The Department of Communication & Performance is home to the undergraduate Communication Studies major and minor, Storytelling minor, Master of Arts in Communication & Storytelling Studies graduate program, and Storytelling Graduate Certificate program. With such a range of exciting offerings, you might imagine how we get LOTS of questions from students!
To make it faster and easier to find answers to common questions, the faculty and staff of the CMPF department have created this FAQ list. If you still have a question after reading through this list, please get in touch with us! [put in a contact email]
General Department Questions
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I keep seeing "CMPF" on forms and other messages from this department. What does that mean?
CMPF is an acronym for Communication and Performance. It's a shorter way of indicating "Department of Communication & Performance." -
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Communication Studies Questions
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What is Communication Studies?
Communication Studies is a practical major that gives students the skills and abilities to have better relationships at work and at home. Plus, because it is such a flexible major, it prepares students for the ever-changing world of work.
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How does Communication Studies differ from communication media studies (mass comm, communications, etc.)?
Mass communication is about sending messages. Communication Studies critically interrogates those messages. "Why are they sending this message? What are they really trying to say?"
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Is Communication Studies only about giving speeches?
Not at all. Communication Studies provides students the skills to make persuasive arguments, to interrogate messages, to build better interpersonal relationships, to exceed in the workplace, and to question culture.
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What do majors do after they graduate?
A majority of our majors go straight into the workplace in their chosen field. Some go to graduate school in Communication, Counseling, Communication Disorders, Law School, and Mass Communication.
You can find examples of some of our past majors' careers on [insert link here].
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Undergraduate Student Questions
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Are there internship opportunities?
Absolutely! Our department provides many opportunities for internships.
If you are interested in applying for the CMPF internship program, you can find the details on our Internship page.
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I hate public speaking. Will I have to give lots of speeches in Communication Studies classes?
You will have to give presentations in almost every single course you take. Being able to present well is a valuable skill. Many students find that they become more comfortable presenting in front of others as they gain experience throughout their Communication Studies classes!
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How do I know which classes are offered by this department when I register?
Communication Studies courses are listed in the catalog and Goldlink with the prefix COMM.
Storytelling courses have the prefix STRY.
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Do you have a program that is completely online?
No
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Why do I have to learn about research? I don't want to be a researcher.
You are already a researcher! You already look up information on YouTube and Wikipedia. We teach you how to do research systematically and identify reliable sources of information, which is an ability that is highly prized and valued by corporations and nonprofits alike.
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What is D2L? How do I log on to D2L?
D2L is our online Course Management System. It's where we post assignments and grades. It's where you "hand things in" for class, particularly if you're taking an online course. Be sure to check your courses in D2L regularly.
To log on to D2L, you will use your ETSU ID and password at the following site: https://elearn.etsu.edu
Advising Questions
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Do minors have to be advised?
Although it is not a requirement, we prefer to advise our minors. This ensures students stay on track for their anticipated graduation date.
There are certain required courses for minors that are only offered in specific semesters, so meeting with an advisor helps to ensure that you graduate on time with your chosen minor.
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What happens if a required class fills / Will I be permitted in? / Can you permit me into a class that is already full?
The decision to allow students to enroll in a full course is left up to each individual instructor. Only the professor of record (the instructor listed on Goldlink) can allow you into a course that has reached capacity. You will need to contact the instructor directly to discuss this possibility with them.
Depending on the specific course, some professors will allow additional students, some will not. It is advised you register at your given time to increase your likelihood of getting into needed classes.
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I took some Communication Studies classes at another school. Can I get credit for those?
It depends on the class. There are some rules about transfer credits. Any potential transfer credits will be evaluated by someone in Undergraduate Student Advisement who examines general education courses.
From there, the Communication Studies Program Director and faculty can make further determinations.
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Who is my advisor? / How do I know who my advisor is? / Can I change my advisor?
If you are a Communication Studies major with less than 60 credits you need to be advised by Paula Sarut in the Undergraduate Student Advisement Center. You should do this in tandem with a Communication Studies faculty member.
If you have over 60 credits, any full-time Communication Studies faculty member can do your advising.
Once you have filed your intent to graduate form, Adriane Flanary will be your advisor to help ensure you meet all graduation requirements.
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When/how can I get an appointment for advising?
Generally, faculty will contact students a few weeks before registration to set up advising appointments. However, you are free to contact your advisor at any time.
COVID-19 Note (as of March 2021): Currently, advisement is offered online due to the pandemic. Advisors will reach out to students prior to advisement week with advisement notes.
Students can also request a Zoom meeting (if needed) to clarify any concerns.
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When are the required courses offered?
Required courses are offered on a fall or spring rotation. It is advised students prioritize these classes over electives to ensure that they complete required courses before their anticipated graduation date. [INSERT LINK TO COURSE SCHEDULE or EXAMPLE ROTATION]
For example: Communication Theory is only offered in the fall. It is suggested that students take this course as soon as possible. All students must also take a research course of which we have three in rotation (Qualitative, Quantitative, Rhetorical) on a regular basis.
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Do I need a minor?
Yes. Past Communication Studies majors have have minored in everything from Advertising to Sociology to Computer Science.
The only exception is if you are double-majored.
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A class is full - what should I do?
Three things:
1. Pick a different course. Communication Studies is very flexible as a major.
2. Be patient and check the class status once a week on Goldlink. Students drop and add courses, so look for an opening to pop up.
3. Write an extremely respectful email to the professor regarding your dilemma. Remember, faculty have the power to let you in or not, and communicating clearly and persuasively with them increases your chances of getting a "yes." No guarantees, though.
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How do I get a thesis or independent study section created?
The first step is to discuss with your advisor what the requirements for this course will be. Then you need to ask the advisor to create a section and get you permitted into the course.
Graduate Student Questions
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Why do I have to learn about research? I don't want to be a researcher.
You are already a researcher! You already look up information on YouTube and Wikipedia. We teach you how to do research systematically and identify reliable sources of information, which is an ability that is highly prized and valued by corporations and nonprofits alike.
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What do graduate students do after they complete the program?
A majority of our majors go straight into the workplace in their chosen field. Some choose to continue their studies through PhD programs in Communication, Counseling, Communication Disorders, Law School, and Mass Communication.
You can find examples of some of our past graduate students' careers on [insert link here].
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Do you have a program that is completely online?
No
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What is D2L? How do I log on to D2L?
D2L is our online Course Management System. It's where we post assignments and grades. It's where you "hand things in" for class, particularly if you're taking an online course. Be sure to check your courses in D2L regularly.
To log on to D2L, you will use your ETSU ID and password at the following site: https://elearn.etsu.edu
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Who is my advisor?
Dr. Amber Kinser advises all graduate students.
Alumni Questions
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I want to mail something to the department. How should I address the letter or package?
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