September 2007 - Posts
With COM Week over, I hope to go to a more regular Monday post to the InCommon blog, so here it is. My plan is to update you weekly on departmental events and things you need to know.
Consultant to review COM programs this week
Every 5 years, each department at the university undergoes a “program review.” This consists of identifying the department’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in order to develop a comprehensive plan to improve on and grow the areas that are strong. Part of that process is to bring a consultant to campus who is a communication scholar in the field. Our consultant is here this week and I've planned numerous evenst for him to get to know us. He is meeting with faculty, students, administrators, alums, and others on campus to hear about their experiences about our programs/majors.
I've set up two opportunities for students to meet with our consultant, Dr. Jim Applegate. Tuesday, 2-3:00 in Craig 323 and Wednesday from 2-3:00 in Craig 323. No need to RSVP for this one. 
If you have time, I'd encourage you to drop by and say hello and offer your thoughts about our programs. It’s really simple—share what you’ve experienced as a student, what you like, what you’d change, and how you’ve benefited by being a grad student (now and future). If you can come for a few minutes you too can be a part of shaping our future strength as a department.
About our consultant. Dr. Jim Applegate is the Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. He received his Ph.D. in communication and was named of distinguished alumni of his program at the U. of Illinois. He also elected President of the National Communication Association, the world’s largest association of communication scholars. Jim was a Professor of Communication, Department Chair, and University Senate Chair at the University of Kentucky prior to coming to the Council.
COM Week wrap up
Last weeks' activities were a huge success, thanks to all of you who attended master classses and took part in our networking luncheon Friday. I've heard great feedback from you about the event, AND, I'd like to hear more. Please email me with your thoughts and feedback about the event. We'd like to know what worked and what didn't for you. You may post your comments on the blog or email me direclty at kellymcneilis@missouristate.edu. We're already planning next year's event and so any comments you can provide would be most appreciated. You can still buy one of the cool t-shirts too. A BIG THANKS to Rachel Bachus for her excellent planning and coordination of the week's events! 
Important Spring 2008 Registration Information
Spring 2008 registration information will be available here by October 1. * Sequenced registration for Spring 2008 begins November 1, 2007. Check the Sequenced Registration Schedule (PDF format) for your scheduled date and time to register or check MY INFORMATION.
I would encourage you, if you've not done so already, to meet with your academic advisor NOW to begin planning for your spring 2008 schedule! The faculty already have a draft of the spring 2008 COM classes and they are here to help you develop your schedule around those classes first.
That's it for now. Talk to you next week! As always, I appreciate your comments and feedback on this blog!
Kelly
COM Week has been a great success, so far, because of your great response. As I was sitting in Jim Anderson's session today with the other students, I became even more convinced that you can benefit from networking with others and learning about how to get a great job BECAUSE YOU are a COM major. Jim spoke of how students can best position themselves for jobs: do internship(s), get involved in student organizations, work for a not-for-profit to gain experience (and feel good), be proactive in meeting people, and don't be bashful about yourself and your accomplishments. Lots of great advice and tips shared by a true advocate for our majors and one of our own (1971).
As a result of the overwhelming number of you who have signed up this week, registration is now closed for Friday's luncheon. However, you can STILL buy one of our great COM Week shirts for $10.00.
A note about Friday's luncheon--dress is business casual. You'll be meeting with alums of the department who have jobs and know others who might be hiring....so make a positive impression with a smart choice of attire.
Other news you can use: Consider becoming a SOAR leader! What a great way to earn money over the summer and put your communication skills to good use.
Student Orientation, Advisement, and Registration (SOAR) is preparing for orientation sessions for the summer of 2008. SOAR welcomes first-time freshman to the campus in June and July for a program designed to prepare them for success at Missouri State University.
SOAR leaders are students who welcome new students to campus, answer their questions, and aid them in registering for fall semester courses. The success of the SOAR program rests largely with the selection of outstanding student leaders. That means YOU!
Students who possess a high degree of enthusiasm, responsibility, and integrity are excellent candidates for SOAR. You can apply directly by going to one of their informational session. Or, ask one of our COM profs to nominate you at www.missouristate.edu/soar/nominate.htm. Once nominated, the SOAR office will inform you through e-mail or mailed letter that you were nominated. We will also supply you with information about how to apply for a position.
Interested students may find more information at www.missouristate.edu/soar/applyforsoar.htm, or they may attend one of the following information sessions:
October 15 7:00 – 7:45 pm Plaster Student Union Ballroom East (Room 300)
October 16 7:00 – 7:45 pm Plaster Student Union Ballroom East (Room 300)
Become a SOAR leader and GO BEARS!
