COM Graduate Student Handbook

Boston University’s College of Communication offers graduate programs through:

• Department of Film & Television
• Department of Journalism
• Department of Mass Communication, Advertising & Public Relations
• Division of Emerging Media Studies

For official information about COM programs, requirements, policies, and courses, visit the Boston University Bulletin for the College of Communication.

The Mission of the College of Communication

Boston University College of Communication (COM) is dedicated to the belief that the free flow of ideas and accurate information is vital to the development and improvement of democratic societies. COM provides a center of excellence for teaching, research, and service in the study and professional practice of communication.

To fulfill this mission, COM faculty and students maintain high standards of academic achievement and professional preparation. The college emphasizes:

• A strong liberal arts foundation that helps students understand diverse cultural perspectives and develop a sense of social responsibility
• Critical thinking, creativity, and personal integrity
• Rigorous research, clear writing, effective oral communication, and mastery of communication media
• An understanding that learning is a lifelong pursuit

University commitments and policies

Boston University’s Statement on Diversity: https://www.bu.edu/info/about/diversity/

Boston University’s Equal Opportunity Office: https://www.bu.edu/eoo

MyBU Student Portal:

The MyBU Student portal gives you access to important academic, financial, and student information. Login with your BU credentials to view and manage information including:

• Academic records and grades
• Current class schedule
• External credits and test scores
• Final exam schedule
• Transcript preview

Blackboard

Blackboard is BU’s learning management system, where you can access course materials, assignments, announcements, and other class resources.

Find your way around BU and COM

• BU Campus Map: Find university buildings, offices, and other campus locations
• COM Directory:
  • Staff: Find contact information for COM staff
  • Faculty: Find faculty profiles and contact information

Terrier Card:

Your Terrier Card is your official BU student identification card and is used for building access, library privileges, and other University services. Visit the Terrier Card website for information about obtaining your card, managing Convenience Points, and other services.

Wi-Fi: Eduroam

Connect to BU’s Eduroam wireless network using your BU login name and Kerberos password.

Printing:

MyPrint allows you to print from computers connected to the BU campus network or from off campus when connected through the VPN. For instructions specific to COM, visit Printing at COM.

BU Graduate Education Resources

This website from the BU Provost’s Office provides resources for graduate students across the university, including information about Academics & Research, Campus services, Health and Wellness, Fitness, International Student resources, Career & Professional Development (this information is on BU’s Center for Career Development. Information on COM’s Career Center appears later in this handbook), Living in Boston, and Funding.

COM Building Access

Students who need to access the COM building after hours or on weekends can review COM’s Extended Building Access Policies.

Registration and compliance requirements

BU requires students to complete certain compliance requirements before registering for classes. Visit the University Registrar’s website to review current requirements and make sure you’re ready to register.

Academic Calendar

Visit the University Registrar’s academic calendar for important dates and deadlines, including the start and end of classes, holidays, registration dates, and final exams.

College of Communication (COM) Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures

The following policies and procedures outline general expectations for COM graduate students. For program-specific requirements, consult the Boston University Bulletin, any applicable handbook addenda, or your department administrator.

Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Academic Contract

All COM graduate students are expected to understand and follow BU’s academic, ethical, and professional standards. These expectations apply to conduct in the classroom, across campus, at internships and extracurricular experiences, and on digital platforms.

• BU’s Code of Student Responsibilities: Outlines expectations for civility, respect, and responsible conduct within the university community.
• BU Academic Conduct Code: Defines academic misconduct, including plagiarism, and explains the procedures and potential consequences associated with violations.
• BU’s Student Lifebook: Provides policies and guidance related to ethical and professional behavior as a BU student.
• BU policies: Provides a comprehensive collection of university-wide policies.

COM and Boston University take violations of the Academic Conduct Code seriously. Students should review the code carefully and make sure their academic work meets University standards for honesty, attribution, collaboration, and responsible use of sources, including AI.

Graduate Student Academic Contract

All COM graduate students are required to review and sign the Graduate Academic Contract. The contract summarizes rules and policies that are especially important for COM graduate students and confirms that students understand their academic responsibilities.

