Welcome to graduate school at Boston University College of Communication!

We know that many students are arriving in Boston just before classes begin, so we’ve designed Orientation to be flexible. Review the orientation site below. Click the button to view recordings. Please note that we’ll post some academic program Zoom recording links later this week as we receive them from professors. 

Program meetings & recordings

Orientation Schedule

All sessions take place on the dates and times listed below. Please review the schedule for your program.

Session Who Attends Date Time
Graduate Affairs Orientation (required) All programs August 25 10:00 – 11:30 am
Academic Program Orientation All programs except Media Science and Television August 25 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Academic Program Orientation Media Science August 25 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Academic Program Orientation Television August 21 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Below you’ll find:

  • A map of BU to familiarize yourself with the campus
  • Important staff & department contact information
  • A guide to academic resources and information regarding academic misconduct
  • An overview of COM & BU resources
  • Information on university policies and procedures
  • A list of ways students can prioritize their health and wellness
  • An introduction to the international student experience
  • A variety of opportunities to participate in the BU community (This drop-down includes great resources!)
  • Study space, housing, and transportation

University Calendars

Bookmark the university calendar to keep track of important semester dates, registration deadlines, and holidays.

Take a Virtual Tour of BU

BU’s Charles River Campus stretches for nearly two miles along Commonwealth Avenue, with academic buildings, dining locations, and student spaces woven throughout the city of Boston.

Before you arrive, take a few minutes to explore BU using the interactive campus map. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the College of Communication, Mugar Library, Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec–university gym), the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO), and other campus resources you’ll use throughout the year.

Get to Know COM

Hear directly from COM students about what it’s like to study here. These short videos introduce you to our community, student life, campus resources, and academic departments, so you’ll have a better sense of what to expect before classes start.

Meet the COM Community

Explore your Academic Department

Not sure who to contact? Reach out to COM Grad Affairs at comgrad@bu.edu, and we’ll connect you with the right person.

Division of Emerging Media
617-353-7733

Department Office: dems@bu.edu

Department Administrator: Laura Cafasso, lcafasso@bu.edu
Division Director: Dr. Betsi Grabe, mgrabe@bu.edu

Film & Television Department
617-353-3483
Department Office: filmtv@bu.edu Department Administrator: Kellie Innes, innesk@bu.edu
Department Chair: Professor Craig Shepherd, ftvchair@bu.edu

Journalism Department
617-353-3484
Department Office: jodept@bu.edu
Department Administrator: Lena Sheehan, sheehanl@bu.edu
Department Chair (interim): Professor Bill McKeen. For questions, please contact jodept@bu.edu

Mass Communication, Advertising, and Public Relations Department
617-353-3482
Department Office: mcadvpr@bu.edu
Department Administrator: Laura Cafasso, lcafasso@bu.edu
Department Chair: Dr. Sung Un Yang, yang223@bu.edu

Faculty Advising

At COM, you’ll be supported by both faculty (professor) advisors and the Graduate Affairs Office (see below) throughout your time as a student. At the start of your program, you’ll be assigned a faculty advisor and/or program director. Your faculty advisor can help you:

  • Select electives that align with your interests and career goals
  • Discuss academic and career opportunities
  • Explore internships, research, or industry experiences
  • Connect with faculty and professional networks

If you have questions about advising, contact your department administrator or email us at comgrad@bu.edu. You can find your assigned faculty advisor in your MyBU student portal.

Don’t wait until you have a problem to meet with your faculty or Graduate Affairs advisor. They’re here to answer questions, offer guidance, and help you make the most of your graduate experience.

How should I address my professors? If you’re unsure, “Professor (last/family name)” is always an appropriate place to start (example: Professor Smith). Some professors prefer to be called “Dr. (last/family name),” while others invite students to use their first names. It is ok to ask a professor how they prefer to be addressed.

What are office hours? Office hours are dedicated times when professors and teaching assistants are available to meet with students outside of class. You can stop by to ask questions about coursework, discuss assignments, seek career advice, or simply get to know your instructors. Office hours are listed on your course syllabus and are often available by appointment as well.

Need help with registration, degree requirements, academic policies, graduation, or navigating BU? Schedule an appointment with a member of COM’s Graduate Affairs team through the MyBU student portal. Please see these instructions for reference.

MyBU helps you manage your student record, while Blackboard Learn is where you’ll access your courses.

