Major Advising FAQ

Open All

We're happy to have you join us! In order to make sure you have all the relevant information prior to making the switch, please do the following:

  1. Email us directly at: international.studies@usfca.edu to receive information about the major and to be notified on how to connect to our Chair for assistance.
  2. Following this meeting, you will be connected to one of our student leaders or BAIS Peer Advisor, who can help you orient yourself to the department and activities!
  3. Once you are sure you wish to declare the major, fill out the Change of Academic Program (CoAP) form after speaking to the Chair. 
  4. Following filling out the form, you should plan to meet with your new Faculty Adviser, the Undergraduate Director, or the Department Chair, to receive specific advising for the major. 

Your path in the International and Global Studies department is YOUR JOURNEY! Have more control over this by establishing a relationship with your Faculty Advisor and Professors.  Consulting with your Faculty Adviser at least once a semester (at the beginning) will ensure that you stay on track to graduate, obtain needed internships and information about many activities in the major, and meet all the requirements so you graduate ON TIME!

BAIS Peer Advisors are our student leaders in the department who have been trained to share their experience with the major and can help you figure out your path as well. Peer Advisors are available for consultation during the first weeks of classes and around the advising period each semester. (Their information can be found here on Canvas). You do not have to see a specific Peer Advisor each time and can choose who you'd like to speak to. Also, seek them out at tabling events and other fun activities during the semester.

Later in your journey with us, if you want to become a student leader, we can help guide you in that direction.

Questions for Peer Advisors

  • What classes should I take first and which faculty are your favorites?
  • Should I study abroad? What options are there?
  • Which classes count for BAIS and the CORE? Can I double-count them?

Questions for Faculty Advisors

  • Can I count a special topics class, independent study, etc. for the major?
  • How does a specific study abroad program fit into my requirements for the major?
  • Will this class I took elsewhere count towards my major?

To see who your faculty adviser is, you can check the Student menu on myUSF OR email us at international.studies@usfca.edu for help.

You can find the office hours for the BAIS faculty advisers on myUSF and through your Canvas department portal. Look for the invite to get involved. Tons of information on courses, events, internships and academic competitions listed each week.

Every semester, prior to the registration period for next semester’s classes, International Studies holds mandatory Group Advising for first-years and sophomores. Students must attend one Group Advising session to have their Advising Hold removed, so they can register for classes. During these sessions, the requirements are discussed and new courses for the semester are announced. Peer and faculty advisers are also available for consultation.

  • Fill in your “Four Year Plan” or PASSPORT as far as you are able (available on Canvas or through the department office)
  • Meet with a Peer Advisor to get general questions answered.
  • Have specific questions ready for your faculty adviser.

Our major went through a transition and curriculum update! Students who added the major in prior years will be completing the previous curriculum in BAIS, while new students will be completing the updated curriculum requirements in GSBA. Thus, your peers may have different requirements than you. If you have any questions, please discuss with your adviser or the International Studies office for more information.