Intro to Comm

Commie 101

Meet the Exec Board

Committee Chairs

Read About Your Major

Ten Reasons

communicationThe Official Communication Council Newsletter

august 2010

W elcome to the College of Communication at The University of Texas

at Austin, the most comprehensive college of its kind in the country and one of the nation’s foremost institutions.

what’s inside:

I would like to start off with four very important words- CONGRATULATIONS and TEXAS FIGHT! You are about to embark upon the journey of a lifetime as you find yourself entering the doors of the College of Communication and meeting other Longhorns that share the same passions and goals. As you anxiously await your first year on the 40 Acres, I encourage you to get involved and apply for Communication Council. The Communication

school is comprised of six majors- all led by renowned faculty and staff. We strive to connect students from all six majors through university events, faculty relations, community outreach and above all, being a voice for every student. This newsletter will give you insight into our organization and our overall goal- making a difference. I also recommend registering with CCS (Communication Career Services) early on to gain the tools necessary in resume writing, possible internships and job opportunities for the future. From Saturday football games to editing labs at 2am, this campus will be your home for the next four years. You will learn more than you could ever imagine. So as you start this journey, take in every moment, memory and the overall magic that is the College of Communication. Hook ‘em Horns!

– Ashley Jennings, Communication Council President

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intro to comm

ADV-Texas Advertising Group (TAG)

CSD-Deaf Events and Friends (D.E.A.F.)-National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

CMS-UT Speech Team (Forensics)-Texas Forensics Union (UT Debate Team)

JOUR-burntORANGE Magazine & the Magazine Club (MAG) -National Press Photographer’s Association -Society for News Design at Texas -Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)

PR-Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) -Texas Tower PR

RTF-CAGE – Student Production Resource Center-University Filmmakers Alliance

Texas Student Media-Cactus Yearbook-KVRX Student Radio-Texas Student Television-Texas Travesty-The Daily Texan

The College of Communication, situated in the creative and unique hub that is Austin, Texas, offers limitless possibilities into this rapidly changing

world. Students are not only learning skills useful within their field of interest but also skills that will benefit society by changing how we communicate with others. Although time spent in the College as new Communication students is short, we hope to provide a place that feels like home by the time of graduation. Moreover, with the construction of the Belo Center for New Media, it is without a doubt that Comm students have great things to look forward to.

“ The uniqueness of our college b ecomes apparent the moment

y ou walk through the doors of the CMA.”

comm orgs:

Shown above is the Jesse H. Jones Communication Center. The upper right picture shows Comm students gathering in the CMA Plaza.

For a complete list and links to the organizations visit:

www.communication.utexas.edu/ccs/stu_org.html

Communication Career Services

Communication Career Services is undeniably one of the best resources our college has to offer. From résumé and cover letter editing to job and internship help, CCS does it all. Getting registered with Communication Career Services is incredibly easy and the earlier you get set up, the earlier you get access to their great advising. Simply visit communication.utexas.edu/ccs, click on “Create Student Account,” and go from there! Once you register, you’ll be able to schedule an appointment with one of the advisors and get a head start on preparing for life after college. It’s never too early to start thinking about internships and jobs.

– Melania MelikianFormer Comm Council President and CCS Intern

– Severin Witte Comm Council Financial Director

August 2010 3

commie 101W hat is a commie? Simply put, “commie” is a

nickname for the members of Communication Council. We are a diverse group of student

leaders brought together to serve the College of Communication. We represent each of the six majors within our college and range in classification from first-semester freshman to graduating seniors. Our Council’s main purpose is to address student concerns in the College of Communication by fostering and maintaining a strong relationship with our college’s administration. Additionally, we facilitate interactions between students, faculty, and staff in the college; represent the college at University-wide events; and serve the city of Austin through our volunteer and community service outreach.

comm council mission statement

“To be a commie you must have a cup of ambition, a tablespoon of

fun and just a dash of crazy.”

