Welcome to Boston University College of Communication

Graduate Orientation — Fall 2026

Graduate Affairs Team

Laurie Nichols: Assistant Dean

[email protected]

Jackie Cummings: Financial Aid, Scholarship, Student Loans, and Assistantship (On-Campus Employment)

[email protected]

Christie Bohn: Biweekly Newsletter + Student Communication

[email protected]

Graduate Affairs Team

Lu He: Academic Advising + Planning, International Student Questions, Student Life

[email protected]

Kayla Ring: Academic Advising + Planning, International Student Questions, Student Life

[email protected]

Housekeeping

🎥 Recording

This meeting is being recorded and will be shared with you.

🎤 Mic & Camera

Keep your mic muted unless asking a question. Cameras are encouraged but optional. We'd love to see your faces!

❓ Questions

Introduce yourself when asking. Unanswered questions? Email [email protected] — we'll respond ASAP.

Today's Schedule

10:00 – 11:30 AM

Welcome with Graduate Affairs

  • Trivia
  • Academic Advising Resources
  • Academic Integrity
  • Safety + Wellness
  • Terrier Card
  • Reminders + To-do's
  • Current Student Q&A

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Academic Program Meetings with Faculty

See link in chat to join your program meeting.

Trivia Time!

Type your answer into the chat!

Trivia Time!

🏛️ Trivia Time!

❓ Question

What was the COM building's original purpose?

Hint: not originally a college building

💬 Drop your answer in the chat.

Answer Reveal

Car Dealership




🎓 Boston University

Trivia Time! 🧠

Which one of these notable people did NOT attend BU?

💬 Drop your guess in the chat before the reveal!

A. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Baptist minister & civil rights leader

B. Tom Hanks

Actor

C. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Politician, U.S. House of Representatives

D. Jason Alexander

Actor, Seinfeld

E. Geena Davis

Actress, Thelma & Louise

F. Jenna Marbles

YouTuber

G. Andy Cohen

Television Host, Bravo

H. Howard Stern

American media personality

Answer Reveal

Tom Hanks




Trivia Time!

🎉 Trivia Time! 🎉

What degree was COM the first in the country to offer?

🅐

Journalism

🅑

Film & Television

🅒

Public Relations

🅓

Advertising

Answer Reveal

Public Relations




What Makes COM Unique?

At COM, you'll learn to communicate with purpose, think critically, and adapt in a rapidly changing media landscape. Through hands-on experiences, research, and collaboration, you'll develop the skills and confidence to lead, create, and make a meaningful impact.

Faculty Who Work in the Industry

You'll learn from professors who are researchers, filmmakers, journalists, strategists, TV producers + writers, Ad and PR execs, and communication leaders.

Boston

Internships, networking, guest speakers, media organizations, agencies, nonprofits, startups, and sports teams are all nearby.


Learn by Doing

Build a professional portfolio through hands-on classes: AdLab, PRLab, Newsroom, Statehouse, COMLab, and more.

Inclusive Community

Join a supportive and collaborative community of students, faculty, + staff. Stay tuned for in-person community-oriented events.

Contact Information

+

Important Dates



Graduate Affairs (GA Information)

Graduate Advising: www.bu.edu/com/for-current-students/graduate-advising

COM Graduate Newsletter: sent twice per month

Calendar: learn about college-wide events (https://www.bu.edu/com/event/)

COM Social Media

TikTok

@comatbu

Facebook

COMatBU

Instagram

@comatbu

LinkedIn

COMatBU

Fall 2026 Semester Calendar

Full semester dates: bu.edu/reg/calendars/semester/

Key deadlines to remember:

  • September 2 — First Day of Classes
  • September 7 — Labor Day (No Classes)
  • September 16 — Last Day to Add
  • October 7— Last Day to Drop without a "W" grade
  • December 10 — Last Day of Classes

Advising + Academic Support

+

Academic Integrity

Your Advising Team

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Find your assigned advisor in the MyBU Portal. Assists with course planning and professional goals. Email your faculty advisor for a meeting.

Graduate Affairs

Lu He + Kayla Ring: Academic Advising

Jackie Cummings: Financial Aid, Scholarship, Student Loans, and Assistantship (On-Campus Employment)

ISSO Advisor

Olesya Gritsenko, [email protected]. CPT/OPT work authorization, I-20 travel signatures, immigration + SEVIS compliance. Click for ISSO Meetings

Scheduling via MyBU Portal

Log into MyBU → Advising Panel → Appointments → New Appointment → Select COM GRAD Academic Advising or COM GRAD Financial Aid


Academic Handbook + Sign Academic Contract

📖 COM Graduate Academic Handbook

Your guide to navigating COM graduate student life; COM-specific graduate student policies and procedures.

  • For more general university policies, see the BU Bulletin
  • Some departments also publish their own handbook for graduate students

Access the COM Graduate Academic Handbook

📝 COM Academic Contract

Accompanies the handbook and outlines the most important points of our policies.

  • This is a fillable form — please review and fill this out ASAP if you haven't already done so.

Access the Academic Contract

📚 BU Student Lifebook

The Lifebook serves as an essential resource for all students, providing a guide to the community standards, expectations, and policies that govern student life for all BU students.

