Advising

CDM Academic Success Center

DePaul Center
1 E. Jackson Blvd.
Suite 8500
Chicago, IL 60604

Virtual Hours
Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm
(312) 362-8633
advising@cdm.depaul.edu

Scheduled appointments are strongly encouraged and may be set in BlueStar. Although we will offer in-person appointments, we also encourage students to select an online meeting. We are unable to offer walk-in appointments.

CDM Advising

Advising in the College of Computing and Digital Media

Academic advisors can assist you with progression toward degree completion, navigating university technology and resources, course selection and registration issues, and many other things. We encourage students to meet with their academic advisors regularly as they move through their program.

The College of Computing and Digital Media provides both staff (also known as academic) and faculty advisors to help students successfully complete their degree requirements and prepare for their careers and graduate study.

Both types of advisors can address questions about major/minor and graduation requirements. However, you can think of the difference between these advisors as a difference in perspective and scope.

Staff Advisors
- Offer a broader perspective.
- Have expertise in how to successfully fulfill major/minor and graduation requirements and navigate the degree process; can help build an optimized schedule each term.
- Possess in-depth knowledge about college and university policies and procedures, your degree progress report (DPR) and transcripts, and the wide range of resources and extra- and co-curricular experiences available to students.
- Make changes to your record that are approved by deans and faculty advisors.
- Sign forms for financial aid, international students and transfer students.

Faculty Advisors
- Are experts in your major field.
- Assist with long-term planning of your academic program. They know the wide variety of careers available to majors, which particular courses will be best for you, and how to most effectively choose and prepare for specific graduate programs and careers.
- Can help you evaluate how well your skills and abilities fit with the field and your goals. In addition, they have extensive contacts in the field and can foster your professional development in your academic area of interests.
- Consult on prerequisite inquiries and approve necessary overrides; approve changes that occur within your chosen major.

Appointments with both your staff and faculty advisor can be made in BlueStar in Campus Connect.

FAQ

How do I search for and enroll in classes?

The Class Search and Enroll PDF includes a step-by-step guide to managing your classes on Campus Connect.

Which classes do I pick next?

CHECK YOUR DPR(see how)
Your degree progress report tells you which courses you have already taken and how many requirements you have left to take. Visit the CDM website to determine the faculty recommended sequencing. On our site you will want to hover over ACADEMICS, select UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS, select BACHELOR'S DEGREE PROGRAMS and then check the CURRICULUM AND REQUIREMENTS page for your program and/or concentration.

How should I balance my schedule?

TAKE AN EVEN SPLIT
Most programs can benefit from an even split of liberal studies courses to your major courses. If you have added a minor, you may want to replace one of your liberal studies requirements with a minor course. Always prioritize enrollment in your major courses before anything else, as they may not be offered every term. Major courses also have a prerequisite structure.

How do I transfer credit?

Undergraduate students may take courses at another college/university with approval from an academic advisor provided they are NOT yet bound by the University Residency Requirement.

Graduate transfer credit is not widely accepted. However, in certain circumstances and with the approval of the student's faculty advisor it will be considered. A maximum of 2 courses may be transferred from another graduate program at the graduate level.

Undergraduate residency policy reference

Graduate student transfer policy reference

Where are my additional credits?

Can I submit a portfolio?

Should I join a waitlist?

BE SMART ABOUT IT!
Joining a waitlist requires that you wait for someone else to drop the course in order for a seat to open up. There is no guarantee that this will happen. First year students have plenty of options for open classes. If you really want a waitlisted course, it is best to use the SWAP feature before you join. Schedule all open classes and then set up to be swapped into the course you want, if a seat becomes available.

How can I meet an advisor?

Why aren’t my classes on D2L yet?

Can I drop classes?

Can a course be taken as pass/fail?

Yes. However, students should be aware of the pass/fail policy that pertains to their situation and understand that there may be multiple policies and multiple deadlines for those policies. Speaking with an academic advisor prior to selecting any pass/fail option is always advised.

Undergraduate student pass/fail policy reference

Graduate student pass/fail policy reference

COVID-19 temporary P/D/F policy reference

I see a course on the plan of study that is not on my DPR. Can I take it?