As the liason between students and faculty of the College of Communication, we are the voice of student concerns. We instill a sense of pride in the College of Communication by unifying the student body with faculty and staff, creating an uplifting spirit for all.

Every week one outstanding commie is chosen to be the Commie of the Week (COW). During that week commies get to hangout with the cow and take pictures of their adventures. Furthermore, each selected commie adds their own flair to Commie the Cow.

Commie 101 Notes

Office: CMA 3.111

Meetings: Wednesdays@ 6pm in the CMA auditorium.

Fall 2010 Info Sessions:Sept. 2nd, 6th & 7thCMA 3.111 @ 6pm

communicationcouncil.com

Commie the Cow

The official Comm Council mascot!

Applications open:

August 30th

Applications close:

September 8th

due in CMA 3.111 @ 5pm

Questions? contact:

ashleyjanejennings@gmail.com

– Patrick White Comm Council Vice President

Commie Love

Commie love is countless hours in the office studying together. It’s Friday nights spent with friends and Wednesday mornings handing out breakfast to students on the plaza. It’s community service projects and activities that make a difference. Overall, it’s being there for each other through tears and smiles, building everlasting memories along the way.

– Ashley JenningsComm Council President

PHOTO BY: CALEB FOX

4 August 2010

meet the 2010-2011

As President, what is your role? Council is comprised of approximately 75 members, eight Committee Chairs, and a six-person Executive Board. I help oversee all of these functioning groups as well as serve as an official liaison from the Senate of College Councils. I also strive to keep deans, department heads, Career Services, and members up-to-date and involved with university and community activities we participate in.

What compelled you to join Council? I can still remember my first steps into the Communication School. An eager freshman yearning to study broadcast journalism, I held my video-camera in one hand, swung my pink backpack over my shoulder, and gripped my schedule tightly, praying someone would help me locate the CMA auditorium! Searching through the crowd of people, a friendly face popped up, “Hi there! Can I help you

president

find something?” This was my first experience with the College of Communication Council. Ever since that first meeting, those welcoming faces have not only turned into everlasting friendships, but people that I consider my second family.

What are you looking forward to the most in the 2010-2011 year?I am absolutely thrilled and truly honored to serve as president for this upcoming year. It’s a position that I’ve been passionate about ever since I joined Council, and I’m eager to give back to an organization that’s done so much for me! I’m excited for our involvement within Senate and Student Government and eager for us to get started on community and university-wide projects. I’m confident in saying that our commitment and enthusiasm for change will shine through in every project, activity, and Council event we do.

As Vice Presdident, what is your role?I oversee and help Comm Council’s Chair Team (think of them as the “lifeblood” of Council). Each committee is specialized with unique activities, events, and goals for the year. With activities ranging from Longhorn Halloween, Lab Raids, and Professor Nights, members of council serve on each committee to make everything a success.

In your opinion, what makes the College of Communication unique? The College of Communication is unique because we’re the riff raff of the university - no, I don’t mean that in the bad way. We’re a melting pot of

backgrounds and personalities, but we’re all dynamic and positively driven for a common goal. Whether its late nights spent in media labs or endless hours perfecting a campaign or story, our work done here is molding the way the world will communicate in the future.

Describe Commie Love. Commie Love is a bond that unites us all. When you join, from the time you spend together in and out of meetings, to the changes you see come to fruition - this Council becomes your second family and you really do share that “commie love.”

As Financial Director, what is your role? I appropriately budget for the day-to-day expenditures of our various events, assist in coordinating fundraisers, and to oversee the Allocations process whereby we appropriate $12,000 of support to deserving student organizations within our college. As Senate Representative, my job is to draft university-wide academic policies and to report those legislations back to Council for voting approval/denial.

What compelled you to join Council?The desire to join Council was instilled within me the moment I met fellow commies at freshman orientation. I was captivated by their enthusiasm and wanted to belong to a true community, larger than myself, that seeks constructive outcomes for

the campus environment. What we affectionately call “The Office” has become my home, and it can be yours as well!

