News and Events 2021

December 2021

Congratulations to our students graduating in December:

Bachelor’s Degrees:

Amy Arnold

Conner William Ballou

Thomas Brent Barrett

Braxton Alan Brownlee*

Jace Jordan Cook^†

Emily M Cruz

Skyler Jay Fleming^§

Elsa Maude Hassett

Ammon L Holt

Shannon D Hulet

Tia Jochimsen^§

Alyson Johnson

Lindz Paige Kanger

Malka Khan

Weston Brian Lee

Jessica Lynn Lilly

Raymond Lucas

Jacob Jordan Maughan*

Paige Nicole McKinnon*

James Edward Moore

Mackenzie Morgan

Taylor John Navidomskis

Nathan Robert Osborne

Victor Matias Pedreira Ripoll

Cassidy Lee Pfister^§

Rebecca M Price

Caitlyn Marie Rasband

Andrea JeNae Lokelani Rodriguez

Eric Steven Short

Alexis Chae Shuman^†

Katelin Louise Simonson*

Madison Adelaide Smith^†

Leanne Pehrson Spencer^†

Logan Wayne Strom

Brianna Bessa Whatcott

Master’s of Professional Communication:

Kellie Beatrice Burtenshaw

Patrick Allen Fitzgibbon

Darren G Moyes

Christian Adam Nichols

Brianna Mary Powell

Cynthia Jean Reinhard

Shannon Sanders

Chantel Sigman

Christian N Whitaker

Nolan John Wilcock

Dominique William

Associate’s Degree:

Kaylee Anne Holley

* Cum Laude
^†Magna Cum Laude
^§Summa Cum Laude

Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities Commencement is Friday December 17^th at 1:00 p.m. at the Val A. Browning Center.

Information about graduation.

Announcements

Still not sure what classes to take for Spring 2022? Reach out to your advisor to register for classes. We are here to help.

Upcoming Events

Speech Showcase is 7 p.m. Thursday, December 9th in Elizabeth Hall 229

Student Accomplishments

Lindz Kanger was named the 2021 Utah PR Student of the Year Award at the Golden Spike Awards, presented annually by the Public Relations Society of America

KWCR hosted a live studio performance by Imag!nary Friendz earlier this week. The Ogden-based trio played a number of songs from their recent release, THE UN!T, including covers such as “Wipeout,” “Twist and Shout,” and the band's first single, “Slow Motion.” Look for tracks from the band's performance on Spotify, Apple Music, and KWCRradio.com.

Weber State Debate had 2 teams compete at the Franklin R. Shirley tournament hosted by Wake Forest University on November 12-15. The team of Jordan Stephens (Senior) and Hannah Phelphs (Senior) defeated teams from University of Central Oklahoma and our district rival Gonzaga University, and the team of Loanne Mwiza (Junior) and Zoe Thomae (Senior) defeated a team from University of Oklahoma. Next up is the FullerTown tournament jointly hosted by California State University-Fullerton and Georgetown University, on January 3-7. Weber State Debate also hosted a high school debate workshop on November 17th and 18th.

The Department of Communication office is open Monday- Thursday 8-5 and Friday 8-1. You can also call us at 801-626- 6426 or email communication@weber.edu Of course, you can also leave a message any time. We will get back toyou. Feel free to email Anne Bialowas annebialowas@weber.edu (Department Chair) or book an advising appointment.

Get Involved

· The Signpost: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu

· Studio 76: Contact Andrea Baltazar at andreabaltazar@weber.edu

· KWCR Wildcat Radio: Contact Dr. Nathan Rodriguez at nathanrodriguez@weber.edu

· WSU Debate: Contact Jim Schultz at jamesschultz1@weber.edu

· WSU Speech: Contact Mark Galaviz at markgalaviz@weber.edu

· Ogden Peak Communications: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu

· PRSSA: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu

· Society of Professional Journalists: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu

· Departmental Honors: Contact Dr. Hailey Gillen Hoke at haileygillenhoke@weber.edu

· Lambda Pi Eta: Contact Dr. Robin Haislett at robinhaislett@weber.edu

November 2021

November 1-5 is Advising Week, a.k.a. “Shark Week”

Please see our course schedule grid to help plan for Spring 2022 registration. Reach out and meet with your advisor to start planning.

Note: COMM 2400 Social Media for Communicators is a new class and will be meeting MW 9:30-10:20 a.m. face-to-face plus asynchronous work. It is an elective for all emphasis areas. Reach out with questions—We’re here to help!

Upcoming Events

Save the Date—Speech Showcase is 7 p.m. Thursday, December 9th in Ehall 229

Student Accomplishments

The Weber State University Speech Team competed virtually at the Steve Hunt Classic and placed 2nd in team sweeps for speaking events, 5th in team sweeps for debate, and 3rd overall out of 67 schools. Individual Speaking Event Awards Included:

Bex Baggett: 2nd in Junior Duo, and 4th in Open Dramatic Interpretation
Akir Rowe: 1st in Junior Editorial Commentary, 2nd in Junior Duo, 3rd in Junior After Dinner Speaking, and Semi- Finalist in Junior Extemporaneous Speaking
Jazmyne Olson: 1st in Junior Communication Analysis, 6th in Junior Dramatic Interpretation, and 6th in Junior Prose
Sophie Beck: 3rd in Junior Informative Speaking, 4th in Junior Dramatic Interpretation, 5th in Junior Program of Oral Interpretation, and 5th in Junior Prose
Krystiana Davis: 3rd in Junior Program of Oral Interpretation, and 3rd in Communication Analysis
Kyle Housley: 1st in Junior Duo, 1st in Informative Speaking, and 2nd in Junior Program of Oral Interpretation
Saxony Ruckman: 6th in Novice Dramatic Interpretation
Hali Hutchinson: 4th in Novice Dramatic Interpretation
Rae Alder: 1st in Junior Duo, 2nd in Novice Poetry, 3rd in Novice Persuasive Speaking

Niki Tonks, MPC alum, will be presenting at the Northern Utah Business Symposium on Friday, November 12th about her generational communication research at the upcoming event, "Marketing that moves the Needle." WSU students can attend and register for free. Niki Tonks will also be presenting her research at the National Communication Association Conference. The title of her research is "Using Uncertainty Reduction Theory to Explore Miscommunication in Cross-Generational Texting."

Mitch Whitfield, MPC alum, will be presenting with Communication faculty member, Alex Lancaster, at the National Communication Association Conference. The title is “A Dark Tetrad of Reality: Assessing the Ideology of Involuntary Celibates.”

Faculty Accomplishments

Nicole Defenbaugh co-developed a project that is a Silver Winner for The John A. Hartford Foundation Tipping Point Challenge. The title of the project is “Serial Interdisciplinary Write-Read-Reflect Narrative Experiences to Meaningfully Strengthen Reflective Listening Skills.”

Faculty presenting at upcoming annual National Communication Association convention include:
Ryan Cheek: “COVID Campaigning and the Need for Political Technical Communication in Transformative Times”
Li Chen: “Networked Celebrity Advocacy in the #MeToo Movement”
Hailey Gillen-Hoke: “Locus of Control, Empathy, Political Affiliation, and Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic”
“The COVID-19 Shift: (Re)imagining Women and the Workplace”
“Faith Practices and their Effects: Religion in the Midst of COVID-19”
Alex Lancaster: In addition to presenting with Mitch Whitfield, Alex will be presenting at the Applied Communication Division Business Meeting.
Sarah Steimel: “Renewing and Transforming the Student-Teacher Interpersonal Relationship in the Era of COVID-19”
“Transforming Masters Education through Reimagining Assessment Possibilities”
“The COVID-19 Shift: (Re)imagining Women and the Workplace”

The Department of Communication office is open Monday- Thursday 8-5 and Friday 8-1. You can also call us at 801-626- 6426 or email communication@weber.edu Of course, you can also leave a message any time. We will get back to you. Feel free to email Anne Bialowas annebialowas@weber.edu (Department Chair) or book an advising appointment.

Get Involved

· The Signpost: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu

· Studio 76: Contact Andrea Baltazar at andreabaltazar@weber.edu

· KWCR Wildcat Radio: Contact Dr. Nathan Rodriguez at nathanrodriguez@weber.edu

· WSU Debate: Contact Jim Schultz at jamesschultz1@weber.edu

· WSU Speech: Contact Mark Galaviz at markgalaviz@weber.edu

· Ogden Peak Communications: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu

· PRSSA: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu

· Society of Professional Journalists: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu

· Departmental Honors: Contact Dr. Hailey Gillen Hoke at haileygillenhoke@weber.edu

· Lambda Pi Eta: Contact Dr. Robin Haislett at robinhaislett@weber.edu

October 2021

Thank you to students for completing the survey for feedback regarding the Spring 2022 schedule. It’s always difficult to balance everyone’s preferences, but we are doing our best to provide a variety of delivery options in response to that feedback.

Many courses will be labelled hybrid and include asynchronous learning. This means instead of meeting at a set time for all of the normal face-to-face or Zoom class periods, students work independently to complete assignments. The schedule will be viewable for students on October 18 and registration starts November 8th. We are dedicating the week of November 1-5 for advising.