MyBU Student Portal is your primary hub for managing your academic record and student account throughout your time at BU. Use MyBU Student Portal to:

  • register for classes
  • view your schedule
  • pay your bill
  • financial aid
  • update your personal information (including your local address and emergency contact information)
  • complete required compliance items, such as the Sexual Misconduct Prevention training and the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Law acknowledgment. You can find a full list of requirements here.
  • access student employment information

Need help navigating MyBU? These guides explain how to register for classes, search for courses, and build your schedule.

Blackboard Learn is where most COM courses are managed. Use Blackboard to:

  • access course materials
  • submit assignments
  • view grades
  • participate in discussions
  • receive announcements from your instructors

Be sure to check Blackboard regularly once classes begin.

Blackboard Learn is available at learn.bu.edu using your BU login name and Kerberos password. If you have technical questions, contact the IT Help Center at ithelp@bu.edu, visit www.bu.edu/help/blackboard, or call (617)353-HELP (4357).

Boston University’s policies outline the expectations, rights, and responsibilities of every student. We encourage you to review them before classes begin and refer back to them whenever you have questions during your time at BU.

As the document of authority for all students, the Bulletin is your guide to the departments, programs, policies, and courses. Requirements listed here take precedence over information found elsewhere.

Boston University policies help connect our daily activities with the University’s mission by setting expectations and clarifying processes for individual members of our community.

The Code of Student Responsibilities outlines the expectations for all Boston University students and helps foster a respectful, inclusive, and academically honest community. We encourage you to review it before classes begin so you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the standards of conduct expected at BU.

Student Health Services (SHS) provides medical care, mental health services, wellness resources, and referrals to specialists throughout the Boston area. Most full-time, on-campus students can receive care at SHS regardless of whether they enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Students with SHIP also receive coverage for many healthcare services outside of SHS.

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

All full-time students are required to have health insurance. BU offers the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) through Aetna, though eligible students may waive SHIP if they have comparable coverage. Videos explaining the SHIP are here.

Student Health Services’ New Students Guide

New to BU? Review the Student Health Services’ New Students Guide for information about required health forms, available services, appointments, and campus resources.

Wellness Resources

Grad school can be exciting—and sometimes stressful. BU offers a variety of wellness resources to support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, including free access to the Headspace meditation app for all students.

Student Health Services

If you’re ever unsure where to start, Student Health Services can help connect you with the right campus or community resource.

  • Primary Care: Routine and urgent medical care, vaccinations, reproductive health, and more.
  • Mental Health (Counseling & Psychiatric Services): Individual counseling, psychiatric care, crisis support, and referrals.
  • Survivor Support: Confidential counseling and advocacy for students who have experienced a traumatic event, including sexual assault, dating violence, and other types of interpersonal violence. 
  • Support Groups & Workshops: Group counseling and skill-building workshops throughout the year.  

BU is committed to providing a learning, living, and working environment that is safe, respectful, and free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. Title IX protects students from sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and related misconduct.

If you experience or witness sexual misconduct, support is available. BU is committed to responding promptly, providing supportive resources, and investigating reports in accordance with University policy, regardless of whether a criminal complaint is filed.

Questions or concerns? You can contact COM’s Title IX coordinators who can help connect you with the appropriate university resources.

The Boston University Police Department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help keep the BU community safe. In addition to responding to emergencies, BUPD provides medical assistance, investigates suspicious activity and crimes, offers safety escorts, and works closely with students, faculty, and staff to support a safe campus environment.

Save BUPD’s emergency number — 617-353-2110 –in your phone. You’ll also find it printed on the back of your university ID (Terrier Card).

BU Fitness & Recreation Center (FitRec), 915 Commonwealth Ave., is one of the largest collegiate recreation facilities in the country and is a great place to stay active, relieve stress, and connect with the BU community. Whether you’re looking for a gym, fitness classes, intramural sports, swimming, rock climbing, skating, rowing, or personal training, FitRec offers something for every interest and fitness level.

New to FitRec? Visit the FitRec Welcomes New Terriers page to learn how to activate your membership, explore programs, and make the most of everything FitRec has to offer.

Boston University offers a variety of virtual well-being resources to help you care for your physical and mental health wherever you are. Explore online tools, workshops, support services, and self-guided resources designed to help you manage stress, build healthy habits, and thrive throughout your time at BU.

Please watch all of the health insurance videos.

Welcome to BU! If you’re joining us from outside the United States, the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) is one of your most important campus resources. ISSO provides guidance on immigration requirements, employment authorization, travel, and maintaining your student status, and they’re here to support you throughout your time at Boston University.

