Search results matching tag 'InCommon'

Important Registration Updates

Kelly McNeilis — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:55:00 GMT

Good Monday to you all…we are in the home stretch now…only 3 more weeks of classes.

A couple of items for you to be aware of as you continue to plan for summer and fall registration.

1. In order for a course to make (and not be cancelled due to low enrollments) I strongly urge you to pre-register for courses.

a. For summer, I will make decisions about small classes by end of finals week in May. In cases where a class is in jeopardy, I will contact ALL students currently registered. Courses that are currently at risk include COM 315 and COM 209. If you plan to take one of these classes, PLEASE REGISTER NOW.

b. For fall classes, we give it more time. The decision to cancel a class will likely occur in mid to late July. So, please check your campus email accounts and postal mail HOME this summer for information about this.

c. If we cancel a class due to low enrollments I will work with students directly to find adequate substitutes for their programs. For example, I note that COM 360 has only 4 students currently registered. If we cancel that course and it’s required in your program and you graduate in December, we will make a substitution. If not, we will offer it in Spring 2010 and you’ll need to make schedule adjustments.

2. Consider taking an online course or special topics class this fall. These courses can count in your programs, but check with your advisor:

a. Organizational and Interpersonal COM majors----COM 511/611 Online: Conflict and Communication, Charlene Berquist

b. All COM Studies majors---COM 513/619 Online: Ethical Issues in Communication, Susan Waters

c. Health COM majors---COM 597/698 Live: Health Communication and Culture, Heather Carmack

3. Banner enforces pre-requisites. These are pre-requisites set by the department and agreed to by the COM faculty. Permission to waive a pre-req is always an instructor decisions. A few other things to consider:

a. If you are taking the pre-req this summer on campus, you need to register for it first. Then you should be able to go into Banner for the fall and add the course you want. Banner should recognize you as being In Progress with the pre-req. If it does not, contact the Registrar’s office directly and they’ll get it fixed for you.

b. If you plan to take a pre-req this summer off campus, you’ve got to contact the instructor directly and inform him/her of this and request an override due to completing the pre-req this summer.

c. If you are not currently eligible for admission to the major, but will be by the end of the summer, again, you can contact the instructor and request permission to waive the pre-req.

d. By departmental policy, if you will be in progress with it this fall, you are NOT eligible to take that course, and the instructor will not give you permission to take the course.

4. Admission to the major: If you are eligible right now for admission, please see your advisor immediately to complete the paperwork to clear the “admission” pre-requisite so you can register. At the same time you need to make plans to get admitted to your minor as well. Please make a separate appointment for that to happen before or right after we complete your paperwork in COM.

a. If you will be eligible for admission by the end of the semester, then in most cases, you will not be given permission because we cannot guarantee that you will complete the course or get the necessary grade in the course that is necessary for admission. So, you may have to plan for another course and if you meet the requirements after grades are posted, you can contact the instructor directly and request permission now that you’ve met the admission criteria.

b. We just want to be sure that you are eligible to be in the course and that you have a proper course sequencing plan for taking the course.

5. Remember to request permission DIRECTLY from the instructor. Requesting does not mean automatic permission is given.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY in KANSAS CITY. Please read the attached flyer for a chance to travel to Kansas City this Wednesday with IABC. Please read this information flyer Student Career Day.doc.

Kelly

Spring is here!

Kelly McNeilis — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:24:00 GMT

Welcome back everyone from Spring Holiday. I hope you got some good rest and got caught up on things last weekend. We are now in the home stretch to the end of the semester. Below are a few items of interest to all COM majors and minors...opportunities, registration tips, and honors to our students.

1. Everyone is invited to our annual Communication Honors Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, April 22 at 3:00 in PSU 312 A, B & C. At this annual celebration we award all the COM scholarships, induct this semester's Lambda Phi Eta students, and celebrate the end of the semester. Of course we'll have some munchies and refreshments. Stop by and see some friends and faculty and celebrate your accomplishments from 2008-2009.

2. A note from the president of PRSSA: Cheer on the Springfield Cardinals!

TO: COM students

FR: Leah Almeling

With all the long, hard work we put into our education together, it is time for some fun! The Public Relations Student Society of America is sponsoring Springfield Cardinals PR Night on Thursday, April 23 for the COM department and all of your friends! The first pitch is at 7:10 p.m., but we are also hosting an informal PR meet and greet beginning one hour prior to the game! We have invited our local professional chapter of PRSA to come talk to students interested in the business. And for those over 21, it is two beers for $5 on the patio and Budweiser koozie night for people that get there early!