This is the October edition of the monthly email to majors. At least once a month during the regular school year, we will email you to let you know about meetings of student organizations, guest speakers, important deadlines, opportunities, student and faculty achievements—and more.

What's Happening

October

October 8-Deadline to apply for graduation in order to have name in commencement program
October 18-20 (M-W), 10-2, Room 323 Donut Dash: Race to the Finish (90 credits)—We want to celebrate students who have completed 90 credits. Come to a “runner’s fair” to get a donut and learn about resources to get you across the finish line.
October 18—Spring 2022 schedule viewable for students

November

November 1-5 Advising Week—Themed Shark Week, events planned to learn more about the Communication Department and registering for Spring 2022 classes

Announcements

The Public Relations & Advertising emphasis area was ranked as one of the Top 20 programs for Public Relations in the U.S. by Best Value Schools. The rankings were determined by cost of tuition, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation rate. Weber State was the only university in Utah to be ranked.

Student Accomplishments

WSU Diversity Conference, October 1
Speech Team members: Akir Rowe, Rebecca Baggett, Rae Alder, and Kyle Housely presented in a two-part session titled: “Why diversity matters”

Faculty Accomplishments

Ryan Cheek has an article accepted for publication:
Cheek, R., Clem, S., & Edenfield, A. (in press). Trans* vulnerability and digital research ethics: a qubit ethical analysis of transparency activism. Proceedings of the 39th ACM International Conference on Design of Communication (SIGDOC ’21), October 12-14. https://doi.org/10.1145/3472714.3473628.

Nicole Defenbaugh has 1 article accepted for publication and 2 upcoming conference presentations:
Accepted article in Medical Science Educator entitled, "Autonomous Motivation in Graduate Medical Education: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of the Developmental Trajectory of Autonomous Motivation in Graduate Medical Learners"
Performance presentation at the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender (OSCLG) entitled, "Witnessing Life, Death, and Compassion in Healthcare."Workshop presentation at the International Conference on Communication in Healthcare (ICCH) entitled, "The Use of Narrative-Exchange Sessions (NES) to Learn Interpersonal and Interdisciplinary Communication Skills and Address Healthcare Burnout"

WSU Diversity Conference, October 1

Hailey Gillen-Hoke and Sarah Steimel presented a session titled: “Trigger warnings, safe spaces, and academic freedom: Navigating sensitive issues in the university classroom”
Mark Galaviz presented a two-part session titled: “Why diversity matters with WSU Speech Team”
Jean Norman moderated a session titled: “Race as a journalistic conflict of interest”

Get Involved

The Signpost: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu
Studio 76: Contact Andrea Baltazar at andreabaltazar@weber.edu
KWCR Wildcat Radio: Contact Dr. Nathan Rodriguez at nathanrodriguez@weber.edu
WSU Debate: Contact Jim Schultz at jamesschultz1@weber.edu
WSU Speech: Contact Mark Galaviz at markgalaviz@weber.edu
Ogden Peak Communications: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu
PRSSA: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu
Society of Professional Journalists: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu
Departmental Honors: Contact Dr. Hailey Gillen Hoke at haileygillenhoke@weber.edu
Lambda Pi Eta: Contact Dr. Robin Haislett at robinhaislett@weber.edu

The Department of Communication office is open Monday-Thursday 8-5 and Friday from 8-1. You can call us at 801-626-6426 or email communication@weber.edu. If you have information that you’d like us to distribute, please email annebialowas@weber.edu

September 2021

Welcome Back!

Spaces are still available in classes and advisors are here to help. Please reach out if you have any advising questions. Feel free to email Anne Bialowas annebialowas@weber.edu to help get you started. If you need help with a registration override or need technical assistance, please contact Sare Gardner at sgardner1@weber.edu. The Department of Communication office is open Monday- Thursday 8:00-5:00 and Friday 8:00-1:00. You can also call us at 801-626-6426 or email communication@weber.edu. Of course, you can also leave a message any time, we will get back to you.

We have two new classes this Fall. COMM 2820 Podcast Production is MW 12:30-1:45. This course will acquaint students with all aspects of podcasting and help them become better storytellers. COMM 3840 Data Visualization and Storytelling is MWF 11:30-12:20. Communicating complex data to audiences is a growing skill needed in the workforce and this course will help you effectively tell your story to audiences.

This is the September edition of the monthly email to majors. At least once a month during the regular school year, we will email you to let you know about meetings of student organizations, guest speakers, important deadlines, opportunities, student and faculty achievements—and more. If you have information that you’d like us to distribute, please email department chair Anne Bialowas annebialowas@weber.edu.

What’s Happening

August

August 30 First day of classes

September

September 3 Block Party by clock tower
September 6 Labor Day, no class

Announcements

Check out The Signpost's Orientation issue, on newsstands now and available online at signpost.mywebermedia.com. The Signpost is Weber State's student newspaper, published twice a week, in print on Tuesday and digitally on both Tuesday and Friday. To make sure you don't miss an issue, sign up to have the digital edition delivered to your email inbox at this link.

The Signpost still has room for a few reporters and photographers for the fall semester. The Signpost is a co-curricular, meaning it is both a class (COMM 2890 or COMM 3890) and activity that qualifies staffers for small scholarships. Staff meetings/class times are Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact adviser Jean Norman, jeannorman@weber.edu.

The Signpost also may still have positions open for the street team/distribution. The team promotes The Signpost at tables during special events, such as the Block Party, and in the Shepherd Union throughout the semester. It also ensures prompt distribution of The Signpost to newsstands on Tuesday mornings. Pay starts at $11 an hour, and it requires only a few hours a week, just enough to supplement another campus position. For more information, go to the job posting.

Alumni

Jason Bell, Master of Professional Communication graduate, was accepted to a doctoral program at the University of Utah.

Casey Black, Organizational Communication graduate, reported that he will be starting law school at Seattle University in the fall. Casey noted that Communication Law was one of the highlights of his undergraduate degree.

Jessica Miller, Master of Professional Communication graduate, is a finalist for the national prestigious 2021 Livingston Award for articles she wrote for the Salt Lake Tribune in 2020 about the troubled teen industry. Additionally, Jessica Miller was awarded the Public Service award at the Utah Society of Professional Journalist ceremony for the investigative work on the troubled teen industry that helped enact new historic regulations.

Jasen Lee, Master of Professional Communication graduate, was awarded 1st and 2nd place for best military reporting at the Utah Society of Professional Journalist ceremony.

Niki Tonks, Master of Professional Communication graduate, will present her research at the National Communication Association Conference. The title of the paper is Using Uncertainty Reduction Theory to Explore Miscommunication in Cross-Generational Texting.

Mitchell Whitfield, Master of Professional Communication graduate, will present his research with co-author Alex Lancaster at the National Communication Association Conference. The title of the paper is A Dark Tetrad of Reality: Assessing the Ideology of Involuntary Celibates.

Faculty Accomplishments

Dr. Sheree Josephson was awarded the Clifford P. Cheney Service to Journalism at the Utah Society of Professional Journalist awards ceremony.

Andrea Baltazer, M.F.A., was elected to serve on Faculty Senate for the 21-22 academic year.

Dr. Alex Lancaster was promoted to Associate Professor and granted tenure.

Aimee Gillette, M.F.A., is now an Adobe Certified Professional in Digital Video Using Adobe Premier Pro as well as an Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics Using Adobe After Effects. By gaining both of those credentials, Aimee is now an Adobe Certified Professional in Video Design.

We welcome 4 new faculty:

Dr. Nicole Defenbaugh

Nicole recently moved from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but was born and raised in Wisconsin (Go Packers!). Prior to joining WSU she worked as a Communication Specialist and Medical Educator in healthcare for more than eight years. In her past life--before joining healthcare--she was a full-time Associate Professor at Bloomsburg University and taught courses in Organizational, Intercultural, Health, and Interpersonal Communication. Nicole will be teaching in the Organizational Communication track and is excited to be joining the department. She lives in Ogden with her spouse, Jerry, and their 4 year-old rescue dog, Lucy.

Cami Sabin

Cami Sabin graduated from Weber State’s Master of Professional Communication program in April 2017 and has been an adjunct instructor since then. She also works part-time for Brigham City doing public relations and research, and is on track to earn a Certificate of Professional and Technical Writing in spring 2022. Her current professional interests include motivation of lower-level organizational members, and the intersections of religion, culture and gender. When she isn’t working or studying, she spends as much time as possible with her husband and three kids and slowly works her way through the growing stack of books on her nightstand.

James (Jim) Schultz

Jim Schultz is the new Director of Debate and instructor of Communication at Weber State. Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raised in Jupiter, Florida. A graduate of Idaho State University (BA, History) and Wake Forest University (MA, Communication), Jim was working for a data analytics consulting firm specializing in Geographical Information Systems prior to joining Weber. When not working, Jim enjoys cheering on the World Champion Milwaukee Bucks and Liverpool FC, as well as hiking through Utah’s beautiful nature.