What are you looking forward to the most in the 2010-2011 year?The most exciting thing about senior year is that it is your final chance to make the most of college and the multitude of friendships and opportunities with which it provides you. I most look forward to having the time to dedicate myself fully to Council and leave behind a legacy and positive impact within this organization with which I devoted four fulfilling years. It is my hope that I will touch the lives of every member in some way, and that everyone will have positive memories of me on individual levels before I leave to serve in the military.

Classification: SeniorMajor: Broadcast Journalismand Public Relations

ashley jennings

patrick whiteClassification: Junior

Major: Advertising

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severin witteClassification: SeniorMajor: Radio-Television-Film and Public Relations

financial director&

senate rep

executive board

August 2010 5

As Administrative Director, what is your role?I am responsible for keeping the order of Council. I make the weekly agendas, as well as the powerpoints, and am responsible for the tracking of member’s points throughout the semester.

In your opinion, what makes the College of Communication unique? The College of Communication is unique because its students are amongst the most talented at the University. Some are artistic, some are great writers, and others are great speakers but we all come together to form an amazing student body with

personality out the wazzoo. Most other schools are strictly about memorizing information where as the Comm School is about learning and applying the things you are taught.

Describe Commie Love. Commie Love is indescribable, but here’s my attempt to describe it: Commie Love makes you feel welcome, like you’ve found your new home at UT. These people can and will put a smile on my face at any time and will also be a shoulder to cry on if need be. Commie Love is the best love there is.

As External Director, what is your role?I am the person who represents Communication Council to the community through different university-wide and community involvement activities.

What compelled you to join Council?I was compelled to join Council because at freshmen orientation, I literally saw a Communication Council member at nearly every event. I thought to myself, “Who are these crazy people?.” Just kidding, but seriously: I saw the members of Communication

Council, and I wanted to be a part of all the fun they were having.

What are you looking forward to the most in the 2010-2011 year?I am looking most forward to continuing to create friendships that will last a lifetime. At Communication Council we really are a family, and the members of Communication Council are what make the group unique. We come from different walks of life and join together to achieve numerous goals, and that is what I am looking forward to.

courtney jensenClassification: Junior

Major: Communication Studies

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cody permenterClassification: Sophomore Major: Journalism

external director

As Internal Director, what is your role?I’m responsible for the inner workings of Communication Council itself. I work to ensure a positive experience for all council members, and I plan events and social activities throughout the year to foster commie bonding. I also head up our recruitment efforts and work closely with each new commie class.

In your opinion, what makes the College of Communication unique? I believe the College of Communication is unique

because the fields of interest within the College require fast adaptation to current technology and events, which mean the curriculum and policies of the College have to change almost constantly. This helps our graduates stay up-to-date and be prepared for their fields of interest upon graduation. Describe Commie Love.Commie love! For me, commie love is about supporting one another. Commie love is the way we express our dedication to not only what we are doing but to our fellow council members.

jordan langdonClassification: Senior

Major: Public Relations

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Communication CouncilYour Link to the College of Communication

UT College of CommunicationCommunication Career Services@UTCommCouncil Communication Council

6 August 2010

FundingStudent/ Faculty

Student Issues & Advisory

Student Outreach

The Student/ Faculty Committee promotes harmony and healthy relationships between the students and the faculty members of the

Comm School. This coming year, many changes will be occurring within Stu/Fac to really bridge the gap between students and professors. Not only will we provide students with more opportunities to get to know their professors outside of the classroom, but we will also do more to show our professors what we look to get out of their classes. Join Stu/Fac if you’re interested in being an active participant in your education and in your relationships with professors, and look forward to meeting mentors and friends along the way!