Your response to COM week has been amazing! Keep those registrations coming!
NOTE: COM Week T-shirts are in, they are awesome 
and they are going fast. Wear your major on your back 
. If you have already registered, you can come back in and pick up your shirt and pay your registration. If you cannot make the luncheon, you can still buy one of these fabulous shirts for only $10.00 in Craig 375.
Let me follow up with a couple of questions that have been posed to me.
Question: What's a master class anyway?
Answer: The classes are workshops to provide you with an opportunity to interact, in a small group, with a professionals in communication who are also alums of the department! They want you to learn about what they do and to help you be more prepared for work and your job hunt . We've asked each alum to provide you some very specific information about their jobs and in particular to identify those communication skills necessary in today's business world. We call them master classes because we hope to provide you with in-depth information about communication jobs and the role of communication in the business world, and getting prepared for your first job. Think of it as insider information.
Question: Do we need to register in person for the master classes or can it be done online?
Answer: You may register in person in Craig 375 OR email your request to communication@missouristate.edu
Be sure to identify what courses you want to enroll in and if you’ll be attending the luncheon. You may pay for the luncheon when you register or at the luncheon directly. Registration for the lucnheon is necessary by Wednesday, Sept 19.
Question: What will the luncheon on Friday be like?
Answer: Good question, here is a brief schedule of events including:
- Introductions of students, faculty, and alum
- A nice buffet luncheon
- Table talk with alums (there will be at least 2 alums per table for you to meet and and talk with)
- Finally, we are going to participate in a short networking activity.
Question: What if I can't attend the luncheon the whole time from 11-1, can I still come?
Answer: YES, by all means. If you have class until 11:50, you can still register and show up at noon. Or, come early and leave when you must. The goal is to have some time to meet and greet an alum from the department. As noted above, they are here to help you understand your major and get prepared for the world of work as they know it.
SEE YOU NEXT WEEK. As always, email me with your questions. kellymcneilis@missouristate.edu
**************
IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) student group is having an informational meeting Monday September 17th at 4:30pm in Craig 331. Jenifer Bice, their Educational Director for IABC, will be a guest speaker. There will be free pizza, a chance to win a free cell phone and a $5 gift card to Churchill coffee.
REGISTER NOW! Seating is limited for the master classes, so be sure to get your spot soon. The luncheon has unlimited seating but we need you to register by Wednesday, Sept 19. Let me know if you have any questions!
Master Classes:
Monday, September 17, 3:30-4:45 p.m., Craig 336
“Defining Corporate and Organization Communication”
-Jenifer Bice & Meredith Cantrell
Tuesday, September 18, 3:30-4:45 p.m., Craig 321
“How to Land Your First Job”
-Valerie Turner
Wednesday, September 19, 3:30-4:45 p.m., Craig 336
“Communication Spells Business Success”
-Jim Anderson
Thursday, September 20, 3:30-4:45 p.m., Craig 321
“Graduate School vs. Your First Job”
-Monica Cayocca, Jacob Day, Margaret Orlando & Megan O’Rourke
Alumni/Student Networking Luncheon
Friday, September 21, 11:00-1:00 p.m., PSU Ballroom East
Cost: $10, includes FREE COM Week t-shirt
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.
VISIT CRAIG 375, CALL 836-4423 OR E-MAIL
COMMUNICATION@MISSOURISTATE.EDU
Whether you are a new major /minor or have been around for awhile, COM Week is for YOU! The week's events are designed to provide you with an opportunity to explore career possibilities for your major. COM Week is also designed to provide you with multiple opportunities to meet and interact with some of our most successful and talented COM alums.
Finally, COM Week is a way to celebrate your major/minor, the faculty, students, and alum! This year we are offering cool new T-shirts to commemorate your major in all its glory. The logo will be on the front right pocket. And, thanks to YOUR contributions, the backside of the shirt will read:
For more information about COM Week events, look for flyers to be posted soon in Craig Hall and from faculty announcements in class. Here is some preliminary information for your calendars!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
1) We are offering four special Master Classes for you to attend. Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:45 we’re offering one short course per day by alums in the field. They will share with you what they’ve learned on the job. You’ll also learn tips from professionals about why COM is a valuable major, getting your first job, what to do once you land that job, and what to do if you are interested in graduate school. Space is limited so registration is required for master classes.
2. Alumni/ Student Networking Luncheon
Date: Friday, September 21 Time: 11:00 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m.
Place: PSU Ballroom West
Registration required, cost: $10, includes a COM Week t-shirt
For more information, call contact me at kellymcneilis@missouristate.edu
More to come….