For communication programs one means of developing a strong working relationship with the business and professional communities, improving program curriculum planning, and encouraging input on other departmental issues is to establish a professional advisory council. Advisory boards serve several practical purposes for a communication department. They aid in meeting the changing demands in the preparation of communication practitioners, provide contacts for internships for students, help assess strengths and weaknesses of current departmental programs, bring contemporary issues and directions to the attention of the faculty, add credibility to the programs of a department, help students develop employment contacts, and help program-specific accreditation development. Boards are formed by having a committee responsible for developing selection criteria, gaining clearance for the members of the board from university officials, inviting membership, and planning the meeting agenda. Issues related to board membership include the length of term, expectations of board members beyond advisement, frequency of board meetings, and gathering regular feedback from board members. Communication departments are encouraged to develop a strong working relationship with the business and professional communities. (Appendixes present a description of a particular advisory council, a sample letter sent to council members, and a description of a special event in which council members become "faculty for a day.") (RS)