– Micaela NeumannStu/ Fac Chair

Our aim the for Student Outreach Committee (SOC) is to make the students of the College of Communication feel like they have a

place where they belong. We put on many fun events during the year, such as a talent show, a celebration for seniors, and lots of free food giveaways for early morning classes or late-night studying! We’re here to help everyone have fun and enjoy their time here at UT, and we try to stay as involved with the student body as possible. I love this committee because it really makes a difference in other people’s lives and it is rewarding to see smiles on so many different faces!

– Stacey LongSOC Chair

committeesabout our

Council is comprised of an Executive and Chairs Board. Together, they create CHEX. There are eight different committees under the chairs

team including: Career and Alumni Relations, Funding, Multimedia, Publicity, Special Events, Student/Faculty, Student Issues and Advisory and Student Outreach. A general member will join one of these committees to participate in a meeting and discussion each week. Committees host events, participate in charity work and reach out to students and faculty depending on their overall goal for the year. Check them out!

The Student Issues and Advisory Committee (SIAC) is first and foremost the liaison between the students and faculty/staff of the College of Communication. SIAC is a committee structured around policy-making and progress. When a problem arises amongst Communication students, it is SIAC’s duty and goal to set forth a plan of action by asking two questions: Why is this happening, and what can we do to stop it from continuing? As SIAC chair, I am set with the task of making visible change happen in a fun and functional way. I am thoroughly excited to work with next year’s committee members on making a lasting imprint on the College of Communication.

– Ellie RamirezSIAC Chair

The Funding Committee is in charge of raising money for events for Comm Council. The usual Funding events include fundraising events at After Meeting Socials at local vendors. These are fun events that combine fundraising

and Commie bonding. Starting this year, Funding is also in charge of one large event each semester that will raise funds not only for Comm Council but also for a charitable organization. By working with charitable organizations, Funding will further the goal of making Comm Council a visible organization at UT and in the local community. My favorite parts of Funding are the team work, camaraderie, and creativity involved in assembling events, which will benefit fellow members and the UT community.

– Bobby HammelmanFunding Chair

Comm Council hands out delicious treats at “Eat Your Heart Out,” a special Valentine’s SOC event.

Publicity members stand in front of their lastest creations in the Comm Office. PH

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Former Special E Chairs show off their superhero costumes at Longhorn Halloween.

Career & Alumni

Multimedia

Publicity

Special Events

Special Events organizes and hosts major Communication Council events around the UT campus and Austin area. We provide a medium for students and anyone in the area to showcase their talent, socialize, lend a helping hand

and have a blast doing it! These are a few of our favorite events: ARTiculate (showcase for the College of Communication student artwork), Longhorn School Bus (an outreach program for at-risk students), and the award-winning Longhorn Halloween and Forty Acres Fest booths themed after superheroes by an immensely creative team! Special E is our name, and bringing the community together in a unique fashion is our game.

– Kevin HargerSpecial E Chair

The key to great publicity is great communication; luckily, as Communication students, we are always thinking of innovative ways to get the word out about our college and Council events. This committee is responsible for the decorative banners and flyers around our school, but more importantly, we also function as a cohesive link between the other seven committees in order to deliver a shared message as the official governing body. Additionally, we utilize an A-frame, Facebook events, and other forms of media to shed light on all the wonderful things concerning the Comm School. With the power of a little publicity, my hope is that Comm students can come together and take pride in the college they chose.

– Paola FinolPublicity Chair

The Multimedia Committee works closely with all of the other committees in Communication Council by aiding in their technological need. As a committee, our goal is to unify the college as a whole, in addition to providing the college with information about what is happening within the council. To do so, we utilize various media, including video, photography, twitter accounts, social media events, the official Communication Council website, and many other forms. We strive to keep our posts and publications relevant and up to date to reach as many communication students as possible.