Deann Shepard

Deann Shepherd is excited to join the Weber State family and share her industry experience and passion for teaching. She worked as the director of marketing and communications for Utah's largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, as a publicist for a national television, film, and music production company, and has spent years in business management and training. She recently earned her master’s degree in strategic communication and has a background in psychology and biology. Deann enjoys scuba diving, rock climbing, motorcycle riding, camping, and spending time with her family and pets.

Get Involved

· The Signpost: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu

· Studio 76: Contact Andrea Baltazar at andreabaltazar@weber.edu

· KWCR Wildcat Radio: Contact Dr. Nathan Rodriguez at nathanrodriguez@weber.edu

· WSU Debate: Contact Jim Schultz at jamesschultz1@weber.edu

· WSU Speech: Contact Mark Galaviz at markgalaviz@weber.edu

· Ogden Peak Communications: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu

· PRSSA: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu

· Society of Professional Journalists: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu

· Departmental Honors: Contact Dr. Hailey Gillen Hoke at haileygillenhoke@weber.edu

· Lambda Pi Eta: Contact Dr. Robin Haislett at robinhaislett@weber.edu

May 2021

Congratulations, Graduates!

Congratulations to the 96 graduates in the Department of Communication with graduate, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees. Congratulations also to the outstanding graduates, Honors graduates, and Lambda Pi Eta inductees.

For those of you not graduating, the Communication Department is here to help you register for summer and/or fall semesters. If you need help with a registration override or need technical assistance, please contact Sare Gardner at sgardner1@weber.edu. Remember, the Department of Communication office is open virtually through Zoom Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at https://weber.zoom.us/j/95611908967. You can also call us at 801-626-6426 or email communication@weber.edu Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Of course, you can also leave a message any time. We will get back to you.

This is the May edition of the monthly email to majors. At least once a month during the regular school year, we will email you to let you know about meetings of student organizations, guest speakers, important deadlines, opportunities, student and faculty achievements—and more. If you have information that you’d like us to distribute, please email department chair Sheree Josephson at sjosephson@weber.edu.

What’s Happening

April & May

· April 30: Graduation for College of Arts & Humanities, 4 p.m.
· May 10: Summer Semester begins

Student News

84 students graduating with bachelor’s, associate’s degrees in Communication Congratulations to the 71 students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and the 13 students graduating with an associate’s degree in Communication.

Civic Advocacy: Lindsey Parkinson, Amy Torman, Taylour Wingert
Digital Media: Ethan Bosshardt, Joseph Grammer, Cameron Jackson, Brooklyn Kilgore, Jeremiah LaFazia, Fernando Nevarez, Tyler Petersen, Chelsey Shuman, Spencer Teramoto
Interpersonal and Family Communication: Allyse Anderson, Emma Coker, Tyler Dingman, Chelsea Folkerts, Deanna Giokas, Emma Harris, Shane Jolin, Malka Khan, Lincoln Merrill, McKena Montgomery, Whitney Olson, Mary Peterson, Brent Redford, Maren Sommer, Whitney Stoddard, Daniel Wright Jr.
Multimedia Journalism: Dalton Gallegos, William Griffith, Tyler Haslam, Kierstynn King, Raymond Lucas, Kainoa Nunez, Briana Whatcott
Organizational Communication: Amy Arnold, Casey Black, Rebecca Brown, Denise Call, Alexanderia Gerritsen, Weston Lee, Grayson Moyes,
Carlee Wallentine, JaCoy Winborg
Public Relations & Advertising: Jessica Avalos, Olivia Bailey, Shawn Bennion, Gerrison Burgener, Mckaylee Burton, Caylee Calandra, Ellie Coombs,
Caitlyn Coy, Kiersten Cragun, Brittney Dawson, Kayla Dreher, Sydney Fairclough, Benjamin Ferney, Ellie Fochtman, Jeni Goff, Elle Gord, Emily Grubb, Christopher Himmer, Kiara Horowitz, Aidan James, Mitchell Keahey, Taylor Navidomskis, Callie Oyama, Michael Reyes-Martinez, Madison Robbins, Kymberlee Smith, Shaylee Stevens
Associate of Science: Jessica Anderson, Ali Awadh, Alec Cipollini, Lizbeth Correa, Kennedy Dykster, Logan Gossett, Audrey Gowans, Kierstynn King, Johannah Raty, Miles Shaw, Ashlyn Thompson
Associate of Digital Media Production: Brooklyn Kilgore
Associate of Workplace Communication & Writing: Steven Clift

15 students graduating with Master of Professional Communication degree

Congratulations to the 15 students graduating with the graduate degree of Master of Professional Communication. The graduates are Anna Auger, Kamille Bone, Daniel Crandall, Natalie Hales, Casey Hardey, Emily Hulse, Shauna Lund, Jennifer Neal, Bethany Rasmussen, Heather Robison, Niki Tonks, Taylor Washburn, Mitchell Whitfield, Tosha Wixom, and Oleksandra Zubar.

Outstanding Communication graduates selected for 2020-2021

The outstanding graduates selected by the Department of Communication for the 2020-2021 include:

Master of Professional Communication: Niki Tonks, Mitchell Whitfield
Outstanding Academic Achievement: Callie Oyama
Civic Advocacy: Lindsey Parkinson
Digital Media: Brooklyn Kilgore
Interpersonal & Family Communication: Maren Sommer
Multimedia Journalism: Tyler Haslam
Organizational Communication: Denise Call
Public Relations & Advertising: Kiersten Cragun
Associate of Science in Communication: Audrey Gowans

Six students graduating with Honors in Communication

Six students are graduating with Honors in Communication. To graduate with Honors, students must earn a 3.75 GPA in the Communication major and have a 3.5 GPA overall. They must also present original research at a conference.

Rachel Bench: “Campus Resources and Student Experiences”
Kiersten Cragun: “What We Want to Hear: An Analysis of Podcasts”
Kayla Dreher: “Dating Apps and Their Effect on Relationship Building”
Deanna Giokas: “Discourse Dominance: White Culture and Native American Awareness”
Callie Oyama: “The Art of Plagiarism: Sampling in the 21st Century”
Shaylee Stevens: “An Analysis of Harry Potter Through the Lens of Cultural Studies”

11 students inducted into national honor society for Communication

Eleven Communication majors were inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, the national honor society for Communication. To be eligible for Lambda Pi Eta, students must (1) complete 60 semester credit hours, (2) have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 for all courses taken, (3) complete the equivalent of 12 semester credit hours in Communication, (4) have a minimum GPA of 3.25 for all Communication courses, (5) currently be enrolled as a student in good standing, as determined by the institution's policies, and (6) rank within the highest 35% of one’s class in general scholarship. The inductees include Rachel Bolt, Cecilia Collins, Kiersten Cragun, Ben Ferney, Danielle Hatch, Shelby M. Moyes, Jennifer Orozco, Mary Peterson, Brent Redford, Shaylee Stevens and Amy Torman.

Two Communication students honored by multicultural center

A Communication major and a Communication minor were recognized with Kente Cloths for their contributions and dedication to multiculturalism and the Weber State University Center for Multicultural Excellence. These recipients distinguished themselves through their leadership, strove for excellence through helping others and participated in making WSU a better university for all students and their community. The recognized students were

Callie Oyama who is graduating with a bachelor of arts in Communication/Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in sound production and recording, and Ingrid E. Oseguera who minored in Communication with a bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

The Signpost honored in All Around Newspaper category by SPJ

The Signpost, Weber State University's student newspaper, won finalist in All Around Newspaper in the Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Awards for Region 9. The awards, covering universities in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, were announced at the Region 9 conference on April 10. The All Around Newspaper award honors the overall news reporting, writing, photography and look of student newspapers.

Overall, The Signpost brought home three first-place finishes. Those students will compete for national honors against students from all 11 regions. Ten finalist awards went to Signpost work as well. The winners and finalists:

Winners

BriElle Harker: breaking news photography, wind closes WSU campus
Nicole Dorber: feature photography, wild horses
Israel Campa: sports photography, Wildcats rain on Thunderbirds

Finalists

Jennifer Greenlee: breaking news, WSU suspends campus for COVID
Francisco Ruiz: feature writing, Digital dating: love, lust and leisure at your fingertips
Bethany West: in-depth writing, Former convicts find themselves punished through Utah housing program
Jennifer Greenlee: editorial writing
Kierstynn King and Daryn Steed: column writing
Francia Henriquez Benson: breaking news photography, Black Lives Matter protest
Nicole Dorber: general news photography, disability and snow
Israel Campa: feature photography, hoodoos
Aubree Eckhardt: data visualization, American who say they are Christian

Two WSU debaters recognized as National Debate Scholars

Weber State debaters Zoe Thomae and Bailey Brunyer were recognized as 2020-2021 National Debate Scholars. This award honors students with records of strong academic achievement and competitive success.

SPJ honors two WSU students as Journalism Grads of the Year

Two Weber State multimedia journalism graduates were honored by the Utah Headliners chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists as Journalism Grads of the Year for Weber State. Sarah Earnshaw, video editor for The Signpost, and Kierstynn King, culture writer, received the awards at The Signpost's end-of-the-year party on April 23. The award consists of graduation cords, a certificate and a three-year membership to SPJ, the preeminent journalism organization in the nation.

