Mass Communications Change of Advisor Request
Your advisor is one of the most important professional relationships you will have at VSU. Effective advising depends on clear communication, mutual respect, and an advisor who understands your academic and career goals. In most cases, challenges in the advising relationship can be resolved through direct conversation. If you have not already done so, try addressing your concerns with your current advisor before requesting a formal change.
That said, there are legitimate circumstances in which a new advisor assignment better serves your needs. The Change of Advisor Request process gives you a formal path to request reassignment when a change is genuinely in your best academic interest.
When a Change of Advisor May Be Appropriate
Valid reasons for requesting a change of advisor include situations where you have been consistently unable to reach or meet with your advisor despite multiple good-faith attempts, where your academic needs have shifted in ways that require specialized expertise your current advisor cannot provide, where you have experienced a change of major and need an advisor with expertise in your new program, or where there is a documented and unresolvable conflict that prevents productive communication.
Requesting a change of advisor because of a single missed appointment or a disagreement about course selection is generally not sufficient grounds for reassignment. The department encourages students to work through routine challenges with their current advisor and to use the advising office as a resource for mediation if needed.
How to Request a Change of Advisor
To request a change of advisor, complete the Change of Advisor Request form and submit it through the appropriate office. The process works as follows:
- Complete the form. The form asks for your name and student ID, your current advisor's name, your requested reason for the change, and, if applicable, a preferred new advisor.
- Provide a brief justification. The form requires you to explain why you are requesting the change. Be clear, specific, and professional in your Vague or general complaints are less likely to result in approval than specific, documented concerns.
- Submit the Return the completed form to the . The request is reviewed by the department chair and/or assigned personnel in the Mass Communications Department.
- Await notification. You will be notified of the decision and, if approved, provided information about your new advisor
What to Expect After Submission
Advisor changes typically take effect the following semester, though the timing may vary depending on departmental staffing and advisor availability. Advisor assignments are made based on academic fit, departmental expertise, and advisor caseload, so you may not be assigned to a specific advisor you have requested.
Once your new advisor is assigned, schedule an introductory meeting to share your academic history, degree progress, and goals. Bring your degree audit and any relevant academic planning documents to this meeting so your new advisor can quickly get up to speed on your situation. You may have your new advisor to review your progress by logging into the Mass Communications Advising Website.
Maintaining Professional Relationships
Whether your change of advisor request is approved or not, maintaining professional and respectful relationships with faculty and staff in your department matters. VSU is a community, and the faculty and advisors you work with are part of the professional network you are building. Even if a change is warranted, approach the process thoughtfully and communicate with care. To change your advisor download the Change of Advisor Form on the Mass Communications Advising Website to begin this process as soon as possible to seek approval to do so.
For more information Contact:
Chair of the Mass Communications Department (804) 524-5000