Communication

• Mission Statement

  Communication is a dynamic process that plays a complex and profound role in shaping both individuals and society and is vital to the free exchange of ideas central to a democratic society. The Weber State University Department of Communication seeks to promote an understanding of this process and the effective and ethical practice of human communication by focusing on how people create and use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels and media, including those delivered through technology.  WSU Communication Department curricula and programs are grounded within a liberal arts tradition and designed to help students live vital and successful lives in an ever-changing global environment.

  Note: The Department of Communication recognizes that communication is not just something we do; it is what makes us who we are and contributes significantly to the world in which we live. Therefore, communication majors are expected to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to affect their personal development and skills. Majors are expected to participate in the exchange of ideas resulting in responsible personal and social change.

• Student Learning Outcomes
  • Certificate (Not Applicable)

     

  • Associate Degrees

    Students completing the Associate of Science in Communication shall demonstrate the following outcomes:

    • 1. Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area. 
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.  
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Media: Use and produce media to appropriately and effectively to communicate messages and critically evaluate media messages.
    • 6. History: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
    • 7. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 8. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
    • 9. Career Readiness: Demonstrate the skills required to enter a professional career or graduate school.  
    • 10. Creativity and Innovation: Devise new approaches to familiar problems or situations, resulting in original work.

     

    Students completing the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media Production shall demonstrate the following outcomes:

    • 1. Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area. 
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.  
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Media: Use and produce media to appropriately and effectively to communicate messages and critically evaluate media messages.
    • 6. History: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
    • 7. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 8. Theory: Explain how various communication theories have been developed, apply those theories, and evaluate them.
    • 9. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
    • 10. Career Readiness: Demonstrate the skills required to enter a professional career or graduate school.  
    • 11. Creativity and Innovation: Devise new approaches to familiar problems or situations, resulting in original work.

     

    Students completing the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in Workplace Communication shall demonstrate the following communication outcomes:

    • 1. Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area. 
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.  
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 6. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.

  • Bachelor Degrees

    Students completing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Civic Advocacy shall demonstrate the following outcomes:

    • 1. Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area. 
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.  
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Media: Use and produce media to appropriately and effectively to communicate messages and critically evaluate media messages.
    • 6. History: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
    • 7. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 8. Theory: Explain how various communication theories have been developed, apply those theories, and evaluate them.
    • 9. Law/Ethics: Demonstrate knowledge of communication law and ethics to enable legal and ethical communication.
    • 10. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
    • 11. Career Readiness: Demonstrate the skills required to enter a professional career or graduate school.  
    • 12. Diversity: Communicate competently across difference, identify, explain perceptual bias and discrimination, and know the value of diversity.   
    • 13. Creativity and Innovation: Devise new approaches to familiar problems or situations, resulting in original work.

     

    Students completing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Digital Media shall demonstrate the following outcomes:

    • 1. Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area. 
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.  
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Media: Use and produce media to appropriately and effectively to communicate messages and critically evaluate media messages.
    • 6. History: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
    • 7. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 8. Theory: Explain how various communication theories have been developed, apply those theories, and evaluate them.
    • 9. Law/Ethics: Demonstrate knowledge of communication law and ethics to enable legal and ethical communication.
    • 10. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
    • 11. Career Readiness: Demonstrate the skills required to enter a professional career or graduate school.  
    • 12. Creativity and Innovation: Devise new approaches to familiar problems or situations, resulting in original work.

     

    Students completing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Interpersonal and Family Communication shall demonstrate the following outcomes:

    • 1. Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area. 
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.  
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Media: Use and produce media to appropriately and effectively to communicate messages and critically evaluate media messages.
    • 6. History: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
    • 7. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 8. Theory: Explain how various communication theories have been developed, apply those theories, and evaluate them.
    • 9. Law/Ethics: Demonstrate knowledge of communication law and ethics to enable legal and ethical communication.
    • 10. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
    • 11. Career Readiness: Demonstrate the skills required to enter a professional career or graduate school.  
    • 12. Diversity: Communicate competently across difference, identify, explain perceptual bias and discrimination, and know the value of diversity.   
    • 13. Creativity and Innovation: Devise new approaches to familiar problems or situations, resulting in original work.

