No images? Click here May 2021 A Message from the Dean of the School of CommunicationDear SoC Community, 2020 was a year like no other! It challenged our way of thinking, operating, and relating to each other. Despite these challenges, Chapman University and our School of Communication has remained steadfast in our mission to help our students flourish academically, physically, spiritually, and socially as highlighted on our four pillars. While it has been a remarkable year with unprecedented trials and tribulations, I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together and feel inspired by the perseverance, support, and care demonstrated by our SoC community during this difficult year. And I truly believe we will come back from this set of experiences stronger that will propel us in continuing our innovation and creativity with renewed energy in the coming years. We are deeply thankful for the success we have experienced these past five years. We have made a significant number of changes at the School of Communication designed to enhance our programs, increase the value of your degree, respond to market pressures, and position the School for future growth. I am honored and proud to see that many of the initiatives we started together are now thriving and flourishing in our academically acclaimed undergraduate degrees in Communication Studies, Strategic and Corporate Communication, and Global Communication and Languages, not to mention our innovative Master of Science program in Health and Strategic Communication, and our distinctive flagship Ph.D. program in Communication. We have expanded our suite of programs to meet the needs of a wide range of backgrounds and experience. We have enhanced two amazing workspaces in Becket Hall for faculty and students to engage in important research projects that will have a positive impact on our society. Along with Chapman University, SoC continues to attract committed, creative, and innovative minds, both among faculty and incoming students. We have and continue to work closely with industry and employers to ensure our graduates are fully equipped to compete in a complex global landscape. Over the next few years, we will continue to carefully review our current strategic position, consider the needs of our future learners, and form a roadmap to position the School of Communication as one of the best schools of its kind by its tenth year of operation. Our intention is to place specific attention on enriching our programs and operations as well as ongoing professional development further cultivating a posture and culture of strategic thinking and decision-making. From this strong foundation, our team continues to sponsor a vision and bold plan that will guide the school for years to come. I personally will forever be indebted to the entire Chapman community for our collective hard work, support, and counsel to help make our launch of the School of Communication a success. It is difficult to imagine that it has been near 15 years when I first took the role of Director of Graduate Studies and then Chair of the Department and then Founding Dean of the School of Communication. We can all be proud of our hard work and efforts that in just 5 years the School is demonstrably stronger today – both academically and financially – than the unit we began under my leadership many years ago. Applications are up in both numbers and quality, our internship placement rate is well above the national average, and job placement remains strong. I hope you feel confident, as I do, that this very distinctive and unique institution stands well positioned not only to endure, but also to embark on an exciting new phase of its journey. As we approach new beginnings for the School of Communication, I want to take this last opportunity as your Dean, and the first opportunity as your Founding Dean, to thank the thousands of friends and supporters who have contributed to our success. And a special mention of our board, faculty, and staff is most worthy. They are a dedicated and talented group of men and women whose dedication and commitment are deserving of our admiration and respect. Thank you all! We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our school’s success. As you welcome Dr. Andrew M. Moshier, Professor of Mathematics in his new role as the Dean to lead the School of Communication over the next several years, don’t forget to check out this link to his Faculty Profile for his background and scholarly work. He will have his own priorities for moving the School to the next phase, but I feel fully confident that together we have set the stage for a new era of growth in several different areas moving forward. On a special note, I would like to send a special and heartfelt congratulations to our graduates: You made it, survived and thrived! We are so proud of you! I look forward to seeing you this summer at the graduation ceremonies at Wilson Field to celebrate your accomplishments! Save the dates: Saturday July 31st at 11am for the graduating class of 2020 and Saturday August 7th at 11am for the graduating class of 2021. Remember: "It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end." Earnest Hemingway. While this will be my last message from the Dean, it is not goodbye. I will return to my Endowed Professorship in fall 2022 and will always have the gratitude and honor of being your Founding Dean! Until then, I plan on taking a yearlong sabbatical to spend time