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School of Communications > Communication Program > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the requirements to become a Communications major

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Q: If I have a 2.49, will I be accepted?
Unfortunately, no.

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Q: If I had passed COM 201 with a B-, will I be accepted?
No.

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Q: Can I declare Communication as my major if I am currently taking COM 201 (but don't know my grade)?
Yes, but you will be accepted provisionally and will not be fully accepted until we receive your COM 201 grade.

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Q: When are the deadlines to declare Communications as my major?
Fall Semester - April 1st
Spring Semester - November 1st

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Q: What are the graduation requirements?

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Q: Is a D considered a passing grade?
No. According to Arts and Sciences standards, a D is a passing grade; however, the School of Communications' passing grade is a C-.

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Q: Backtracking is not permitted...what is backtracking?
Backtracking is when you take a course without successfully completing its pre-requisite(s). For example, if you take COM 431 without taking COM 331. If you take a course without taking its pre-requisite first, that course will NOT be counted towards your major.

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Q: If I pass a pre-requisite course (excluding COM 201) with a D, can I take the subsequent course? (For example, if I pass COM 331 with a D, can I take COM 431?)
Yes, but the pre-requisite credits will not be counted towards your degree (but it will be included in your GPA).

So, you may take COM 431, but COM 331 will not be considered as part of the 30 credits of 300+ level courses for your degree, but it will be factored in when calculating your cumulative GPA.

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Q: If I have to re-take COM 201, do you average the grades to see if I pass?
No. We will take the higher grade when you declare, but both grades will be included in your cumulative GPA.

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Q: I have been admitted as a Communications major and have passed COM 201 with a B or better, but when I register for COM classes, I get a "Pre-requisite Error". What does that mean and how can I register for COM classes?
A Pre-requisite Error means that the system does not recognize that you have passed COM 201. This error normally occurs when the student has taken COM 201 at another college (Including community colleges).

In order to register, you can contact the instructor or the School of Communications office in Crawford 320 to obtain an authorization to register for the class. (COM office: 956-8881 or 956-8715)

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Q: Once I obtain an authorization to register, does that mean I'm automatically in the class?
No. Getting authorization just means that you are allowed to register for the class. It is your responsibility to register for the class. So even if you receive authorization, it is not guaranteed that you will have a seat in that class.

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Q: I have some internship questions...who can I ask?
All questions regarding internships should be directed to the Internship Instructor (COM 495). Internship packets are available for pick up from the bulletin board under "Internship" heading on the 3rd floor of Crawford Hall.

You may also look at our internship webpage: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/com/pages/courses/internship.htm

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Q: I intend to graduate next semester and want to register for COM 490, what is required?
In the beginning of the semester prior to the semester you will be graduating, the student needs to complete the following:

  1. Fill out a Goldenrod Form in triplicate wiht an advisor and distribute it as follows:
      2. 1 copy = School of Communications (Crawford 320)
      1 copy = Student
  2. Schedule a GRAD session with A&S. (GRAD sessions are posted for the following month on the second week of every month)
  3. Attend the GRAD session as scheduled
  4. A week after your GRAD session, pick up your grad packet at A&S
  5. 1-2 weeks after picking up your grad packet, you may go to the Cashier's office (QLC 105) to pay your $30 diploma fee
  6. Bring a copy of the receipt to the COM office (Crawford 320)
      7. You may bring a copy of the charge card receipt or
      Go to MyUH Portal, in their "Financial page", print that you have paid
  7. Register for COM 490

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Q: What if I can't pay the $30 diploma fee before I register?
You can bring in a copy of you grad plan (which is included in your grad packet) to show proof that you have attended a GRAD session and will graduate. When you pay the $30 diploma fee, provide the COM office with a copy of your receipt.

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Q: Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available through the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Financial Aid office (QLC 112). The School of Communications does not offer general financial aid.

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Any subsequent or specific questions should be addressed to your assigned advisor or the Undergraduate chair.

 

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