C-SPAN Bus to Visit Kent State on Friday, Feb. 15

The C-SPAN Bus, an interactive multi-media learning center, will visit Kent State University on Friday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The 45-foot bus will be located in the front of Kent State’s Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center and will be open for free tours for students, faculty, staff and the general public.

C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network) is a private, non-profit company created in 1979 by the cable television industry as a public service.

The C-SPAN Bus brings the network’s coverage of public affairs to communities nationwide and teaches students how to follow events in Washington, D.C. Educators, media specialists, high school and middle school students, college students, legislators and voters are all welcomed aboard.

According to the network, the bus provides teachers a way to gain access to C-SPAN Classroom and its website, www.c-spanclassroom.org. Used by thousands of teachers nationwide, C-SPAN Classroom offers a vast library of video clips that can be downloaded, clipped and saved. Educators also will find lesson plans that can be used to teach a variety of civics lessons on current events and history. Topics include President Barack Obama’s Cabinet, polls, landmark Supreme Court cases and the Constitution.

With its liberal copyright policy and the network’s vast video archives, educators can easily access relevant primary source content to support the social studies topics they teach at absolutely no cost using C-SPAN Classroom.

“Through interactive computers, students and visitors will learn about C-SPAN resources, including our video library,” said Christina Whirl, marketing specialist for C-SPAN. “We’ll be on campus to promote ways that students and the community can utilize C-SPAN’s online archive for class assignments, projects or presentations.”

Visitors to the C-SPAN Bus can view several interactive demonstrations about the network’s programming and how to use C-SPAN Video Library – an archive featuring 190,000 hours of programming that dates back to 1986 – for assignments and projects.

For more information about the C-SPAN Bus, visit www.c-span.org/Community

This Saturday: Sheryl Crow, O.A.R and the Los Lonely Boys

By: Megan Grdina

Would you like to change up your Saturday routine and  do something new for a change? Well this Saturday is your chance, Sheryl Crow, O.A.R. and Los Lonely Boys will be performing Saturday, Sept. 8 at Kent State University’s Dix Stadium at 6 p.m. Not only can you listen to some good tunes, but tailgate prior to the show and it’s free! The tailgating event is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the south side of the stadium before the concert.  This event will consist of food, wine tasting and corn hole. This is a great opportunity to meet people and try something new.  In addition, radio station 98.1 WKKD will be present as well as live talented performers.

If you are a wine drinker and are of the appropriate age you are in luck. There will be four wineries that will be sampling some of their best wines from: Viking Vineyards, Maize Valley, Sarah’s Vineyard Winery and Barrel Run Winery.  If wine is not for you, there is much more to do.  There will be giveaways, local vendors and plenty of food, so come hungry.

The schedule for the concert kicks off with Los Lonely Boys at 6 p.m., O.A.R. at 7 p.m. and will end with Sheryl Crow at 9 p.m. If transportation is an issue, there is a bus at the front of campus that is driving to the stadium for no cost. As college students we all know that money can be an issue, so student tickets are sold at a discounted price and, the rest of the show is free.

Enjoy this fun Saturday out with friends and relax before the school year gets busier. Have fun Saturday at Dix Stadium!

For more information about the show, tickets or directions go to www.kent.edu/advancement/centennialcampaignconcert.

* Images retrieved from kent.edu

How to Overcome a Bad Grade in College

By Britany Ruby

The U.S. News recently wrote an article about how college students react to a bad grade. The article focuses on what students should do to recover after receiving a not so pleasant grade. After you get your final grade and realize it’s lower than expected you can either do one of two things: complain about it or accept that the grade you received was actually what you deserved. However, most students decide to complain about it. For example, some students know they didn’t turn in their best work, but will fight the bad grade. The proper thing to do would be to bow out gracefully and try to do better next time. Teacher’s gave the following tips on how to properly handle a bad grade.

1. Get some perspective: Ask yourself if you really deserve an above average grade for the work you turned in. Receiving a letter grade of “A” means that you work you have done is excellent. Can you really say that the work you have done is top-notch?

2. Set up a meeting: Talk with your teacher about why you received the grade. If you come to realize that the grade you received is the grade you deserved, set up a plan to do better in the future.

At the end of the day, the best way to handle a bad grade is to be honest with yourself and face the situation head on. Instead  of  complaining to your friends about how unfair the teacher is, find out why you received the grade. In the future, always find out what you can do to help yourself grow as a student.

