Communication is a process.  Teaching a process requires that many of our courses have smaller enrollments that allow instructors to coach and critique student communication.  The interest in Communication Studies as a major has grown tremendously in recent years.  This growth has created an awkward situation: If we let everyone who wants to be a COM major in, then we will not be able to teach them the process of communication to the best of our abilities.  Since we need to restrict our numbers so that those who become COM majors receive a viable educational experience, we decided to use a system that, although imperfect, stressed academic merit rather than chance (lottery) or simple seniority. 

Why COM 105 and COM 200 are the Gateway Courses

COM 105 and COM 200 were selected as the gateway courses because they encompass the core concepts and core competencies of the major.  These two courses, along with the others in the core, address the craft, academic discipline, art and science of communication.  COM 105 and COM 200 also provide introductions to concepts and processes that you will need to succeed in other courses in the major.  Earning a “B” in these courses is not an arbitrary “hoop” to jump through, but an indicator of readiness for the rest of the coursework in the major.  Even though individual instructors teach these courses, the course content, major assignments and tests have been examined and approved by the department.  The role of the instructors is to help you negotiate these departmental requirements.