Hello Senior Project: Preparing COM Students for Their Futures

Graduating Communications majors have for years had to successfully complete the challenge of the COM 490 Senior Seminar course to graduate, which entailed conducting a semester-long research study and writing a 30-page thesis paper. However, in spring 2018, the Communications Department re-named and re-structured the COM 490 course so that it is now the Senior Project course, where graduating seniors instead developed their own digital portfolios.

While conducting a Communications research project and writing a 30-page thesis has always been considered a valuable exercise, particularly for preparing students interested in pursuing graduate school, it was decided that Communications majors needed more experience creating a body of work that could build on their academic performance and more easily translate into employment as media professionals. The intent was also to meet the demands of a transforming industry by giving students the skills they will need in the digital age.

That is why beginning in Spring 2018, the COM 490 Senior Project course now requires graduating seniors to build digital portfolios as the culminating activity for the major to help them transition more easily into their prospective fields. To achieve this, students created their digital portfolios using a variety of online platforms, including WordPress, Weebly, Wix, and Pathbrite. Part of the course requirements also entailed creating a variety of digital content on a social justice topic, including a podcast, video, and critical essay. Seniors also highlighted other academic and professional work they wished to showcase, as well as developed their professional resumés.

In addition to showcasing their own work, students were also encouraged to think critically about how to leverage their social media platforms and develop their digital presence as they prepare to enter their prospective media industries.

As with any newly designed course, there were a few kinks in the launch this spring but the project was met with a great deal of enthusiasm from most of the graduating seniors. To be certain, some students expressed relief about not having to write a 30-page thesis but most also voiced their excitement about developing their own digital presence and having the opportunity to create content they could use on the job search, post-graduation.

"One of the key elements to the new requirements of this course is that we are trying to give our students the tools they need to be successful in a convergent landscape," said Dr. Brant Burkey, who taught two sections of the class this spring, along with Dr. John Vanderhoef and Dr. Linda Dam. "By focusing on social justice issues, our students are being invited to participate in their wider communities and, by allowing them to produce content for their digital portfolios, we are also preparing them for their future careers."

In Fall 2018, Communications students can expect to see more changes to Communications classes on the horizon, as full-time faculty continue their commitment to keeping the program on the cutting edge of industry trends and standards.