Britany is a Marketing Assistant for the College of Communication and Information

Kent Communication Society Welcomes New Members

By Britney Beaman

The Kent Communication Society offers students the opportunity to develop new friends, better their leadership skills and make a difference. KCS is searching for new members to join.

“We are hoping to have students join who are interested in really making a difference and getting more involved with the School of Communication Studies … we are looking for leaders and people who are looking for more in our organization than just a resume builder,” Brittany Payne, vice president of KCS, said.

This semester, KCS’s main focus will be the Relay for Life. The society came in 3^rd place last year in overall fundraising and online fundraising, and the goal is to place even better this time around. Kyle Buttermore, president of KCS, said the goal is to raise $4,000 this year. That’s $300 dollars more than the organization members raised last year.

Members also attend socials throughout the semester where they take a break from the work and enjoy time together.

Members meet each Wednesday at 5 p.m. to go over the agenda, talk about committees, discuss ideas for the future, and talk about upcoming events. Free pizza and pop are provided at the meetings, so “make sure you come hungry,” Payne said.

“We are always welcoming new members, and you can join anytime,” she added. “I think that being a part of KCS shows employers skills such as communication, leadership, creativity, and willingness to be involved. Being a part of an organization shows strong leadership qualities.”

Interested in joining? Attend a meeting or email Buttermore at kbutter1@kent.edu! Members don’t have to be communications majors and there are no requirements to being a part of KCS.  There is a $5.00 membership fee each semester.

Sophomore Week 2012!

Don’t forget to check out all the activities going on for sophomore week starting Saturday, March 31st! Students from any class level can attend.

 

WHYCCI Summer Classes?

By Britney Beaman

As the semester is coming to an end, it’s not a bad idea to register for summer classes. I know the last thing you probably want to think about is another class right now, but enrolling in a summer class or two isn’t a bad idea. Why you ask?

1. Make hard classes easier: Taking a tough class in the summer will make the class easier for a couple reasons. One, you won’t (unless you choose to) have as many classes to juggle as you would during a regular semester. This gives you much more time to study and focus on the class or classes you’re taking. Two, summer classes are condensed courses, so you won’t have to spend as many weeks in that course as you would during a regular semester.
2. Graduate on time: If you don’t want load up on classes during your semesters, summer classes can help you to graduate in four years. That’s what I ended up doing, and it really helped me out. Each regular semester I took 15 credit hours of class and almost every summer I took a summer class or two. I will earn my Bachelor’s degree in four years and never had a semester over-loaded with credits.
3. Move ahead in your major:  If you choose to take LERs and LSRs in the summer, you’ll have less non-major classes to take during your semesters. As I said before, condensed courses make the classes easier on you, and if you get these classes out of the way, you can move on quicker in your major. This way, too, you won’t have to take as many of these classes as an upper-classman.
4. Improve your GPA: This is another aspect of summer classes that I took advantage of. After a long semester of 12-plus credit hours, taking one or two courses is cake. You have all the time you need to study, do your homework and get a good grade in the class. It’s a great way to improve your GPA a little.
5. Maintain school mode: After a long summer, the first couple weeks of the fall semester can be rough. I know it is for me. I always feel like I don’t remember how to write, I can’t focus and I can’t manage my time, nor do I want to. When you take summer classes, though, you maintain school mode without much stress. Just taking a couple classes at a time is easy and keeps your work ethic polished for the full semester to come.

Summer classes are open for registering now. Below you can find some classes that are offered for students in the College of Communication and Information:

School of Communication Studies

- COMM 15000 Intro to Human Communication: An inquiry into the nature and function of human communication in interpersonal, group and public contexts.

- COMM 26001 Public Communication in Society: Examines communication in public settings. Content includes issues in mass media, political communication and political advertising, news, crisis communication, public opinion and communication in executive, legislative and judicial settings. Students explore the influence of mediated messages via application of mass communication theories and constructs.

- COMM 30000 Communication Research Methods: Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods in communication. Students should complete this course early in their program of study.

School of Journalism and Mass Communication

- JMC 20006 Multimedia Techniques: Introduction to basic elements of multimedia journalistic storytelling, including the creation of audio, video, slideshows and multimedia packages for distribution via the Internet.

- JMC 21001 Principles of Advertising: Advertising history, purposes, techniques, media and research; analysis of functions of advertising organizations.

- JMC 40006 Law of Mass Communication: Libel, slander, privacy, copyright, obscenity, regulation of advertising, broadcasting and corporate speech.

