeaport,
  • Click on the Academics Tab at the top of the screen,
  • Click on the Major Declaration/Curricular Changes link (located under Student Services),
  • Read and Follow Instructions
  • Use drop down menus to change status from current major to PCOM.
  • Click "Declare Major" to save and finalize the request.

Currently Enrolled In COM 200?

If you are currently enrolled in COM 200 you cannot pre-register for most classes restricted to COM (communication studies) Majors only. COM 301 Rhetorical Theory and COM 305 Communication Theory are typically coded to allow students sitting in COM 200 to pre-register for them. However, if you do not earn the B or better in COM 200 you will be dropped from the course.

COM 301 Rhetorical Theory and COM 305 Communication Theory are typically coded to allow students sitting in COM 200 to pre-register for them. However, if you do not earn the B or better in COM 200 you will be dropped from the course. 

After earning a B or better in COM 200 you will receive instructions on how to become a COM Major. Once you follow those instructions, you can then explore revising your course schedule if needed.    

COM Majors

Advising sessions for pre-registration are generally as follows:

  • Spring pre-registration: late October
  • Summer and Fall pre-registration: end of March - early April

Advising is a collaboration between students and advisors characterized by civility and respect. COM students should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and responsibility in preparation for their advising session. In return, advisors are committed to providing informed guidance that is accurate and timely and will help students achieve their academic goals. Each student has different needs, and we are committed to ensuring that students are given the opportunity to meet with an experienced and knowledgeable academic advisor. 

It is imperative that you prepare fully for your advising.  Whether by email, Zoom or face to face, you must still prepare by doing the following: 

  1. Reviewing your current degree audit 
  2. Reflecting on and completing the advising worksheet 
  3. Review courses being offered in Seanet 
  4. Propose a realistic schedule with several alternatives 

General Questions You'll be Asked at Each Session

  • When are you planning to graduate? (Have you filled out an application?)
  • Do you have a sense of what you want to do next after graduation?
  • Do the courses you plan to take this semester and future semesters address your personal (who do I want to be) and professional (what do I want to do) goals?
  • What else are you involved in to make your college experience all it can be at UNCW?

Topics You May Want to Ask Your Advisor About

  • Internships
  • International/Study Abroad Experiences
  • Clubs and Organizations
  • Minors that fit well with COM
  • Directed Individual Studies
  • Honors work in COM
  • Graduate School
  • Plans for after graduation

Helpful Links

PCOM Links

COM Links

Professional COM Associations

Student Handbook

The Student Handbook was designed for students currently taking COM 105 to help them navigate their way through the major successfully, however it is also a resourceful tool for those who have already completed COM 105.
COM Student Handbook