University Bulletin

The Boston University Bulletin is the official source for information about University departments, programs, academic policies, degree requirements, and courses. Students are responsible for understanding the requirements that apply to their program and academic year.

Absences for religious reasons

BU provides reasonable accommodations for students who must miss classes, exams, or other academic requirements because of religious observance. Review the University’s Absence for religious reasons policy for details.

Student records and FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Boston University does not disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s education records except as permitted by law. Visit the University Registrar’s FERPA information page to learn more about student privacy rights and access to academic records.

Disability access, accommodations, and discrimination

Students with a disability, or students who believe they might have a disability that requires accommodations, should contact the Office of Disability and Access Services. DAS works with students and the University to coordinate reasonable academic and campus accommodations.

Boston University prohibits discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disability. Students who believe they have experienced disability discrimination may review the University’s grievance procedure for alleged disability discrimination.

Information about accommodations for individuals with disabilities, pregnancy, or pregnancy-related conditions is available through BU’s Equal Opportunities Office.

Equal opportunity, discrimination, and harrassment

Boston University prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military service, national origin, marital status, parental status, and veteran status.

Visit the Equal Opportunity Office for current policies, reporting options, reasonable-accommodation information, and procedures for addressing concerns involving discrimination or harassment.

Sexual misconduct and Title IX

BU is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. Title IX and University policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking.

Students who have experienced sexual misconduct can find confidential support, academic advocacy, and other resources through Survivor Support.

For information about reporting options and the University’s Title IX procedures, visit BU’s Equal Opportunity Office‘s Sexual Misconduct and Title IX page. Students may also contact COM’s Title IX coordinators for help identifying appropriate University resources.

Sexual misconduct prevention training

BU requires students to complete mandatory sexual misconduct prevention training as part of the University’s registration compliance requirements. Students who do not complete required training won’t be able to register for classes.

Visit the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training page for current information and instructions.

Severe weather, emergencies, and class cancellations

If severe weather or another emergency affects University operations, BU will communicate schedule changes, delayed openings, early closings, or campus closures through official University channels:

• University Home Page
• University Emergency Notification System
• The emergency line (617-353-7669)
• BU Today
• BU email

Academic Advising

COM offers graduate students a dual advising model. Students have access to professional academic advising through the COM Graduate Affairs Office and are also assigned a faculty mentor through their academic department or division.

Your faculty mentor serves as an additional resource throughout your time at BU (and often beyond). For questions about courses, curriculum requirements, registration, degree progress, and graduation requirements, contact the Academic Advisors in COM Graduate Affairs (comgrad@bu.edu).

Petitions

Graduate students are expected to follow the curriculum and degree requirements listed in the University Bulletin.

If you want to deviate from your program’s published requirements, you must consult with the COM Graduate Affairs Office and complete a petition form. Petitions must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate academic department or division and COM Graduate Affairs.

Graduate Affairs will notify you by email when a decision has been made on your petition.

Incomplete grades

An incomplete grade (I) may be granted only when a student has consulted with the instructor before final grades are submitted and has provided an acceptable reason for being unable to complete the required coursework.

If an incomplete is approved, the student and instructor must complete and sign an Incomplete Grade Report Contract, specifying the remaining work and the deadline for completing it. A copy of the completed form will be kept by COM Graduate Affairs.

If missing work is not completed and the instructor does not submit a new grade by the deadline listed on the incomplete contract, the incomplete will automatically be replaced by the grade specified on the contract.

For additional information, review BU’s policy on grades and grading.

Academic grievances

Grade grievances:

If you have a question or concern about a grade, your first step should be to discuss it directly with the course instructor.

If the issue is not resolved, COM graduate students follow BU’s grade grievance policy (also used at the undergraduate level), which outlines the process for pursuing a formal grade grievance.

Other grievances:

BU offers several resources for students with concerns or complaints involving faculty, staff, other students, or the University environment.

If you need help identifying the appropriate resources or understanding your options, contact COM Graduate Affairs or the BU Office of the Ombuds. For concerns involving discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, students may also consult the resources outlined earlier in this handbook.

