It always surprises me when we get to this point of the semester! At the beginning of the semester it seems like there is so much time, and then in what feels like a blink of the eye, it’s exam week! I’m so proud of all of you for preserving through the semester and the entire academic year. It was certainly filled with challenges (snow day AND Canvas outage all in one week?!?), but also it held incredible moments of community and more than a few glimmers of hope. We gathered for alumni panels and heard about the amazing work former students are doing. We celebrated student research and the innovation you all show in your classes. We gathered for the ACT Human Rights Film Festival and CPD events. And we had countless moments of connection in our classrooms where we learned new ways of connecting across difference, advocating for the things that matter to us, and being uniquely human. What a gift it is to be able to do these things in this community!
For those of you who are graduating this week, let me offer you a sincere CONGRATULATIONS! Earning a college degree from one of the nation’s prominent universities takes persistence and endurance. We are proud of your accomplishments and are excited to welcome you to the Comm Studies alumni ranks. Please keep in touch. I’d love to connect with you via LinkedIn so we can continue to celebrate your successes.
For those of you who are not finishing up, please take a look at our offerings for this summer. It’s a great time for you to focus in on a class or two, get ahead in your studies, and keep your skills sharp. And if you are interning this summer, don’t forget that you can get credit for your internship. Here is information about for-credit internships.
And, for those of you who are staying, be sure to check out our new concentrations which will launch in the Fall! These include:
- Media, Technology, & Popular Culture
- Rhetoric, Democracy, & Social Advocacy
- Leadership & Organizational Communication I
- nterpersonal, Community, & International Communication
These concentrations will help you hone in on a specific area of communication and better communicate your skills set to potential employers. And if you just can’t choose between areas, or if your interests lie at the intersection of these—you can still get a general major in Communication Studies. Please reach out to your ASC if you are interested in declaring one of these concentrations to learn more about the specific requirements for each.
I wish you a summer full of sunshine, memorable moments, and time to rejuvenate. Take care Comm Studies Rams!
All my best, Dr. W Department Chair and Professor
May Highlights
Comm Studies Summer Courses
Summer session is almost here! Classes begin May 18, and if you still need to register, Communication Studies has a strong lineup to help you make progress toward graduation. Choose from public speaking, persuasion, film, television, and more, with both in-person and online sections available to fit your summer schedule.
Finding an Internship
Looking for an internship this summer? Getting an internship is one of the best ways to build career-ready skills, grow your professional network, and earn SPCM credits toward your degree. Start by checking Handshake for current opportunities posted for CSU students, and keep an eye on the CMST Advising Canvas page for internships exclusive to Communication Studies majors. You can also follow the department's Instagram and check the "Career Opps" highlight for additional postings. Already know where you want to intern? Check out our Internship FAQ to learn more about getting credit!
Maintain Your Community Connections
As summer approaches, it’s important to think about how you’ll stay connected with your community here at CSU. Want to keep up with what’s going on with campus? Follow @CSUCommStudies and @CSULiberalArts on social media! And of course, make sure you check your CSU email for all the latest updates on university news and the coming fall semester!