Undergraduate Student FAQ
Why do all Grady degrees require four semesters to complete?
Each fall and spring semester, Grady College accepts the maximum possible number of students into its four majors. Due to limited resources and class sizes, each student is guaranteed up to two Grady classes if needed each fall and spring semester. A Grady introductory class (JOUR 3030, ADPR 3100, EMST 3010, ADPR 3850, or JRLC 3800) may be considered one of the two classes. By taking two Grady classes each fall and spring, a student is guaranteed to graduate in four semesters, not including summers or the semester of application. Accreditation standards, classroom sizes, and limited equipment can all require that classes be capped at certain sizes. This is why Grady professors are unable to add extra students to class rolls, even if a student has met the prerequisites for his/her class.
How do I schedule an advising appointment?
Students are required by University policy to meet with their advisor once each fall and spring semester. SAGE (Student Advising and Guidance Expert) is UGA’s new advising software that allows students and advisors to schedule advising appointment online. Beginning in Fall 2017 students will schedule their advising appointment by logging in to SAGE.
I missed my advising appointment. What should I do?
Grady strictly enforces the college’s “No Show” policy; see our Advising Appointments webpage and read the policy carefully.
What is the difference between “POD” and “POM”?
POD stands for “permission of department.” Many UGA departments have some courses that require the department’s permission before enrolling in the class; these classes are generally reserved for majors in that department. In Grady, your advisor will help you determine which PODs you need to stay on track for graduation. PODs are assigned by the Grady department offices—not by advisor-based on the Grady priority system.
POM stands for “permission of major.” Classes listed as POM are open on Athena on a first-come, first-served basis to all students in the designated major.
I want to receive class credit for an internship. How can I do this?
Completing an internship provides you with valuable hands-on-experience, which gives you an edge over other applicants in applying for jobs after graduation. Some internships require you to earn academic credit, which are available to students only after they have completed specific prerequisites.
Each major requires certain prerequisites to be completed prior to earning interning credit. In addition, each major requires completion of an internship packet, which includes paperwork from both the student and the employer. You can find internship information for your major:
Talking Dog (only open to students accepted in Talking Dog Agency)
I am in the process of completing an internship. Can I still earn credit?
If the official midpoint for the semester has already passed, the answer is no; there will not be enough time to earn class credit with so few days left in the semester. However, if it is not yet midpoint, then the decision rests with the department head. Go ahead and fill out an internship application packet. If the internship is approved, you will need to late-add the internship class. Late- or add-forms are available here.
I did not receive the Grady class (or section time) I wanted. What should I do?
Each semester there will be several days near the end of the semester when departments will accept Section Change Request Forms. These forms don’t guarantee a section change, but they allow you to submit a request that will be considered by the department. Contact your advisor for information about the dates during which Section Change Request Form may be submitted.
I want to take a NMIX or Sports Media class, but I’m confused about these classes count toward my Grady degree.
The NMIX 2020 “Intro to New Media” course always counts as a General Elective in all circumstances for Grady majors. Remember that a Grady Elective is any 3000-level or higher class in Grady (ADPR, JOUR, JRLC, NMIX, EMST) that is NOT required for your degree. NMIX courses other than 2020, and sports media classes with any Grady prefix may count toward the Grady elective(s) required for your major.
What is an Upper Division Elective?
Upper Division Electives are courses at the 3000-level and above that must be taken OUTSIDE of Grady. Any completed minor or certificate program outside of Grady can fulfill this requirement. (New Media, Sports Media or Public Affairs Certificate will not fulfill the requirement because these are Grady certificate programs.) These 15 hours (or five classes) are intended to give you a chance to specialize in up to two subjects. Unless you are earning a certificate, your Upper Division Electives may come from NO MORE THAN TWO prefixes (example: HIST and ENGL). For most subjects, including SOCI, PSYC, and others, it is best to take the introductory course (example: SOCI 1101 as early as possible so you may take upper-level classes later.
What is the minimum grade I can receive in a Grady class and still earn credit toward graduation?
A student must receive a C minus or higher in their Grady classes to receive credit towards graduation. For classes counting as core curriculum requirements, upper-division electives, or general electives, student must receive a D or higher.
I plan to withdraw from a course. What should I do?
Always talk with your advisor and instructor BEFORE withdrawing. Email your advisor with your plans to withdraw from a course to make sure the withdrawal will not affect your graduation date. If you choose to withdraw, be sure to withdraw before the withdrawal deadline of the semester. Students should be aware that a reduction in their hours might result in the loss of full-time student status and thus affect their financial aid, scholarships, athletic and ticket eligibility, University housing accommodations, use of University resources and access to University facilities, immigration status for international students, and Veterans Educational Benefits. More information regarding Withdrawals can be found here.
If you receive financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid (706-542-6147) to find out if dropping below full-time status could affect any scholarships or aid you are receiving;
If you live on campus, contact Housing (706-542-1421) to verify that dropping below 12 hours will not affect your housing;
If you are on a parent’s car insurance, check with the insurance company to make sure you don’t have to be enrolled as a full-time student to keep your coverage.
Finally, consider how many classes you’ve withdrawn from overall since coming to UGA. Beginning in Fall 2008, UGA students are allowed only four withdrawals with a grade of WP for their entire UGA career.
Which classes fulfill the cultural diversity requirement?
Several Grady classes fulfill this requirement; they are listed in the UGA course bulletin. If you’ve taken a class that you believe meets the requirements for a cultural diversity class but is not on either list, contact your Grady advisor.
Franklin College offers the most options for classes that fulfill the cultural diversity requirement. Check out those classes by visiting the Arts & Sciences bulletin.
Any class from Group A or Group B on this list will satisfy the Grady College cultural diversity requirement.
I disagree with the grade I received in a Grady class. What should I do?
First, meet with your professor. Explain your thoughts clearly and carefully. Your professor may then explain his/her thought process behind your original grade. Can the two of you reach a consensus? Professors are able to submit grade change forms to the Registrar’s Office.
Do I need to complete a graduation check?
No, Grady College does not require a graduation check-out process. If you are earning two degrees, be sure you check with your other college/department for their requirements. Your Grady advisor will send an email to all students slated to graduate in that semester with detailed instructions regarding graduation. Please look for this email halfway through the semester if you are planning to graduate. If you do not receive an email, contact your advisor.
Do I need to complete a graduation application?
Yes. Students must apply to graduate in the semester that that they will take their last course(s) toward their graduation requirements. The application is available on Athena and students must apply by the withdrawal deadline of the semester in which they intend to graduate.
Do I need to buy a cap and gown for Grady’s Convocation?
No. Caps and gowns are NOT worn to the Grady College Convocation. The dress code is business dressy. This means that women usually wear dresses, skirts, or dressy slacks and men wear suits with or without a jacket.
Need more information about your studies at Grady College? Schedule an appointment with your advisor.