Satisfactory Academic Progress and Degree Completion

Each semester, the department chair or division head, in consultation with the faculty as appropriate, will review each student’s progress toward completion of the degree. This review takes a holistic view of a student’s progress and is assessed independently of cumulative GPA.

If it is determined that a student is not making satisfactory academic progress toward the degree, the student may be placed on probation, suspension, or dismissal from the program.

Master’s students who are making satisfactory progress will not receive formal updates or written feedback from the department chair/division head. PhD students should refer to their annual IDP report for program-specific evaluation and guidance.

Progress toward the degree may include, but is not limited to, the following criteria:

• Timely completion of required coursework, milestones, and examinations;
• Active participation in required program activities (e.g., research, practica, internships, comprehensive exams, thesis/dissertation work);
• Adherence to program expectations;
• Meeting standards for professional conduct and engagement as set forth by the program.

These actions are separate from, and in addition to, any consequences related to academic standing based on GPA. Students will be notified in writing if they are placed on probation, suspension, or dismissal as a result of this review.

Students are responsible for knowing their program’s academic and graduation requirements, as well as their own status regarding fulfillment of these requirements, as outlined in the University Bulletin.

Minimum Standards for Master’s Students

The minimum standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress for master’s students are:

• Maintain a semester GPA (grade point average)/cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Earning no more than two (maximum 8 units) C-range grades (C+, C, C–) over the duration of the program.
• Any grade below a C- will not count toward the degree.

Students must also pass comprehensive exams, theses, professional projects, and/or other milestones according to the schedule specified by the program.

Change of Academic Program

It is very unusual for graduate students to transfer between COM programs. Requests for changes from one COM academic program to another are handled on a case-by-case basis. If a student wants to transfer programs within COM, they must write a personal statement for the new program and submit it to the academic advisor in Graduate Affairs. The new program determines if the student is a good fit and eligible to transfer. If they approve, the student works with the academic advisor in Graduate Affairs to see which classes can be used toward the new program’s graduation requirements or if the switch to the new program will delay a student’s graduation – this depends on which program the student is transferring from, and into.

Program Extension

Any student in a three-semester program who would like to extend their program to a fourth, part-time semester must plan their schedule accordingly.

1. Review your academic curriculum. You must plan to save an academic requirement OR a credit to complete in order to extend your program. For example, an MS Advertising student who plans to extend their program to a final, fourth semester must save a required course such as COM CM 732 Advertising Campaigns to complete in their final semester OR save a remaining credit requirement (i.e. have fewer than 52 credits before their final spring semester).
2. Complete an application for graduation in your third semester, indicating your extended graduation date.
3. Part-time student costs: Part-time students are charged by the credit (as opposed to one lump tuition sum). Rates can be found here: https://www.bu.edu/reg/registration/tuition-fees/

Transfer Credit

Graduate students can generally transfer up to 8 credits from other institutions. However, transferred credits cannot be from an undergraduate or previous master’s degree program. Students are required to submit a syllabus for each transferred course. Transferred credits can be applied as elective credits where applicable OR they can sometimes replace required COM courses, at the discretion of the Department Chair. If they replace required COM courses, then the student will be required to take an alternative course(s) to fulfill the number of credits required for graduation. All transfer credits must be reviewed and approved by the Department Chair.

Time Limit

Graduate degrees must be completed within seven years after the first registration for the degree. After seven years, a student’s record will expire. Petitions for extensions of time to complete degree requirements must be submitted prior to the end of the seven-year limit. Students exceeding this time limit without an approved petition for an extension of time will not be permitted to register.

Leave of Absence/Withdrawal (Including Parental and Medical Leave of Absence)

Students should review the COM Graduate Policy and University Policy regarding Leave of Absence, Withdrawals, and Reinstatement: http://www.bu.edu/academics/com/policies/withdrawal-leave-of-absence-and-reinstatement and http://www.bu.edu/academics/policies/withdrawal-leave-of-absence-and-reinstatement

Upon written request and for appropriate cause, a student will be allowed up to four semesters of leave of absence. Leaves of absence beyond four semesters will be granted only in such exceptional cases as substantiated illness or military service. After four semesters, a student would need to apply for reinstatement, or in some cases, may be asked to reapply.

