I intended the "last hurrah" to be the last post for this semester. However, I didn't want the semester to pass without congratulating a few of our own and others.
PUBLIC SPEAKING SHOWCASE
This past Wednesday, May 7, the department of communication hosted its semi-annual Public Speaking Showcase. At the end of each semester, students enrolled in COM 115 can compete in a public speaking competition. Each section of COM 115 forwards its top speaker to compete in two preliminary rounds by giving an informative speech. After those two rounds, the top 5 rated speakers are selected to compete in a final round in front of their peers of COM 115 students, friends, and instructors in the Plaster Student Union Theatre. This final round is judged by special guests invited from the university and the community. This year, guests included our very own Dr. Susan Waters, Dr. Elizabeth Dudash, Mike Wood (Director of Student Success), student Jordan Haymes (Ag Com major, Com minor), and a publishing sales manager.
After all five finalists gave their speeches, they were presented with trophies, bookstore goodies, and a gift certificate to the MSU bookstore. We want to send out congratulations to ALL FIVE finalists for their accomplishment in making it to the final round. Jonathan Ellis (5th place), Daniela Gemgigiani (4th), Quiana Smith (3rd), Sarah Reinhardt (2nd), and Lauren Terry first place speaker. Speech topics included sleep disorders, job/career outlooks, cyberbullying, synesthesia
Pictured above are Lauren Tracy (first place speaker) and her very proud instructor, Jerri Lynn Kyle. Lauren spoke about bullying and cyber bullying. Mrs. Kyle is very proud of her and it was especially gratifying for her because this Showcase was a milestone for her. Mrs. Kyle is the showcase coordinator, and this year was her 20, over the last 10 years, showcases! Isn't that amazing. She deserves an award too!
I'm pleased to announce the 2008-2009 officers for our communication honor society, Lambda Pi Eta
President: Emily Trammell
Vice President: Emily Standley
Secretary: Erin Pridemore
Public Relations: Nikki Vandepopulier
Event Coordinator: Jessica Lewis
Treasurer: Kristin Hurd
Congratulations and we look forward to your efforts next year.
Kelly
There was a definite process by which one made people into friends, and it involved talking to them and listening to them for hours at a time.
Rebecca West, Irish critic, journalist, & novelist (1892 - 1983)
I've posted this quote on the Craig Hall lobby board for May. As we say goodbye to our seniors and look forward to the next year with our returning students, it's important to remember friends; those you've made here and those you will make after you leave here. As a COM major or minor, you understand the important role of communication in creating and maintaining friendships. Once you leave the hallowed halls of Craig, you'll have to work at keeping in touch with your college buddies. via calls, emails, facebook posts, and visits. I have a younger sister who, since graduating from college in 2000, meets up with her college roomates every year at a new location. Of course since graduation they've had weddings and baby showers, but I've noticed that dedicated time together is key to maintaining their close ties. Consider what you are going to do to keep in touch with your friends, as well as the department. As you move into the next stages of your life, drop us a line here and let us know where you are, what job you've landed, and what exciting things you are doing since graduating. Do keep in touch with us. The above quote also means that you can still make new friends, no matter where you are, it just takes time to invest in creating and maintaining them through frequent interaction.
THREE ITEMS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION (skip to #3 if you are not graduating):
1. In Your Honor
For graduating seniors, I want to remind you that the College of Arts and Letters (wherein COM is located), is hosting a pre-commencement reception for you and your family and friend, Friday, May 16. Do plan to come by and celebrate with your favorite COM faculty members and other students. Graduation begins at 1:30 in Hammons Student Center.
Date and time:
Friday, May 16, 2008, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Location:
First and Calvary Presbyterian Church attrium (right next to Hammons Student Center) 820 Cherry Street
Open to current students, parents and family, alumni, faculty, staff Free.
2. From the Desk of the Career Center
As the semester ends, the Career Center is in the process of collecting graduate placement data. Students can go online or complete and return the attached survey to the Career Center --- so if you have accepted a job or plan to go to graduate school, etc, please to let us know by completing the survey online.
We will be entering students names in a drawing to win $25 gift certificate to the MSU Bookstore – drawings will occur on May 12th & June 16th. Even if students do not have a job yet, they can still be included in the drawing, if they complete & return the survey.