Tickets are only $9 and available for purchase from Karen Sikes at the COM office in Craig 375 Hope to see you all there.

CONTACT: Leah Almeling (Leah06@missouristate.edu) for more information.

3. Need some help with your money (or lack thereof)? Check out Financial literacy.docx this opportunity.

WHAT: Come and Learn. “The Bear Essentials” needed to Survive!!!!!!

HOW TO: Creating a Spending & Savings Plan--Understanding Your Credit Report--Financing Your Education--Mastering Money Management--Calculating Your Future

WHEN: Monday, April 27th at 6 p.m. – PSU room 308
Tuesday, April 28th at 6 p.m. – Blair-Shannon Grand Lounge
Wednesday, April 29th at 6 p.m. – Hammons House Basement
Sponsored by: The Office of Student Financial Aid and Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE)

4. Some additional registration tips: How goes registration on the new Banner system?

Contact faculty in advance of registering if the course requires permission. You should email the person directly using the email link on the class schedule page.
Remember that most errors refer to pre-requisites or permissions that you have not yet met or cleared. If you get an error for program or pre-req that means you do not meet a specific requirement. If you plan to take a class this summer as the pre-req, you need to register for the summer class first. The banner system will recognize that as meeting the pre- req and you should be able to register for the fall class after that.
How do you find out how many seats are left? Click on the hyperlink of the course that you want to get into. That link will show you capacity and seats still available.
Plan your schedule in advance of getting online to register. Use the old style "trial schedule" pdf that is found on the registration page. Once you have that done, you can keep checking close levels of courses to see which ones are still available.

Let me know if you have any questions about registration. We are all learning this system together, so remember to plan ahead and be patient.

Kelly

When do I register? And where? Why?

Kelly McNeilis — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:08:00 GMT

Have you uttered any of these words lately? This time of year is always a bit anxious for students as you wonder what courses will be offered, what times, will you get into the ones you want, and when do I register are issues you all are dealing with right now. On top of that, we are using TWO different registration systems this year--the old one for summer and a new "banner" system for the fall (and beyond).

In this post I hope to provide you with concise, helpful information to wade through the sea of information out there...and sometimes that which isn't so helpful. Here goes:

1. What's this new "banner" registration thing I've been hearing about? Just for you, the university has created a short YouTube video to show you step by step how to register. It's a short, simple look at how to register click by click. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take the quick 9 minutes to watch it. You'll pick up on the steps very quickly.

2. When do I register for fall classes? Click here and you'll find a series of drop down menus to select, once you hit submit, you'll get a date returned to you for the day you can register. The good news is that registration begins at 7:00am each day for each group and runs CONTINUOUSLY after that. Yes, that means starting at 7am, you can register day and night from that point on. Wasn't it frustrating to register at a specific time, or only to start at one point and get timed out at the end of the day.

3. Where do I find the list of classes and when they are offered? Again, we'll start with the idea that you are trying to plan for fall classes. Click here and you'll get to a new "class schedule" page within banner. Here you won't have to log in, you click on TERM: Fall 2009 and then search by COM, MED, JRN, ENG, etc. for classes you want to put into your schedule. This assumes you know which classes you want to register for. The old "Find a class" option is no longer available...so be prepared to look. The YouTube video gives you some great short cuts for how to navigate this search engine. My recommendation, look at COM classes, for instance, by COM and the number you want to find. Just input only those items to see the new format of the courses. After that, you can search with more terms.

The "trial schedule" tool is no longer. Booo, I know. But until the computer programmers get us a new program built, you'll have to use the old fashioned way, use the trial schedule worksheet. You'll find a link to it on the class schedule page. Print it and use the old pencil and paper method...it's good for you to do some things by hand every once and awhile.

4. How about some good news? Starting this fall registration and beyond, there will be NO $60 deposit fee required to hold classes. Good news indeed, that means you won't be dropped from your classes for failing to pay the fee! Indeed this is a great policy for students.