How To Take a Leave of Absence or Withdrawal

• If possible, contact Graduate Affairs before the semester begins to request a leave of absence or withdrawal.
• If you choose to withdraw or take a leave of absence on or after the first day of the semester, please view Boston University’s Withdrawal and Tuition Refund Schedule, https://www.bu.edu/reg/calendars/refund/.
• Send an official email of request and a complete Leave of Absence Form (link is below) to Graduate Affairs (comgrad@bu.edu) from your Boston University email account. This letter must detail a reason for a leave or withdrawal. Please include the following:
  • Your legal name and Boston University ID number
  • Any paperwork, medical or otherwise, that supports your decision
  • The semester and year you plan to return to Boston University
• Make an appointment with COM’s Financial Aid advisor. Be aware that a student who is on leave and who has borrowed federal and/or private loans may be required to begin repayment while on leave.
• Wait to receive a confirmation from Graduate Affairs. Confirm that you are no longer enrolled in courses by logging into myBU Student.
  • Withdrawal from University Form:  http://www.bu.edu/reg/files/2017/04/PermWithdraw-v6.pdf
  • Leave of Absence Form: http://www.bu.edu/reg/files/2017/04/LOA-v8.pdf If you have any questions, please contact Graduate Affairs at comgrad@bu.edu, (617) 353-3481.

Other Important Items to Note

• If you are on a student visa, you must contact ISSO (BU’s International Students and Scholars Office, isso@bu.edu) to speak with an advisor before submitting your leave of absence request. Taking a leave of absence can have significant visa-related implications, so it is important to discuss your options with ISSO.
  • Please note that obtaining transfer approval to another university from ISSO does not withdraw a student from BU. You must also contact the Graduate Affairs office.
• A student who is registered for a semester and decides not to attend must officially take a leave of absence or withdraw from COM.
• Mere absence(s) from classes does not constitute a withdrawal nor reduce financial obligations or guarantee that final grades will not be recorded. In addition, a lack of registration does not constitute an official leave of absence or withdrawal.
• You must be registered every Fall and Spring semester while you are considered to be a degree student. Failure to register or communicate with Graduate Affairs may result in administrative withdrawal.
• Charges are canceled in accordance with BU’s published refund schedule (http://www.bu.edu/reg/calendars/refund/), based on the effective date of the withdrawal or leave of absence.
• A student who receives scholarship aid and who withdraws or takes a leave of absence after the beginning of classes will have the institutional aid canceled.
• During a leave of absence, students will not have access to BU services (FitRec membership, library borrowing privileges, etc.).
• The Boston University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) begins and ends in August each year. For students covered under the BU student health insurance plan, this coverage will be automatically canceled for students who arrange a Fall semester or full year leave of absence prior to or within the first month of the insurance policy period. If you were covered by the Boston University Student Health Insurance Plan, you may be eligible to re-enroll in the plan. To determine the impact that arranging a leave of absence will have on your eligibility to retain insurance coverage, contact insmed@bu.edu or call (617) 353-2870.
• BU email and myBU Student portal: your BU email account remains active for each semester you are officially registered for classes or are on an approved leave of absence. If you do not register and/or do not obtain approval for a leave of absence for a Fall or Spring semester prior to your graduation, your email account may be deactivated. MyBU Student portal access is retained. It is your responsibility to remember your BU login and Kerberos password to access your student records during and after your University enrollment.
• The period of authorized leave of absence is counted as part of the time allowed for completion of degree requirements.
• Students may not complete any degree requirements in a semester for which they have been granted a leave of absence.
• Students must be registered in the semester in which the last degree requirements are completed.
• More information on leaves of absence vs. withdrawal can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/academics/com/policies/withdrawal-leave-of-absence-and-reinstatement/

Medical Leave of Absence

Sometimes students may need to interrupt their studies for medical reasons. The University can assist a student who is deciding whether to take a medical leave and advise the student about the steps necessary for a successful return. A student’s request for a leave of absence for medical reasons must be reviewed by Student Health Services or its designee. Boston University also reserves the right to require an involuntary medical leave of absence if it determines that a student’s continued enrollment would create a significant risk to the health and safety of the student or others.

