CMN Advising welcomes students interested in educational and career opportunities in the field of Communication.
We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community to support and empower all our students to take ownership of their education, create an enriching academic experience, and achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.

Advisors are here to help you map out your path to achieve your goals, combine your education and passions for enriching careers, and help you build the skills and confidence to become your best self.

Undergraduate Advising

Learn what a degree in Communication can do for you! Meet with an advisor to discuss becoming a CMN major, plan coursework, find extracurricular opportunities, and explore career options.

Where you can find us

Undergrad Academic Advising Office

3051 Lincoln Hall
702 S. Wright St.
Urbana, IL 61801

Hours:
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact Information:
CMNAdvising@illinois.edu
(217) 333-1647

Please note that the office is closed from 12 – 1 p.m. for lunch.
Email the Advising Office Get directions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is my advisor?

Communication majors are not assigned to a specific academic advisor. You are free to select an advisor based on availability, interest, or personal preference. Any of our advisors would be happy to meet with you and answer any questions you might have.

Fifteen or thirty minutes?

Fifteen-minute appointments are ideal for double-checking class schedules, registration issues, or other quick questions. Thirty-minute appointments are better for more in-depth discussions about classes, majors and minors, graduation plans, career decisions, or more complex issues. All appointments can be in person or virtual.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Get to know our advisors with the information below and book an appointment by using the link listed under that advisor's contact information.

Meet our Academic Advisors

Neil Baer

Neil Baer has been with the department since 2014. He graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor's in communications and earned master's degrees in political science and higher education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

 

Schedule an appointment
Neil Baer
Sarah Layne

Sarah Layne joined the department in 2024 from the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she served as the graduate program coordinator and academic advisor. She earned a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of the Pacific, a master's degree in communication studies from San Jose State University, and a master's degree in higher education from the University of Illinois. 

 

Schedule an appointment
Sarah Layne