with my family, walk along the beach, run more marathons, ride my bike, hike across the globe, continue contributions to our Orange County community as well as continue to work with research colleagues on important and interesting projects! Again, thank you for allowing me to lead this institution for the past five years as your Dean. It has been an honor. I wish you all good health, meaningful connections and relationships, and lots of learning and growth opportunities moving forward together. Sincerely, Lisa Sparks, Ph.D. Dean, School of Communication McGaw Endowed Professor in Behavioral Sciences Summer 2021 AdvisingWant to talk course scheduling? We are here to help! You are welcome to meet with Dr. Andrea Weber to discuss your schedule or any questions you have about registration and beyond over the summer! Program advising is online and conducted through Microsoft Teams. You can schedule an appointment with an Dr. Weber on Bookings or reach out to her via email if you need to schedule an appointment outside of regular advising hours. Dr. Andrea Weber | Microsoft Teams Join us in Congratulating Dr. Rebecca Tukachinsky Forster!Dr. Rebecca Tukachinsky Forster's book, titled "Parasocial Romantic Relationships: Falling in Love with Media Figures", explores why, the how, and to what effect do individuals develop romantic feelings toward people they “know” from the media. Below is a link to the publisher's webpage to check it out. Congratulations on the publication! 2021 SURF Program AnnouncementThe SoC is proud to announce that Strategic and Corporate Communication major Nikki Trippler (Class of ’22; BA Theatre Studies, BA Strategic and Corporate Communication) has been selected for the 2021 SURF Program. SURF is a highly competitive 8-week summer program offered by the Center for Undergraduate Excellence that offers Chapman undergraduate students experience in hands-on research and creative scholarship mentored by a faculty member. Nikki’s research will focus on college students’ communication in long-distance relationships during the pandemic and how this communication affects their personal, relational, and academic outcomes. Nikki will be mentored by SOC Associate Professor Dr. Sara LaBelle. We are Chapman Student Speakers ApplicationAs we’re getting ready for 2021 Fall Orientation, we are looking for students who are interested in sharing their story about their time at Chapman and their experiences! If you are looking for a way to give back to Chapman and express the impact this community has made, we highly encourage you to apply! The deadline to apply is Sunday May 28th at 11:45pm. For any questions, please email resstu197@chapman.edu Nominate a Faculty Member for SoC's Faculty Career ChampionYour faculty are not only a resource for your academic career, but a key part of your Chapman Network. We want to hear which faculty are setting the example, who go beyond educational duties, and support you in your career. Who comes to mind when you think about this? Did they make an introduction to an employer, write you a letter of rec, offer career guidance, or integrate “real world” skills into the classroom? Say thanks by taking a few minutes to nominate them for this annual award. Complete Your First Destination SurveyAfter applying for degree conferral, undergraduate seniors receive emails about and gain access to the Class of 2021 First Destination Survey. Whether you already have a job lined up, are seeking work, applying to graduate school, volunteering, joining the military, etc... this is the way you let us know what your next step is, goals are, and how we should be working to help you. As a thanks for your time, you’ll be entered to win Tech Grand Prizes (iPad, Apple Watch, Airpods or Chromebook) and Alumni T-shirts! New Beginnings for Chapman Radio"As Chapman transitions back to on-campus instruction, there’s a great deal to be excited about. One thing in particular is the notable Chapman Radio team who have taken advantage of this strange time to learn how to podcast, revamp the Chapman Radio class and completely redo their studio and website. They are also currently developing new ways to broadcast Chapman sports updates through a separate streaming channel." Check out the newsroom story below! SoC Student SpotlightsThis month we celebrated the hard work and dedication of both our undergraduate and graduate students, as well as our new inductees to Lambda Pi Eta. Congratulations to all of our 2021 SoC Award Winners! If you missed the announcements, check out our Facebook, and Instagram page for all the award videos! SoC Student Advisory Board SpotlightSawyer Kelly '23 is a a double major in Communication Studies and English Literature, Rhetoric, and Cultural Studies. Sawyer is originally from Half Moon Bay, California (about twenty minutes south of San Francisco), and is extremely passionate about both literature and language. She hopes to unify her two majors in order to pursue a career in education, whether it be in an administrative role, or as a teacher. Welcome to the advisory board! Sawyer Kelly '23 Wondering how to kickstart your job search?It’s natural to jump on LinkedIn and Handshake when it’s time to launch your job search. However, you’re only ready once you’ve asked yourself three key questions and your mindset is optimized for finding the right opportunity. Asking yourself about your interests, experience, and educational experiences the right way to get the right job! |