Graduate Survey online: http://careercenter.missouristate.edu/GraduateSurvey.htm
Note: The Career Center is open all summer – we help alumni in their job search all the time. If graduates are still looking, refer them to the Career Center! If you can pass this message on to students in your department, that would be great! Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks! For information, contact: Career CenterEmployer Relations Manager / Career Counselor http://careercenter.missouristate.edumarjoriewieland@missouristate.edu(417) 836-5636(417) 836-5656 (Fax)
3. RATE YOUR CLASS INSTRUCTOR
From the Office of the Provost:
To Missouri State Students, As we near the end of the spring semester, we are asking that you take a few minutes to participate in the Rate My Class Instruction or iGrade option on the My Student Information system website which will be available to you May 3 – May 19. Your participation is especially needed now in order for the University to comply with a relatively new law in Missouri which requires state institutions of higher education to provide additional information on those providing instruction on our campus which includes having student evaluations available on our website. We are fortunate to already have a system in place due to the joint efforts of the Student Government Association and the Faculty Senate. Please take a few moments to submit your evaluations of your spring 2008 classes. You simply go the My Student Information page and select Class Schedule. Your spring 2008 class schedule will have buttons that allow you to submit your responses to each of the 5 questions. The summarized results of all evaluations will be available to all current and future students beginning May 20. We very much appreciate your time and attention to this very important campus-wide endeavor. Sincerely,
From all your COM Faculty and Staff, congratulations seniors, and to all of you, have a great rest of the semester and even more enjoyable summer!
Stay in touch,
Kelly
Additional section of COM 439 offered this fall. Due to overwhelming demand, we've opened a second section of COM 439 this fall, TR, 3:30-4:45 with Dr. Sam Dyer. Registration is open for this section now and the seats are filling up quickly. Be sure to register as soon as possible for this class so that it makes!
Graduating next month? You are invited!
Spring 2008 commencement is coming soon, and for those of you who are graduating 
, plan to attend a college sponsored reception before commencement! Bring your parents, friends, and other guests and meet the Dean of the College, Dr. Carey Adams and other COM faculty members. Friday, May 16, 11:30-1:00 in the lower atrium of First and Calvary Church (next to Hammons Student Center).
Free concert event this weekend planned by COM 309 students!
Tina Stillwell's COM 309 class (Principles of Public Relations) is coordinating a special event in conjunction with Ozarks CW this Saturday (April 26) to raise awareness of gynecologic cancers and to raise donations for GYN Cancers Alliance here in Springfield. The event, which will take place from noon-6 p.m. at Jordan Valley Park, features the music of four bands and MSU’s A Cub Bella (women’s a cappella group). From their press release:
MSU STUDENTS HOST FREE TO BE ROCK FEST FOR GYN CANCERS ALLIANCE
SPRINGFIELD—Public relations students from Missouri State University and The Ozarks CW will host Free To Be Rock Fest, an afternoon of music, to raise money for the GYN Cancers Alliance (GYNCA) of Springfield, from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at Jordan Valley Park. The event will feature an eclectic mix of performers while raising awareness for GYNCA.
The following bands will perform during the benefit: A Day Away, Taylor M. Swift and Alea Kilgore, Funkee Noosa, A Cub Bella, Better Left Behind, and Time of Favor. Giveaways and educational segments about gynecologic cancers will take place between band performances.
Each year more than 83,700 women in America suffer from gynecologic cancers. The COM 309 section 301 “Principles of Public Relations” class taught by Tina Stillwell of Missouri State University is teaming up with The Ozarks CW to raise awareness and funds for GYNCA.
“This is truly a win-win situation and we are thrilled to partner with this event,” said Tammy Mast, GYNCA executive director. “One of GYNCA's primary goals is to educate the community about good gynecologic health especially disseminating information about the HPV vaccine that can ultimately prevent most cervical cancers. The college age group seems very open to the vaccine but wants to be informed."
“We are excited about this opportunity to provide PR students with hands-on experience in event planning while educating young people on age-relevant cancers,” said Jamie Dopp, KY3 and The Ozarks CW community relations director.
-MORE-
“Using what we learn in class to make a difference in the community is the best kind of learning,” said Katie Grana, a Missouri State junior from St. Louis and event logistics chair. “I hope the event makes a big impact.”
GYN Cancers Alliance is a non-profit organization that helps women find new hope while coping with gynecologic cancer by fostering an atmosphere of compassion, support, and learning. The services of GYNCA include peer-to-peer mentoring, New Hope support group meetings, education and awareness, and non-medical financial assistance.
Informational Interviews for COM students
**A free service from the League of American Orchestras**
The League of American Orchestras provides a wealth of services, meaningful information, learning and leadership opportunities, and grass-roots advocacy to its diverse membership, which encompasses nearly 1,000 member symphony, chamber, youth, and collegiate orchestras of all sizes, and links a national network of thousands of instrumentalists, conductors, managers, board members, volunteers, staff members, and business partners.