5. Want more tips?

If you plan to register for any course that has a lecture and lab combination, you need to register for them at the same time. In the new system, you can register course by course, or all at once. With "linked courses" you need to list them both (lecture and lab) and then click on "register for classes" at the same time. If you do not, you will get an "link error." So, avoid the error, register for linked classes TOGETHER. This applies to COM 209 and MED 120.
Speaking of ERRORS, expect a lot of them the first time you register. BE PATIENT. You can read about what they mean and how to get them remedied.
You will need to request PERMISSION from a faculty member in the following situations:

The course requires permission. What to do? Email the faculty member and request it. Once you get permission from the faculty member, then you go into registration and REGISTER for it. The permission does not register you. This will apply to courses like COM 509, 599 and online courses which require permission already.
The course is closed. Again, you contact the faculty member and request permission to enter a closed class. Of course, the faculty member can deny you permission, that part of the process hasn't changed. It just means you need to email or call the faculty member and request to be put on their "waitlist" so that when someone drops, you are next in line.
You don't meet a pre-requisite for a course. This is a tough one. There are course pre-reqs (like you need COM 209 or COM 210) that if you have not completed it, then you cannot register for the course. If you want to talk with the faculty member about a specific course pre-req, of course you may request an exception.
If you are not admitted to the major because you have not completed the requirements (2.5 gpa, core gpa of 25, etc.) then you WILL be blocked from registering for the course. The good news is that if you are currently completing those pre-reqs now, the system will recognize that and allow you to register. However, if you are NOT currently enrolled, you cannot register. In other words, PRE-REQUISITES WILL BE ENFORCED AND REGISTRATION WILL BE BLOCKED. Please do not request permission to register for a course that you do not meet pre-reqs for, faculty will not be granting overrides in cases where you are not eligible for admission.
In any case where you have a question about a pre-req for a class that you do not meet, TALK to the faculty member directly via email or phone.

6. What is this I've heard about new course minimums and classes being cancelled? Sad but true, we have to meet new course minimums for a class to make beginning this fall. The good news is that historically MOST COM classes make without a problem. So, don't worry too much about this.

Where we may have a few issues is with special topics courses (COM 397, COM 597) that are different topics each semester. Students tend not to know much about these courses, "fear the 500" level course, or otherwise think they can't take such courses. Quite the contrary, we offer special topics courses BECAUSE you should take them and get different material than we offer in regular classes, and 500 level courses are not to be feared but approached with great ferver! In fact, our COM 597 offering with Dr. Heather Carmack "health communication and culture" is a great course which you should consider. We need 15 students enrolled for it to make. If we do not, we will have to cancel the course. Don't miss a great opportunity to experience this and other "special topics" courses. If you have a question, ask me or your advisor or the instructor. They are great courses, which we offer sparingly with good reason. You will begin to see at least one special topics course each semester and so take advantage of them.

Note too that this summer is not immune to the new course minimums. COM 315 with Dr. Dudash needs to have at least 16 for it to make. If you want to take a 300 level course this summer and have not completed 315, summer is a GREAT time to take this course. If you don't pre-register for the course, we may not be able to offer it. Spread the word to others in different majors because ALL departments are being heavily scrutinized regarding caps. Generally 100-200 level courses need 20, 300-400 need 15, 500-600 need 8 to make.

Let me know if you have questions and as always, my pledge to you is that you will be contacted WELL in advance of a course being cancelled and we will make accommodations to your degree plan if you are graduating that semester (or have other sequencing issues). We are here to make sure you get your programs completed in reasonable timeframes. Your degree plan is safe! even if we have to cancel a course.

That's it for now. Please talk to your COM faculty and advisors. We are all learning this new system together so patience is the word for the rest of the semester. We will get through it together.

Kelly

P.S. Just so you know, my name in the new schedule appears as Kelly S. Wood, that's my new name

Unique Opportunities To Explore: Jobs and New Courses Offered

Kelly McNeilis — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:47:00 GMT

My last post provided information about COM scholarships and I hope you have taken my recommendation to apply based on your qualifications. March 1 is the deadline, so you've got plenty of time to complete your application, request letters of recommendation, or write a short essay. With money tight for everyone these days, finding all available sources of funding for your continued education is very important. These scholarships range from $300-$1000, which will be applied to your 2009-2010 account.

This week's post is about additional opportunities and offerings coming up. Be sure to check out the updated COM bulletin board in the lobby of Craig Hall (next to the newstand). I have updated staff and student profiles as well as a couple of new quotes for February.