Studio 76 leaders announced for 2021-2022

Studio 76 has announced its student leaders for 2021-2022. Rachel Loveland will be manager of operations and Logan Gossett will be content manager.

KWCR Wildcat Radio names new general manager, thanks outgoing manager

Jessica Krok has been named general manager at KWCR Wildcat Radio for the upcoming year. KWCR would also like to recognize Ammon Holt for serving in that role for the past two years, as he is set to graduate and get married in the coming weeks.

The Signpost announces new and familiar leadership for 2021-2022

The Signpost has both new and familiar leadership for the 2021-2022 school year. Jennifer Greenlee will return as editor-in-chief for her senior year. Marisa Nelson, who has served as news editor this year, will move to managing editor next year, and Joshua Kamp will serve as news editor, with Adam Rubin as assistant news editor. Caitlyn Larsen will serve as culture editor for a second year, with Lissete Landaverde as assistant culture editor. Miles Shaw will move up to sports editor with Emily Miller as assistant sports editor. Breanna Hart will be copy desk chief. Bella Torres will be photo editor, and Blythe Evans will be graphics editor. The Signpost is still recruiting for staff for summer and next year. Staffers during the school year are eligible for scholarships. For more information, contact adviser Jean Norman, jeannorman@weber.edu.

Announcements

Some Communication majors encouraged to take COMM 1140 in fall

Communication majors in Organizational Communication, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication, and Civic Advocacy have the opportunity to take COMM 1140 Writing for Workplace Communication in lieu of COMM 1130 Media Writing. Both courses will be offered in the fall. Students who have questions about the differences between the classes can contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

Presidential Leadership Fellows nominations due by May 7

The WSU Office of the President is seeking nominations for next year's class of Presidential Leadership Fellows. If you have a GPA of at least 3.0 and have good leadership skills, you are eligible for nomination. Email Dr. Nicola Corbin at nicolacorbin@weber.edu by May 7 if interested. The purpose of the Presidential Leadership Fellows program is to develop a cohort of students that can cultivate their personal leadership and continue to deepen their engagement with WSU through regular meetings and opportunities to share their experience with key stakeholders (e.g., National Advisory Council, university trustees, alumni, Utah state legislators, city government leaders, and community members at large).

Faculty Accomplishments

Communication faculty member named director of Teaching and Learning Forum

Dr. Nicola Corbin has accepted the position of Teaching and Learning Forum director. Dr. Corbin is an accomplished teacher who was named Weber State University’s Crystal Crest Master Teacher in 2019 and the 2018 Educator of the Year from the Iota Iota Iota chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. She teaches public relations and mass media courses, and advises Ogden Peak Communications, Weber State’s student-run public relations firm. Her vision includes transitioning the Teaching and Forum to a Center for Teaching Innovation, a place where faculty can build community and confidence to become the best teachers they can be. Dr. Corbin will begin her new role January 1, 2022, after completing a prestigious leadership program through the Association of American Colleges and Universities during her sabbatical scheduled for Fall 2021. Until then, current TLF director, Dr. Colleen Packer, will continue in the role. Dr. Packer has provided outstanding service and leadership in TLF since 2014.

Howerton named new advisor for Ogden Peak Communications

Professor Leslie Howerton will become the new advisor for Ogden Peak Communications. She will follow Dr. Nicola Corbin who has been named the director of WSU’s Teaching and Learning Forum.

Josephson stepping down as chair while Bialowas named as successor

Dr. Sheree Josephson is stepping down as chair of the Department of Communication on June 30. She has been in that role since 2012. In that time, nine additional faculty members have been added, the number of graduates has more than doubled, and Ogden Peak Communications, the WSU Speech Team and new associate’s degrees have been established. During her three terms as chair, Dr. Josephson was named a Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor in 2018 and published the “Handbook of Visual Communication: Theory, Methods, and Media” with Routledge in 2020. Dr. Josephson is a noted eye-tracking researcher who applies that methodology to study new and emerging media. Her most recent published eye-tracking study was about Augmented Reality. While she says it is “bittersweet” to step down as department chair, she couldn’t be prouder of the department. She will be on sabbatical leave for a year and then step back into a full-time faculty role. She is leaving the department in good hands. Dr. Anne Bialowas will take the helm as department chair on July 1.

Get Involved

· The Signpost: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

· Studio 76: Contact Andrea Baltazar at andreabaltazar@weber.edu.

· KWCR Wildcat Radio: Contact Dr. Nathan Rodriguez at nathanrodriguez@weber.edu.

· WSU Debate: Contact Sam Allen at samallen2@weber.edu

· WSU Speech: Contact Mark Galaviz at markgalaviz@weber.edu.

· Ogden Peak Communications: Contact Dr. Nicola Corbin at nicolacorbin@weber.edu.

· PRSSA: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu.

· Society of Professional Journalists: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

· Departmental Honors: Contact Dr. Susan Hafen at shafen@weber.edu.

· Lambda Pi Eta: Contact Dr. Hailey Gillen Hoke at haleygillenhoke@weber.edu.

April 2021

Registration for summer, fall about to open with drop-in academic advising available on Zoom

Registration for Summer Semester and Fall Semester opens in April. If you need help with registration, drop-in academic advising with the chair of the Department of Communication, Dr. Sheree Josephson, will be held April 12-13 from 9 a.m. to noon on Zoom. On Monday, the Zoom link is https://weber.zoom.us/j/99861414945. On Tuesday, the Zoom link is https://weber.zoom.us/j/98350793551. You will be placed in a waiting room if Dr. Josephson is helping another student. Please wait patiently. You may also seek assistance from your academic advisor, who is listed at https://weber.edu/Communication/Advisors.html. If you need help with a registration override or need technical assistance, please contact Sare Gardner at sgardner1@weber.edu.

And remember, the Department of Communication office is open virtually through Zoom Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at https://weber.zoom.us/j/95611908967. You can also call us at 801-626-6426 or email communication@weber.edu Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Of course, you can also leave a message any time. We will get back to you.

This is the April edition of the monthly email to majors. At least once a month during the regular school year, we will email you to let you know about meetings of student organizations, guest speakers, important deadlines, opportunities, student and faculty achievements—and more. If you have information that you’d like us to distribute, please email department chair Sheree Josephson at sjosephson@weber.edu.

What’s Happening

April

April 5: Summer Semester opens
April 12: Fall Semester opens; drop-in academic advising with the chair from 9 a.m.-noon (see above)
April 13: Drop-in academic advising with the chair from 9 a.m.-noon (see above)
April 22: Awards and Scholarship ceremony (by invitation)
April 30: Graduation for College of Arts & Humanities, 4 p.m. (see below)

May

May 10: Summer Semester begins

Student News

WSU Speech Team wins big in its first PKD National competition

Nine students from the Weber State Speech Team competed in the four-day Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament, the largest tournament of the season, with over 1,340 entries from 80 schools across the country. The team achieved a sweepstakes award, ranking in the top 15% schools of the nation in both speech and debate events despite having mostly novice competitors who only participated in one style of debate format compared to teams with 20 or more students competing in various types. A number of students also earned excellence awards and/or made it into the final rounds of competition. Individual awards included:

Sophie Beck: Excellence Award in Informative Speaking
Kyle Housley: Quarterfinalist in Informative Speaking, Quarterfinalist in Prose Interpretation, Octofinalist in Novice IPDA Debate
Rebecca Brown: Dramatic Interpretation Quarterfinalist, Excellence Award in Interviewing
Jazmyne Olson: Quarterfinalist in JV IPDA Debate
Nessie Aviles: Excellence Award in Interviewing
Akir Rowe: Excellence Award in Interviewing, Excellence Award in JV IPDA Debate

WSU will have its final tournament of the year on April 9-11, an Individual Debate event. The team will then spend spring and summer preparing new speeches and performances for the 2021-22 season. Director Mark Galaviz and Volunteer Coach Kayla Griffin expect to ramp up participation and hopefully compete in person in the fall. Dr.

Becky Johns, a WSU Communication Department faculty member, helped judge the most recent tournament. Public Relations and Advertising student Jazmyne Olson compiled the information and helped write this news item.

Two Communication majors present at WSU undergraduate research symposium

Two Communication majors were selected to participate in the Weber State University Office of Undergraduate Research Symposium on March 29. Callie Oyama presented her research mentored by Dr. Sheree Josephson. It was titled “The Art of Plagiarism: Sampling in the 21st Century.” Abigail Robinson, who was mentored by Dr. Sarah Steimel, prepared a poster to illustrate her research project titled “College Student Stress and Communication.”

WSU policy debate team selected to compete in National Debate Tournament

The policy debate team of Zoe Thomae and Bailey Brunyer, both juniors majoring in political Science, are one of the 74 teams selected to compete in the National Debate Tournament. The NDT is an invitation-only event held once a year with teams from across the United States competing for the championship. The NDT is the intercollegiate policy debate equivalent of qualifying to compete in the NCAA Basketball Championship during March Madness. Thomae and Brunyer extend the decade-long consecutive streak of Weber State Debate’s selection to the NDT and exemplify the commitment to competitive excellence with the intercollegiate policy debate team.