WHO: For students pursuing non-profit career tracks and who are interested in working for American orchestras
WHAT: 30-minute one-on-one conversations (in-person or over the telephone) with a professional working for an orchestra in the field of Artistic Planning, Development, Education/Community Engagement, Marketing, New Media, Operations, Public Relations or Executive Management
WHEN: Offered on an on-going basis throughout the calendar year
HOW: By request through the League of American Orchestras website. INQUIRE HERE
Find out about how you can put your skills and passion to work in the field of orchestra management.
Sign Up Today for a FREE Informational Interview
For additional information or to find out more, please contact:
Allison Ball, Director of Leadership Training
League of American Orchestras
646.822.4027
aball@americanorchestras.org
JOB OPEN IN PR: Public Relations Coordinator job description (click here for full description) PR Coordinator job description 4-08.doc
The Development & Communications Department at Ozarks Food Harvest, the regional food bank, covering 29 southwest Missouri counties, and one of the region’s leading, largest nonprofits, seeks an organized, multi-talented PR coordinator to help implement communication strategies.
Responsibilities include:
The PR Coordinator will support the Director of Development & Communications in the day-to-day administration of PR and fundraising activities, specifically with writing/designing/updating (newsletters, monthly memos, annual reports, brochures/handouts, web site, social networks, press, case statements etc.); facilitating and coordinating various events’ elements. PR Coordinator to prioritize and manage high volume of detail work, while establishing and maintaining positive relationships with a variety of organization’s publics.
Requirements
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communication, Marketing or related field (Those nearing graduation may also apply)
Excellent written and verbal communications skills
Organized; detail oriented; able to multi-task; self-starter; able take initiative to get projects completed successfully
Basic understanding of press releases (writing and disseminating); SWMO media outlets; event planning; online social networks; letter writing; editing, etc.
Ability to manage deadlines
Ability to work in a team environment or with minimal supervision
Basic computer skills including proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs as well as Adobe software (PhotoShop, InDesign, etc.)
Experience:
Entry level; internship or service learning experience a plus
Ability to effectively present information to publics in written or oral form a must
No contact information was provided, but you can contact the Ozarks Food Harvest directly, here is the website.
Kelly
In a conference style setting, Friday, April 4 provided upwards of 50 students the opportunity to hear from PR professionals about how what it means to be a PR professional, from how to get that first job to how to handle public relations crises. A key note address started the day with Katie Pace who talked about those coveted internships at Fleishman Hillard in St. Louis to understanding how Facebook and MySpace pages are used by agencies to "screen" applicants. After that address, a panel of local PR professionals (Melinda Arnold, Jacob Day, John Scroggins, and Sarah Cochran) and academics (Sam Dyer) talked about everything from "the (a)typical day" on the job to how one gets started in PR, to what the new buzz words and trends are in the profession. After this livelly session, panelists joined students for lunch. At each of the tables discussion centered on getting internships and resume tips. Students brought resumes for professionals to review and provide comments.
Congratulations to the officers of the PRSSA student group for putting on a great event (as it should be, they are PR professionals in training). Emilee Mudd is the current president who deserves kudos, along with the other officers and planners for putting on such a professional event!
Some of you may not know that our debate squad has ties to the beginnings of this university, way back to 1906...when Dr. Virginia Craig began and was the first coach of the debate team. Since that time, we've enjoyed MUCH success with the debate team and this year is no exception. Every year, collegiate debate teams have tournaments, just like college basketball. They have the National Debate Tournament (NDT) and the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) each year around spring break. Teams of two speakers advance with each round and they move towards rounds such as the sweet 16, elite 8, and final 4. This year the 2008 NDT was in Fullerton, CA, March 26-April 1, 2008 (from the debate webpage)
Missouri State's Martin Osborn and Clay Webb reached the semifinals, tying the record from 1973 set by Tom Black and Jon Jackson. They competed as a 1st round large bid bid to the 2008 NDT, which was the 2nd time Missouri State secured a 1st round bid. Their run included a win over Emory, who had been 8-0 in prelims, top seed, and 2nd in the Copeland voting based on their year-long performance.
Missouri State's Michael Mapes and Meggie reached the octofinals, which we believe means this is the first time Missouri State has advanced two teams to the NDT elimination rounds. Their 6-2 run through prelims included a 3-0 win over Berkeley, who had been the Copeland Award winner (the top vote getter in the 1st round voting process).