Summer 2009 COM courses

The budget for offering summer classes is tight. Of course, we always offer COM 115 sections because students always fill those up. However, other COM classes are more difficult to fill, so I am advertising those that we are offering so you can make plans to take one or both.

COM 209, online, full 8 weeks: Ms. Heather Walters
COM 315, M-R, 12:30-1:45pm, full 8 weeks. Dr. Elizabeth Dudash
If you would like to see another course offered, please email me as soon as possible. If enough people request the same course, we may be able to open a section.

Planning for Fall 2009 Registration

With the arrival of new faculty (Carmack and Norander) we have a great opportunity to offer special topics classes to explore their areas of expertise and current practices in communication. In the next few blog posts I will highlight a specific course that we are offering which I believe you should consider putting in your fall schedule. Here's the first:

COM 597/698: Health Communication and Culture. Tuesday 6:30-9;20pm. Dr. Heather Carmack

Jobs in the health care field are predicted to rise each year, despite the economic downturn. Dr. Carmack's research specialty is health communication, the study of communication processes in the delivery of health care. This special topics class (undergrads register for COM 597 and grad students for 698) focuses on communication in health with an emphasis on how culture influences the experience and delivery of health care. This class explores the role of culture in how we understand and make health decisions. It explores both Western and non-Western cultures and their conceptions of health. Learn about how cultural experiences shape how we communicate about health. This topics (COM 597) course should count in any COM major or minor program...check with your advisor. Health com, intercultural, and interpersonal majors especially should take this course!

Career Expo 2009 Coming Soon

Summer vacation is only 100 days away!

Where will you work?

Find a FULL-TIME job, a SUMMER INTERNSHIP, or a PART-TIME job

at the Missouri State University Career Expo 2009

When? Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 1:00- 5:00 PM

Where? University Plaza Convention Center, St. Louis Street, next to Kentwood Hall

More than 100 EMPLOYERS will be there to meet you!

For additional information or for help preparing for the Expo,

call us at 836-5636

or visit the Career Center- Carrington Hall 309 or Glass Hall 103

Don't be jobless June 1^st!

Speaking of Internships--PR Majors should look into Fleishman-Hillard Internships opportunities.

Did you know that most PR agencies hire college grads only as interns as a "training" period to see if there is a good fit? Fleishman-Hillard is a St. Louis based agency and is a leader in this practice. I'm attaching here a Fleishman-Hillard STL Internship Brochure.pdf with information about their internships and how to apply.

Thinking of something cool to do after graduation?

CIEE Teach Abroad Programs

February 2009

Why CIEE?

Since October, the job outlook for most recent graduates has gone from bad to worse. On January 12th, the New York Times reported, "There are 11.1 million unemployed people in the United States, and the unemployment rate is at a 16-year high." CIEE Teach Abroad programs provide college graduates with semester or academic-year paid teaching positions in Spain, Chile, China, or Thailand. No matter their career aspirations, teaching English abroad is a fantastic opportunity for graduates to:

Build transferable management skills in the classroom
Acquire international savvy and perspective through full cultural immersion
Make a difference in the lives of students and school community
Gain real-world skills and international competency
Improve their foreign language ability

Why CIEE?CIEE Teach Abroad programs are the most comprehensive foreign teaching programs available worldwide, offering complete service and support. With over 60 years experience in international education, you can trust CIEE.

CIEE provides:

An English Teaching position with primary, secondary, or university level students
A local stipend (to cover living expenses and some travel!)
Comprehensive in-country orientation
Accommodations (full housing in Thailand, China, and Volunteach Chile; temporary housing in Spain/Chile)
Knowledgeable staff offering pre-departure and 24-hour in-country emergency support
Visa advice
Travel and medical insurance
TEFL certification at a discounted rate
Teaching, language, and cultural resource materials

Teach TimelineAll of this is good news for frustrated job seekers! CIEE offers programs to accommodate anyone at any point in their job search.

VolunTeach Chile starts May 25, apply by February 15 ~Graduate in May, start working RIGHT AWAY!
Teach in Thailand starts May 5, apply by February 21
Teach in China starts in late August, apply by May 1
Teach in Spain starts in late September, apply by March 15
Teach in Thailand starts in mid-October, apply by June 15

I hope that you encourage your students to explore the experience CIEE Teach Abroad programs offer. If you or your students have any questions or would like additional posters and brochures, please do not hesitate to contact me.