A student seeking to re‐enroll after a medical leave must demonstrate to the University that the student’s health permits the successful completion of studies. Documentation needed to support this finding will be determined by Student Health Services or its designee, but will generally include information from the student’s clinician as well as an assessment by Student Health Services. The decision whether to permit a student to re‐enroll is within the sole discretion of the University.

Please note that registered students who withdraw or take a leave of absence on or after the first day of the semester are subject to the “Withdrawal and Tuition Refund Schedule” (http://www.bu.edu/reg/calendars/refund/) for that semester established by Boston University.

Parental Leave (https://www.bu.edu/gso/parental-leave/)

BU’s policy on parental leave applies only to full-time PhD students. Master’s students should contact COM’s Graduate Affairs office if they need to make arrangements for parental leave.

Academic Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal

• http://www.bu.edu/academics/com/policies/suspension-or-dismissal/

If a student’s semester grade point average (GPA) is less than a 3.0 in any semester, or if more than 8 credits below B- are received during the length of the program, the student’s record is reviewed to determine whether the student should either be placed on academic probation or, as described below, suspended or dismissed. A student who receives more than two C range grades (C+, C, C-) will be subject to a status review by the College. A grade of D will not receive graduate credit. Please note that final acceptance of C range grades at the master’s level is at the department’s discretion.

Academic Probation

A student is normally put on academic probation when the student earns a semester GPA and/or cumulative GPA below 3.0 and/or fails to make satisfactory academic progress.

At the discretion of the College, a student whose semester/cumulative GPA is below a 3.0 may also be considered for suspension or dismissal. Students on probation may have their financial aid discontinued. Students are reviewed after one semester on academic probation. Those who earn a semester GPA and cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 will return to good academic standing. Students who do not achieve good academic standing or fail to make satisfactory academic progress after the probationary semester will be subject to academic suspension, dismissal, or an additional semester of academic probation as determined by the College on a case-by-case basis. Normally, a student can be on academic probation for no more than two consecutive semesters; however, the probation period is at the discretion of the department/division, in consultation with the College.

Academic Suspension or Dismissal

Students on academic probation face academic suspension or dismissal when they have not achieved good academic standing and/or fail to make satisfactory academic progress after the most recent semester of academic probation.

Students who, in the determination of the department/division and based on past performance, are not in a position to raise their GPA to the necessary level to graduate within the remaining courses of their program, will be dismissed from the program. Dismissal results in permanent separation from the University.

Appeals of suspension or dismissal are made, in writing, to the Associate Dean of the College, within a timeline outlined in the written notice. The student will be notified in writing of the decision. A final appeal may be made to the Dean of the College. The decision of the Dean on cases of suspension or dismissal is final.

Reinstatement and Readmission Policies:

• http://www.bu.edu/academics/policies/withdrawal-leave-of-absence-and-reinstatement/

Graduate students who are absent for one or more semesters without officially taking a leave of absence must contact the Graduate Affairs office at least eight weeks before the start of the semester they wish to return to inquire about petitioning for reinstatement.

A graduate student who has voluntarily withdrawn from COM will be subject to the regulations below governing Readmission to a Degree Program.

Reinstatement After Academic Suspension

Students who have fulfilled their period of academic suspension must meet with the Graduate Affairs office in order to reestablish their standing.

Readmission

Students who have withdrawn or have been terminated may apply for readmission to COM. Please note the following regulations:

• Readmission to a program will require submission of a new application and payment of the application fee and will be subject to the admissions criteria at the time of application. There is no guarantee that a student will be readmitted.
• Readmitted students will be subject to the rules and regulations set forth in the Bulletin at the time of readmission.
• Students who have outstanding financial obligations to the University or other account holds at the time of withdrawal or termination will be required to meet those obligations as a condition of readmission.
• At the time of readmission, the student must provide a detailed schedule of plans for completing the remaining degree requirements within specific time limits.

Recording of Classes

Recording devices are prohibited in the classroom except with the instructor’s permission.

Expenses, Credits, and Payment Options

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year varies by enrollment status (full time vs. part time). For the most updated rates, please visit  https://www.bu.edu/reg/registration/tuition-fees/ (this has part time and continuation rates).

