Undergraduate Advising at SoCJ
What We Do
Academic advisors in the School of Communication and Journalism, along with the support of staff from Stony Brook's Academic and Transfer Advising Services, are committed to the success of our students.
Our mission is to empower undergraduate students by providing information that helps students make informed decisions about their academic journey and curricular opportunities.
Reaching out to an advisor as soon as possible is always your best bet. You should make it a point to see an advisor at least once a semester before your registration date.
Whether you're selecting courses for next semester, mapping your broader academic career, or considering changes to your major, minor or concentration, your advisor can help.
You should also connect with an advisor if you're thinking about dropping a class, using the G/P/NC option or withdrawing from courses in your major. Beyond academics, advisors can help you explore career paths and consider classes that will support a future profession. And if you're facing major academic, personal, family, or medical issues, including Academic Judiciary proceedings, your advisor is an important resource and advocate during challenging times.
Keep in mind that required, elective and concentration courses for your major or minor, as well as courses fulfilling SBCs, must be completed with a final grade of C or higher. Never select the G/P/NC option without consulting an advisor.
You should also note that JRN 106, JRN 208 and JRN 305 run as COM 106, COM 208 and COM 305, respectively. If you notice these courses listed with the JRN designator in your Degree Works, please fill out the Advising Inquiry form for a correction. Finally, COM 415: Data Analysis and Storytelling is no longer required for journalism majors, though it may still be taken as an elective. Otherwise, you must take a third elective.
Additional advising support
The Department of Communication and the Department of Journalism work closely with Stony Brook’s Academic Transfer and Advising Services (ATAS) to ensure a seamless advising experience from admission to graduation.
In addition to our undergraduate program director, we also have a designated ATAS advisor, Meghan Sweeney, who works directly with our majors and minors.
Irene Virag brings years of experience in advising undergraduate students at Stony Brook. She is also an assistant professor of practice at SoCJ.
Irene’s helpful tips for students:
- Beware of the G/P/NC option. Always check with an advisor first. Even if you earn a passing “P” grade in a major or minor course, you’ll have to repeat it. No exceptions. Only A-C grades count.
- If you see a discrepancy in Degree Works, please submit an inquiry form so we can correct it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may end up taking a course you don’t need.
- If you’re a graduating senior, request a major course audit no later than the first two weeks of your final semester – before the end of the drop/add period. That way, there’s still time to make schedule adjustments or fix any problems.
- You can keep track of your own path to graduation with our major/minor checklists. Click here to find yours.
UNDERGRADUATE Program Director
Irene Virag
Advising Information for Transfer Students
Only transfer courses that have been reviewed and approved by the university can be evaluated for credit in your major or minor. You will see these courses listed in Degree Works as JRN 1XX.
To find out if your courses qualify or to submit a course for evaluation, please visit the Academic Transfer and Advising Services (ATAS) Transfer Credit Information page.
Advising Questions
Please submit your advising and/or registration inquiry below before scheduling an appointment. Please note that not all inquiries require an advising appointment and may be handled via email. An advising team member will follow up with you about next steps.
Complete the Advising Inquiry Form
Advising Appointments
Should you require an in-person or virtual advising appointment, sessions with flexible meeting days and times are available through Navigate. Drop-in sessions are also available during the fall and spring semesters at the School of Communication and Journalism Student Services Center located on the fourth floor of the Melville Library, Suite N4016. Drop in hours vary by semester.