Access the Student Lifebook

Academic + University Resources

BU Resources = Orientation Website

Review the Orientation site before classes start. It has everything you need to know. Refer back throughout the semester.

Class Schedule = MyBU Portal

MyBU (mybustudent.bu.edu/) is BU's student portal where you'll manage your classes, advising meetings, compliance obligations, finances, and academic information.

Tech Questions = COM IT / Tech Support

Guides on printing, Adobe, software, studio/editing, and equipment. Tech Guides / [email protected]

Syllabi Information = Blackboard

Blackboard Learn (bu.edu/learn) is the primary learning management system. Find your syllabi here.

Academic Support

Educational Resource Center

Tutoring, academic coaching, and learning support services

https://www.bu.edu/advising/educational-resource-center/about-us/

COM Writing Center

Writing assistance and feedback services

https://www.bu.edu/com/for-current-students/the-com-writing-center/

Disability and Access Services

Accommodations and accessibility support

https://www.bu.edu/disability/

Academic Integrity

All BU students must read and abide by the Academic Conduct Code. All COM grad students must complete the online Academic Integrity Workshop by September 30.

Cite Sources

Avoid plagiarism — cite in the style your professor requires (MLA, APA, etc.).

Support

Utilize BU Library's resources and citation managers, and get support from the COM Writing Center.

International Students

BU's expectations may differ from your home country. Helpful article here.

AI Policy

Ask your professor about AI use before you use any AI programs, including tools like Grammarly.

Terrier Card



Your Terrier Card

If you haven't already uploaded a photo for your BU Terrier Card (student ID), you should do so now; upload instructions.

  • Campus ID: A form of identification on campus. You will still need a legal ID and passport off-campus.
  • Safety Contacts: Flip your card over to find safety contact information.
  • Access: Tap into FitRec, libraries, restricted studio space, and dining halls. Between 8 AM - 9 PM classroom buildings are open.
  • Perks: Use your Terrier Card for free access to museums, arts and culture and some off-campus retail discounts. Find a list here.



Back of Your Terrier Card

The back of your BU Terrier Card is just as important as the front!

Emergency & Health + Safety Contacts

Key campus safety numbers are printed on the back so you always have them on hand. No need to search your phone in an emergency.

For all off-campus emergencies, call 911 for local police and emergency services.

Health + Safety



Graduate Student Support Group

This support group is designed to provide a safe environment where you can receive support and feedback from your peers. Key topics: adjusting to graduate school, academic and career concerns, coping with stress, relationships


Safety & Student Health Services

Emergency Contacts: www.bu.edu/shs/emergency-numbers/

BU Police Department (BUPD)

Contact information and emergency support:

https://www.bu.edu/police/contact/contact-bupd/

Student Health Services

Medical care and health services—similar to an urgent care center

https://www.bu.edu/shs/medical-care/

Mental Health Support

Counseling services and support groups

https://www.bu.edu/shs/mental-health/

BU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Health insurance information

https://www.bu.edu/shs/insurance/understand-your-health-insurance/

BU Wellness Office

Student Wellbeing is a campus-wide initiative to support students’ health and wellbeing during their time at BU.

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

General Reminders



Getting Started

Before Classes Begin

Complete these steps to set yourself up for a successful semester:

  • Watch Summer Meeting Recordings (Pro-tip: Watch on 1.25x speed)
  • Log in to Blackboard - Review Syllabi + Textbook Information

*Some professors may still be adding information for their classes in Blackboard.


  • Log in to the MyBU Portal - Review your class schedule (explore campus to find your classrooms!); https://www.bu.edu/mybu/
  • Check your MyBU Portal for compliance status under "Tasks" + "Holds" [alert phone number, address…]
  • Sign up for Welcome Events!
  • Rest + get ready for start of the semester. We know many of you are moving on August 31st or September 1st.

Summer Meetings - Watch Recordings

  1. Welcome to COM! Summer Q&A Session for New Graduate Students: Class Registration & More
  1. Life in Boston (Student Life, Community, Transportation, Resources)
  1. International Student Summer Webinar + ISSO Orientation
  1. Career Services at COM: Preparing for Your Next Step
  1. Financing Your Graduate Education

International Students

ISSO Portal Check-in: https://issoportal.bu.edu/_portal/

  • Go to the Request Center and click on the icon for Initial ISSO Check-in
  • Follow the instructions in the request to complete the questionnaire, upload required documents and confirm your understanding of conditions to maintain status
  • Officially submit the request to ISSO
  • Monitor the status of your request through the Request Center in the ISSO Portal

International Students Working Eligibility (F1 Visa)

  • On-campus job: eligible in the first semester
  • Off-campus job: must complete the first full academic year with ISSO's approved work authorization (Curricular Practical Training (CPT))

Reference: www.bu.edu/isso/getting-started/checking-in-with-isso/

Graduate Student Council +

Upcoming In-person Events


COM Graduate Student Council

The COM Grad Student Council is the voice of the graduate cohort. The Council’s goal is to enhance and improve the graduate experience at COM. From planning social events and creating professional development opportunities, to advocating for certain academic policies, there’s a lot of ways for grad students to have an active role in life at COM. Email [email protected] or DM on Instagram to get involved.