ISSO can help you with:

Have questions? Contact ISSO or attend their virtual Advisor-on-Call hours for quick answers. Their office is located at 888 Commonwealth Avenue.

New to studying in the United States? Explore BU’s International Student FAQ for information about academics, healthcare, housing, transportation, life in Boston, and what to expect during your first semester.

International Student Voices: Hear directly from current BU international graduate students about adjusting to life in Boston, navigating the classroom, building community, and making the most of your graduate experience.

BU First Class is a free, self-paced online course designed to help international students prepare for studying in the United States and transitioning to life at Boston University. Through short videos and interactive activities, you’ll learn what to expect in the American classroom before you arrive on campus.

Graduate students are expected to understand the academic policies and expectations that guide their studies at Boston University. The resources below explain degree requirements, registration policies, academic integrity, and other important information you’ll use throughout your program.

  • BU’s Academic Bulletin is the official source for degree requirements, course descriptions, and academic policies for every graduate program. We encourage you to review the section for your program to become familiar with your curriculum and graduation requirements.
  • BU Academic Policies: Learn about University policies related to registration, enrollment, grading, leaves of absence, academic standing, and other important academic procedures. For policies related to student life and campus conduct, visit the Dean of Students’ Lifebook.
  • COM Graduate Handbook includes college-specific policies, procedures, academic resources, and guidance for graduate students. It’s one of the best references to keep bookmarked throughout your time at COM.
  • BU’s Academic Conduct Code: Academic integrity is a core value at Boston University. The Academic Conduct Code explains the University’s expectations for honest academic work, including proper citation, collaboration, and ethical conduct in coursework and research. We encourage you to review the Code before classes begin so you understand your rights and responsibilities as a member of the BU community.

Graduate school is challenging—and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need help strengthening a paper, improving your study strategies, or navigating a difficult assignment, BU offers a variety of academic support resources to help you succeed.

Don’t wait until you’re struggling to take advantage of these resources. Many successful graduate students use writing support, tutoring, and academic coaching throughout their programs.

  • BU Educational Resource Center offers academic support through peer tutoring, writing assistance, language conversation groups, academic skills coaching, and workshops on topics such as time management, note-taking, study strategies, work-life balance, and test anxiety.
    • Looking for additional support? Explore the ERC’s Academic Resource Guide for a comprehensive overview of academic services available across BU.
  • COM Writing Center supports student writers at every stage of the writing process—from brainstorming and organizing ideas to revising and polishing a final draft. Whether you’re working on a class paper, presentation, or major project, Writing Center consultants can help you become a stronger, more confident writer.
  • Purdue OWL – Online Writing Lab is an excellent reference for APA, MLA, and Chicago citation styles, grammar, and academic writing. It’s especially helpful when you’re formatting research papers or citing sources correctly.

BU Libraries are much more than a place to study. They provide access to extensive research collections, expert librarians, specialized databases, citation tools, and quiet study spaces to support you throughout your graduate program.

Explore BU Libraries:

Citation managers: Save yourself time on research papers. Consider using a citation manager (such as Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley) to collect, organize, and automatically format your references. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay organized and cite sources accurately.

COM Technology Services supports the technology, software, equipment, and production spaces used throughout the College of Communication. Whether you need to reserve equipment, access specialized software, use a production studio, or print course materials, the COM Technology team is here to help.

COM Technology Services can help you with:

  • Equipment and room reservations
  • Printing and copier services
  • Access to specialized software
  • Production studios and technology spaces
  • Technology support and troubleshooting

COM Technology also manages:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Equipment checkout
  • Podcast/video studios
  • Computer labs

Need assistance? Email comhelp@bu.edu for technology support, equipment questions, or help accessing COM facilities and services.

Need to print on campus? Visit the Campus Printing Guide for instructions on printing, using MyPrint, and locating printers across BU.

Before classes begin, familiarize yourself with COM Technology Services so you’ll know where to go if you need software, equipment, printing, or technical support during the semester.

Graduate school is about more than academics—it’s also about finding your community. Boston University offers a wide range of cultural, identity-based, and affinity spaces, student organizations, programs, and events to help you connect with others, build relationships, and feel at home on campus.

COM Diversity Equity & Inclusion: COM is committed to fostering a community where every student feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed. Through programming, events, and ongoing initiatives, the College works to cultivate an inclusive learning environment that values diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices.

LGBTQIA+ Resources:

LGBTQIA+ students and allies can connect with a variety of campus organizations, support services, and community resources, including:

Boston University is committed to supporting graduate students who are balancing their studies with family responsibilities. Whether you’re raising children or caring for your family while pursuing your degree, BU offers resources to help you succeed both academically and personally.