Martin Osborn won 1st speaker, surpassing Bill Maynard's previous Missouri State record (2nd speaker, 1955). Osborn was also the 1st speaker at the CEDA Nationals the week before, and is the first debater in history to win BOTH top speaker awards in the same year. Michael Mapes was 17th speaker. The field included 156 debaters.
CONGRATS TO OUR DEBATE TEAM, including Martin "Ozzie" Osborn and Clay Webb for their final 4 appearance. Here is Dr. Eric Morris having just openned the traveling trophy/cup for Top Speaker at the NDT. Soon we will engrave Osborn's name on it and it will be on display for the next year in the COM office, College of Arts and Letters office, and hopefully the President's office.
HONORS RECEPTION reminder
Please RSVP to Dr. Janis King to attend next week's honors reception to induct new members of the Honor Society, award the COM scholarships, and recognize the Debate Team for their achievements this year. Monday, April 14 at 3:00, PSU 400. This is a time to celebrate our accomplishments within the department. Hope to see you there!
Do a good deed...DUNK THE DEAN.
Friday April 11, noon-2:00pm you can dunk the dean of the college of arts and letters, 
Dr. Carey Adams for $2.00 for one, and $5 for 3 attempts. Dr. Adams is the previous department head of Communication, so I"m sure you'll want to try and get him all wet...and it's for a good cause. The college's Relay For Life team, Art with a Heart is putting on this event to support their team. Even if you aren't a good throw, surely you'll want to attend and see this awesome site! There will be a bake sale, games, a kiss booth (?) and more.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE: Seeking Solutions: Conflict, violence, and the courage to change.
Three years ago, Missouri State University commemorated its centennial year. The keystone of the celebration was the inaugural Public Affairs Conference. During 2007, we hosted the third conference: One World, Many Voices. The fourth annual Public Affairs Conference will convene April 15-18, and its theme is Seeking Solutions: Conflict Violence and the Courage to Change.
As a communication major or minor, we know there are many ways that communication influences, is influenced by, and can impact on conflict between people. This conference deals with conflict and violence at many levels, so pick a panel or guest speaker to attend that you can learn from and apply communication principles. Consider the interpersonal communication implications at two Wednesday sessions at 9:00am, Is violence a part of human nature? or at 10:30, Dealing with the effects of violence and trauma. Or two panels Thursday at 9:30am, you might think more rhetorically at the panel Why Remember? Public memorials as a response to violence, or The state of public discourse. There are many more besides these, so look at the program and pick at least one event to attend. Tell your faculty members about what you learned, maybe even write a short reflection on it and turn it in.
We're in the home stretch now... May is fast approaching! There's still lots of time left in the semester, and still many things to do. Check out these important dates and events!!
Summer and Fall Pre-Registration Begins April 4 for seniors. Others after that.
You know the drill. Make an appointment to meet with your advisor in advance of your registration date. If you need to get admitted to your major or need a waiver to register, plan to meet with your advisor at least a week in advance of your registration date. If you need a minor approved, do that first. If you have a minor in the business college (MKT, for example), it usually takes two weeks to get an appointment with the business advisement center. So, contact them ASAP and get an appointment before your COM advisor appointment (or after as long as it's before your reigstration date). The turn around for all paperwork requests (waiver, admission, etc.) is 24 hours. Again, plan accordingly as I need that time to review every request individually. We have over 300 majors, so you get the idea.
Plan to attend PRSSA Day "Managing Mutually Beneficial Relationships" Friday, April 4, 2008
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Plaster Student Union 315
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Register by Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Registration forms (PRSSA Day Registration Form.doc) are available on the PRSSA bulletin board. Turn form into Craig 375. Pay with cash or check.
$5 for members, $10 for non-members
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guest speaker Katie Pace of 417 Magazine
Discussion panel
Dr. Sam Dyer of Missouri State University on researching and teaching public relations
Jacob Day of BKD on government affairs and public relations
Melinda Arnold of Dickerson Park Zoo on not-for-profit public relations
John Scroggins of Noble & Associates on for-profit public relations
Sarah Cochran of Price Cutter on special events and promotions
Networking Luncheon
Resume & Portfolio Review
Attendance Prizes
Communication Honors Ceremony, Monday, April 14 at 3:00 in PSU 400.
Plan to attend our spring awards ceremony to celebrate student accomplishments, announcement departmental scholarship winners, and induct new members into the honors society Lambda Pi Eta. After the short program, we will be serving an assortment of appetizers and desserts.
As noted in my posts from Feb 22 and 27, applications for scholarship in Communication are due March 15. There are five undergraduate and two graduate scholarships available this year.