Follow on Instagram! See Fall Events Calendar




Welcome Events

September 2

Graduate Student Welcome + Terrier Card Pick Up

🕧 12:30 – 3 PM

📍 Kilachand Center, 610 Commonwealth Ave (next to COM Lawn)

🎉 Free
September 3

First Generation (First Gen) Welcome Party (Undergrad + Grad)

🕔 5 – 7 PM

📍 COM Building Room 209

🎉 Free
September 4

Clubs & Activities Fair (Undergrad + Grad)

🕑 2 – 4 PM 📍 COM Building Lawn

🎉 Free
September 9

International + BIPOC Student Mix and Mingle (Undergrad + Grad)

🕔 5 – 7:30 PM 📍 COM Building Room 209

🎉 Free

Welcome Events Continued

September 11

Graduate Student Welcome Party

⏰ 5:00 - 7:30 PM
📍 Photonics Center, 8 St. Mary’s Street, 9th floor

🎉 Free
September 13

Duck Boat Tour

⏰ 1:50 PM
📍 Long Wharf

🎟️ Ticketed Event

September 27

Red Sox Baseball Game

⏰ 3:05 PM
📍 Fenway Park

🎟️ Ticketed Event

October 3

Bus Ride to Salem

⏰ 9:45 AM

📍 Salem, Massachusetts

🎟️ Ticketed Event

Student Ambassadors



Graduate Ambassador

Grandee

Public Relations · Class of 2027

I’m originally from the Philippines but grew up in NYC before moving to Boston to pursue my undergraduate degree at Boston University. I’m now finishing up my M.S. in Public Relations at BU. Outside of school, I love spending time with friends, dancing, and writing poetry. I currently serve as the President of the COM Graduate Council, member of PRSSA, and Graduate Advisor for Unrestricted (mixed-media publication).

Graduate Ambassador

Chi

Ph.D. Emerging Media Studies · MA Emerging Media Studies Class of 2024

I am a second-year Ph.D. student, advised by Dr. James Katz, with a focus on the psychology of emerging technology. I hold an M.A. in Emerging Media Studies from BU, where my thesis examined how students engage with ChatGPT for educational tasks. My research asks how people adopt, trust, and verify AI systems, and what that means for education, health, and consumer life. I have led and supported NIH-funded digital-health communication and cancer studies at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, worked on data-and-AI initiatives at the United Nations, and most recently led UX research for a sovereign AI voice intelligence project in healthcare tailored for vulnerable populations.

LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com/in/chibichvu/

Graduate Ambassador

Sophia

Media Science* · Class of 2027

I am a proud Double Terrier currently pursuing my M.S. in Media Science after earning my B.S. in Public Relations with a minor in Sociology in May 2025. Throughout my time at BU, I have been deeply involved in COM and campus life, serving as President and Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus Boston University, Co-President and Co-Agency Director of UnleashedPR, and an active member of PRLab throughout both my undergraduate and graduate years, where I currently serve as President Emeritus. I was also awarded COM's Blue Chip Award, the college's highest undergraduate honor.

I have worked at the Boston University Academy, the Dean of Students Office, and Class Gift, and recently completed a summer internship in media relations and corporate communications at AmeriHealth Caritas. I love PR, storytelling, and all things BU and COM, and I'm always excited to connect with fellow Terriers.

@23sophiaa

Graduate Ambassador

Aditi

Media Science · Class of 2027

I’m a second year MS Media Science graduate student, from Bangalore, India and brought up in Dubai, UAE. Writing is my passion and I aim to pursue it professionally through the lens of advertising and marketing.

Graduate Ambassador

Julien

Journalism · Class of 2027

I'm a graduate Journalism student. Before pursuing my master's degree, I went to Savannah College of Art and Design where I received my BFA in Film & Television Production. I wish to pursue multimedia journalism and outside of classes, I can be found still pursuing my love of film through making short films and documentaries with my friends and professional peers.

Instagram

@julien__pedro

Graduate Ambassador

Mimi

Television· Class of 2027

I'm an MS in Television student at Boston University’s College of Communication and a graduate of Emerson College with a BA in Media Arts Production. This fall, I'll be pursuing an internship in my final semester of the TV program. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring Boston, taking long walks, cooking, going to the gym, and spending time with friends.

Student Ambassador Q&A


What are you the proudest of from your first year of graduate school? -or- What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a grad student, and how did you overcome them?


How have you gotten to know your classmates outside of class time?


How do you find and build relationships with professors/advisors/mentors?


Can you share the first time you felt "at home" in Boston or at BU?


What resources or support services on campus/in COM have been most helpful to you? -or- Do you use any BU resources such as the Adobe suite, camera equipment, radio station, podcasting studio, library resources, etc.?


What do you do to maintain a healthy work-life balance? What advice would you give to new students about balancing coursework, research, and personal life?


Any other tips or suggestions for someone starting graduate school?

Thank You

We're now transitioning to individual academic program meetings.

Made with