Learn more about the resources, benefits, and services available for graduate students with children, including childcare, family support, and other helpful resources.

The BU Children’s Center provides early childhood education and care for children of BU students, faculty, and staff. Learn more about enrollment, programs, and family resources on their website.

The Boston University Office for the Arts connects students with arts and cultural experiences across campus and throughout Boston. From exhibitions, performances, concerts, and film screenings to workshops and special events, there are many opportunities to explore the arts, meet new people, and take a break from your studies.

Sign up for the Office for the Arts newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming events, student discounts, and opportunities to get involved.

Getting involved outside the classroom is one of the best ways to build your network, develop new skills, and make the most of your graduate experience. Whether you’re interested in leadership, student media, professional organizations, entrepreneurship, or campus events, there are many ways to connect with the COM and BU communities.

College of Communication

  • Graduate Student Council: Connect with fellow graduate students, attend social events, and help shape the graduate student experience at COM.
  • Student Media, Clubs & Organizations: Explore student organizations, publications, production opportunities, and extracurricular activities within COM.
  • Many COM students also participate in professional organizations, conferences, guest speaker events, and networking opportunities throughout the year.

Across Boston University

  • Student Activities Office: Explore hundreds of student organizations, cultural groups, professional societies, recreational clubs, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Innovate@BU: Interested in entrepreneurship or innovation? Innovate@BU helps students develop new ideas, launch ventures, collaborate across disciplines, and participate in workshops, mentoring, and innovation programs.

The Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground is Boston University’s hub for community, dialogue, and belonging. Through cultural programs, discussions, workshops, performances, and social events, the Center brings together students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to learn from one another and build meaningful connections.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to study, attend an event, or meet new people, the Howard Thurman Center is a welcoming space for every member of the BU community. Explore the Center’s events and programming or learn more about the spaces and resources available throughout the year.

The Newbury Center supports first-generation undergraduate, graduate, and professional students as they navigate life at Boston University. Through community-building, mentoring, workshops, advising, and campus resources, the Center helps students build connections, access support, and thrive throughout their academic journey.

Graduate and professional students can explore resources, programs, and opportunities designed specifically for first-generation students on the Newbury Center’s Graduate & Professional Student Resources page.

BU Sustainability helps students learn how to live, study, and work more sustainably on campus. From recycling and composting to sustainable transportation, energy conservation, and campus initiatives, you’ll find resources and opportunities to get involved throughout the year.

If you’re new to BU, be sure to explore their volunteering page for tips on getting involved in the University’s environmental initiatives.

The College of Communication has a graduate student lounge on the first floor that’s available to all COM students—a great place to study independently, collaborate with classmates, or take a break between classes.. Beyond COM, Boston University offers a variety of libraries, quiet study areas, collaborative workspaces, and other comfortable places to study across campus.

Looking for a place to study? Explore:

The Office of the Ombuds is a confidential, independent, impartial, and informal resource available to all BU students, faculty, and staff. If you’re facing a challenge, navigating a difficult conversation, experiencing a conflict, or simply aren’t sure where to turn, the Ombuds Office provides a safe place to talk through your options and identify possible next steps.

Meeting with the Ombuds is completely voluntary and off the record. The Office does not advocate for any individual or make decisions on your behalf—instead, it helps you better understand your options and navigate concerns confidentially.

The Office of Disability & Access Services works with students to ensure they have equal access to the academic, residential, and campus experiences available at Boston University. If you have a disability, chronic health condition, learning difference, temporary injury, or other condition that may require accommodations, DAS can help you explore the support and services available.

We encourage students to contact DAS as early as possible to discuss their individual needs. Whether you’ve previously received accommodations or are exploring them for the first time, the DAS team is available to answer questions and guide you through the process.

Most COM graduate students live off campus in neighborhoods surrounding Boston University and throughout the greater Boston area. If you’re looking for housing, the resources below are a great place to begin your search.

Start your housing search as early as possible, especially if you’re moving to Boston from outside the area.

Looking for a roommate? The COM Unibuddy Community is also a great place to connect with incoming students who may be searching for housing.

Getting started:

BU Off-Campus Housing Services

25 Buick Street, 1st Floor

617-353-3523

och@bu.edu

BU Graduate Housing

If you’re interested in living in BU (limited) graduate housing, contact:

25 Buick Street, 1st Floor

617-353-3511

gradhous@bu.edu

Whether you’re commuting from across Boston or living near campus, Boston University offers a variety of transportation options to help you get around. Explore the resources below to learn about public transportation, the BU Shuttle, parking, biking, and car-sharing.

