Signature Courses - UGS 302/UGS 303

All first-year students are required to take a Signature Course which are taught by some of the best professors at The University of Texas at Austin.  Students are required to chose from either UGS 302 or UGS 303 to complete the Signature Course requirement.  

Signature Courses cover a wide-range of topics and will explore various campus resources and University gems like the Blanton Museum, The Harry Ransom Center or Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Visit the website below for more information about Signature Courses, the Faculty that teach them and a list of University Gems. 

Signature Course Information

Two Sessions Down....4 More To Go!

So far we have completed two Freshman Orientation sessions out of six for this summer.  The first two sessions went really well and the new communication students are awesome!  Next week is a big week for us.  Not only are we welcoming 105 more new freshman into the College of Communication, we also start our Transfer Orientation on Thursday, which will bring another 50 new students.  The College of Communication is a very exciting place to be this summer!  

Get A Little Taste of Orientation!

We like to create excitement during the College of Communication meeting at Summer Orientation.  This video is a brief taste at some of the Orientation Advisors working hard during their presentation.

Only 1 day until Summer Orientation 2011 starts!!!

Are you ready?

First-Year Interest Groups!

A First-year Interest Group (FIG) is a small cohort of first-year students who develop community by taking two to four classes together. Students get to know their classmates by attending a weekly seminar facilitated by a peer mentor and staff member. Students may discuss issues such as study and time management strategies and campus life and involvement opportunities.  FIGs only last for the first semester.

In addition to the generally outlined activities, major-focused COMM FIGs will allow students to chose FIGs that focus on a specific major. We strongly encourage you to choose a FIG which includes a course in your intended major so that you can make the most informed decision about your future in the College of Communication. You will receive more information about the FIG program at Orientation.

We will cover more about FIGs at each Orientation session.  When you meet with your Academic Advisor they will help you decide it the FIG program is right for you.  Click on the link below to jump to the College of Communication FIG page.  You can download a list of the various FIGs in the College of Communication on the right of that page.

College of Communication FIGs 2011

What Will I Do At Orientation?

Several of you are asking me about what you will do at orientation.  The Orientation Advisors put together a quick list of just a few of the things you will do at orientation.  Enjoy!

Click here to view Episode #4

Award Winning Academic Advisors!

 At summer orientation, you will meet with an Academic Advisor in your major to assist you in building your schedule. Your Academic Advisor is one of the most important people you will work with during your time at Texas.  The Academic Advisors in the College of Communication are some of the best on campus and in the Nation.  Take a moment and read the press release below about a National award that they recently won.

Office of Student Affairs Named Outstanding Advising Program

AUSTIN, TexasOct. 1, 2010

The College of Communication Office of Student Affairs has been named an "Outstanding Advising Program" by theNational Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

The College of Communication is one of only three institutions in the nation to be recognized Oct. 3 at NACADA annual conference in Orlando, Fla. The NACADA awards program annually recognizes advising programs that document innovative and exemplary practices resulting in improvement of academic advising service.

"I am delighted that the Office of Student Affairs has been recognized by NACADA. We strongly believe that the services and programs we provide are an integral and valuable part of each student's experience in the College of Communication," said Mark Bernstein, associate dean of the College of Communication and associate professor of communication sciences and disorders. "We have designed our philosophy and services to mix the convenience of technology with warm personal interaction, so that our programs are easy to access, enjoyable and effective."

Personalized advising and technology are two of the key tools advisers use to connect students to their major, the college and the university. To build long-term personal relationships, students are assigned one adviser for the duration of their time as undergraduates in the college.

Technology is fundamental to this student-focused advising model. Social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and AIM, and the STudent Appointment Reservation system (STAR) are comfortable and convenient communication channels that put important information to students where they are most comfortable and make it easy to schedule advising appointments.

Since 1983, NACADA has honored individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising in higher education. The goal of NACADA is to promote quality academic advising and professional development of its membership to enhance the educational development of students.

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Contact:

Erin Geisler

512-475-8071

Original Press Release