Public Relations & Advertising student organizes virtual community film festival

Shawn Bennion, a Public Relations & Advertising major whose family runs the North Ogden location of Walker Cinemas, is organizing a second virtual community film festival, open to the public to submit homemade movies 10 minutes or shorter. Bennion said he didn’t want the community to forget about movies and the owners and employees experiencing a hard time as theaters were shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theater received 12 submissions and locals voted to determine a winner last June, and Bennion is currently working with a team of his peers from Ogden Peak Communications to expand the pool of participants for the second film festival. The submission deadline for this year’s film festival is April 18, and the community will be able to view the films at the Perry location of the theater from April 26-28. This year, first-, second- and third-place winners will earn a cash prize because local businesses signed on to sponsor the festival. Full instructions for entering the competition can be found on the Walker Cinema Facebook Page. To read a story about Bennion in the Standard Examiner, see https://www.standard.net/news/local/walker-cinemas-plans-second-year-of-community-film-festival-spurred-by- the-pandemic/article_4599295f-f074-5eec-b609-667ca5658feb.html.

Public Relations & Advertising student helps plan Expect the Great conference

Sydney Fairclough, a Public Relations & Advertising major, helped plan the 10th annual Expect the Great conference, scheduled for Friday and Saturday. It is meant to help build community and prepare Black high school and college students to succeed in higher education and their careers. Fairclough is one of thousands of Black students who grew up in Utah’s overwhelmingly white schools, an experience she said makes many Black students feel isolated. Expect the Great serves multiple purposes for Utah’s often marginalized Black students, according to Fairclough. She said it connects Black students to other Black students, shows them how they can find success through multiple activities and information sessions and introduces them to successful Black community members, who can sometimes be hard to see. She was featured in a Standard Examiner article that can be read athttps://www.standard.net/news/education/weber-state-hosts-conference-for-black-students-aspiring-to-obtain- a-college-education/article_28184d1d-11de-550a-aaf3-194215c966a5.html.

Weber State Debate busy with end-of-year debates, events

Several Weber State debaters are participating in end-of-year debates, and the team is sponsoring a webinar about the harms of human trafficking. WSU Debate will be represented by Loane Mwiza and Hannah Phelps at the Cross-Examination Debate Association National Championship Tournament on April 9-12. This will be their first tournament debating together, and it will be Mwiza’s first policy debate tournament in the United States as she is joining from Rwanda. Due to that connection, WSU Debate will host an international public debate with iDebate Rwanda on April 15 from 1-3 p.m. Bailey Brunyer and Mwiza will debate a two-person team from Rwanda on a mutually selected topic. Finally, WSU Debate will host a public consciousness raising webinar event on the significant harms of human trafficking on April 10 from 11 a.m. to noon. Students have designed a series of materials, games and invited speakers to discuss the global problem of human trafficking and local intersections of the matter of concern in Utah. Details are forthcoming.

Announcements

It's not too late to apply for Spring Semester graduation

You can still submit your graduation application until the end of the semester. If you have questions, email college adviser Debbi Murphy at ddmurphy@weber.edu. Graduation for the College of Arts & Humanities will be on April 30 at 4 p.m. at the Stewart Stadium. In case of inclement weather, events will move to the Dee Events Center. All ceremonies will be streamed live at weber.edu/commencment. Each graduate will be allowed one graduate ticket and two guest tickets. Graduates can register for tickets beginning April 12 by accessing the commencement link at weberstatetickets.com. Only those with tickets will be allowed in the stadium. (Depending on the number who register and current mass-gathering guidelines, additional tickets may be available the week of graduation.) The ceremonies will follow health department recommendations for social distancing. In compliance with the state's guidelines, everyone in attendance must wear a face mask.

Students must apply for FAFSA to be considered for tuition waivers, scholarships

Students who have not applied for federal financial aid (FAFSA.gov), should do so now. It is the first step to receiving Weber State-based, tuition waivers and departmental scholarships. Those who participate in any of the co-curricular activities (speech and debate, public policy debate, The Signpost, Studio 76, KWCR Wildcat Radio and Ogden Peak Communication) must have the WSU Specialized Scholarship application completed to receive the tuition waivers that support these activities. All tuition waivers will be awarded by May 1 and must be accepted by June 1. Find the application at www.weber.edu/financialaid. For questions about scholarships and tuition waivers, email Jean Norman, chair of the department scholarship committee, or talk to any of the members of the committee: Nathan Rodriguez, Robin Haislett, Michael Ault, Mark Galaviz, Andrea Baltazar, Leslie Howerton and Aaron Atkins.

The Signpost is recruiting staff for 2021-2022 academic year

The Signpost, Weber State's student news organization, is recruiting staff for the next school year. Positions are available for reporters, editors, photographers, videographers and graphic artists. Reporters and editors can cover news, culture or sports. Staff members are eligible for scholarships or tuition waivers. For an application, email Dr. Jean Norman, jeannorman@weber.edu, or go to www.signpost.mywebermedia.com and click on Join Our Staff near the top.

Applications now open for Studio 76, WSU's student media production organization

Studio 76 applications are now open for the 2021-2022 school year. Studio 76 is the student-operated media production organization. It creates and curates content for clients and for online distribution channels in many different types of media such as short films, promotional or industrial videos, live event streaming, and podcasting. Studio 76 also produces a variety of shows to educate, entertain, engage, and inspire Wildcats. Studio 76 also provides production services for campus organizations and others. If you're interested in joining the 2021-2022 crew, please fill out an application at https://forms.gle/eYBtB8xkZgvh41Rt8. Positions are not limited to Digital Media Communication majors. Knowledge in basic camera usage and video editing techniques are required for some positions. If you have any questions, email the faculty adviser, Andrea Baltazar, at andreabaltazar@weber.edu or wsustudio76@gmail.com. Positions will be filled beginning on March 31, but applications will be open until all positions are filled.

The Signpost trying to win College Media Madness fundraising competition

You can help The Signpost win the championship in the inaugural College Media Madness. The Signpost is joining more than 20 student-run newsrooms for a nationwide fundraising competition. Gifts made until April 5 will help The Signpost finish No. 1 in the standings at collegemediamadness.com. Winner of the Utah Press Association’s General Excellence award for five of the past six years, the newspaper covers the Weber State community and events in Ogden. The newsroom provides a preprofessional experience for about 40 students every semester in journalism, writing, editing, interviewing, sales, photography, graphic arts, and leadership. Weber alumni who worked at The Signpost recall that experience as one of the most influential of their college careers. But the financial climate has changed drastically amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Signpost can’t continue this important work without support. Every donation to The Signpost supports the development of the next generation of journalists and media professionals by funding editorial projects and general operating costs. All donations are tax- deductible and come with the donor’s choice of swag. This is a first-of-its kind effort to unite college newsrooms and raise awareness—and money—for the important work WSU student journalists do. For more information, email Dr. Jean Norman, faculty adviser, at jeannorman@weber.edu.

April 16 is College of Arts & Humanities Student Appreciation Day

Communication students can pick up awesome swag and a treat on April 16, between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of Student Appreciation Day for the College of Arts and Humanities. To sign up for a time slot, visit https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/selfsched?sstoken=UUQ0bUl2WEN5d3RFfGRlZmF1bHR8ZTRhNzY0ZDYx Y2NkNjJiMjdjYzEwOWU0ZWRmMWRiOTA.

Alumni Achievements

Five former Signposters enjoying professional success, making a difference

Five former Signpost editors and staff members are enjoying professional success and making a difference in their communities. Former Editor-in-Chief Harrison Epstein is working at the Standard Examiner and recently was spotted shooting the Weber State football game. Former Signpost staffer Cameron Gifford landed his dream job with a contractor at Hill Air Force Base after two years of working a combination of part-time jobs, one of them for the city of Ogden. Former Editor-in-Chief Skyler Pyle now works for the Weber-Morgan Health Department and publicized the vaccine clinic being conducted at the Dee Events Center. Former Signpost staffer Japheth Pleasant is in graduate school at Westcliff University in Irvine, California, and had been freelancing in Southern California.

Former Signpost staffer Danya Gil is doing video distribution and social media at Insider Inc. in Salt Lake City after serving as an Instagram fellow with the Salt Lake Tribune over the summer and completing a social media internship at KSL.com.

Faculty Accomplishments

Communication professors present at WSU’s Faculty Symposium

A number of Communication faculty presented at the Teaching and Learning Forum's 2021 Faculty Symposium: A Teaching and Learning Celebration. Dr. Anne Bialowas and Dr. Sarah Steimel presented the interactive roundtable titled "Looking Back and Looking Forward: Reflections on Teaching During a Pandemic." Dr. Hailey Gillen Hoke, Dr. Michael Ault and Dr. Sarah Steimel were on the interactive roundtable titled "Teaching Research Methods Virtually." Dr. Jean Norman and Dr. Susan Hafen were on the discussion panel titled "Using Avatars to Enhance Learning Outcomes." Dr. Colleen Packer, the director of the Teaching and Learning Forum, was instrumental in organizing the symposium.

