Undergraduate Academic Advising
Academic advising is available to all Political Science students throughout their time with the department. You can schedule an appointment via Handshake or email your assigned Advisor directly with any questions you have about the major, minor, Honors program, internships, and/or on-campus resources. Your Advisor is happy to assist you throughout your time at Boston University!
Academic Advisors for Political Science:
Derek Briand, M.A. (Last Names: L-Z)
Email: dbriand1@bu.edu
Book a Virtual Appointment with Derek Briand on Calendly HERE.
Please note that we have moved away from Handshake
Remote Days: Tuesdays & Fridays
In-Person Drop-In Schedule: (Location: 232 Bay State Road, Room 218):
*Above schedules are subject to change
HOURS OF OPERATION:
While hours are subject to change throughout the academic year for both Advisors, the Advising Office is only open Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:00am-5:00pm (hours differ between advisors and students should check Handshake to see availability for appointments). Meetings will only be held between these days and will not include the weekends or holidays/whenever the office and/or the University is closed.
Important Information Regarding Booking Appointments:
- Check your schedule and make sure you can attend the appointment time you are making.
- If you have an emergency and cannot attend your appointment, please email your assigned Academic Advisor at least 24 hours in advance. If you have a legitimate emergency, email your advisor as soon as possible and/or reschedule your appointment.
- Don’t be late to your appointment. We wait 6 minutes, and if you do not show up and have not emailed us to let us know you will be late, your appointment will be deemed a “NO SHOW.” Too many no-shows may result in you no longer being able to book an appointment and may result in needing to contact your advisor to book an appointment moving forward.
In addition to the above statements, please be sure to keep the following in mind when booking a virtual appointment:
- Check to make sure your wifi connection is working properly.
- Make sure you’re in a location that is reasonable to have an advising appointment (i.e. Do not schedule an appointment during a time when you may be traveling, in a large communal space like a cafeteria or classroom, etc.)
- You may or may not share your video during an appointment, and we will not require you to do so. Do what you feel most comfortable doing.
*During the interim, while we are looking for a new Advisor, please direct any general questions to CAS Advising at casadv@bu.edu or stop by during their drop-in hours.
Preparing for an Advising Appointment
Click HERE to learn how to prepare for an Advising Appointment & How to Register for Classes.
Registration Advising
This Section is Under Construction. Please Check Back Soon!
Mission Statement
Our mission in the Undergraduate Academic Advising Office, as Academic Advisors, is to empower students to reach their full potential and achieve their academic and personal goals. We strive to provide accurate and timely information, as well as support and guidance, to help students make informed decisions about their academic paths. We are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive advising experience that recognizes the unique needs and circumstances of each student. By working collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff, we aim to promote student success and facilitate the transition to and through higher education.
Values Statement
As academic advisors, we value student success and well-being. We believe in empowering students to take control of their own academic and personal development and to make informed decisions about their futures. We recognize the unique needs and circumstances of each student and strive to provide a positive and inclusive advising experience. We value honesty, transparency, and open communication, and we are committed to being responsive and accessible to students. We are committed to continuous learning and professional development in order to best serve our students. We believe in the potential of every student and are dedicated to supporting them in achieving their goals and reaching their full potential.
Goals & Outcomes
- Be knowledgeable, approachable, and transparent with all of our students.
- Encourage autonomy, self-authorship, and self-reflection while also maintaining our role as a resource to students.
- Create policies and practices that are conducive to a holistic and inclusive advising model in which our students can feel welcome, safe, and encouraged to continue on their path of academic & personal success.
Advisor Expectations
- Provide accurate and timely information to students.
- Respond promptly to student inquiries and concerns.
- Foster a positive and inclusive advising experience for all students.
- Respect the diverse needs and goals of each student.
- Maintain confidentiality and protect student privacy.
- Keep up-to-date on-campus resources, policies, and procedures relevant to advising.
- Refer students to appropriate campus resources as needed.
- Stay informed about academic programs and requirements in both History & Political Science and CAS expectations.
- Communicate regularly with students about their progress and offer support as needed.
- Encourage students to take an active role in their own academic and personal development.
Student Expectations
- Attend scheduled advising appointments and arrive on time in order to respect the time and efforts of your advisor and use appointments effectively.
- If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, notify your advisor at least 24 hours in advance (unless it is an emergency), cancel your appointment on Handshake, and reschedule during another available appointment slot.
- Come prepared to each advising appointment with any updates or items you would like to discuss, including prepared questions.
- Take responsibility for your own academic progress and decision-making by understanding and fulfilling your academic and program requirements.
- Keep your advisor informed of any changes in your academic or personal circumstances that may affect your progress.
- Communicate with your advisor regularly and proactively seek out advice and support when needed.
- Follow up on tasks and action items discussed during advising appointments.
- Understand and adhere to policies and procedures outlined by the institution and your academic program’s department.
- Take advantage of resources and opportunities offered through the advising office and on campus.
- Reply to your advisor’s email communications in a timely manner, a good rule of thumb is to reply within 1-2 business days.
Student Resources
Study Abroad
Visit the Study Abroad Website HERE.
Language Requirements & Placement Testing
To find out more about the Language Requirement in the College of Arts & Sciences or to learn more/sign up for a Placement Test, click HERE.
College of Arts & Sciences Forms & Procedures
To fill out forms and/or to learn more about policies in the College of Arts & Sciences, please click HERE.