MPC Newsletter
Fall 2025
New MPC Students
Please join us in giving a heartfelt welcome to the newest members of the MPC program!
We’re delighted to have you join our community and look forward to the fresh perspectives, energy, and enthusiasm you’ll bring. Your journey is just beginning, and we’re excited to be part of it.
Patrick Carr • Nicole Clark • Katelyn Cooper • Emily Heaton • Angela Lines • Kimberley Manzano • Ilaisaane Munyer • Chase Powers • Isabelle Resner • Gabriel Salazar • Zoe Schlaich • Natalie Struhs
Important Dates
Holidays - No Classes
September 1– Labor Day
October 17 – Fall Break
October 27 – Thanksgiving Holiday
October 28 – Thanksgiving Holiday
December 12 - Winter Break
Fall Wrap-up
December 12
School’s out for winter break 🎓
See you January 5, First Day of Spring Semester!
SPRING REGISTRATION
November 10 - Spring Semester Registration Opens
November 15 – MPC Applications Due
Academic Deadlines
First Block - Ends October 16
August 25 – First Day of Class
August 29 – Last Day to Add (A) Semester and 1st Block Classes online
September 15 - Last day to Cancel (CL) Semester and 1st Block Classes
October 6 - Last day to Withdraw (W), Declare Credit/No Credit, or Audit for 1st Block Classes
October 16 - Last day of 1st Block Classes
Second Block - October 20 to December 11
October 20 - First day of 2nd Block Classes
October 24 - Last Day to Add (A) 2nd Block classes online
November 4 - Last day to Withdraw (W), declare Credit/No Credit, or Audit for Semester Classes
November 7 - Last day to Cancel (CL) 2nd Block Classes
December 2 - Last day to Withdraw (W), Declare Credit/No Credit, or Audit for 2nd Block Classes
December 11 - Last day of 2nd Block Classes
Graduation
Graduation December 12
If this is your final semester, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Ault to confirm that all graduation requirements are met.
Be sure to log in and submit your Fall 2025 graduation applications by October 24, 2025 to have your name included in the Commencement Program.
MPC Work-Study Opportunities
Exciting Opportunities for MPC Students! Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) & Teaching Assistant (GTA) Positions are Available this fall!
Applications are due by November 15 — click the link below for details and to apply!
MPC Research
Research by Sara Steimel and Robert Taylor
“Students consistently referenced past experiences with faculty as a critical factor shaping their expectations for future interactions. Positive expectancy violations- such as unexpected empathy or personalized support – fostered trust and openness.”
Faculty support is one of the most crucial elements of success for our graduate students. We’re excited to share that Professor Sarah Steimel and MPC student Robert Taylor have recently published research in the Utah Journal of Communication. Their article, titled “From Hesitation to Help-Seeking: The Role of Faculty Communication and Expectancy Violations in Shaping Student Disclosure,” explores how faculty communication impacts students’ willingness to seek help. You can read the full article at Utah Journal of Communication.
Research by Michael Ault
“Communication has become the currency of the modern world for good and evil. Through communication, fortunes are made and lost, wars are started and ended, and relationships are built and destroyed.” – Dr. Michael K. Ault
Our MPC Director, Michael Ault, has published a thought-provoking article titled “The Purpose and Relevance of Communication Scholarship in Times of Uncertainty.” This timely piece dives into the critical role communication plays in navigating challenges within higher education and beyond. It’s a must-read and a fantastic article.
You can find the full article in the Utah Journal of Communication.
Check it out and join the conversation on how communication can shape our collective response to uncertainty.
MPC Scholarship Opportunities
The MPC Department is proud to offer two valuable scholarships to support our students: the Student Access Scholarship and the Student Excellence Scholarship, which is available to students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
To apply, log in to Scholarship Universe and make sure your FAFSA is completed. The deadline to apply for both of these scholarships is November 15—don’t miss out!
Additionally, be sure to check out the Janine Webb Graduate Studies Scholarship, which is also available for qualifying students. The deadline for this scholarship is December 1 for the spring semester.
Don’t miss your chance to apply—get started today! Click below to apply!
Campus Parking
Parking Information
If you’re on campus during peak hours (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM), please consider parking at the Dee Events Center. Parking there is free, and you can catch the shuttle back to campus. During these busy times, “W” parking lots may be full.
Permit Requirements
Parking permits are required in all “A” and “W” lots before 4:00 PM. After 4:00 PM, no permit is needed in those lots.
The public parking lot is free to use after 6:00 PM.
Social Media Corner
Are you ready to FALL in love with something new this semester?
The MPC social media is back for another fall semester and ready to highlight all the energy and creativity our Wildcats bring to campus! From fresh faces to inspiring projects, stunning photos, and unforgettable memories—we’ll be sharing it all.
We’re especially excited to feature the amazing work and projects our students are creating this semester. Whether it's classwork, research, or personal passion projects, we want to shine a spotlight on what makes you GREAT!
Whether you're in front of the camera or cheering from the sidelines, we invite all Wildcats to get involved and help make this semester one to remember. Follow along and be part of the story today!