Click below to schedule an appointment. Please indicate your preferred format (in person, virtual or phone) to host the advising session and specify the purpose of the meeting under the notes section. This will help us prepare and serve you better.

• SOC students with last names A-G will be regularly advised by Kylie Stigler (kstigler@american.edu).
• SOC students with last names H-M will be regularly advised by Julio Reyes (julior@american.edu).
• SOC students with last names N-Z will be regularly advised by Jesse Nelson (jesse@american.edu).

Book an Appointment

Drop-in hours will be paused during the summer semester and will resume on August 29th at the beginning of the Fall 2023 semester. To book an appointment, please visit us at on YouCanBookMe.

SOC UNDERGRADUATE ADVISING SYLLABUS

What is Academic Advising?
The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) defines academic advising as a process which includes intentional interactions between a student and an academic advisor centered on student learning outcomes designed to encourage the student’s self-efficacy and development of meaningful educational and professional goals.

Academic Advising in the School of Communication
The School of Communication (SOC) uses an Appreciative Advising approach. This approach is built upon the framework of partnership where both the advisor and student collectively work to build a positive relationship where they get to know each other and explore interests and goals. It includes asking open-ended questions, developing short-term and long-term plans, monitoring academic progress, and empowering students to take ownership of their education. We find that this holistic, student-centered approach really works and we are truly invested in partnering with students to achieve academic and personal success.

Student Learning Outcomes
Through the academic advising process SOC students are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Assess their personal and professional interests
• Assess their academic abilities
• Create an academic plan that fulfills all University and program requirements
• Develop specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and timely (SMART) goals
• Identify and utilize appropriate campus resources as needed

Expectations
What Students can expect of Academic Advisors:

• Understand curriculum, policy
• Referrals to campus resources
• Help monitoring degree progress
• Respond to emails in a timely manner
• Be available and prepared for appointments
• Maintain confidentiality

What Academic Advisors expect of Students:

• Knowledge of curriculum, policy
• Make use of campus resources
• Keep track of their own degree progress
• Keep a record of communications
• Maintain an updated graduation plan
• Communicate directly with family members about academic record

Milestones and Touch Points to Remember
The is intended to serve as a guide that is by no means an exhaustive list, which may need to be adjusted to your student’s individual circumstances

First Year Students:

• Students work with First-Year Advisors
• Go to class early and stay after to visit with professor and classmates
• Get involved in campus organizations
• Develop good time-management and school-life balance strategies
• Continue to learn to problem solve and advocate for self 
• Access campus resources for help when needed
• Make new friends
• Get adjusted to college life
• Visit faculty office hours to start building connections
• Attend SOC events to build network

Sophomores:

• Declare a major – fall semester
• Declare a minor or second major – spring semester
• Meet with SOC academic advisor

• Continue to learn to problem solve and advocate for self 

• Create a graduation plan with advisor
• Consult AU Abroad about study abroad planning
• Visit the Career Center for help with resume and career planning advice

Juniors:

• Many (not all) students will study abroad for at least 1 semester
• Work with the Career Center to find an internship or summer job
• Declare a minor or second major
• Consider Bachelor’s/Master’s program or graduate school
• Think about applying for national and international awards
• Meet with advisor to plan for senior year/completion of degree requirements
• Attend SOC events to build networks

Seniors:

• Finalize graduation plan to ensure timely degree completion
• Apply for graduation
• Use Career Center resources to apply for jobs
• Participate in Fall or Spring Commencement Ceremony
• Attend SOC events to build network
• Maintain connections with faculty beyond graduation
• Join the Alumni Association to stay engaged with the AU community

Campus Resources
*Academic Support & Access Center (https://www.american.edu/provost/academic-access/) – ASAC supports the academic development and educational goals of all American University students. They provide a variety of tutoring and accommodation support services.

American University Library (https://www.american.edu/library/) – In addition to meeting with a librarian, the Library offers a variety of classes, workshops, tutorials, and technological support to provide students with assistance with their research projects.

Career Center (https://www.american.edu/careercenter/) – The Career Center supports students in finding internships and careers during and after their time at AU.

Center for Diversity and Inclusion (https://www.american.edu/ocl/cdi/index.cfm) – CDI works to advance American University’s commitment to respecting and valuing diversity by serving as a resource and liaison for students, staff, and faculty on issues of equity through education, outreach and advocacy.

*Counseling Center (https://www.american.edu/ocl/counseling/) – The Counseling Center provides free and confidential clinical services to support students in their intellectual, emotional, and social development.

*Dean of Students (https://www.american.edu/ocl/dos/) – The Dean of Students supports students in cases where personal difficulties such as hospitalization, injury, extended illness, family problems or mental health concerns are affecting academic progress.

Kay Spiritual Life Center (https://www.american.edu/ocl/kay/) – Kay is the University’s “house of prayer for all people” and is home to more than two dozen religious communities.

Mathematics & Statistics Tutoring Lab (https://www.american.edu/provost/academic-access/mathstat.cfm) – The Mathematics & Statistics Lab provides students with either drop-in hours or tutoring appointments on several mathematics or statistics courses offered at the University.

Office of Campus Life (https://www.american.edu/ocl/) – The Office of Campus Life is home to student-focused departments that provide key services and support around life at AU.

Writing Center (https://www.american.edu/provost/academic-access/writing-center.cfm) – The Writing Center provides students with free consultations where they can share their draft and get feedback about their writing.

*These offices may require the student’s written permission to share information about a student’s contact with the office or academic record.