SincerelyJ. Spencer Jones
Director of Non-Credit Programs
CIEE International Work & Study Programs

Tel: .207.553.4045
Fax: .207.553.5045
Email: jsjones@ciee.org
Web: www.ciee.org/teach

In the category of "something to think about"-- FACEBOOK and your boss

Check out this article on CNN.com about if you should friend your boss from work. It's definitely something to think about as you move from school to work. I wonder if you think the same decision rules applies to friending your faculty members as well. What do you think? Post a comment...

Kelly

Winter Is Calling: Get Involved, Get Networked, Get Interviewed & Get Registered!

Kelly McNeilis — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:42:00 GMT

So, as the days are getting cooler (okay, cold), it’s time to start doing some planning and preparation for next year (for some of you next semester, others on the job market). As students, you are presented with numerous opportunities to make connections with professionals to help with career preparation and even that first job. You also have opportunities to volunteer and make connections as well.

Because we want you to make full use of resources on and off campus to succeed and get your prepared for the world of work, below is a wide variety of opportunities for you to get … “fill in the blank.” Make the most of your time here, choose wisely. Note #4 includes some excellent tips for cool classes and special topics for spring 2009 in the COM department.

1. Get Involved: Dr. Gloria Galanes has a volunteer opportunity for anyone who’s interested and lives in or near Greene County. Morey Mechlin is managing the campaign for a nonpartisan court plan for Greene County (re: the appointment of judges, etc.). She needs volunteers to work 2-3-hour shifts on election day, Tuesday, Nov 4. Here’s the relevant information from her email:

“We need students who can provide their own transportation to a voting precinct for 2-3 hour shifts on Tuesday, November 4. They will be outside passing out "Vote Yes" cards. They have their choice to work morning (6-9 a.m.), noon (10:30 - 1:30 p.m.) or evening (4-7 p.m.) shifts. We will have a training session on Sunday, November 2 at 4:00 p.m. so that they are familiar with the issue and understand the laws about working at a precinct.”

If anyone is interested, please email Dr. Galanes that you are interested by Wednesday noon if possible and she’ll give Morey the list of names: GloriaGalanes@MissouriState.edu 417.836.4983

2. Get Interviewed: The Career Center will host a Mock Interview Day for students on November 12, 9am-4pm in the PSU Ballroom West. This event gives students experience interviewing with employers so those students will become more comfortable and knowledgeable with how to interview when they are seeking a job or internship.

The employers will interview each student for 10-15 minutes and then provide 10-15 minutes of feedback for the student. Many different types of employers are participating in this event, including Missouri State University Graduate Programs, Cerner, Liberty Mutual, St. John’s Health System, Missouri Parole & Probation, Unifirst, Associated Electric, City Utilities, Jack Henry, and Joplin School District. This diversity of employers doing the mock interviews should enable students to interview with a company/organization in their future career field.

Students may sign up for this event and find the full list of employers on the Career Center website: www.careercenter.missouristate.edu. Please contact the Career Center (Carrington 309 or Glass 103; 836-5536; CareerCenter@missouristate.edu) if you have any questions.

3. Get Networked: Mentoring 101

From Rachel Bachus, 2007 alum: “I wanted to share with you about the “Magic of Mentoring”, AWC-Women in Communication Event (the Magic of Mentoring.pdf flyer explains and has registration details). The event is on Wed. November 12 and the guest speaker is Dr. Nancy O’Reilly who will discuss the importance of mentoring at any age and give tips on how to be a mentor, find a mentor, etc.

I am a current member of AWC and it is a great networking opportunity for any communication/public relation majors at MSU…a way to learn about communication related jobs in the community. This would be an excellent event for any MSU students and/or professors to attend.

Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks so much and hope to see you soon!”

Rachel L. Bachus Advancement Coordinator

1212 Lombard, Springfield, MO 65806

Direct:417.864.3974 Fax:417.869.0276

Rachel.Bachus@bgtm.org

4. Get Registered: Next week begins pre-registration for the spring 2009 semester.

As you plan your schedule, take note of a few special sections, cool topics, and additions/changes.

