The Communication Department hosted its second annual Communication Kickoff Event during the first club meeting time on Wed. Sept. 4. All of the department’s student-run organizations had a table at the event.
Lorna Schmidt, Director of Advising of Communication, Faculty Advisor of Monmouth Oral Communication Society (MOCC), and a communication instructor, played a key role in hosting the event. The purpose of the event was, “ to introduce new students to the clubs and their members…new students to faculty who might become mentors… and to help the clubs increase their membership,” said Schmidt.
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) created the flyers for the event and promoted the event via email and social media. The turnout for the events second year was larger than its inaugural kickoff, and the department hopes that the event continues to grow each year.
Students majoring in Communication are required to complete a practicum credit with one of the clubs within their specialized area. This allows students to gain real life experience in their fields of communication. They can participate in WMCX, Hawk TV, PRSSA, The Outlook, MOCC, Comm Works, or The Verge. However, students of all majors are welcomed to join and participate in the clubs.
Hawk TV, is a fully functional television station with a full studio that is used by both Radio and TV students and club members. The record various programs and specials regularly throughout the year. Additionally, they aid in producing shows during Homecoming and host the fundraising event, Rock & Raise, for the American Cancer Society.The event features local bands and partners with the student-run radio station WMCX 88.9 FM.
“For Hawk TV, we hope to bring in a large group of members, to which we can create quality content that they can be proud of and use for their future portfolios,” said Hania Sarsar, senior communication student and Hawk TV Station Manager. “We also hope to promote an inclusive learning environment in which anyone can come in and feel welcomed and a part of the family,” continued Sarsar.
With the help of new equipment that was purchased over the summer, the station plans recording new projects. “This year, we have received interest for multiple new programs that we intend to shoot pilots for, in the hopes that they could potentially become full-time programming on our station,” Sarsar.
Students Committed to Performance (Comm Works) is another communication club that tabled at the kickoff event. The group works to put on performances and enhance the public speaking skills of their members and students at Monmouth. Jess Ciarczynski, sophomore communication major and President of CommWorks and MOCC, hopes to encourage students to perform and speak in front of a crowd.
“I know that most people hear the word “perform” and immediately want nothing to do with it…However, we create a really safe environment that allows anyone to express themselves in whatever means they choose- whether it be through poetry, short stories, singing, skits, dancing, etc.,” said Ciarczynski
At the event, the group had candy and hula-hoops to draw in perspective students. “Then, we were able to explain what our club is all about, and they could decide for themselves whether they want to join or not,” said Ciarczynski. “It makes it easier for others to approach us and ask about what our club is about. It was a really fun and successful event!”
The club hosts various performances throughout the year that are open to all majors. Last spring they held an event titled “Love and Laughter” where members shares poems, funny stories, and sang along to karaoke. They are open to students of all majors. Not everyone needs to be in the spotlight as the group also needs hands for lighting and other behind-the-scenes positions. They are planning to host Halloween and Thanksgiving themed performances this fall.
If you are interested in joining any of the communication clubs, stop by during the designated meeting time on Wednesday. The involvement far will also be hosted Friday Sept. 13 from 5-7 on Shadow Lawn in front of Wilson Hall. All student clubs and organizations will be present at the event. Come out and get involved!