– Nicole BernardMultimedia Chair

In the Career and Alumni Relations (CAR) committee, we are preparing the students in the College of Communication with not only the tools to help them in their field at school but also with what happens post- graduation. This year in CAR, we are really going to work on fostering the relationship between our current student body and our College of Communication Alumni. At the awesome events that we are planning such as tailgates with alumni, a student-alumni dinner, parents weekend and so much more, Communication students are going to be able to gain knowledge and advice from people in the field as well as get connections for possible internships and jobs. In addition to these crazy fun events, we will be holding a series of workshops. So get ready because CAR will be one ride you won’t want to miss!

– Alex MeltzerCAR Chair

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majorread about your

As the smallest major in the College of Communication, Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) succeeds in offering students a unique perspective on the world of communication. Don’t let the obscure name faze you; CSD provides an outlet for every type of interest. If you’re even slightly interested in learning about various speech and language disorders, measuring waveforms, or helping children and adults, CSD could be your perfect fit.

Wide-eyed freshman such as myself often find themselves stuck between the three tracks: Speech Pathology, Audiology, and Deaf Education. Students, however, never have to officially declare a major track. And, as I have witnessed, it is very easy and very common for students to take classes across all the tracks as they hone their learning skills and develop their passions.

– Ellie RamirezSophomore

Communication Sciences & Disorders

The Business Foundations Program

The Business Foundations Program offers students at UT who are not enrolled in the School of Business to take business courses taught by business professors. The program consists of 3 lower division courses and 4 upper division courses to graduate with a certificate in Business

Foundations. You also have the option to take additional courses or to participate in a study abroad program to receive a Global Business Foundations Certificate. I completed the entire program during my four years at the university and I cannot explain how much it has assisted me

in finding internships and jobs. The program improves any degree that you are already receiving by including a background in business, something that all companies are looking for.

– Lindsey CraigTexas Alumna

O ur Council members represent a diverse student body with

an array of passions. In order to introduce the vast opportunities within our college, we asked some of our students to share their thoughts on the major of their choice. Largely through Council’s efforts, this year’s Comm freshman will be the first class allowed to declare minors; in addition, students can enhance their degrees with a concentration in programs like Business Foundations and Latino Media Studies.

Advertising

You don’t need a degree to realize that the advertising industry is going through a time of intense change and upheaval. Texas Advertising is one of the best advertising programs in the country because it prepares graduates for this changing industry.

In addition to our classes and faculty, Texas Advertising is great because of all the agencies located here in Austin, and the College of Communication works to find you an internship. One of the most important aspects of the Texas Advertising program is the different tracts: Creative, Media and Interactive. These sequences allow students to specialize in advertising disciplines that they are truly passionate about.

I know I can be confident in my choice of a career when I enjoy reading my advertising textbooks and going to class. This semester I’m taking ADV325 Intro to Creative, and I’m really looking forward to being able to apply for the Creative Sequence in December!

– Lin ZagorskiSophomore

Since the beginning of my college experience, I have been constantly amazed at what the department of Communication Studies has to offer.

The CMS major is truly a unique and intriguing one in which I am confdent that future students will be extremely happy with. Studying CMS has helped improve my understanding of communication in all types of social settings. Students examine language, symbols, persuasion, and more in politics and social movements. There are three tracks within the CMS department: Political Communication, Human Relations, and Corporate Communication. After taking classes in all three, I know that each track provides great benefits.

I have thoroughly enjoyed learning from the staff of the Communication Studies department and working with my fellow CMS classmates. I will undoubtedly grow a great deal from my choice to study CMS, and I know future College of Communication students will as well.

– Leah WiseJunior

Communication Studies

August 2010 9

UT Austin is one of the best universities for RTF majors and Austin has a growing independent film community. The first class RTF majors take is RTF 305, the intro class to all things media. Don’t get upset about doing little to no production work your first year or two. Later in your college career you can pursue different informal tracks in RTF: production, screenwriting, and media studies. Though these won’t appear on your diploma, they are a good way to focus your interests within RTF.

The RTF program allows for a lot of flexibility so explore several different aspects of filmmaking! Take an editing class, even if you think your true calling is cinematography. College is about trying out new things. Get involved around campus, do silly things with your friends, take random electives now and then. Have fun, enjoy your first year, and when things get stressful take a break and know you can get through it.