Don't miss this opportunity to apply for a scholarship--sure it's money but it's also a way to be recognized for the great work that you do. Scholarship recipients will be notified at our Annual Honors Awards Ceremony, April 14, 2:30 in the PSU. In addition to receiving a fabulous plaque, the scholarships have a monetary award, and those range in value from $300 up to $1000. As they say, "if you don't apply, you can't be considered." If you aren't sure if or how you should apply, talk to a faculty member about the scholarships and get their input on which one to apply for or how to write a strong application letter. Here's a recap:
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
The Faculty Scholarship in Communication
Awarded to a promising undergraduate student who has declared a major in Communication and completed at least 30 hours with a 3.0 cumulative g.p.a. and a 3.0 in the departmental core.
Application must include at least one letter of nomination from a Department of Communication faculty member.
The Holt V. Spicer Scholarship (retired faculty member, debate coach [hand picked by Virginia Craig herself], and dean)
Recipient must be a full-time junior or senior Communication major with a 3.0 cumulative g.p.a.
The Russell Keeling Scholarship (retired faculty member, debater, and president of the university)
Awarded to an undergraduate Communication major who demonstrates a commitment to public affairs and citizenship.
Application must include a 500-1000 word essay demonstrating your understanding of and commitment to using your college education as preparation for citizenship
The Donal and Vicki Stanton Scholarship (retired faculty member, debate coach, and political pollster)
Awarded to an outstanding student majoring in Socio-Political Communication.
Chris Sifford Memorial Scholarship (to honor the memory of alum of the department of communication and media, press secretary for former governor Mel Carnahan)
Awarded to a communication or journalism major at the sophomore level or higher with a minimum g.p.a. of 3.0 with preference to students in these Missouri counties: Boone, Cole, Audrain, Callaway, Moniteau, Cooper, Howard and Randolph, Stoddard and Greene.
GRADUATE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
The Richard R. Stovall Graduate Scholarship (retired faculty, debate coach, and assistant dept head)
Awarded to an outstanding graduate student in the Department of Communication.
The Christina S. Drale Graduate Scholarship (former media faculty member and associate dean)
Awarded to an outstanding graduate student in the Department of Communication.
Complete applications MUST include:
Signed Application Form
Letter of Application
(Address to Department of Communication Scholarship Committee)
Any other materials specifically required for particular scholarships.
The application deadline for scholarship applications is March 15, 2008. Application forms are available online at the MSU financial aid webpage and in Craig 375. Letters of application should address your academic and career goals and explain why you are deserving of the scholarship(s) for which you are applying.
The Association For Women in Communications
Meeting: February 28th (This Thursday!)
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Building: Craig 203
The AWC would like to invite you to attend our 2nd meeting for the spring 2008 semester!
If you are interested in joining or would like to find out more information about the organization and how you can get involved, this would be a great opportunity for you!
We will be welcoming a guest speaker, Jill Fannin, who works with The Marlin Company. She will be able to give us her view of the workplace and how communications has impacted her career. The Marlin Company is a full-service agency in Springfield, MO, that specializes in strategic, creative, culinary, interactive, and public relations services. Some of the clients for Marlin include Starbucks Foodservice, Mission Foods, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, and other well-known companies and brands. This is a 21 year old company whose mission is "to be the most effectively creative agency for a select group of clients".
To learn more about this agency visit: http://marlinco.com
________________________________________________________________________________________________
“4 Keys to Your Financial Future—A Seminar on Financial Literacy,”
Beta Alpha Psi, an honors organization for Accounting, Finance, and CIS majors will be hosting a seminar entitled “4 Keys to Your Financial Future—A Seminar on Financial Literacy,” on Wednesday, March 5, at 6:30PM, in the PSU Theater. The seminar will last approximately 90 minutes and feature the following topics and presenters: 1. Loans (Including Auto Loans, Financing College, and Loan Traps)Gil Trout, UMB Bank, Chairman and CEO South Central Region2. Evaluating Job OffersBrent Kembell, CPA, UMB Bank, Commercial Banking Officer3. Health, Life, and Disability InsuranceAaron Tanner, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Representative4. Investing, Now and After GraduationSean Prewitt, ChFC, Penny, Murray, & Associates, Senior Financial Advisor Our purpose is to give you the basic knowledge needed to make sound financial decisions now, and when youleave the campus community. We also want to provide students with resources to learn more about their particular financial needs. In addition to these benefits, three students who attend will win $100 savings bonds in a drawing! If you have any questions about the seminar, please feel free to contact me at Mark4315@MissouriState.edu. Thank you for supporting Beta Alpha Psi’s mission to increase financial literacy among college students!
