NOTE: The following list of frequently asked questions is specific to the College of Communication and Information Sciences. For campus-wide updates regarding COVID-19, visit https://healthinfo.ua.edu.
Q: How will my courses be taught this Fall?
A: C&IS courses will be taught in a variety of ways including face-to-face courses, hybrid courses, Interactive audio/video courses and internet courses. More information on what each of those instructional modes is below:
Face-to-face course (FA)?
These courses are taught in a classroom, face-to-face with your instructor.
Hybrid course (HY)?
A hybrid course includes both face-to-face interactions and online teaching components and learning activities. The internet delivered components reduce the time traditionally spent in the face-to-face portion of the course but you will still have the opportunity for face-to-face interactions with your instructor.
Interactive audio/video course (AV)?
These courses are taught remotely with real-time online class meetings with the instructor. The class will meet at a designated time with two-way exchange capabilities between the instructor and students.
Internet course (IN)?
Internet course content is strictly delivered online. Some proctored exams may be required but there are no other requirements that are place bound. Regular interactions between you and your instructor are a part of the teaching and learning process online.
Q: How do I get advised?
A: C&IS undergraduate students with 0-60 credit hours will be advised by Tisch Student Services through e-mail or Zoom advising. You can schedule an appointment by e-mailing tischstudentserv@ua.edu or calling 205-348-8599. If you have more than 60 credit hours, you will be advised by the faculty advisor assigned to you in DegreeWorks. You can e-mail your faculty advisor for more information on how to schedule an appointment.
Q: Will I be able to meet with my advisor this Fall?
A: All advising appointments will continue to be conducted via Zoom. If you have a specific need that requires a face-to-face meeting, please contact your advisor for options.
Q: Is there an option for me to take all my courses online this Fall?
A: If you have a medical or financial situation that requires you to take all of your courses online this Fall, please contact tischstudentserv@ua.edu to speak with an advisor about your options.
Q: I have an advising hold/PIN. Do I still need to meet with my advisor?
A: Schedule a Zoom appointment with your advisor by emailing tischstudentserv@ua.edu or call Tisch Student Services Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. at 205-348-8599. The purpose of the hold is to allow us to check in and touch base about your academic progress, which can be done over the phone.
Q: How do I reach my professors for questions?
A: The C&IS faculty directory can be found here: https://cis.ua.edu/directory.
Q: My faculty aren’t responding to my e-mails. What do I do?
A: If you don’t get a response within a few days, try to email again. If you still do not hear back, please send a copy of your email(s) to the department chair of the instructor asking the best method to get in touch.
The department chairs are:
Advertising and Public Relations: Dr. Damion Waymer
Communication Studies: Dr. Margaret D’Silva
Journalism and Creative Media: Dr. Cory Armstrong
School of Library and Information Studies: Dr. Jim Elmborg
Q: I am part of a C&IS student organization. What are the plans for starting the semester?
A: All of the C&IS student organizations will still run and offer opportunities for you to be involved this fall. Reach out to your student organization advisor for details on scheduled meetings, trainings, etc. will be handled.
Q: Are student support services such as Counseling, Health Center, WGRC and tutoring available?
A: Yes. These services are available for students. More information about university-wide student support services can be found here: https://healthinfo.ua.edu/student-faqs/
Q: Where can I find more answers about the fall at UA?
A: For more on how the University is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, moving to remote learning, campus events, what’s available to you and more, visit healthinfo.ua.edu.