MPC director presents research at Central States Communication Association convention

Dr. Sarah Steimel, director of the Master of Professional Communication program, presented a research paper and participated on a discussion panel at the Central States Communication Association’s annual conference held virtually in March. Her paper was titled "Negotiating Maternity Leave in the Context of Pregnancy Loss." The discussion panel she participated was titled "Pedagogical Pivots for Online Teaching: Best Practices."

Get Involved

· The Signpost: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

· Studio 76: Contact Andrea Baltazar at andreabaltazar@weber.edu.

· KWCR Wildcat Radio: Contact Dr. Nathan Rodriguez at nathanrodriguez@weber.edu.

· WSU Debate: Contact Sam Allen at samallen2@weber.edu

· WSU Speech: Contact Mark Galaviz at markgalaviz@weber.edu.

· Ogden Peak Communications: Contact Dr. Nicola Corbin at nicolacorbin@weber.edu.

· PRSSA: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu.

· Society of Professional Journalists: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

· Departmental Honors: Contact Dr. Susan Hafen at shafen@weber.edu.

· Lambda Pi Eta: Contact Dr. Hailey Gillen Hoke at haleygillenhoke@weber.edu.

March 2021

Time to Join Honor Society and Plan for Summer, Fall Registration

March is the month to check your inbox or mailbox to see if you have been invited to join Lambda Pi Eta, the national honor society for Communication students. It is also time to start planning for Summer and Fall registration.

The Department of Communication office is open virtually through Zoom Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at https://weber.zoom.us/j/95611908967. You can also call us at 801-626-6426 or email communication@weber.edu Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Of course, you can also leave a message any time. We will get back to you.

This is the March edition of the monthly email to majors. At least once a month during the regular school year, we will email you to let you know about meetings of student organizations, guest speakers, important deadlines, opportunities, student and faculty achievements—and more. If you have information that you’d like us to distribute, please email department chair Sheree Josephson at sjosephson@weber.edu.

What’s Happening

March

March 8-12: Spring Break
March 15: MPC application deadline (see below)
March 19: Lambda Pi Eta honor society application deadline (see below)

April

April 5: Summer Semester registration opens
April 12: Fall Semester registration opens
April 30: Graduation

Student News

Top Communication students invited to join national honor society

Junior and senior Communication majors with high GPAs will receive invitations this week or next to join Lambda Pi Eta, the national honor society for Communication students. To be eligible students must (1) complete 60 semester credit hours, (2) have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 for all courses taken, (3) complete the equivalent of 12 semester credit hours in Communication, (4) have a minimum GPA of 3.25 for all Communication courses, (5) currently be enrolled as a student in good standing, as determined by the institution’s policies, and (6) rank within the highest 35% of one’s class in general scholarship. Invitations will be extended via postal mail and campus email. If you qualify, but do not receive your invitation by March 15, please contact Sare Gardner to check your eligibility. Qualifying students will be honored at the department’s end-of-year event. The deadline to join is March 19.

Communication student accepted to University of Utah law school

Carlie Lythgoe, a Bachelor’s of Integrative Studies student with a Communication emphasis, has been accepted to the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. Lythgoe said, “I am excited to gain a legal education and to be able to give back to my community here in Utah in a meaningful, systemic way.”

WSU Debate team president wins top honors at Undergraduate Research Symposium

Weber State Debate team president, Jordan Stephens, was awarded top honors and full funding from the annual WSU Undergraduate Research Symposium with his research project on COVID-19 testing.

WSU Speech takes second overall in Talk Hawk Invitational

The WSU Speech Team took second place overall in the Talk Hawk Invitational last month in competition with schools from across the U.S., including Duke University, the University of Montana, the University of Utah and Morehouse College. Team awards also included a third-place finish in debate events and a third-place finish in Individual events. Individual awards included:

Rebecca Brown: first place in Open Dramatic Interpretation, first place in IPDA Debate speaker points, second place in junior IPDA Debate, and fourth place in novice Extemporaneous Speaking.
Brad Baker: fourth place in junior IPDA Debate speaker points, third place in Junior IPDA Debate, and sixth place in novice Impromptu speaking.
Krystiana Davis: third place in novice IPDA Debate speaker points, third in Novice IPDA Debate, third in Novice Persuasive Speaking.
Sophie Beck: first place in Novice IPDA Debate speaker points, first place in Novice IPDA Debate, first place in Open Informative Speaking, sixth place in Open Program of Oral Interpretation, and Top Novice in Open Program of Oral Interpretation.
Akir Rowe: second place in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking, third place in Junior IPDA Debate, and one of the two first places in Junior IPDA Debate.
Jazmyne Olson: first place in Junior IPDA Debate, second place in Junior IPDA Debate speaker points, third place in Novice Impromptu Speaking, fifth place in Open Extemporaneous Speaking, sixth place in Open Poetry, and Top Novice in Open Poetry.
Kyle Housley: fifth place in Open Dramatic Interpretation, seventh place in Open Prose, and Top Novice in Open Prose.
Weber State’s Speech and IPDA Debate Team is working hard to prepare for PKD Nationals scheduled for March 18-21. The team can use judge support. If you are interested in judging at Nationals, please contact Mark Galaviz at Markgalaviz@weber.edu.

WSU Debate qualifies for the Mountain West National Debate Tournament qualifier

The debate team of Zoe Thomae and Bailey Brunyer achieved one of their competitive goals by making the jump from Junior Varsity to Varsity this semester. Weber BT represented the team well picking up two wins in their first varsity tournament, the Northwestern University Tournament, the largest intercollegiate policy debate tournament hosted each year with nearly a hundred colleges and universities represented. Two weeks later, they took that momentum and made it to the elimination rounds of the Monmouth Invitational, only their second tournament at the varsity level. Having won over 50% of their rounds in varsity, Thomae and Brunyer qualified to represent Weber State Debate in the District 2 National Debate Tournament qualifier.

Weber State Debate hosts successful High School Speech and Debate Workshop

Weber State Debate brought together nearly 30 high school speech and debate students from schools across Utah for a three-hour workshop to help students refine their speaking and debating prowess heading into state and national championship competitions. Weber State Debate students took the opportunity to learn to teach, developing lesson plans for each of their sessions and sharing their experience to help local students get a leg up on the competition. In addition, the Director Workshop brought together several new administrators to help prepare for hosting several of the local national qualifying tournaments.

Analysis of Argument students have letters to the editor published

Students in COMM 1270 used their argumentation skills to get engaged in local advocacy with the publication of two op-eds this semester. Carlie Lythgoe’s letter, “Utah desperately needs better sex ed curriculum,” was published in the Deseret News and can be read here: https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2021/2/15/22281001/letter-utah-desperately-needs-better-sex-ed-curriculum. Connor Kirkham’s letter, “Biden must compromise if unity is to be reached,” was published in the Standard- Examiner and can be read here: https://www.standard.net/opinion/letters/letter-biden-must-compromise-if- unity-is-to-be-reached/article_33528e19-7c08-5129-be71-e1b5de73700f.html.

Announcements

It’s not too late to apply for Spring Semester graduation

You can still submit your graduation application until the end of the semester. To ensure your name is in the graduation program, apply by March 31. Apply ASAP! If you have questions, email college adviser Debbi Murphy at ddmurphy@webe.edu. Watch for details about graduation.

Deadline to apply for Master of Professional Communication program March 15

Are you graduating this year? Are you wondering what might come next? Employers routinely agree that excellent communication is a must for career advancement. The Master of Professional Communication degree at WSU can help you pursue your professional communication career or graduate school goals. The WSU Master of Professional Communication program is flexible, affordable, and does not require the GRE. Check out weber.edu/mpc or contact Dr. Sarah Steimel at sarahsteimel@weber.edu to learn more. The application deadline to start the program in Summer or Fall 2021 is March 15.

New associate’s degrees in Digital Media Production available in Fall Semester

The Department of Communication is now offering associate’s degrees in Digital Media Production. Students have the choice between an Associate of Science, an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Applied Science. Students majoring in Digital Media or Film Studies are encouraged to contact their academic advisor to enroll. The degrees stack on the bachelor’s degrees in DM or Film Studies with classes double-counting for both the associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. This provides a way for students to add a degree to their resume before the bachelor’s degree is completed. Faculty who can help students add this degree to CatTracks include Andrea Baltazar at andreabaltazar@weber.edu; Aimee Gillette at aimeegillette@weber.edu; Ash Soltani-Stone at ashsoltanistone@weber.edu or Dr. Sheree Josephson at sjosephson@weber.edu.

Students with high GPAs eligible to apply for Departmental Honors

You are eligible to apply for Departmental Honors if you have an overall 3.5 GPA and a 3.7 GPA in the major and hope to present original research or a creative project at the undergraduate symposium or any professional forum. Achieving departmental honors will result in HONORS showing on your diploma and transcript, an invitation to Honors banquet, and eligibility to apply for an Honors scholarship for your textbooks. You need to apply for Department Honors at least one semester before graduation. Apply online through the Honors Student Portal. If you have questions, contact Dr. Susan Hafen at shafen@weber.edu.