Hey everyone,
Do you feel like this semester has been scattered with snow days, vacation days, ice days? Hopefully the next couple of weeks will bring us some consistency in our schedules. This post is to highlight some of our students accomplishments as well as to request that you provide input on a couple of items.
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In March each year, the University of Oklahoma, Department of Communication hosts a scholars conference. Students can submit papers to be reviewed and competitively selected for presentation at the university. We've had a banner year at Sooners 2008 with nine papers accepted (of which 8 will be presented).
Undergraduate Students
Jennifer Mohling - A Focus on Symbolic Interactionism in Everyday Lives
Mallory Nolan – Adaptive Structuration Theory in Conjunction with Advanced Information Technology: A Mixed Conception
Meaghan Haggenhorst – Social Penetration among Race/ Ethnicity and Gender
Natalie Pennington –( Paper #1) Will You Be My Friend: Facebook as a Model for the Evolution of the Social Penetration Theory
(Paper #2) Creating Reality: An Analysis of the HIV/AIDS Rhetoric Employed by Bill Clinton
Graduate Students
Lindsey Harness – An Analysis of Non-Homeless Individuals’ Perceptions of Homeless Youth
Shawn King – Self-verification and loneliness: Development of a global self-verification measure
Jordan Compton – When the Macaca Hits the Fan: An Image Restoration Analysis in the 2006 Virginia Senatorial Campaign
Erich Hayes – (Paper #1) The Fox effect (Paper #2) Perceptions of Missouri State’s Office of Disability Services and its Disability Student Community
This group will be traveling to Normal Oklahoma to present their papers March 7-8. We are proud of their accomplishments and know they will represent Missouri State very well.
STUDENT PARTICIPATION ON SURVEY REQUESTED
Missouri State is currently participating in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) initiative to assess level of student engagement on campus and with faculty, among other issues. This year a sample of both first year students and senior level students is being invited to participate in the survey. If you fall into one of those two categories, YOU could be invited among 2500 to participate in this important survey. One way that universities seek to improve the education they deliver is by surveying students for their perceptions on how learning and engagement occur for them currently. The results should tell us what we are doing that is impacting on your learning positively, as well, it should tells us what we are not doing in terms of engaging you in the learning process.
Students who are chosen to participate should have received an email from MSU on Feb 6. A follow up email should have come to you on Feb 22. If this is you, PLEASE complete the survey. The more students, especially in COM, who respond, the more information we have to respond to with improvements.
REMINDER: COM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 15
The COM department office has graduate and undergraduate scholarship criteria and applications in Craig 375. They should also be found on the departmental webpage. Check in the office first. These are great opportunities to be rewarded for your excellence in the classroom as well as excellence in community engagement. APPLY NOW!
That's all for now. If you have any questions for me about your major, scheduling or other opportunities, please don't hesitate to contact me directly!
Hey everyone, hope you have survived the ice storm 2008! It's like deja vu all over again 
A couple of things I want to remind you about and to let you know is going on. This is like a "what's happening" post:
CAREER EXPO 2008
128 employers will be attending the CAREER EXPO on Thursday, February 14, 1:30 – 5:30 pm at the University Plaza Convention Center.
Students can take the Blue Shuttle to Kentwood Hall as an option rather than parking at the University Plaza.
For information contact:
Margie Wieland
Missouri State University Career Center
Employer Relations Manager / Career Counselor
http://careercenter.missouristate.edu
marjoriewieland@missouristate.edu
(417) 836-5636
SHOW ME THE MONEY--scholarship money in Communication is available.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
2008-2009 (see this flyer.doc)
The Department of Communication offers the following academic scholarships:
The Faculty Scholarship in Communication
Awarded to a promising undergraduate student who has declared a major in Communication and completed at least 30 hours with a 3.0 cumulative g.p.a. and a 3.0 in the departmental core.
Application must include at least one letter of nomination from a Department of Communication faculty member.
The Holt V. Spicer Scholarship
Recipient must be a full-time junior or senior Communication major with a 3.0 cumulative g.p.a.
The Russell Keeling Scholarship
Awarded to an undergraduate Communication major who demonstrates a commitment to public affairs and citizenship.
Application must include a 500-1000 word essay demonstrating your understanding of and commitment to using your college education as preparation for citizenship
The Donal and Vicki Stanton Scholarship
Awarded to an outstanding student majoring in Socio-political Communication.
Chris Sifford Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a communication or journalism major at the sophomore level or higher with a minimum g.p.a. of 3.0 with preference to students in these Missouri counties: Boone, Cole, Audrain, Callaway, Moniteau, Cooper, Howard and Randolph, Stoddard and Greene.