School of Library and Information Science

- LIS 30010 Information Fluency in the Work Place and Beyond: Teaches information access, technology and media literacy skills, which enables students to become, not only information literate, but also information fluent-able to move seamlessly among multiple information sources and technologies resources to fill their informational needs whether in the classroom or the workplace.

- LIS 50693 Open Source Software for Libraries: Maximum workshop credit accepted for MLIS degree is 4 semester hours. Intensive examination of special topics of interest to practicing librarians.

- LIS 60001 Access to Information: Examination of information access issues. Topics include discussion of information needs, use of information sources and information access services.

School of Visual Communication Design

- VCD 13000 Intro to Visual Communication Design I: Introduction to the design and illustration program in VCD as well as the design profession. Focus on historical overview, industry standards, job opportunities, creative design process and skills needed to succeed.

- VCD 28000 Photography: Basic camera techniques to provide a better understanding of photography as a creative skill in visual communication.

- VCD 37000 Visual Design for Media Advanced: A lab course which students apply design concepts to computer-generated communication pieces using a layout software program. May not be used toward degree requirements for VCD majors.

For more information about these or other classes offered this summer, visit http://www.kent.edu/summer.

It’s Never Too Late to Spread Your Wings & Get Involved On Campus

By Britany Ruby

It’s less than a month into another busy spring semester. And while  a lot of people would want to hibernate until the sun comes back out, a select few of you will use this semester as a chance to get involved on campus. Whether you’re in the market for some new friends, community service hours, a resume booster, or fine tuning an old hobby, Kent State University has the organization or club that fits your needs.

1. Greek Life: Greek life is not just paying for friends as some people would say. As a member of a sorority myself, I see it as an opportunity to become a part of a sisterhood or brotherhood. It gives you the opportunity to serve your community while building lifelong friends and becoming a better person. Check out Kent’s Greek Life page to learn more.

2. Join a Special Interest Group: What better way to bond with new friends than through a shared hobby? You can join a fashion club like Modista, a film club, and even a bicycle club. Check out this special interest list for more options.

3. Serve the Community: While almost every student organization on campus does some kind of community service project, there are organizations on campus that were created solely to serve the community. You can join an organization that’s specific to KSU, such as Kent Student Ambassadors or participate in national service projects with groups like Habitat for Humanity.  Check out CSI’s service organizations list for more opportunities.

4. Build your Resume:  Getting involved on campus is the best way to build your resume and network. It’s important to gain professional experience and meet people within your major who could be your future colleagues. The College of Communication and Information offers many organizations for its students to join. Communication majors can join the Kent Communication Society. Journalism students have numerous options like PRSSA, AAF Kent and various student media outlets. VCD students also have several professional societies and companies like Glyphix.

Getting involved outside of the classroom allows students to make lifelong friends. Take the time to explore interests outside of academics and you might be surprised how many organizations catch your interest. It’s ok to join a organization just to meet people with similar interests. You’ll find that you may also be able to do other things like serving your community or find a new hobby while making new friends. To find a organization or club that fits your needs, check out Kent’s student life page.

Britany is a marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information.

Benefits of Living on Campus

By Nicole Gennarelli

Information from CCI Commons

As an incoming freshman, you can’t wait for the freedom of moving out of your parent’s house and moving into a dorm room with a new roommate. However, as freshman year comes to an end, you may start entertaining the thought of living off campus in an apartment or house. All first year students must live on campus for two years, so why not sign up to live in a living and learning community? There are many benefits that an LLC can provide compared to living off campus.

According to the College of Communication and Information (CCI) Commons website, it is “a living a living and learning community housed in Olson Hall exclusively for students with majors or pre-majors in one of the College of Communication and Information’s four schools (Communication Studies, Library and Information Science, Journalism and Mass Communication or Visual Communication Design). Students live with others who are studying the same major or similar fields of interest, allowing an open exchange of ideas and experiences that go beyond the classroom. CCI Commons is the central hub for activities and information related to CCI Kent State. Weekly programs offer students a peek into various career possibilities and current practices in the broad field of communications.”

CCI Commons is located in Olson Hall right in the middle of campus near the Kent Student Center and close to the coordinating buildings for each of CCI’s four schools.

“As a resident of the commons for three years, I can say that living here is not just a place to sleep and do homework, it is an experience all in itself. The people you meet are going through your classes with you, so you suffer and grow together. Its a way to make a large campus seem a lot smaller.” – Kristen Deran, CCI Commons resident

Building Benefits:

• Studio Space
• Community director on site
• Advising and technology help provided weekly
• Classes help within the hall with other Commons members

Why should you join CCI Commons?