– Melissa DeVarneySophomore

Radio-Television-Film

Public Relations is about promoting good will between an entity, whether it be a company, organization, or person, and its public. Anyone with a love of writing, a knack for problem solving, and a desire to express themselves creatively can find success in the PR industry.

Public Relations at UT offers a unique mix of PR, advertising, and business classes, teaching students how to handle communication challenges. PR students must complete an internship, a requirement that allows them to use what they may have learned and apply it to real world situations. PR students are prepared to work in a variety of different fields, including, but not limited to, media relations, public affairs, fundraising and crisis management.

Your degree is only what you put into it, and so I hope that as you progress in the UT’s Public Relations Program, you give it your all.

– Kelsey McGonigleJunior

Public Relations

Choosing the Comm School at UT is one of the best decisions a student can make, and being a Journalism major takes that decision to the next level. In my two years since transferring to UT, I have gained knowledge on the world of multimedia journalism that has already proven to be incredibly valuable. Not only do you have options on the type of journalism you want to pursue, but you also have opportunities to get involved in one of the branches of Texas Student Media, as an exciting way to gain experience on-campus.

The professors are among the best in the country, with working experience often on the international level. There has not been a single class that hasn’t challenged me to expand my thinking about journalism and given me practical examples of how to execute new ideas. Be confident in your choice as a communication major because this college makes your educational journey not only thought provoking, but incredibly hands-on.

– Destinee HodgeSenior

Journalism

The Latino Media

When I first got to UT, I was interested in pursuing a minor along with my journalism major. However, at the time, minors were not available to students. Instead I chose the next best thing, a concentration in Latino Media Studies. Through the program, I’ve been able to take courses dealing

with current issues and how they affect, and are affected by, the media. Not only has the program been of personal interest, but I feel it has enhanced my degree plan. Each Latino Media Studies student is required to take Race and the Media, but then has the choice to select

three more courses from a list that is updated each semester. I recommend the program to anyone interested in adding an interesting specialization to their degree.

– Annika ErdmanSenior

Studies ProgramFor information about course work, majors, events, scholarships and more make sure to check out the College of Communication website!

www.communication.utexas.edu

10 August 2010

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01 We’re Number OneComm Council is making a name for itself. This year, we were awarded Best Overall Booth at Longhorn Halloween and Forty Acres Fest.

02 We’re a FamilyFamilies are formed every semester in order to introduce new commies into our organization, and hopefully, build life-long relationships.

03 We Rock Formal AttireOur Fall formal is something to rave about; we eat, receive awards, and dance the night away— all while looking good!

play games in the park, are assigned a committee, and kick off the semester with great things to look foward to.

04 We Comm TogetherAt Retreat, old commies are reunited and new commies are welcomed. We

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0909 We FeastAs a Wednesday night tradition, commies dine together at After Meeting Socials.

10 We Make a SplashSenior Celebration featured a dunking booth. Who wouldn’t love that?

07 We’re Going GreenThrough our two litter pick-up events at Mustang Island and Canyon Lake each year, Comm Council does its part in the global effort to improve the planet’s natural environment.

08 We Walk It OutBy showing our support for great causes such as AIDS Walk, Race for the Cure and Relay for Life, our Council hopes to make an impact in the Austin community.

05 We Have a BallEvery Fall, Comm Council participates in Intramural Volleyball, in which commie bonding is never lost even if we lose a match.

06 We Wear Crazy OutfitsCommies enjoy dressing up and even rocking a panda suit for the annual Texas Revue audition every spring.

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Communication CouncilCollege of CommunicationStudent Government1 University Station A09000CMA 3.111Austin, TX 787212-0110

Special ThanksSenate of College Councils

Newsletter EditorPaola Finol

Join Us Fall 2010PH

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BY: CALEB FOX