Health Insurance

For more information on health insurance, including obtaining a health insurance waiver if you’re covered by a separate policy that meets the comparable coverage requirements, visit https://www.bu.edu/shs/getting-started/student-health-insurance-plan/.

Student Activity Fee

All COM graduate students pay a student activity fee, which is used by the Graduate Student Council to support the interests of graduate students.

Sports Pass Fee

The Sports Pass will automatically be charged to your Student Account if you are a full-time student at BU. The Sports Pass will allow you admission to all home events for ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse and soccer:  https://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/your-bill/tuition-fees/ If you’d like to cancel your Sports Pass, visit myBU Student. To cancel your Sports Pass after September 1, please bring your BU ID card to the Agganis Arena Ticket Office (925 Commonwealth Avenue) to ensure your Sports Pass has not been used.

Tuition Refunds

Students who take a leave of absence or withdraw from their program receive a tuition refund based on the dates published here: https://www.bu.edu/reg/calendars/refund. The percentage of the refund, if any, is based on the effective date of the student’s leave/withdrawal. Please note that tuition refunds are not made after the fifth week of classes. Other fees (such as the student activity fee) are not refunded or prorated after the start of the semester.

Credit Balance Refunds

If you have a valid credit balance on your student account, you may request your refund on myBU Student. More information and instructions can be found at http://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/resources/refunds/.

Payment Options

For information on tuition payment deadlines and payment options, please visit the BU Student Accounting Services website (https://www.bu.edu/studentaccountingservices/), . Student Accounting Services is responsible for billing students and processing payments. Students can view their student account and make payments online with a U.S. bank account at myBU Student.

Financial Aid and Campus Employment

COM’s financial aid resources include various scholarship funds and graduate assistantships (teaching, research, and administrative). Numerous on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities are also available. To learn more about COM’s financial aid, including information for continuing students, Federal Stafford Loans, Direct Graduate PLUS loan, private educational loans, please visit https://www.bu.edu/com/for-current-students/graduate-advising/financial-aid/.

Federal Stafford Loan Processing Form:  https://www.bu.edu/com/files/2015/07/GradAdmissionsPkt_Draft6-Stafford-Loan-Form.pdf

On-Campus Employment

https://www.bu.edu/com/admissions/graduate/tuition-scholarships-aid/assistantship-information/

The Student Employment website (http://www.bu.edu/seo/) is an excellent resource for students interested in working on or off campus. Please note that some on-campus positions are part of the bargaining unit of the BUGWU (BU Graduate Student Workers Union, SEIU Local 509).

Assistantships: https://www.bu.edu/com/for-current-students/graduate-advising/assistantships-employment/

Please note that some assistantship positions are part of the bargaining unit of the BUGWU (BU Graduate Student Workers Union, SEIU Local 509).

STEPS REQUIRED EACH SEMESTER FOR YOUR ASSISTANTSHIP:

• Complete the Assistantship Contract (https://www.bu.edu/com/files/2025/08/GradAssistantshipContract-Fall2025.pdf). Your assistantship advisor and department chair must sign the contract.
• Submit the assistantship contract to Jackie Cummings in Room 130 when the form is signed.
• If you have not previously held a position on-campus, you must complete the W-4 tax form and I-9 tax form.
• Submit all tax forms to COM Room 110 (in the Dean’s Suite).
• Information regarding how to sign up for Direct Deposit (http://www.bu.edu/seo/students/pay/direct-deposit/) is available on the Student Employment page.
• Please read the Assistantship Contract IN DETAIL before completing a contract. Directions are available on the second page of the contract.

OTHER ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

• Students may also apply for on-campus employment through the Job Board (http://www.bu.edu/seo/students/student-job-board/). Positions can range from, for example, an administrative assistant at the library to a lifeguard at the FitRec Center.
• Positions are updated regularly. Please contact the Student Employment Office directly at (617) 353-3594 or seo@bu.edu with questions.
• International students should review the Employment Guide for International Students (http://www.bu.edu/seo/students/studentjobservice/international/) before starting a position.