"Freshman Day" for Admitted Students
Each spring, admitted students are invited to visit campus during "Freshman Day" to learn more about AU. During this event, SOC students will have the opportunity to get behind the camera to create a 30-minute talk show in the Media Production Center. Admitted students will receive an invitation to Freshman Day from the AU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. This year Freshman Day will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012. We'll see you there!
Attend New Student Orientation (Eagle Summit)
Once you have indicated that you would like to attend AU by submitting your enrollment deposit, you will receive information about new student summer orientation (Eagle Summit) in the mail. Students will be able to choose to attend one of several Eagle Summit sessions. Visit the Office of New Student Programs website for more information.
Basic FAQ
What is a typical course load for SOC students?
SOC undergraduates average five classes or 15 credit hours per semester--allowing them to earn the 120 credits required to graduate in four years.
What is the average class size in the School of Communication?
The average SOC undergraduate class size is under 20 students. Only a few of the freshmen courses are taught in large lecture rooms, otherwise even a sophomore class will likely have only 25-30 students.
Who teaches the freshman courses, faculty or teaching assistants?
SOC Faculty teach all SOC courses and grade assignments. Some courses are assigned a student teaching assistant, but they are not responsible for classroom instruction.
Who are "adjunct faculty?"
These are part-time instructors who have strong professional backgrounds and also the academic credentials to teach. They help augment our full-time faculty and also bring current professional expertise into the classroom. One of the benefits of being in DC is having a host of top-notch working professionals in the area.
How do students find out about internship possibilities?
Many DC media companies and communication organizations use SOC students as interns. The typical SOC student completes multiple internships during their time at AU. The AU Career Center works with students to help them prepare for internship and job searches and to complete major and career exploration activities. They also maintain a database of internship and job postings, plan job & internship fairs each semester and much more! Two of the career advisors in the AU Career Center work specifically with SOC students to help them find success. Learn more
Who provides academic guidance to students on their courses?
Students will receive academic advising from professional academic advisors in the School of Communication. Undergraduates are assigned an academic advisor in each academic program they choose to pursue (i.e. major, second major, minor, etc.). Faculty provide advice relating to career choices, beginning with the selection of the most appropriate internship for the student's career path.
Who is my academic advisor?
Your academic advisor will contact you before you start your first semester at AU to help you register for classes and to begin developing a working relationship with you. Before that time, we have a specific person available to work with you as you go through the process of becoming an AU student. Her name is Jill Heitzmann, and can be reached at 202-885-2038 or jill@american.edu
How do I get involved in campus activities?
One of the best ways is to connect with the Student Activities Office. Click here to learn more about AU student organizations related to SOC fields of study.
Where can I get information about:
- Health Center (health insurance waiver form, immunization form, etc) 202-885-3380
- Paying Bills - Student Accounts Office: 202-885-3541 or studentaccounts@american.edu
- Admissions and Financial Aid - 202-885-6000
- Student Housing - 202-885-3370
Can parents obtain copies of their children's grades?
No. Once they turn 18, students are legally "adults" and are protected by federal privacy policy (Buckley Amendment or Family Education Rights and Privacy Act), and the university can't release that information. We advise parents to discuss a child's grades with him or her. More information can be found on the Parent Welcome Page.
