Graduate Advising

In the COM graduate program, you have many faculty and staff who will assist you as you navigate the program. One important person is your Academic Advisor for the program, Elizabeth Chupp.

In the School of Communication, academic advising is an essential part of the educational process. While your thesis or master’s project Committee Chair serves in many capacities, including overseeing your final project, giving guidance on what types of courses to take in the program, and mentoring you in the program, your Academic Advisor will be the one who will help you with final course selection and registration. She will provide resources and give guidance and support to you as you explore, define and develop your educational plans to achieve your academic goals. You will work directly with Elizabeth as you make decisions about which courses to take to fulfill your requirements in the graduate program. She will provide guidance to help you stay on track for timely graduation and assist you through the registration and enrollment process. You are encouraged to meet with Elizabeth once per semester to ensure timely progress towards graduation. Keep reading for more information regarding advising appointments, virtual drop-in hours, and more.

Advising Appointments

You have the option to schedule one-on-one appointments with Elizabeth in an in-person or virtual format. One-on-one appointments are designed for students who have complex questions that require more thorough discussion and planning.

In-Person Advising Appointments:

You can schedule one-on-one appointments to meet in-person. To schedule an appointment, click on the button in Elizabeth’s profile below and select the “in-person appointment” option when scheduling. Prior to your appointment, you will receive an email confirmation with notes for your appointment, as well as a reminder of the protocols (see below). You will have the option to change your meeting preference as needed.

In-Person Advising Appointment Protocols:

For all in-person advising appointments, the following protocols will be in place:

  • Illness & Symptoms: If you are sick or displaying any symptoms (such as fever, cough, sore throat, etc.), you should not come to your advisor’s office. It is imperative that you contain your germs and do not share them with your peers, your instructors or your advisor.
    • In the case of illness, Elizabeth will still be happy to meet with you virtually. Simply email her and she will send you a Zoom link to connect on the same day/time as your scheduled appointment. (Please see below for information regarding virtual advising appointments.) You may also reschedule for an in-person appointment if you prefer.
    • If you arrive to your appointment and are displaying symptoms, she reserves the right to cancel.
  • Mobile Check-in: When you arrive for your appointment, please check-in using the link provided in your confirmation email or by scanning the QR code outside the Communication main office on the 4th floor of Fell Hall. After checking-in, please have a seat in the hallway outside the Communication main office and Elizabeth will come greet you for your appointment.
  • Electronic Advising Forms: Elizabeth will use electronic advising forms to facilitate appointments and planning. You will receive a copy of your electronic advising form prior to your appointment. You are encouraged to bring a copy to your appointment or view it on your personal device during the meeting. An updated copy of the notes from your appointment will be uploaded to your Advising Notes in your student portal.

Virtual Advising Appointments:

You can schedule one-on-one appointments to meet virtually via Zoom. To schedule an appointment, click on the button in Elizabeth’s profile below and select the “virtual appointment” option when scheduling.

Prior to your scheduled appointment, you will receive an email with a link to the Zoom virtual meeting space, as well as notes for your appointment. You can “check-in” for your virtual appointment by clicking on the Zoom link from Elizabeth and entering the waiting room. She will bring you into the Zoom meeting space at the time of your appointment.

Elizabeth will use screen sharing to allow you to view your electronic advising form during the appointment and facilitate discussion. An updated copy of the notes from your appointment will be uploaded to your Advising Notes in your student portal.

Virtual Advising Appointment Protocols:

For all virtual advising appointments, you must follow the protocols below for appropriate Zoom etiquette. Elizabeth reserves the right to end a virtual session at any time if proper Zoom protocols are violated.

  • Be on time. Test your technology in advance to make sure everything is working.
  • Proper attire must be worn at all times.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and background. Consider using a virtual background if needed.
  • Stay attentive. Don’t multitask on your phone or other devices.
  • Designate a quiet, private space for your appointments. Use headphones if needed for privacy.
  • Others should not be present during your appointment without a signed FERPA waiver on file with the Registrar’s Office (this includes your parents/guardians).
  • Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor.

Drop-In Hours (Virtual)

Elizabeth will have a designated time during the week for virtual drop-in hours (please see details below in her profile). Drop-in hours are designed for students who have questions that can be answered relatively quickly. At any time during drop-in hours, you may be asked to schedule a one-on-one follow up appointment to address more complex questions.

Drop-in hours will be facilitated virtually via Zoom; no in-person drop-in hours will be offered. Offering drop-in hours virtually allows greater accessibility for students to pop into drop-in hours from wherever they are (on- or off-campus) on any device. You will meet with Elizabeth on a first come, first served basis. Upon joining the Zoom meeting, you will enter the waiting room and will be admitted when she is available. You must remain in the waiting room to keep your spot. Please be attentive and remain by your device. The Zoom meeting will end at the posted time. If you were unable to meet with Elizabeth during the designated drop-in hours, you are encouraged to participate in the next available drop-in session. The virtual advising protocols apply to drop-in hours as well.

Drop-in hours follow the academic calendar and will be held starting the first week of classes through the last week of classes. Please note: Drop-in hours will not be held during finals week, on holidays or University closures, or during summer months.

Advising & Registration Resources:

Below are some resources you can use to assist with the course planning and registration process. This section will be updated as new resources become available. You are also encouraged to view the resources posted on the Graduate Student ReggieNet site.

Elizabeth Chupp M.S.

Director of Advisement

Advises:

Graduate Students

Email:

Virtual Drop In Hours

TBA

Dr. Aimee Miller-Ott

Graduate Coordinator

Advises:

Graduate Students

Email:

Virtual Drop In Hours

TBA