     

    Students completing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Journalism shall demonstrate the following outcomes:

    • 1. Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area. 
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.  
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Media: Use and produce media to appropriately and effectively to communicate messages and critically evaluate media messages.
    • 6. History: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
    • 7. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 8. Theory: Explain how various communication theories have been developed, apply those theories, and evaluate them.
    • 9. Law/Ethics: Demonstrate knowledge of communication law and ethics to enable legal and ethical communication.
    • 10. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
    • 11. Career Readiness: Demonstrate the skills required to enter a professional career or graduate school.  
    • 12. Diversity: Communicate competently across difference, identify, explain perceptual bias and discrimination, and know the value of diversity.   
    • 13. Creativity and Innovation: Devise new approaches to familiar problems or situations, resulting in original work.

     

    Students completing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication shall demonstrate the following outcomes:

    • 1. Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area. 
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.  
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Media: Use and produce media to appropriately and effectively to communicate messages and critically evaluate media messages.
    • 6. History: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
    • 7. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 8. Theory: Explain how various communication theories have been developed, apply those theories, and evaluate them.
    • 9. Law/Ethics: Demonstrate knowledge of communication law and ethics to enable legal and ethical communication.
    • 10. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
    • 11. Career Readiness: Demonstrate the skills required to enter a professional career or graduate school.  
    • 12. Diversity: Communicate competently across difference, identify, explain perceptual bias and discrimination, and know the value of diversity.   
    • 13. Creativity and Innovation: Devise new approaches to familiar problems or situations, resulting in original work.

     

    Students completing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Advertising shall demonstrate the following outcomes:

    • 1. Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area. 
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.  
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Media: Use and produce media to appropriately and effectively to communicate messages and critically evaluate media messages.
    • 6. History: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
    • 7. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 8. Theory: Explain how various communication theories have been developed, apply those theories, and evaluate them.
    • 9. Law/Ethics: Demonstrate knowledge of communication law and ethics to enable legal and ethical communication.
    • 10. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
    • 11. Career Readiness: Demonstrate the skills required to enter a professional career or graduate school.  
    • 12. Creativity and Innovation: Devise new approaches to familiar problems or situations, resulting in original work.

     

    Students completing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Social Media and Data Analytics shall demonstrate the following outcomes:

    • 1.Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area.
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Media: Use and produce media to appropriately and effectively to communicate messages and critically evaluate media messages.
    • 6. History: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
    • 7. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 8. Theory: Explain how various communication theories have been developed, apply those theories, and evaluate them.
    • 9. Law/Ethics: Demonstrate knowledge of communication law and ethics to enable legal and ethical communication.
    • 10. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
    • 11. Career Readiness: Demonstrate the skills required to enter a professional career or graduate school.
    • 12. Diversity: Communicate competently across difference, identify, explain perceptual bias and discrimination, and know the value of diversity.
    • 13. Creativity and Innovation: Devise new approaches to familiar problems or situations, resulting in original work.

     

    Students completing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Communication Teaching shall demonstrate the following outcomes:

    • 1. Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area. 
    • 2. Speaking: Speak appropriately, effectively, and ethically in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.  
    • 3. Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
    • 4. Interpersonal/Small Group Communication: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations, small group settings, and within organizations.
    • 5. Media: Use and produce media to appropriately and effectively to communicate messages and critically evaluate media messages.
    • 6. History: Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
    • 7. Research: Find and evaluate peer-reviewed or professional research studies, describe and utilize a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
    • 8. Theory: Explain how various communication theories have been developed, apply those theories, and evaluate them.
    • 9. Law/Ethics: Demonstrate knowledge of communication law and ethics to enable legal and ethical communication.
    • 10. Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
    • 11. Career Readiness: Demonstrate the skills required to enter a professional career or graduate school.  
    • 12. Diversity: Communicate competently across difference, identify, explain perceptual bias and discrimination, and know the value of diversity.   
    • 13. Creativity and Innovation: Devise new approaches to familiar problems or situations, resulting in original work.

