And the award goes to. Bakersfield College Communication Department.
BC’s Communication Department was awarded the Western States Communication Association 2008 Model Teaching award.
The WSCA is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to unify communication professionals who wish to improve and promote interests and programs. WSCA includes members from Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska and Hawaii.
The Model Teaching program award, which is given annually, has criteria to include five aspects of what a stellar program should entail: The program should reflect the breath and/or depth of the communication discipline, have teaching personnel with specialized training in communication, integrate curricular and co-curricular activities, have strong administrative support, and relate to the mission of the particular institution.
Michele Bresso, a communication professor at BC, submitted the application on behalf of the department.
“This award speaks volumes about the department. We wouldn’t have won without the entire team,” said Bresso.
In order to transfer out of BC or graduate, students are required to complete a three-unit communication class, commonly known as public speaking (COMM B1). However, there is more to the Communication Department than public speaking.
BC offers 11 different communication classes, including Interpersonal Communication (B2), Persuasive Communication (B4), Rhetoric and Argumentation (B5), Intercultural Communication (B6), Organization Communication (B7), Small Group Communication (B8), Forensics and Debate (B27 and B27L), and new this semester is Leadership Communication. Connected to the Communication Department is the Journalism program, which includes classes on reporting, photography and newspaper production.
“Communication has concepts and theories that change people’s lives, it is a valuable tool for students and people in the community,” said A. Todd Jones, department chair and a communication professor at BC.
Jones began growing the department five years ago by adding on average five classes each semester. “Our goal is to add 100 sections in the next five years,” said Jones.
With BC leading the way for the communication model for the entire Western United States, students may feel confident that the skills learned in the classroom will filter into their personal life.
Jones said, “We are here to enhance people’s goals, not change them. Communication will help people socially, personally and professionally.”
“There are two key elements in the success of the Communication Department beyond the classroom,” explained Bresso.
“First, we love this field. It is so important in helping people achieve goals, and each one of us is willing to step up to the plate.”
Another facet of the Communication Department is the Communication ambassador program, in which students run the communication certificate program, and high school outreach programs to name a few.
In order to become an ambassador, you first must be nominated by a professor at BC and then attend a series of interviews. The ambassador’s are hand selected by the Communication Department.
Students who complete a minimum of 12 units of communication class will earn a Communication certificate that may be added to future employment applications.
BC Communication Department has also been chosen to head a workshop April 3 for the Kern County Community District.
Students should not fear public speaking or communicating with others.
“Those skills will improve life relationships, employment and the quality of their existence,” said Bresso.