Complete applications MUST include:
Signed Application Form
Letter of Application
(Address to Department of Communication Scholarship Committee)
Any other materials specifically required for particular scholarships.
The application deadline for scholarship applications is March 15, 2008. Application forms are available online at the MSU financial aid webpage and in Craig 375. Letters of application should address your academic and career goals and explain why you are deserving of the scholarship(s) for which you are applying.
SHOW ME FILM FESTIVAL! February 15-17 (downtown venues)
Do
you like movies? Do you like them a lot? Well there are lots of film
screenings and workshops this coming weekend, just in case you have
some spare time. See the attached program 2008 program.pdf. Or go to their website: www.missourifilm.org
"T h e F i l m F e s t i va l , i n i t s 3 r d y e a r , is brought to you by the Missouri Film Alliance of Springfield. The MFAS
is a member of the Springfield Regional Arts Council and is focused on
supporting the art of film making in Southwest Missouri. Thank you for your support of our efforts. Enjoy the Festival!"
Steve Ole Olson, President
Stay warm,
Kelly
--getting ready for that first job or internship. Check out these opportunities from the Career Center. I've also put these as the "tip of the month" on the Craig Lobby bulletin board. More details are here:
- RESUME MADNESS – February 4, 5 & 6 (See Schedule Below)--get help on your resume!
- ETIQUETTE DINNER – February 13 at 6:30 pm (Contact the Career Center)--get help on how to dine professionally
- **CAREER EXPO – February 14, 1:30 – 5:30 pm (University Plaza Convention Center)--meet real people offering real jobs!
The Career Center will be hosting Resume Madness the next few days in various locations. We will be in Craig Hall Wednesday, 2/6, from 9 am – 12 pm. Note other dates and locations....pick one that works for you, it doesn't matter the building or discipline. Here is the rest of the schedule:
Monday – February 4
Glass Hall – College of Business Building 9 am – 1 pm
Cheek Hall – Computer Science/Math 1 pm – 4 pm
Professional Bldg – Health 2 pm – 4:30 pm
Tuesday – February 5
Strong Hall – Public Affairs/Humanities 9 am – 12 pm
Glass Hall – College of Business 9 am – 1pm
Library - Kaldi’s 1 pm – 4 pm
Wednesday – February 6
Temple Hall – Natural & Applied Science 9 am – 12 pm
Craig Hall – College of Arts & Letter 9 am – 12 pm
Kemper Hall – Industrial Management/Physics 12 pm – 3 pm
Participate in as many of these activities as possible. The Career Center services are for you...so take advantage of them.
Welcome back students! Hope you had a great Holiday break, got some rest, and had some fun. Classes began this week and so I'm sure you are all excited about seeing friends again and finding out who your instructors are and what they have in store for you.
Staying in Touch
- I plan to keep the blog going this semester as before and to post news you can use. I'll provide tips about registration, advising, courses, and information on graduation, careers, and internships. I'm also open to you providing me with announcements you'd like to post. So, if your organization has a meeting you'd like to announce, send me an email with all the information. I usually post at the beginning of the week, so send me the information the weekend before. If you have ideas of other news you'd like to see, drop me an email with your ideas.
- Be sure to check out the bulletin board in the lobby of Craig Hall (next to the Standard box). I'll update it monthly with student/faculty/organization spotlights, as well as a tip of the month. If you have something you'd like me to post there, drop me a line!
- Speaking of feedback, we've recently revised our departmental webpage. Your feedback on this site is important to me, so please take a few moments to review it and drop me a line with your thoughts.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
1) Looking for a COOL summer internship? Did you know that NASCAR (yeah, the stock car racing series) provides for student internships? How cool is that. They have a diversity internship program in the summer 2008 in the areas of:
• broadcasting • communications/PR
• competition • event management
• diversity • licensing
• marketing • media services
• sales • sports marketing
• technology
Is this for you? Check out their website at: www.diversityinternships.com and you can view the application form here. Intern Handout 5-2007.pdf
The following criteria will apply to all positions: Applicants must have completed at least their sophomore year of college and must currently be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student. The Program is open to qualified students of any age. Applicants must be in good standing in their school (academically) and community. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average out of a 4.0 scale. An official copy of the applicant’s transcript is required to complete the application. Applicants must be legally permitted to work in the United States for the duration of the internship. International students must have all visas and employment authorizations prior to start of internship
FOR YOUR LEISURE:
Consider attending this performance:
"SHRINK: A Seriously Twisted Analysis of the Pains and Gains of Psychotherapy" SHRINK.doc
Thursday, January 31st, 7:30 p.m. Coger Theatre, Missouri State University
Through therapy, little person Tekki Lomnicki flings off denial, co-dependence and baggage to find herself at a Little People of America Conference with the Mayor of Munchkinland. Monologue to be performed by Tekki, the Artistic Director of Chicago-based Tellin' Tales Theatre, whose mission is to create community with people with and without disabilities through the art of storytelling.
