Communication studies wins teaching excellence award

Communication studies faculty applaud during a meeting April 13 after learning they had won the 2005 Department Excellence in Teaching Award from the Center for Teaching Excellence. The department will receive $12,000 and will be honored at the KU Summit on Aug. 16. R. Steve Dick/University Relations

The Department of Communication Studies has received the 2005 Department Excellence in Teaching Award from the Center for Teaching Excellence.

Chancellor Robert Hemenway made the announcement at the department’s faculty meeting on April 13.

The award was established to encourage KU departments to engage in programs and activities that support ongoing development of student learning. As part of the award, the department will receive $12,000 and will be honored at the KU Summit on Aug. 16. In addition, communication studies will be recognized at the Celebration of Teaching reception on May 12.

Advisory board members who chose communication studies noted the department’s exemplary collaboration on student learning and program reflection. Their faculty members have worked together effectively, as well as with several other units on the Lawrence campus.

In the past two years, they have undertaken four initiatives: faculty retreats on teaching and learning for undergraduate and graduate students, supplementing internal program reviews with external assessment, revising its GTA orientation program, and supporting student organizations and undergraduate programs.

These initiatives have resulted in a range of outcomes, from ongoing curriculum reviews at bimonthly faculty meetings to the establishment of a Communication Studies Research Colloquium, which includes graduate students.