Changes to Professional Communications major proves problematic for some students

-- Tara Mikenas

The changes to the Professional Communications major were made with good intentions, but as all changes go, there are some kinks that need to be worked out. Despite being grandfathered into the program as it was when they started, some students have been negatively affected by the new rules.

One of the issues of concern for students is the new prerequisite for the Media Relations course. Students are now required to have taken Public Relations Principles prior to starting this class. Students commented that they were confused as to why this change has affected them when they should be able to continue on with the old program at it was. Many students were caught off guard the first night of class when they were informed that they’d been dropped from the class. They had to scramble to find another class to take and were left to deal with a possible delay in graduation.

So what went wrong? According to Suzanne Walfoort, head of the communications department, "the communications department is sorry that people are upset. Students do not have to make any changes for they are grandfathered into the contract that was in place when they started their major, as long as they follow the old track."

She also stated that the department sent out a letter to all Professional Communications majors, dated June 23, 2006, informing students of these changes. Some students did not receive this letter due a problem with the information recorded in their student records. The department has been working diligently with students to find solutions.

Walfoort also wanted to make it clear to students that they must pick either the old Media Relations track or the new Interpersonal Communications one; they cannot be mixed. The best thing for students to do is to meet with their advisors—if they haven’t already done so—to be sure they are on the right track. This information is important for current students to understand when they proceed with their majors. Be sure to follow the previous class list for the track, and stay clear of any confusion regarding the changes and how they apply to you./p>