Sponsored by the Professional Education Unit and the College of Education; Production Support Provided by the Department of Theatre and Dance
For more information contact: Dr. Paris DePaepe, 836-4761
Look for a new posting next week!
Kelly McNeilis
The question is: what are you up to this week? It's a busy time for everyone, you and the faculty. If you were to ask the faculty that question, they'd answer very similarly. Except instead of writing papers or studying, faculty would say they are grading all your papers and tests this week. Imagine them in their jammies, with a cup of coffee, red pens dripping, curled up on the couch or a favoriate chair, and blurried eyes from reading a bajillion papers one after the other. See...during finals week, faculty and students are more alike than you may have ever thought.
One reminder: you still have time to register for courses in the spring semester and I encourage you to do so quickly. A number of courses such as COM 328 with Dr. King, COM 566 with Dr. Dudash, COM 436 with Dr. Morris, COM 360 with Dr. Galanes, are still open. We also have a couple of night classes still open, COM 322 and 350. Because we have a number of courses with seats available, it's unlikely that you'll get into a closed class at this point in time. So, check the class schedule again for additional courses that you might take. In most cases, you have a choice from a list of courses to take, so you have options. Talk to your advisor if you have questions about how a course would count.
The faculty in the department of communication hope your finals go well this week and that you make it home safe and sound after that. Take some time to relax over the break and rejuvenate, ready to tackle spring semester in 2008.
See you next year.
Kelly McNeilis, and all the faculty and staff of the department of communication
We need your input!
Please take the summer classes 2008 interest survey. Click on the link below to take it. We need your input in putting together the summer 2008 slate of classes.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=JTIR6cf5ieFR3Gwal6scyg_3d_3d
Kelly
Each year at this time, communication faculty and students from across the United States and various other countries gather to discuss current research and teaching strategies in the field. The National Communication Association (NCA) meets every November (Wednesday through Sunday) to share cutting edge research and other topics of interest. The
convention will host 1,200+ sessions that involve more than 5,000
participants, reflecting the substance and progress of the communication discipline. This year is the 93rd Annual Convention in Chicago, IL.
This year’s theme, Communicating Worldviews: Faith-Intellect-Ethics,
encourages participants to examine communication within the discipline,
society or world through a literal, metaphorical, or virtual lens.
So, OUR faculty are on their way or already there to present their work. Here is a sample of some of the things we are doing:
Gloria Galanes and Isabelle Bauman are presenters for a workshop called: Social Construction and Social Change: Communication Research, Teaching, and Practice
Participants in this workshop will discuss
examples of how social construction and social change perspectives are
utilized in communication research, teaching, and practice. In addition
to describing specific examples, participants will also reflect on
ethical choices. Named organizers and presenters will begin our
dialogues, but all participants will be invited to share their ideas
and work. Through the process of collaborative sharing we hope to
increase each others’ ability to contribute to positive social changes
by our own actions and those we foster in our students and our
communities.
Elizabeth Dudash is on a panel discussing political issues in talk shows: Political Issues and Campaign Content: An Analysis of Topics in Sunday Morning Talk Show
AND Political Issues and Campaign Content: An Analysis of Topics in Sunday Morning Talk Shows
Susan Waters is also presenting on this panel: Does Media Matter? Investigating Media Bias, Answering Bill O’Reilly, and Challenging Sunday Morning News Programs.
Randy Dillon is responding to a panel called: Comparative Cultural Worldviews in the Educational Context
Sam Dyer is presenting a paper with a couple of graduate students: Newspapers and Weblogs During the 2006 Mid-Term Elections: Toward a Coding Scheme
Kelly McNeilis (me) is presenting a paper with a graduate student: Aligning Talk and Identity in Functional Work Groups: Communication Competence and Identification in Teams
Heather Walters and Eric Morris are attending along with 14 of our graduate students in our Masters Program (some of whom are also presenting at the conference).
Be sure to ask the faculty how their presentations went when you see them next week.
Next week is 
Thanksgiving and you can be sure that if your class was canceled or rearranged this week, you'll definitely be meeting next week. Classes meet on Monday and Tuesday.
I hope registration is going well for you. Look for an online survey soon about summer classes and about satisfaction with your major.
More Posts
Next page »