Illinois State University’s School of Communication participated in ISU’s annual Family Day on Saturday, October 1, 2022. This event is one of many that the School hosts during the year that culminates in COM Week in April. The School of Communication’s Promotions and Development (SoC-PD) interns plan and implement these events, under the direction of Denise Thomas, business manager for the School.
Family Day is an annual event the University hosts that invite students and their families to come to ISU to enjoy the campus, tour facilities where students are taking classes, meet faculty, tour uptown Normal and downtown Bloomington, and attend the football game later that same afternoon.
During Family Day, COM students brought their families into Fell Hall and participated in games; toured labs, classrooms, and studios; discussed study abroad programs; and visited with representatives of RSOs hosted in COM. There were raffle tickets to win prizes, COM-branded gear, and presentations held in the SMACC lab for parents to learn about what goes on in the school.
Family Day is always a great way to show students’ parents where, what, and how students are learning, which includes meeting professors in the school.
“My most memorable experience from Family Day would be setting up the event with the SoC-PD team. Their fun spirits and attitudes while setting up in Fell was great, and it made the experience even more rewarding when we saw it all come together,” said Kyah Joseph, lead intern of SoC-PD.
Later in the year, COM Week is held and is one of the greatest traditions at the school. It is happening again in spring 2023 on April 10–14. Students will have the opportunity to participate in various activities to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and abilities in their chosen majors to prepare them for life after graduation.
“COM Week is a great way for students to improve their skills beyond what they learn in the classroom. When you go to panels you learn things you don’t typically have interest in but soon you do gain interest,” said Joseph.
During COM Week, students can attend panel discussions led by alumni to learn about their experiences, connect and talk with them, and attend keynote speeches. The theme this year is “Level Up!” This theme encourages COM students to strengthen their mastery of communication and to learn about career paths for communication majors.
There are opportunities for students to be involved in brainstorming, planning, and executing these events. During the spring 2023 semester, applications will be available for students interested in becoming a SoC-PD intern in 2023-2024. An announcement about the applications will be sent to COM students by email.
