Communication, School of

Steven Rhodes, Director
Main Office: 305 Sprau
Telephone: (269) 387-3130
Fax: (269) 387-3990

Heather Addison
Julie Apker
Sandra Borden
Sue Ellen Christian
Autumn Edwards
Chad Edwards
Rebekah Farrugia
Leigh A. Ford
Richard Gershon
James Gilchrist
Keith Hearit
Richard Junger
Joseph Kayany
Marilyn Kritzman
Steven Lipkin
Jennifer Machiorlatti
Peter Northouse
Paul Nwulu
Mark Orbe
Kathleen Propp
Jocelyn Steinke
Kathleen Wong

Mission Statement

The School of Communication is committed to the research and advanced study of the art and science of communication in a way that integrates theory and practice. In our scholarship and teaching we seek to promote a culture that values diverse perspectives and emphasizes the ethical implications of communication.

Communication Programs

Communication is the principal mode for establishing and maintaining human relationships. It consists of those processes by which society is made possible, by which people develop and exchange ideas, solve problems, and work cooperatively in attaining common objectives. Effective communication is an educational imperative for all human beings.

The School of Communication is dedicated to meeting the personal and professional communication objectives of our students. Seven major areas of concentration are available: Communication Studies; Film, Video, and Media Studies; Interpersonal Communication; Journalism; Organizational Communication; Public Relations; and Telecommunications and Information Management. These major areas of concentration reflect the primary divisions in the discipline, with required courses to ensure adequate preparation in specific fields. The concentration areas and accompanying upper-level requirements provide appropriate guidance to assure that programs of study are academically sound.

Three minors - Minor in Communication, Minor in Secondary Education Communication, and Minor in Journalism - are also offered. However, students may complete only one program (major or minor) in the School of Communication.

Communication majors and minors may choose to participate in the American Humanics certificate program. This program is designed to prepare students for leadership in nonprofit organizations. Students qualify for the certificate by taking courses in their major and minor which meet the American Humanics competency requirements, by taking the required American Humanics courses, and by meeting the American Humanics extra-curricular requirements. For details, please see the American Humanics description in the College of Arts and Sciences Interdisciplinary Programs section of this catalog. Details are also available from the American Humanics director.

The study of communication is important to virtually every profession that involves working with people, making it an excellent major, minor or cognate for communication-related jobs in education, business, government agencies, health care professions, social services, industry, and other public and private organizations. Communication is central to positions in public relations, corporate communication, public information management, employee communication, training and development, and radio, television, and film.

Production training facilities and professional curricular programs in television and film provide both the background knowledge and training for positions in mass media production, performance and management.

The School also encourages a close relationship between academic classes and extracurricular and co-curricular experiences. Students may become involved in a variety of activities, including community service projects, WIDR-FM radio station, video taping of special events, film-making, and internships in a variety of organizations. Academic credit may be earned for significant participation in many of these communication activities.

Students planning to major or minor in any of the communication areas should discuss their program needs and interests with School advisor at the earliest possible date. Call the advising office at (269) 387-3197 for advising hours. A Handbook for Majors and Minors in Communication, which describes suggested programs of study in communication, is available free of charge from the School office or on our Web site: www.wmich.edu/communication.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are permitted to transfer up to 15 semester credit hours for a major and up to 9 hours for a minor in communication or journalism.

Special Rules/Restrictions

Students must have a grade of “C” or better in any prerequisite before they can enroll in the subsequent course for all prerequisites in the School of Communication.
Students must get a grade of “C” or better for any class to count toward a School of Communication major or minor (a grade of “B” or better for graduate courses.)
The School of Communication has a TWO-repeat policy. Students may only take a course twice in their attempt to obtain a grade of “C” or better.