Letter to The Dean

Dear Dean Powers,


Seattle University's Communication and Journalism Department is a critical link between the university and the community.  The existence of an autonomous department in this discipline has long benefited students and staff by giving them greater freedom to participate in internships, community journalism, private public relations, and publications (like the Spectator).  While the Communication and Journalism department may be one of the smallest on campus, it has wisely and efficiently used its budget to keep its production equipment up to date, send students and staff to conferences, and promote study abroad opportunities beyond Seattle University. 
The University's financial situation is especially trying to the Communication and Journalism Department since its students have historically faced the most competition heading into the job market.  In an effort to maintain the commitment to social justice as well as its student's competitive edge, I believe a healthy compromise can be reached that will ensure that the Comm. Department can continue to offer its students the best possible education while streamlining the programs it offers.
Currently, the department offers three distinct majors, Journalism, Communication Studies, and Strategic Communications.  These majors share a core in rhetoric but then branch out with Journalism and Strategic Communications students focusing on the various aspects of their prospective careers and Communications Studies students focusing on the philosophical and rhetorical implications and aspects of communication.  While the department heavily promotes social justice in its work, it lags in its commitment to leadership and community involvement.  Because students in the department are encouraged but not required to participate in the university's own communication outlets (i.e. The Spectator, KSUB, Seattle University Public Relations) they are missing out on a chance to further link themselves to the community.  By cutting one class from each major and requiring a quarter-long participation in one of the university's existing communication mediums, we would save money while promoting leadership and community involvement. 

Thank you for considering this proposal and we look forward to seeing positive changes soon,

Jamie Wallace