Mass Communications Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find quick answers to the most common questions about academic advising, registration, degree requirements, and university policies. This FAQ section addresses frequent student concerns and provides clear, concise guidance. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please schedule an appointment with your advisor.
Advising and Registration
How do I find out who my advisor is?
Your assigned advisor information is available under 'Who is My Advisor,' on this website. You can also contact the Department of Mass Communications located on the first floor of the New Harris Hall Building to confirm your advisor assignment. First-year students and undeclared students work with advisors in the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), while declared majors are assigned faculty advisors within their departments.
When should I meet with my advisor?
You should meet with your advisor at least once per semester before registration opens. Many students benefit from additional meetings when facing academic challenges, considering major changes, planning internships, or preparing for graduation. Schedule appointments early, especially during peak advising periods before registration.
How do I register for classes?
Course registration is completed online through your student portal. Meet with your Faculty Advisor, Review Your Audit Plan, Build your schedule, and Complete registration through the portal. Contact the Registrar's Office if you encounter technical difficulties.
What do I do if a class I need is full?
If a required course is full, check if a waitlist is available or contact the department offering the course to inquire about overrides. Discuss alternative courses or scheduling options with your advisor. Sometimes seats become available as students adjust their schedules during the add/drop period. Please adhere to any and all deadlines pertaining to registration.
Can I register for a course if I haven't completed the prerequisite?
No, you must complete all prerequisite courses before registering for courses that require them. The registration system will prevent you from enrolling in courses for which you haven't met prerequisites. If you believe you have equivalent coursework or experience, discuss a prerequisite override with the department chair, but approvals are rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances.
Degree Requirements and Academic Planning
What GPA do I need to graduate?
You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate from VSU. Some majors or programs may require a higher GPA for graduation. Check with your advisor and review your program requirements for specific GPA expectations in your major coursework.
How do I know what courses I still need to take?
Review your degree audit in your student portal or on the department's advising website to see completed requirements and outstanding needs. Your degree audit shows general education requirements, major requirements, and elective needs. Meet with your Faculty advisor to develop a semester-by-semester plan for completing remaining coursework.
Can I take courses outside my major?
Yes, you can take elective courses outside your major to explore other interests, complete a minor, or fulfill general education requirements in areas that interest you. Discuss elective options with your advisor to ensure they fit within your overall degree plan and credit hour requirements.
What if I fail a required course?
If you fail a required course, you must retake it and earn a passing grade. The new grade will replace the failed grade in your GPA calculation, but both grades remain on your transcript. Plan to retake failed courses as soon as possible, as they may be prerequisites for other required courses. Discuss strategies for success and available support resources with your advisor.
How do I change my major?
To change your major, complete a Change of Major form available through the Registrar's Office. You'll need approval from your current department's advisor and/or chair, the new department, and your academic dean. Meet with an advisor in the new major before submitting your change to understand new requirements and develop a revised academic plan. Major changes may affect your graduation timeline.
Academic Policies
What is academic probation?
Academic probation is a warning status that occurs when your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. While on probation, you must meet regularly with your advisor and may face registration restrictions. You must improve your academic performance to return to good standing and avoid academic suspension.
How many times can I withdraw from a class?
While university policy allows course withdrawals, excessive withdrawals can negatively impact your academic progress, financial aid eligibility, and graduation timeline. Each withdrawal remains on your transcript as a "W" grade. Consult with your advisor before withdrawing to explore alternatives and understand potential consequences.
Can I take a course Credit/No Credit?
The Credit/No Credit option is available for certain elective courses outside your major. You must declare CR/NC status by the published deadline each semester. Major requirements and most general education courses cannot be taken CR/NC. Discuss this option with your advisor, especially if you're considering graduate school, as some programs view CR/NC grades unfavorably.
What happens if I miss too many classes?
Faculty members establish attendance policies in their syllabi and may reduce grades for excessive absences. An instructor may reduce the grade for any student who exceeds four hours of absences for a four-credit course, three hours for a three-credit course, two hours for a two-credit course, or one hour for a one-credit course. Review each course syllabus carefully and communicate with instructors about unavoidable absences.
Transfer Credit and Special Circumstances
How do transfer credits work?
The Office of the Registrar evaluates official transcripts from other regionally accredited institutions to determine which courses qualify for transfer credit. Transfer courses must have a grade of C or better and align with VSU course content. Transfer credit evaluation is completed after you submit official transcripts, and you'll receive a transfer credit report showing how courses apply to your VSU degree.
Can I study abroad and still graduate on time?
Yes, study abroad can fit into your degree plan with proper planning. Meet with your advisor and the study abroad office well in advance to select programs offering courses that fulfill degree requirements. Ensure courses are pre-approved for transfer credit before traveling. Most students who plan ahead can study abroad without delaying graduation.
What if I need to take time off from VSU?
If you need to temporarily leave VSU, you should officially withdraw rather than simply not registering. This prevents academic and financial complications. When you're ready to return, contact the Registrar's Office about readmission procedures. If you left on academic warning or probation, you return on the same status. Discuss your plans with your advisor to understand implications for your academic progress.
Financial Aid and Graduation
How does my academic performance affect financial aid?
You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible for federal financial aid. SAP requires maintaining a minimum GPA (1.5 for first two semesters, then 2.0), completing at least 67% of attempted credits, and staying within 150% of your program length. Falling below SAP standards results in loss of financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office immediately if you lose SAP eligibility to discuss appeal options.
When should I apply for graduation?
Apply for graduation during the semester before you plan to complete your degree requirements. Application deadlines are published by the Registrar's Office. Applying on time ensures your degree audit is completed, all requirements are verified, and you're cleared for commencement participation. Late applications may delay degree conferral or commencement participation.
Can I participate in commencement if I have remaining requirements?
Commencement participation policies vary. Generally, you must be within a few credit hours of completion to participate in the ceremony. Check with the Registrar's Office for specific policies. Your degree will not be officially conferred until all requirements are completed, regardless of commencement participation.
Still Have Questions?
If your question wasn't answered here, please contact the Registrar's Office or your Faculty Advisor for more guidance:
Department of Mass Communications:
(804) 524-5000
New Harris Hall Building
First Floor
You can also schedule an appointment with your Faculty advisor to discuss questions specific to your academic situation.
*This FAQ page was last updated: Spring 2026*