It has become increasingly clear that we as communication center professionals must confront the deeply rooted linguistic assumptions and traditions that underlie notions of speaking well. In this essay, we argue that one place to start is to look closely how and why conceptions of speaking well have come to rest on an unquestioned ideal of what…

We offer as praxis--at the intersection between theory and practice--an essay examining what we are calling the "micro-geography" of the communication center. Specifically, we challenge communication center practitioners to think about the ways in which everyday practices and "bottom-up" efforts in our centers can work to…

Studies show English language learners (ELLs) experience increased communication apprehension and foreign language anxiety more than primary English speakers. Strategies to better assist ELLs with their public speaking skills are needed, especially within communication centers. One way is to better understand the intercultural aspects of the ELL…

In this two-part study, a value of communication (VOC) is conceptualized and operationalized to determine the worth an individual places on communication and its professional development for application in communication center training programs. In Study 1, a survey methodology evaluated the initially proposed VOC scale. An exploratory factor…

Prioritizing wellness and wellbeing is absolutely necessary for all schools, regardless of size or classification, and Communication Centers are uniquely positioned to serve their campus in impactful and meaningful ways. Communication Centers can and should develop into aspirational spaces where authentic experiences and stories are curated,…

Campus resource centers have been a staple on college campuses, providing additional assistance and tutoring to students for decades. However, no research found has explored how campus resource centers may partner with outside professional organizations or be started in professional organizations to provide additional employee support and…

Many new students are struggling to succeed in the current college environment. The mental health crisis and the pandemic have only increased this struggle. Communication centers should partner with student orientation in order to increase student retention, alongside familiarizing students with the communication center from the beginning of their…

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many states and cities enacted mask mandates requiring masks be worn indoors. As a result, those universities opting to open their doors to in person learning in the 2020-2021 academic year possibly required students to wear masks in the classroom. This study explores the impact of mask wearing on…

How humans learn is a topic explored by many disciplines. Eyler (2018) synthesized research from diverse fields such as developmental psychology, anthropology, and cognitive neuroscience to identify themes important for understanding the science behind learning. Three of these principles have important relevance for center work: curiosity,…

Beyond the introductory public speaking course, communication centers can play a significant role in higher education through creating an institutional culture of communication that spans disciplines and through contributing to their institutional mission, strategic plan, and student success initiatives. To do this work, this article argues for…

Merriam-Webster states that belongingness entails "close or intimate relationships, and a sense of belonging." Humans have a basic and universal emotional need to be an accepted member of a group. In terms of a university setting, Gleiman (2015), states "Ultimately, engagement through the sense of belonging can be one of the most…

While medical improvisation is emerging as a promising strategy for communication training, little is known about its effects on interdisciplinary healthcare teams and there is a need to advance knowledge about the impact of engagement during the training on communication skill improvement. We evaluated changes in communication skills among 132…

Communication centers on university campuses can benefit from the experience of other disciplines with established norms and educational practices. This article examines the legal profession, the business profession, and healthcare with the intent to locate meaningful overlap that can be practically applied to communication centers. While…

The mission of university communication centers is to help all students succeed, and part of this mission is helping students with disabilities. The first component of helping students with disabilities within communication centers is to check that communication centers comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, compliance…

According to the National Council on Disability (2015), an estimated 2 million undergraduates have an identified disability and are, by law (i.e., the Americans with Disabilities Act [1990]), entitled to accommodations. The use of academic accommodations is positively correlated with increased grade point average (GPA), higher persistence rates,…