2008 Woodie Awards
Comm Program has growing pains
Ashley Smith
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: News
The Mass Communications track of the Communications Major at Fayetteville State is one of the newest on campus. As will all fledgling programs, the track has experienced its share of difficulties but continues to be one of the fastest growing majors on campus.
"The biggest challenge to our future is facility space," says Dr. Todd Frobish, who has watched over the program since its creation. "As the largest degree program in our department, and one of the fastest growing programs on campus, we are severely disadvantaged by not having a space of our own."
The program is hoping to convert the one classroom in the Telecommunications Building into office space so that the major's professors are housed under one roof. While space is a big issue facing the program, some students have claimed that the program doesn't do enough to prepare students for life after college.
"The biggest problem facing the communications program is the lack of training provided by the professors," says Jamerius Ludgood, a senior in the program. He claims that "this issue is very serious considering most students are really incapable of performing basic tasks given because they don't understand the technical aspects of the field."
Dr. Frobish believes that the program provides students with the basic tools for success, but it is the job of the student to go take opportunities to learn specific skills for their job. "All we can do as faculty is to provide the opportunities for learning that will help [students] thrive after they graduate," says Frobish. "It is the job of the student to embrace those opportunities." Some of the opportunities that he mentions are internships and participation in campus organizations like the student newspaper and student radio station. Dr. Frobish also mentions the importance of majors participating in the Communications Club.
Communications Club President Jewel Peterkin, also had a mix of things to say about the program. "I do know some graduates personally, who do not feel as if they are qualified enough to compete for communications jobs in other areas like Charlotte," says Peterkin. Despite the program's shortfalls, Peterkin feels that the program is still the right one for her. "I absolutely love the communications program at Fayetteville State. While the program is still in its formative years, I could not see myself in any other program."
If students feel that the program is not doing enough them, they should contact their advisor first, then they should seek out the professor that is an expert in the field in which the student is interested in entering after college. Students interested in the program should see their advisor for the new 3-year plan for communications majors.
"The biggest challenge to our future is facility space," says Dr. Todd Frobish, who has watched over the program since its creation. "As the largest degree program in our department, and one of the fastest growing programs on campus, we are severely disadvantaged by not having a space of our own."
The program is hoping to convert the one classroom in the Telecommunications Building into office space so that the major's professors are housed under one roof. While space is a big issue facing the program, some students have claimed that the program doesn't do enough to prepare students for life after college.
"The biggest problem facing the communications program is the lack of training provided by the professors," says Jamerius Ludgood, a senior in the program. He claims that "this issue is very serious considering most students are really incapable of performing basic tasks given because they don't understand the technical aspects of the field."
Dr. Frobish believes that the program provides students with the basic tools for success, but it is the job of the student to go take opportunities to learn specific skills for their job. "All we can do as faculty is to provide the opportunities for learning that will help [students] thrive after they graduate," says Frobish. "It is the job of the student to embrace those opportunities." Some of the opportunities that he mentions are internships and participation in campus organizations like the student newspaper and student radio station. Dr. Frobish also mentions the importance of majors participating in the Communications Club.
Communications Club President Jewel Peterkin, also had a mix of things to say about the program. "I do know some graduates personally, who do not feel as if they are qualified enough to compete for communications jobs in other areas like Charlotte," says Peterkin. Despite the program's shortfalls, Peterkin feels that the program is still the right one for her. "I absolutely love the communications program at Fayetteville State. While the program is still in its formative years, I could not see myself in any other program."
If students feel that the program is not doing enough them, they should contact their advisor first, then they should seek out the professor that is an expert in the field in which the student is interested in entering after college. Students interested in the program should see their advisor for the new 3-year plan for communications majors.
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