Students are encouraged to enroll in courses as required by their declared degree plan and to reference their Degree Progress Report (DPR) regularly. If requirements change, then students may elect to update to a newer curriculum by speaking with an academic advisor who will make the update. Changing to an older curriculum requirement term is not allowed. Students must obtain approval from their assigned faculty advisor for any course substitutions in the major field of study.

What if a class I registered for has been canceled?

Staff

CDM Academic Success Center Staff

Becca BerkshireAcademic Advisor

Ph: (312) 362-5228
rberkshi@depaul.edu

"Hi, I’m Becca. I completed my B.S. in Exercise Science at Western Illinois University, and my M.Ed. in Higher Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I enjoy getting to know each one of my students and am passionate about helping them identify and reach their goals; I look forward to assisting with all things DePaul and CDM! Outside of advising, I like to try new restaurants, watch sports, roam Target, and spend time with my family and cat (Ashland)!"

Students with last names A through G

Animation (BA/BFA/MA/MFA)
Creative Producing (MFA)
Documentary (MFA)
Film & Television (BA/BFA/MS/MFA)
Screenwriting (MFA)

Monica CanoAcademic Advisor

Ph: (312) 362-8366
mcano7@depaul.edu

"Hi, I’m Monica. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from Dominican University, and an M.Ed. in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago. I love helping students choose classes that make the most of their college experience, whether that’s planning for study abroad or finding the perfect elective! When I am not advising, you’ll find me reading, listening to a podcast, or hanging out with my cat Walter J. Catwater."

Information Technology (BS)
BS-CS & BS-IT online completion programs
Undecided, Certificates, Non-Degree
All MA/MS fully online students

Veronica DillardAcademic Advisor

Ph: (312) 362-6991
vdillard@depaul.edu

"My name is Veronica Dillard. I graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, with distinction with a BA in Sociology & Political Science. I went on to obtain my master’s degree in Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management here in Chicago. In addition to that, I am a certified paralegal from Roosevelt University here in the loop. I love going to the movies and being featured in them as well! I can also move my ears."

Students with last names beginning P through Z

Animation (BA/BFA/MA/MFA)
Creative Producing (MFA)
Documentary (MFA)
Film & Television (BA/BFA/MS/MFA)
Screenwriting (MFA)

Sarah FinckAcademic Advisor

Ph: (312) 362-1126
sfinck@depaul.edu

"Hi, I’m Sarah. I am a proud Double Demon! I completed my BA in Digital Cinema and am currently pursuing an MA in English Literature and Publishing, both from DePaul. Outside of advising, I am a huge baseball fan (Go Cardinals!) and avid reader. When my nose is not pressed in a book or my eyes are not glued to a game, I love exploring the city with friends and family."

Students with last names H through O

Animation (BA/BFA/MA/MFA)
Creative Producing (MFA)
Documentary (MFA)
Film & Television (BA/BFA/MS/MFA)
Screenwriting (MFA)

John GlatzDirector of Advising

Ph: (312) 362-8321
jglatz@depaul.edu

"I am a Blue Demon through and through. I earned my BA and MS degrees in Math from DePaul and worked in advising related positions since my time as a student. As director of advising for CDM, I have the pleasure of working with a dedicated group of staff and faculty advisors who are passionate about working with students to help them reach their fullest potential. And I like sports, especially Chicago sports. In order, that would be... Cubs, Blackhawks, Bears, Bulls, and then the south side baseball team."

Computing (BA)
Computer & Information Sciences (PhD)
Human Centered Design (PhD)

Caitlin MartinezAcademic Advisor

cmart119@depaul.edu

"Hi, I’m Caitlin! I graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a B.A in Psychology, and an M.Ed. in Counseling from DePaul. I love getting to know the students I work with, and supporting them through their educational journey. Outside of advising I am catching up on TV shows, doing my best to keep my plants alive, and cooking!."

Business Information Technology (MS)
Computer Science (BS/MS) A through O only
Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering (BS)
Data Science (BS/MS)
Math & Computer Science (BS)
Health Informatics (MS)
Information Systems (BS/MS)

Kathryn McLravyAcademic Advisor

Ph: (312) 362-6738
kmclravy@depaul.edu

"Hi, I’m Kathryn! I received my undergraduate degree in Communication from Michigan State University and my master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. I love supporting students through their transition to college and helping them reflect on their interest, skills, and values in academics. Outside of advising, I like to spend time with my cats, Gus and Gracie, try new restaurants, and play my cello!"