Faculty Accomplishments

Professor publishes article on privacy and pregnancy loss in the workplace

Dr. Sarah Steimel has published an article in the journal “Women’s Studies in Communication.” The article is titled “Communication privacy management and pregnancy loss in interpersonal workplace communication.” It can be read at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07491409.2020.1843579.

Faculty member publishes book chapter on emotional support animals at college

Dr. Susan Hafen has a book chapter in press. It is titled “Having emotional support animals at college.” It will be published in T. H. Housel (Ed.) “Mental Health Among Higher Education Faculty, Administration, and graduate students: A Critical Perspective” from Lexington Books.

Get Involved

· The Signpost: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

· Studio 76: Contact Andrea Baltazar at andreabaltazar@weber.edu.

· KWCR Wildcat Radio: Contact Dr. Nathan Rodriguez at nathanrodriguez@weber.edu.

· WSU Debate: Contact Sam Allen at samallen2@weber.edu

· WSU Speech: Contact Mark Galaviz at markgalaviz@weber.edu.

· Ogden Peak Communications: Contact Dr. Nicola Corbin at nicolacorbin@weber.edu.

· PRSSA: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu.

· Society of Professional Journalists: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

· Departmental Honors: Contact Dr. Susan Hafen at shafen@weber.edu.

· Lambda Pi Eta: Contact Dr. Hailey Gillen Hoke at haileygillenhoke@weber.edu.

February 2021

WSU Communication bachelor’s degree ranked as one of best in U.S.; graduation signoff set for Feb. 19

Happy February!

This is the February edition of the monthly email to majors. At least once a month during the regular school year, we will email you to let you know about meetings of student organizations, guest speakers, important deadlines, opportunities, student and faculty achievements—and more. If you have information that you’d like us to distribute, please email department chair Sheree Josephson at sjosephson@weber.edu.

What’s Happening

February

Feb. 15: Presidents Day
Feb. 19: Graduation Signoff
Feb. 23: Lecture by “60 Minutes” producer (see below)

March

March 8-12: Spring Break
March 15: MPC application deadline

April

April 5: Summer Semester registration opens
April 12: Fall Semester registration opens
April 30: Graduation

Student News

Communication bachelor’s ranked as a Top 30 program

College Rank named the Weber State University Communication Department in its Best Bachelor's in Communications guide as a top program in the country. College Rank synthesizes data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, and the College Scorecard. Ultimately, colleges are scored based on their commitment to online education, admission rates, student satisfaction, alumni debt, and specialties. College Rank said: “WSU provides a broad study of communications, including a number of interdisciplinary tracks. You can choose to specialize in copywriting, marketing, visual communication, healthcare public relations, and international public relations. Regardless of your choice, you’ll also gain a broad understanding of advertising, marketing, and news reporting and writing. Graduates of this program will be especially prepared for careers in public relations, which could include working in sales or advertising, or as a marketing specialist, product manager, or PR specialist. You will also have the chance to become a member of the student-run public relations firm, which could see you awarded a tuition fee waiver. Full-time undergraduate tuition at Weber State University costs $5,090 per two semesters for Utah residents and $15,272 for non- residents. Fees total $847, with an estimated $800 for books and between $5,845-$10,638 for room and board on- campus. The university awards over $90 million in scholarships and aid each year.” To see the entire list, go to https://www.collegerank.net/best-bachelors-communications/. The Signpost also featured this acknowledgment. This story can be found at https://signpost.mywebermedia.com/2021/01/25/wsu- communications-degree-ranked-among-the-top/.

WSU Speech students excel at Western Washington Viking International

The WSU Speech Team had a strong showing at the Western Washington Viking International competition led by Jazmyne Olson taking first place in both Extemporaneous Speaking and Novice Impromptu, Sophie Beck winning first place in Novice Informative Speaking and an overall second-place speaker award, and Rebecca Brown taking first place in Junior Prose. This competition included 16 schools in Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, California and Utah.

Individual awards included:

Krystiana Davis, sixth, Novice Persuasive Speaking
Brad Baker, fifth, Open Dramatic Interpretation and Top Junior in individual speaker points
Akir Rowe, second, Novice Persuasive Speaking and second in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking
Sophie Beck, first, Novice Informative Speaking, with straight firsts in each round
Kyle Housley, third, Junior Prose; second, Novice Informative Speaking; first, Open Dramatic Interpretation; Top Novice in individual speaker points
Rebecca Brown, first, Junior Prose, taking straight firsts in each round
Jazmyne Olson, first, Extemporaneous Speaking with straight first in each round; first, Novice Impromptu

In IPDA (one-on-one) debate events, awards included:

Quarterfinalists: Kyle Housley, Akir Rowe
Semifinalists: Brad Baker, Jazmyne Olson
Second place: Sophie Beck
Speaker awards: Krystiana Davis, fifth; Akir Rowe, fourth; Sophie Beck, second

Additionally, Olson took second place for the Orv Iverson Award. Out of 20 schools in the conference, she was ranked the best overall competitor among all novice and junior students in both speech and IPDA debate. Finally, WSU—having only competed for a year in the Northwest Forensic Conference, with comparatively few students, placed in the Gold Tier. WSU will compete next at the Talk Hawk Invitational Feb. 12-14. To help judge, contact Mark Galaviz at Markgalaviz@weber.edu.

Announcements

Peabody award-winning former ’60 Minutes’ producer to speak on Zoom

Journalist Mary Mapes, former producer for “60 Minutes” on CBS, will speak to the Weber State community on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The public is invited. In 2004, Mapes broke two stories that changed her life. Her reporting on prisoner abuse at the Abu Ghraib prison in Afghanistan won her a Peabody Award, the highest honor in broadcast journalism. Her reporting later that year on President George W. Bush’s spotty National Guard record during the Vietnam War got her fired and led to the retirement of CBS anchor Dan Rather. The book "Truth and Duty: The Press, the President and the Privilege of Power" and movie "Truth," starring Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford, tell the story. To sign up for the event, use this link:https://weber.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_57q73T7hRBalhCDGpQuYfg After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Deadline to apply for Master of Professional Communication program March 15

New associate’s degrees in Digital Media Production available in Fall Semester

Students with high GPAs eligible to apply for Departmental Honors

Get Involved

· The Signpost: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

· Studio 76: Contact Andrea Baltazar at andreabaltazar@weber.edu.

· KWCR Wildcat Radio: Contact Dr. Nathan Rodriguez at nathanrodriguez@weber.edu.

· WSU Debate: Contact Sam Allen at samallen2@weber.edu

· WSU Speech: Contact Mark Galaviz at markgalaviz@weber.edu.

· Ogden Peak Communications: Contact Dr. Nicola Corbin at nicolacorbin@weber.edu.

· PRSSA: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu.

· Society of Professional Journalists: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

· Departmental Honors: Contact Dr. Susan Hafen at shafen@weber.edu.

· Lambda Pi Eta: Contact Dr. Hailey Gillen Hoke at haleygillenhoke@weber.edu.

January 2021

Welcome to Spring Semester!

Welcome to Spring Semester even though it’s only January.

Registration continues. We are here to help you with academic advising and registration overrides—whatever you need. Weber State University continues to offer classes in a variety of innovative and convenient formats during the COVID-19 pandemic. They include face-to-face, face-to-face hybrid, online, virtual, virtual-hybrid, and flex.

Face-to-Face: Instruction in a classroom following strict health guidelines
Face-to-Face/Hybrid: Instruction both in person and asynchronous online
Online: Instruction asynchronous online
Virtual: Instruction in synchronous format during scheduled time
Virtual/Hybrid classes: Instruction uses both synchronous and asynchronous technology
Flex: Format allows in-person, lab, studio, experiential or large class sizes within social distancing guidelines.

For more information about course schedules, see https://weber.edu/Registration/Student_Course_Schedule.html.

If you need academic advisement, visit www.weber.edu/communication to determine your advisor. The department chair, Dr. Sheree Josephson, can also help you. She can be reached at sjosephson@weber.edu. If you need assistance registering for a class that requires a prerequisite that you are currently taking, the department’s administrative assistants can help you. They can be reached at sgardner1@weber.edu and lisaarner@weber.edu. You can also take a prerequisite and the class requiring that prerequisite at the same time, but the administrative assistants will need an approval email from the professor.

This is the January edition of the monthly email to majors. At least once a month during the regular school year, we will email you to let you know about meetings of student organizations, guest speakers, important deadlines, opportunities, student and faculty achievements—and more. If you have information that you’d like us to distribute, please email department chair Sheree Josephson at sjosephson@weber.edu.

What’s Happening

January

Jan. 11: Spring Semester begins
Jan. 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February

Feb. 15: Presidents Day

March

March 8-12: Spring Break

Student News

Best speakers in Principles of Public Speaking classes named

The best student speakers in the Fall 2020 COMM 1020 HU Principles of Public Speaking are announced. Before COVID-19 restrictions, the best speakers in all 25 sections would have competed in a Selection Saturday event with the Top 5 speakers selected to present at a public event. The top speakers from all sections of this class would have been recognized for their achievements in their individual classes. Fall’s outstanding speakers include Brianda Ceja, Annika Daniels, Lindsie Hendrickson, Cole Larson, Anneke Lindhardt, Levi Nye, Leah Rasmussen, Joseph Richey, Jeff Starkey, Kambrea Tanner and Brett Wamsley.