     

• Curriculum Grid

• Assessment Plan

  We are in a transitional process of collecting data and changing the scale so this report is not as robust. Furthermore, the transition of department chairs and the impact of covid with more remote work added to challenges of assessment in a transitional time. Two main changes have been made with regard to the assessment plan. First, we are no longer using a 5-point scale and tying assessment to just one class assignment with regard to the student learning outcomes. Instead, we are using a 3-point scale (3-Exceeds expectations, 2-Meets expectations, 1-Does not meet expectations). Instead of tying assessment to just one final class assignment, faculty are expected to assess each student with this new scale once the semester ends. Faculty, may draw on the final assignment. However, we found this might be a little narrow to find one assignment to assess all the student learning outcomes connected to the course.  Second, we are attempting to identify courses that can act as an early benchmark in each emphasis area in the department and then more of a capstone course. For example, COMM 1130 Media Writing would act as a benchmark for the Multimedia Journalism emphasis area and COMM 4130 In-depth & Investigative Journalism is the capstone course. We hope to compare the assessment data from those two courses as a bit of a pre/posttest model to measure improvement. In each emphasis area, entry benchmark classes have been identified and capstone courses have been identified. We still plan to use COMM 3000 Communication Theory, a course all emphasis areas take, and COMM 4990 Senior Seminar as the capstone course for all majors as central to the assessment plan. These two courses will be the main focus of this assessment report as well as COMM 1020 Principles of Public Speaking and COMM 2110 Small Group and Interpersonal Communication. Ultimately, we hope to assess each emphasis area based on this benchmark and capstone data. However, COMM 3000 and COMM 4990 provide a strong analysis of the program. 

  Timeline/Plan
  Faculty were asked to follow the screen capture of how to upload the rubric into their canvas course in Fall of 2021. In the past faculty were expected to create the rubric themselves. Over the Summer of 2021 the Office of Institutional Effectiveness created the pre-loaded rubrics to match our student learning outcomes so faculty just needed to upload the rubric. The following courses were identified: 1020, 1130, 1140, 2110, 3000, 3350, 3650, 4890, 4990, 3130, 4130, 4760, 3550, 2250, 3400, 4400, 3050, 3750, 3060, 3085, 3120, and 3820. 

  Future Plan
  The data from the above courses was not as consistent to create large enough sample sizes for degree emphasis level assessment. Enough data was present from COMM 3000 and COMM 4990 along with COMM 1020 and COMM 2110. Moving forward, a faculty meeting/workshop time will be implemented to verify that faculty have indeed uploaded the rubric. Also, reminders for faculty to complete the assessment at the end of the semester will also be completed. Faculty were honest that at the end of the semester once grades are submitted completing additional assessment was easy to forget. Furthermore, discussion about how to evaluate on a three-point scale will be discussed for each course. This will help to create stronger intercoder reliability. 

• Program and Contact Information

  The Communication program provides undergraduate education for students wishing to major in seven emphasis areas that include Civic Advocacy, Digital Media, Interpersonal & Family Communication, Multimedia Journalism, Organizational Communication, Public Relations & Advertising, and Communication Teaching in either Communication Studies or Journalism. It offers a Communication minor, a Communication teaching minor, and a BIS option. An Associate of Science in Communication is also offered. The Communication Department also serves students seeking general education in three courses: COMM 1020 Principles of Public Speaking, COMM 2010 Mass Media & Society, and COMM 2110 Interpersonal & Small Group Communication. The 2110 class is offered as a Concurrent Enrollment course in local high schools.         

  Students who major in Communication hone their knowledge and skills in writing, speaking, listening, interpersonal and small group interaction, new media, research methods, communication theory and law, and critical thinking. Many students get involved with co-curricular organizations, including The Signpost, KWCR Wildcat Radio, Ogden Peak Communications, Studio 76/Wildcat ONE TV, and WSU Debate where they can get hands-on learning. They conclude their academic experience by preparing an e-portfolio and resume, and completing an internship with a professional organization. Graduates work in a variety of fields or attend graduate and law school.        

   

  Contact Information:

   

  Dr. Anne Bialowas
  Department of Communication
  Weber State University
  1395 Edvalson St., Dept. 1407
  Ogden, UT 84408-1407
  801-626-6454
  Elizabeth Hall, Room 335

•  

• Assessment Report Submissions

  2021-22
  2019-20 - Conducted Program Review
  2017
  2016
  2015

• Program Review

  2019-2020

  2014-15

This information is part of the cyclical program review process. Details such as mission statements, learning outcomes, etc., are updated as part of the biennial assessment reporting process, an integral component of program review.