Communication Newsletter

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

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.

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.”