• COM 397: January Intersession: Randy K. Dillon
TOPIC: SEMIOTICS: COMMUNICATION OF SIGNS AND SYMBOLS 01/05/2009 to 01/09/2009, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm MTWRF

• COM 436: Communication and Leadership, special section taught by Dr. Gloria Galanes with local leaders as guest speakers and lecturers. T R 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm

• COM 315: Special Section on Public Speaking in the Legal Environment by Joe Passanise, local attorney and COM alum
Section 301 6:30 pm to 9:20 pm Thursday

• COM 505: Health Communication with Dr. Heather Carmack
Section 301 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm Mondays and Wednesdays

• COM 300: Careers in Communication
1st block course, 01/12/2009 to 03/05/2009, MW 2-2:50.

• Need a flexible course to meet your needs as a busy student?
How about COM 328: Online section of Persuasion—how convenient is that?

Online COM 512: Communication and Diversity in the workplace—TWO sections

Online COM 511: Communication and Conflict.

• COM 326: previously MWF at 9:00, now offered MWF at 10:00am

That's it for now,

Kelly

Reflections on COM Week and other opportunities for students

Kelly McNeilis — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:02:00 GMT

Last month, during the week of Sept 15-19 we hosted our annual COM Week activities. For about six years now, the department has offered this week of events for students to get experiences outside of the normal classroom through what we call “master classes,” to learn directly from alums and professionals working in good jobs. And as a culminating activity, we host a networking luncheon to connect students and alums. This is something we believe is inherently valuable to students and it also provides alums with connections back to the department and MSU generally. “It’s good thing,“ as Martha Stewart would say, that we give you real life examples of “what do you do with a COM major.”

It’s a good thing that may need to be rethought. Over the years, attendance at the events has been solid, but sporadic. This year, master classes were not well attended…in fact, it was dismal. Instead of blaming students (you) for not coming to these free and extremely useful activities, I started thinking about why students didn’t come in larger numbers as in the past. I’m still a bit perplexed about this. If students are busy, what are you busy doing? Were the scheduled event times inconvenient? If so, why? Did we not give you enough advance notice? Were the topics too vague for you to want to register? For those students who did register, why didn’t they show up? Ultimately, I’m left with more questions than answers. We want to serve you and provide useful programs and opportunities, and we do our best to tailor events to your needs (surveys, information given in classes, input, student involvement in planning). At some point, it’s up to you to attend (or not). So, where do we go from here?

Having said that, the networking luncheon on Friday was a huge success. We had very strong numbers of students who registered AND attended. The feedback during and after the luncheon was extremely positive (from both students and alums). Perhaps these types of networking activities are more of what you need? Instead of learning about how to write a good resume or use the newest techniques for posting your resume, perhaps you just want to meet people who can help you get jobs (and get fed at the same time J). I’d like to hear from you about this so that next year we can plan appropriate and exciting activities that you will clamor to attend.

In a future InCommon, I’ll post some of the great tips that the alums shared during COM Week.

MORE THINGS TO CONSIDER…

I get requests from fellow students to post items in the blog and I’m happy to do, here’s one:

_______________________________________________

FROM: Andrew Meyer (COM Major)Missouri State SIFE is partnering with Drury SIFE to host project WISE (Women Inspiring Student Entrepreneurs).This project will help female students make business connections, meet women in their future career field, and network to find possible internship/career opportunities. Students who sign up will be matched with an entrepreneur. They will then be invited to attend an opening banquet, held on Monday, October 27, where students will meet their business counterpart, arrange a date to shadow them, and hear from a keynote speaker. The project will conclude with a closing banquet to be held on Thursday, November 20, where you will have a chance to reflect on your experience and provide project feedback. WISE is a project specifically designed by Drury SIFE to provide a unique networking and learning opportunity for college women. To apply for project WISE, please visit, http://www.drury.edu/multinl/story.cfm?ID=22586&NLID=288To be considered for participation, students must submit an application no later than Wednesday, October 8, 2008.Questions? Contact Project Leader, Caitlin Pierce, at CPierce02@drury.edu (417) 873-7378.Andy Meyer, President, Missouri State SIFE (Missouristatesife@gmail.com) (417) 773-2415.

Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) is a global, non-profit organization. For more information about Missouri State SIFE or Drury SIFE, please visit,Missouri State SIFE Drury SIFE

Kelly McNeilis

Two Great Opportunities for COM students

Kelly McNeilis — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:17:00 GMT

ONLY A WEEK AWAY!