Many BU graduate students rely on public transportation, walking, biking, or the BU Shuttle to travel around Boston and campus.

Transportation Resources

  • BU Parking and Transportation Services — your source of information for navigating campus and the city of Boston
  • Terrier Transit – Plan trips using real-time information for the BU Shuttle, MBTA, and Bluebikes.
  • BU Shuttle (BU Bus) – Free shuttle service connecting BU campuses.
  • MBTA (The T) – Learn about subway, bus, and commuter rail service, including discounted transit passes.
  • Bike Safety – Resources for cycling safely to and around campus.
  • Zipcar – Rent a car by the hour or day when you need one.

Parking

Your graduate experience is about preparing for what’s next. COM Career Services works exclusively with College of Communication students and alumni, providing personalized career coaching, industry connections, workshops, and resources to help you explore career paths, build professional skills, and pursue internships and full-time opportunities.

New to COM? Start here to learn how Career Services can support you throughout graduate school and beyond.

COM Career Services can help you:

  • Explore career paths
  • Build and refine your résumé and portfolio
  • Prepare for interviews and networking events
  • Search for internships and full-time positions
  • Connect with employers and alumni
  • Develop a long-term career strategy

Career planning resources:

  • Handshake is BU’s career platform for students and alumni. Use it to:
  • Schedule career advising appointments
  • Register for workshops and career events
  • Search internships and full-time jobs
  • Connect with employers recruiting BU students
  • Career Guides: Whether you’re writing your first graduate résumé, preparing for interviews, exploring career options, or negotiating a job offer, COM Career Services offers practical guides to help you every step of the way.

In addition to COM Career Services, BU’s Center for Career Development (CCD) offers university-wide career resources, employer events, advising, and professional development opportunities for all students.

You don’t have to wait until graduation to use Career Services. We encourage you to schedule an appointment during your first semester to begin building relationships, exploring opportunities, and making the most of your graduate experience.

Managing the financial side of graduate school can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you have questions about financial aid, budgeting, student employment, or managing educational expenses, BU offers resources to help you throughout your graduate program.

COM Financial Aid

COM offers a variety of financial resources, including merit scholarships, graduate assistantships (teaching, research, and administrative), and guidance on federal and private educational loans for eligible students.

Questions about financial aid? COM’s Associate Director of Enrollment & Financial Aid, Jackie Cummings (jmcummin@bu.edu), can help with:

  • Scholarships
  • Graduate assistantships
  • Federal financial aid
  • Loan processing
  • Work-study
  • General financial aid questions

Schedule a COM Financial Aid Advising Appointment

If your financial situation changes during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to COM’s Graduate Affairs or Financial Aid staff. We’re here to help connect you with the appropriate resources.

Other BU resources:

Student Discounts & Perks

Your Terrier Card comes with more than campus access! Take advantage of discounts on museums, entertainment, local businesses, and other services available to BU students.

Many COM graduate students gain valuable professional experience while earning extra income through on-campus employment and graduate assistantships. Opportunities are available throughout the College of Communication and across Boston University.

Eligibility

  • Domestic and international graduate students may be eligible for on-campus employment.
  • Students may generally work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
  • International students should review ISSO employment policies before accepting a position.

Looking for an on-campus job?

Explore opportunities:

  • Check your accepted student site under the “Assistantships – On-Campus Employment” tab for open positions at COM
  • BU JobX
  • COM Graduate Newsletter (sent to your email bi-weekly)
  • Reach out to your faculty–some professors may be looking for student help
  • Review BU Student Employment Office’s job hunting tips

After you’re hired

Your supervisor and Student Employment will guide you through the required onboarding process, which may include:

Boston University Graduate Workers Union (BUGWU):

  • Students whose assistantships include teaching, instructional, or research responsibilities may be represented by the Boston University Graduate Workers Union (BUGWU). Learn more by reviewing the BUGWU page.

International Students

  • International students who have not previously worked in the United States may need to apply for a Social Security Number after beginning employment. ISSO provides step-by-step guidance throughout the process.
  • Copies of the SSN Certification Form on BU letterhead can be found outside of COM Room 130.

Questions about assistantships or on-campus employment? Contact the Graduate Affairs Office (comgrad@bu.edu)—we’re happy to help connect you with the appropriate resources.