April COMMunicator is Here — Read it and Learn!

April 1, 2017 ⧫ Department of Communication Studies’ monthly newsletter.

New Face: Lisa-Michelle Forsyth
A coffee-loving foodie has taken up residence in a corner of Colvard with the aim of helping students strategize for success. That’s right, the Department of Communication Studies has a new departmental adviser, Lisa-Michelle Forsyth. In her six years of academic advising experience, Forsyth actually helped some current Communication Studies students as Pre-Comms when she worked in the CLAS Advising Center.

“I firmly believe that an educational program belongs to the student and it is ultimately up to him or her to map out a plan and make final decisions,” Forsyth explained. “I am here to help students fine tune that plan, ensure he or she is getting the most out of it, and make sure all necessary bases are covered. Therefore, when you meet with me, you will find that you will leave our session feeling the most confident and well informed if you come with a plan and questions in hand.”

Other things to know about Forsyth: She’s a proud fur mama of two silly dogs and an ancient cat. She loves, being outside and spending time with her husband, family and friends.

“I am always up for a live concert or festival,” Forsyth adds, “so do not be surprised whenever you bump into me around Charlotte!”

Health Grad Fair Coming to Campus
If you’re interested in health for the next phase of your education, the Health Graduate Programs Fair will showcase more than 50 graduate degree and certificate programs with a health focus, health track or health discovery emphasis. The fair is Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m.-noon, on the third floor of the Student Union.

CSSA Solicits for Leaders
The Communication Studies Student Association (CSSA) is seeking leaders for 2017-2018, including program leaders, a secretary and a treasurer. CSSA monthly program leaders work directly with Communication Studies faculty members in their concentration, represent the department at various campus events and have fun at tours, shows and other activities. To learn more, either attend a meeting Monday, April 3, 12:30-1 p.m., in Fretwell 122, or contact Debbie Kilby Baker at dkbaker@uncc.edu.

Workshop Can Help ‘Elevate’ Networking
The University Speaking Center is offering two workshops on how to write and deliver an “uplifting” elevator speech. RSVP to either Monday, April 3, 5-5:45 p.m. (Atkins G34) or Tuesday, April 4, 2:30-3:15 p.m. (Atkins G35) via universityspeakingcenter@uncc.edu.

Got (Professional) Dress Up Questions?
Professional Clothing Closet events can help answer your professional attire questions. There’s even a chance to receive professional clothing at no cost. These Career Center opportunities are free, but limited to 12 students, so reservations are required. The male clothing event is Tuesday, April 4. The female clothing event is Tuesday, April 18. Both are 4-6 p.m., at the Jamil Niner Food Pantry at 1225 John Kirk Drive. Secure your place via Hire-A-Niner: log in, search career events for “closet” and follow RSVP instructions.

PR Panel to Discuss Profession
A panel of public relations practitioners will answer questions on numerous aspects of the profession from 8-9:15 a.m., Tuesday, April 4, in Colvard 3120. There is no cost to attend and no reservations required.

Communications Studies Day Events: See Research and Learn about ‘Post Truth’

For Communication Studies Day, Tuesday, April 11, all students are invited to attend two free events. First, there is a graduate and undergraduate research poster session, 12:30 -2:30 p.m., in the Cone Center Lucas room. Then, guest speaker Dr. Mark Knapp will discuss “lying, deception and communication in a ‘post truth’ era,” 5-6 p.m., in the Prospector Gold room. Hope to see you there — and that’s true truth!

Free Money Deadline Extended

Were you kicking yourself because you didn’t apply for a Communication Studies scholarship by the deadline? Kick no more! An extension means you now have until Saturday, April 15 to dig for that tuition gold. Learn more at http://communication.charlotte.edu/scholarships

Experience Alert: Event Planning Opportunity
The Center for the Study of the New South could use student volunteers for a Community Book Club event Wednesday, April 26, 6-8:30 p.m. Students would help with event execution tasks and with recording table discussions. Dress is business casual; food is included. The event is at Billingsville Elementary School at 124 Skyland Ave., Charlotte, NC 28211. Volunteers should arrive no later than 5:45 p.m. Contact Dr. Ashli Stokes at aqstokes@uncc.edu for more information and to volunteer.

Faculty Fun Facts: Staci Kuntzman
A certain senior lecturer who also serves as the department’s Internship Director, has parlayed her DIY TV show fandom into something much more. “I can fix or install just about anything with a manual,” Staci Kuntzman explains, noting she saved more than $1,000 by repairing the temperature control knob in her Toyota Highlander. She’s also repaired the warming switch on her Bunn coffeemaker, removed her garbage disposal and installed a new one and much more. Now that’s technical communication in action!