Timothy J. Brown, Ph.D.
Department Chair		 Discover the Power of Communication

Welcome to the website of the Department of Communication Studies at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Whether you are a current student, a prospective student, or just looking for more information about our department, you've come to the right place. Use the drop-down menus above for quick access to our site's content. If you are a student or faculty member, login to access additional content.

Communication is an essential part of human life. It affects how we relate to each other, how we achieve success, and how we view reality. It has shaped the world we live in, and it will shape the world ahead. We invite you to to discover the power of communication. Contact us today, and discover how the Department of Communication Studies at West Chester University can be a part of your future.
Department News

Dr. Braz Publishes Article in Human Communication

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April 2, 2013 | Mary Braz
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Dr. Braz, along with WCU co-author Dr. Chris Stangl, published an article titled Perceived Obstacles to Voting following Superstorm Sandy in Human Communication, a journal of the Pacific and Asian Communication Association. The authors surveyed students of voting age during the week between when the storm hit the area and National Election Day. Students reported perceived obstacles to voting, ranging from physical obstructions of downed power lines and road closures to attending to other higher priority events in the aftermath of the storm. The article offers a unique contribution to understanding how weather related events affect voters.

Stangl, C.A. & Braz, M.E. (2013). Perceived obstacles to voting following Superstorm Sandy, Human Communication, 16(1).

Join PRSSA in the Big Apple!

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March 27, 2013 | Edward Lordan
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The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is hosting a trip to NYC on Tuesday, April 16 to visit three PR agencies. All COM students are invited, but spots are limited and filling up fast. The price is $35 which includes coach bus transportation, lunch, and an opportunity to network with some of New York's best professionals. You'll also have some time after the last presentation to hang around in the Times Square area before we return!

Want to join us? Drop off your $35 in CASH in an envelope WITH YOUR NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS AND THE WORDS "NYC TRIP" ON IT to Dr. Lordan in Main Hall 317 . If he is not there, you may slide it under his door.

Questions? Contact PRSSA's Callie Smith at CS740504@wcupa.edu or Dr. L. at elordan@wcupa.edu.

WCU Forensics Annual Team Showcase

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March 27, 2013 | Mark Hickman
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Come celebrate the 2012-2013 season with the WCU Forensics team!

The national recognized speech and debate team will be holding a showcase on April 2, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the Sykes Union Auditorium. Come join us and see performances from highly successful team members, including the top three competitive speakers in the state and one national champion! Events showcased will include some prepared address such as persuasion, some more interpretive and amusing events, and one impromptu speech to get the adrenaline flowing.

Let us show you what all the buzz is about; the program will last approximately one hour. Thanks for your continuing support of our team!

Communication Career Night

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March 16, 2013 | Kanan Sawyer
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Communication Studies Department Welcomes Future Rams!

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February 20, 2013 | L. Meghan Mahoney
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On Monday, February 18, 2013, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) held an Open House event for all accepted majors and their families. The event included an opportunity to tour the campus, meet with professors and administrators, and interact with current West Chester University students.

Those students who expressed an interest in majoring in Communication Studies had the opportunity to attend a special "mini-class" with Dr. Philip Thompsen in the WCU Digital Media Center. After some welcoming remarks from Dr. Polk and Dr. Mahoney, Dr. Thompsen gave a brief talk about broadcast performance and how to deliver a script on camera. He then demonstrated the use of "green screen" technology for recording video performances over a superimposed background. Many students volunteered to be recorded in front of the green screen reading a brief commercial script on a teleprompter. It was a fun way to learn about broadcast performance, use the instructional facilities of the Digital Media Center, and experience a small sample of the Communication Studies undergraduate program.

The Department of Communication Studies congratulates all the participants on their acceptance to West Chester University. We look forward to welcoming everyone as official WCU Rams in the fall!

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