COM Week 2008

September 15-19, 2008

THEME: "Making it in the Real World with a communication degree"

Registration Continuing!

Alumni/Student Networking Luncheon Friday, September 19, 11-1 p.m., PSU Ballroom East Cost: $10, includes FREE COM Week t-shirt.

MASTER CLASSES: Registration is required and seats are going fast.

All classes are 3:30-4:45pm.

Monday: Learn what it takes to get your name out there and start connecting with those in the field ~ Drucilla Owenby, Craig 321

Tuesday: Take a look at “The Fabulous Life” of those working in the field ~ Dana Montgomery & Sheila Boutwell & Chris Dixon, Craig 337

Wednesday: Make a good impression while job and internship hunting. ~ Career Services, Craig 337

Thursday: Gain insight on the skills and experience you will need to be a “Survivor” in the workforce. ~ Jacob Day, Craig 337

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK EVENT: RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.VISIT CRAIG 375, CALL 836-4423 OR EMAIL COMMUNICATION@MISSOURISTATE.EDU

******************************************************************************************

From the Desk of the Career Center:

How do you intend to get experience? How about a suggestion....

Participate in the Missouri State Legislative Intern program: As a com major or minor, you could have the opportunity to write press releases, interact with the media, resolve problems, participate in a mock legislative session with fellow interns, and help draft legislative proposals within our state government as you are paired up with a state legislator and spend a full spring semester in our state capitol. I believe it is an incredible and unique experience for COM majors and minors in particular. To learn more about this outstanding public affairs opportunity, email Sarah Douglas at sarahdouglas@missouristate.edu or call 836.5636. The application deadline for the Spring 2009 Legislative Intern cycle is October 10^th.For more information, check out this information sheet.

Have a great week,

Kelly McNeilis

Welcome Back COM majors and minors

Kelly McNeilis — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:05:00 GMT

Did you enjoy the last summer weekend of Labor Day? Now it's the start of the second week of classes. How are things going for you so far? Have you figured out your schedule yet? How's parking this year?

Remember InCommon? New to InCommon? Hi, my name is Dr. Kelly McNeilis, I'm the department head for Communication. This is my bi-monthly blog/newsletter. This blog is for COM majors and minors so that you have a place for news and upcoming events. You'll get an email from me first and within it, I post partial contents of the blog and then a link to the page so you can read it in its entirity. I always encourage feedback on this blog. Tell me what you like, tell me what you want to hear more about. I hope you will share your comments at the end of this blog...

MARK YOUR CALENDARS--Two Upcoming Events

A) Get ready for COM Week 2008

"Get Your Reality Check: Making it in the 'Real World' with a communication degree"

Events taking place during the week of September 15-19, 2008

Alumni/Student Networking Luncheon

Friday, September 19, 11-1 p.m., PSU Ballroom East

Cost: $10, includes FREE COM Week t-shirt

MASTER CLASSES starting @ 3:30 p.m.

All sessions conducted by COM alums. These sessions are FREE, but registration is required

Monday: Learn what it takes to get your name out there and start connecting with those in the field.

Tuesday: Take a look at “The Fabulous Life” of those working in the field.

Wednesday: Make a good impression while job and internship hunting.

Thursday: Gain insight on the skills and experience you willneed to be a “Survivor” in the workforce.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.VISIT CRAIG 375, CALL 836-4423 OR E-MAIL

B) Career Center Activities

1. Attached is the Career Center Flyer for Resume Madness coming up in 2 weeks! Get your resumes reviewed by Career Center Staff. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s free. Check it out.

2. Also, the Career Center is hosting a career fair, Fall Career Fest, on September 24, 2008 in the Plaster Student Union from 10 am – 2 pm. See current list of employer attending Fall Career Fest: http://careercenter.missouristate.edu/assets/careercenter/FallCareerFest2008.pdf

Note: Accounting, Business & Computer Days are also scheduled in Glass Hall respectively on September 15, 16 & 17, if students in your departments may be interested in attending.

For More Information, contact: Margie Wieland, Employer Relations Manager/Career Counselor

marjoriewieland@missouristate.edu

That's it for now, let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Kelly McNeilis

Department Head

Congratulations are in order

Kelly McNeilis — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:46:00 GMT

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

The last hurrah!

Kelly McNeilis — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:28:00 GMT

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 12^th & 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