Communication is No. 7 in the Top 10-degree programs at WSU

Communication is the seventh most-popular degree at Weber State University in terms of number of degrees awarded between 2016-2020 with 630. This fact was reported in the university’s annual report. Nursing is the most popular degree at WSU.

Announcements

Students encouraged to compete with Weber State’s Speech Team

Interested in learning a new skill that would put you above the competition for careers, scholarships and applications for graduate school? Want to travel (in a post-COVID world eventually, online for now), speak about your passionate ideas, and possibly win trophies on the way? We have the solution: the Weber State Speech Team. We offer 1-credit courses that build your debate, public speaking and persuasive skills. University-level competition looks amazing on a resume and helps students get into top programs in law school, master’s programs, and others. You can compete for up to four years, so joining wherever you are on your academic journey is encouraged. Also, depending on grades and participation, there are opportunities for scholarships. For more information, email Coach Mark Galaviz at markgalaviz@weber.edu.

Administrative assistant hired for Master of Professional Communication program

Lisa Arner has been hired as the administrative assistant for the Master of Professional Communication program. Arner graduated in 2019 with a degree in that program. She is a planning commissioner for North Ogden City. She also has worked as an events representative for Castlight Medical, as a business administration coordinator for BDM International and as an engineering tech for Fluor Daniel NW/ICF Kaiser Hanford. She will also assist with tasks in the Communication Department overall.

Signpost accepting applications for editor-in-chief for 2021-2022 academic year

The Signpost is accepting applications for editor-in-chief for the 2021-2022 school year. To apply, email Dr. Jean Norman, jeannorman@weber.edu. And watch for applications for other editor positions to open in February.

Learn how to tell stories using 360-degree virtual reality technology

This spring take your digital media and storytelling skills into the virtual realm with COMM 4500 – Special Topics in 360-degree Virtual Reality Storytelling. Dr. Aaron Atkins, a specialist in creating 360-degree video content, is introducing an experimental 360VR course for Spring 2021. You’ll learn the ins and outs of 360VR and explore numerous genres including documentary, social, environmental, drama, horror, comedy experiences, as well as education and training simulations. You will be introduced to 360 camera and audio technology, learn how to produce professional-quality 360 videos specific for Oculus and other top-tier head-mounted displays, then put together a production team and create your own virtual experience. At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to submit your project to a juried VR festival. Regardless of department or major, if you have your foundational digital audio/video production, scriptwriting, and Adobe-oriented editing courses covered, sign up. Check with your academic advisor about counting this class toward the Communication major.

New associate’s degrees in Digital Media Production available in Fall Semester

Students with high GPAs eligible to apply for Departmental Honors

Faculty Accomplishments

MPC director appointed Weber State’s Graduate Council chair

Dr. Sarah Steimel, director of the Master of Professional Communication program, has been appointed Graduate Council chair for a three-year term beginning in Fall 2021. The Graduate Council serves as the administrative body within Academic Affairs that promotes, supports and reviews graduate education at Weber State University. As the chair of the Graduate Council, Dr. Steimel will guide the Graduate Council as it works collaboratively with university administration, colleges and academic departments to ensure consistency and excellence in all graduate degree programs.

Public relations professor has two book chapters in press

Dr. Nathan Rodriguez, assistant professor of Public Relations and Strategic Communication, has two publications now in press. The first, "#FamilyTravelHacks: humor and political commentary in hashtag hijacking" appears in “Twitter, The Public Sphere, and the Chaos of Online Deliberation,” G. Bouvier & J.E. Rosenbaum, eds., and is published by Palgrave Macmillan. The second, "Quantifying and commodifying authenticity: the rise of micro- and nano-influencers," appears in “Innovations and Implications of Persuasive Narrative,” S. Dunn & G. Nisbett eds., and is published by Peter Lang.

Signpost adviser co-authors paper in Journalism & Mass Communication Editor

Dr. Jean Norman is a co-author of a paper titled “Keeping the lights on and the wolves outside: College student media advisers in communities of practice” in Journalism & Mass Communication Educator. The article can be read at https://journals.sagepub.com/eprint/ZQRP6946QEBAPBDINUVS/full. Dr. Norman teaches many of the journalism classes and is the faculty adviser to The Signpost.

Film Studies director interviewed by NPR station about book

Ashkan Soltani-Stone was interviewed by KJZZ in Phoenix, a National Public Radio station, about his new book “Rez Metal” on Dec. 23. Soltani-Stone is the director of the new Film Studies program. To listen to the interview, click https://kjzz.org/content/1645632/rez-metal-behind-popularity-heavy-metal-navajo-nation.

Alumni Achievements

MPC graduate recognized by SLC PRSA for work in advocating against racism

for Jasen Lee, a 2017 graduate of the Master of Professional Communication program, has been recognized by the Public Relations Society of Salt Lake City for his work in advocating against racism and injustice, and for diversity, inclusion understanding.

MPC student hired as sports information coordinator for Dixie State University

Corie Sue Holmes, a graduate in the Master of Professional Communication program, has been hired as the sports information coordinator for Dixie State University Athletics. Holmes describes the role as a perfect fit for her interests and talents and said the MPC degree "open[s] up opportunities for advancement and is the stepping stone I need to reach the goals I have set for myself in my career.”

Get Involved

· The Signpost: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

· Studio 76: Contact Andrea Baltazar at andreabaltazar@weber.edu.

· KWCR Wildcat Radio: Contact Dr. Nathan Rodriguez at nathanrodriguez@weber.edu.

· WSU Debate: Contact Sam Allen at samallen2@weber.edu

· WSU Speech: Contact Mark Galaviz at markgalaviz@weber.edu.

· Ogden Peak Communications: Contact Dr. Nicola Corbin at nicolacorbin@weber.edu.

· PRSSA: Contact Leslie Howerton at lesliehowerton@weber.edu.

· Society of Professional Journalists: Contact Dr. Jean Norman at jeannorman@weber.edu.

· Departmental Honors: Contact Dr. Susan Hafen at shafen@weber.edu.

· Lambda Pi Eta: Contact Dr. Hailey Gillen Hoke at haileygillenhoke@weber.edu.

News and Events 2021

December 2021

Congratulations to our students graduating in December:

Announcements

Upcoming Events

Student Accomplishments

Get Involved

November 2021

Upcoming Events

Student Accomplishments

Faculty Accomplishments

Get Involved

October 2021

What's Happening

October

Announcements

Student Accomplishments

Faculty Accomplishments

Get Involved

September 2021

Welcome Back!

What’s Happening

August

September

Announcements

Alumni

Faculty Accomplishments

Get Involved

May 2021

Congratulations, Graduates!

What’s Happening

April & May

Student News

15 students graduating with Master of Professional Communication degree

Outstanding Communication graduates selected for 2020-2021

Six students graduating with Honors in Communication

11 students inducted into national honor society for Communication

Two Communication students honored by multicultural center

The Signpost honored in All Around Newspaper category by SPJ

Overall, The Signpost brought home three first-place finishes. Those students will compete for national honors against students from all 11 regions. Ten finalist awards went to Signpost work as well. The winners and finalists: Winners

Finalists

Two WSU debaters recognized as National Debate Scholars

SPJ honors two WSU students as Journalism Grads of the Year

Studio 76 leaders announced for 2021-2022

KWCR Wildcat Radio names new general manager, thanks outgoing manager

The Signpost announces new and familiar leadership for 2021-2022

Announcements

Some Communication majors encouraged to take COMM 1140 in fall

Presidential Leadership Fellows nominations due by May 7

Faculty Accomplishments

Communication faculty member named director of Teaching and Learning Forum

Howerton named new advisor for Ogden Peak Communications

Josephson stepping down as chair while Bialowas named as successor

Get Involved

April 2021

Registration for summer, fall about to open with drop-in academic advising available on Zoom

What’s Happening

April

May

Student News

WSU Speech Team wins big in its first PKD National competition

Two Communication majors present at WSU undergraduate research symposium

WSU policy debate team selected to compete in National Debate Tournament

Public Relations & Advertising student organizes virtual community film festival

Public Relations & Advertising student helps plan Expect the Great conference

Weber State Debate busy with end-of-year debates, events

Announcements

It's not too late to apply for Spring Semester graduation

Students must apply for FAFSA to be considered for tuition waivers, scholarships

The Signpost is recruiting staff for 2021-2022 academic year

Applications now open for Studio 76, WSU's student media production organization

The Signpost trying to win College Media Madness fundraising competition

April 16 is College of Arts & Humanities Student Appreciation Day

Alumni Achievements

Five former Signposters enjoying professional success, making a difference

Faculty Accomplishments

Communication professors present at WSU’s Faculty Symposium

MPC director presents research at Central States Communication Association convention

Get Involved

March 2021

Overall, The Signpost brought home three first-place finishes. Those students will compete for national honors against students from all 11 regions. Ten finalist awards went to Signpost work as well. The winners and finalists:

Winners