Artificial Intelligence (MS)
Computer Science (BS/MS) P through Z only
Cybersecurity (BS/MS)
Game Programming (BS/MS)
Network Engineering & Security (BS/MS)
Product Innovation and Computing (MS)
Software Engineering (MS)

Katie SchillerAssoc. Director of Advising

Ph: (312) 362-8730
kschill4@depaul.edu

"I work in the College of Computing and Digital Media as the Associate Director of Advising. I received my undergraduate degree in Speech Communication and a Master of Science Degree in Guidance and Counseling. I’m originally from Wisconsin and am an avid Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, my pup (Piper), and cat (Buddy)."

Jessica SocarrasAcademic Advisor

Ph: (312) 362-8897
jsocarra@depaul.edu

"Hi, my name is Jessica Socarras. I received my Bachelor’s degree from DePaul in Secondary Education History with an endorsement in Middle School Education and my Master’s degree from Kansas State University in Academic Advising. Outside of advising you can find me playing tons of video games (ask what I’m currently playing!), baking and decorating desserts, watching sports, and spending time with my family and friends. I am so excited to be back at my alma mater and I look forward to helping you through your educational journey at DePaul."

Digital Communication & Media Arts (MA)
Experience Design (MA)
Game Design (BS/MFA)
Graphic Design (BFA)
Human-Computer Interaction (MS)
Industrial Design (BFA)
User Experience Design (BS)

Appointment Scheduling

Scheduling an Appointment

Click Student Resources on the Student Homepage in Campus Connect.
Then click BlueStar Student Support from the menu on the left side of the screen.
On the top left side of your BlueStar homepage, you will notice a menu button. Select My Success Network from the list of options.

Setting a Meeting with an Academic Advisor

Staff advisors hold 30 minute appointments for long-term planning, academic concerns, academic probation, SAP appeals, schedule verification, Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) I-20 request forms, open quarter course selection and Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) registration and holds. During the first week of each term, 15 minute express in-person and phone advising is available. To schedule an appointment:

Complete steps 1-3 above.
From the My Success Network page, click the blue CDM Academic Success Center link, then click the blue arrow next to the person with whom you would like to meet, and then select Schedule from the options.
Current Students should select Advising and students who have not yet begun at DePaul should select Prospective Student Advising. From there, indicate what type of help you need, and proceed through the steps until you have set your meeting.

Setting a Meeting with a Faculty Advisor or Professor

Complete steps 1-3 above.
From the My Success Network page, look under Your Connections and use the blue triangle to navigate to the faculty member’s schedule. Appointments under Advising can be set by anyone. Appointments under Teaching are reserved for current students of that faculty member.
Please Note: Faculty outside of Your Connections can be found by searching their name in the bar at the top of the screen, or by find their department in the boxes under Your Services.

Preparing for Your Appointment

As academic advisors, we value the time we get to spend assisting and equipping you to be successful in your educational pursuits. To most effectively utilize the time we spend together, please consider the following suggestions when preparing for an advising appointment.

Please anticipate your advising needs and make appointments early. Advisors’ schedules fill up quickly, especially during peak times, such as registration.
Expect advisors to give you referrals. While we are experts in advising, we are not experts in all matters related to DePaul University. We’ve worked hard to build networks across campus to appropriately refer you to additional support services.
Feel free to discuss academic and non-academic issues relevant to your education with your advisor. Be willing to identify and discuss your difficulties and come up with ideas for addressing them. The more we know about you, the better able we are to determine appropriate academic goals.
Be prepared and come with written questions
- Examples of questions to ask a staff advisor are, How many credits do I have left until I graduate? Can you assist me with my SAP appeal letter? How do I add a major or minor?
- Examples of questions to ask a faculty advisor are, May I have permission to substitute X course for Y course? What does the job market look like for my major? What’s the difference between Information Systems and Information Technology?
Research Degree & Course Requirements.
Review Liberal Studies Requirements.
View the Schedule of Classes in Campus Connect.
If you wish to discuss scheduling, create a tentative schedule for yourself and bring it to the advising appointment.
If making a phone appointment, please have internet access during time of appointment.