• Connections with other students who share the same academic and professionals goals/interests
• Close location to your college advising office and classrooms
• Guest speakers geared toward your major
• Computer lab and studio space available in your hall
• Up-to-date valuable information  about CCI with the Community Director’s listserv

How do I join?
Students must be accepted to the College of Communication and Information in order to be eligible to join the CCI Commons. Rooming assignments are based on the date you turn in your housing application. To receive a CCI Commons assignment, make sure to get your application in early!

Students who are interested in applying to participate in the CCI Commons need to follow these steps:

• Select Olson Hall and CCI Commons as your #1 choice on your residence hall application, and alert the academic advisor during your Destination Kent State: Advising & Registration program that you would like to participate in the CCI Commons.
• If you have already completed and submitted your residence hall application and now want to make changes, you may re-enter your application by logging back into it through the residence hall application website.
• If you need further assistance, or have questions about how to join the CCI Commons please contact the community coordinator.

“The CCI Commons offers advantages to our students both academically and socially to help them connect to their major and set them up for success. We’re a living/learning community, so in order to reap the benefits of our programs and services students are asked to live in Olson Hall.  It’s the only live-in community on campus for our CCI majors, and we work very hard to provide programming and support to help you succeed here at Kent State.  With more than 200 students living in the community, you have an opportunity connect with others in the College of Communication and Information and to make bonds that will last beyond KSU.” –Marianne Warzinski, CCI Commons Director

Nicole Gennarelli is a senior public relations major and a marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information.

How to Survive the Beginning of the Semester

By Britney Beaman

Let’s face it, the days consisting of sleeping in, hanging out with friends, going out and having delicious holiday meals are over. It’s time to get back into our school routines, and sometimes, it’s a hard adjustment.

Since the first couple weeks can be just as nerve-racking as the final weeks of the semester, I’m going to give you all some tips for how to make the adjustment back to school a little easier.

Tip #5: Buy an agenda. I don’t care what anyone says, an agenda is necessary in college. It’ll be especially helpful to have one in the beginning of the semester when you are trying to adjust to new classes and the groove of the semester.

Tip #4: Manage your time wisely. Poor time management is going to lead to poor work. You’ll do your best work when you don’t procrastinate. Take a look at Maria Pascucci’s expertise about time management. She’s the author and founder of Campus Calm, a website and book dedicated to making college less stressful.

Tip #3: Get some sleep. Pascucci mentioned this in her blog as well, but I can’t stress this enough. Your work load is usually the smallest during this time in the semester. Take advantage of it by going to bed at a decent time and getting sleep. I’ve learned from experience that the more regular my sleep patterns are, the more productive (and happy!) I am.

Tip #2: Join student clubs and organizations. This is a great way to make friends and gain experience that will help you after college & it’ll look good on a resume, too! The College of Communication & Information has great opportunities including anything from student media to national societies. If you are not familiar with these opportunities, below you can find informational links about different organizations to get involved with.
- JMC Opportunites
- COMM Opportunities: Kent Communication Society and Lambda Pi Eta
- SLIS Opportunities
- VCD Special Programs
- Teleproductions
- The Tannery

Tip #1: Enjoy it! Yes, it can be a bummer going back to class after break, but your years here at Kent State University are limited. Figure out how to manage school with friends because you won’t always live on the same campus as them. As a senior, time has gone by incredibly fast. I used to wish my time away because all I wanted to do was graduate, but now that I graduate in May, I wish I had more time here at school with my friends. What’s the point if you’re not enjoying your learning experience, anyway?

So, there are my five tips that I think you might find helpful in surviving these first couple weeks. If you have any other helpful tips, please let us know! Good luck with your semester!

Britney Beaman is a senior public relations major and a marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information.

Meet the cast of Research the Musical-Otto

By Britany Ruby

On the surface, Otto is a clown. He is a 22-year-old goofball, always good for a laugh. Though he is suave, slick, sexy and generally awesome, he is a mama’s boy at heart. His mother still packs his lunches with cute, loving notes tucked inside. He does his work but always makes it fun. Consequently, no one really takes him seriously. He is lovable but seemingly ineffectual. This frustrates Otto. He wants to be respected and recognized for his work, but nobody believes he actually has talent. Toward the end of the movie, he will prove in a small or big way that he deserves the respect of his colleagues.

*Poster courtesy of Melinda Yoho*

Britany is a senior applied communication studies major and a marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information.