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May 4, 2006

Communication

Test to be required for major

A test will be required to be a communication major, but won’t affect those enrolled.

Story by: Elizabeth White

The Shorthorn staff

Beginning next fall, a test will be used to gauge the proficiency of some incoming communication students before allowing them to declare the major.

The assessment test will require students to demonstrate proficiency in grammar, spelling, punctuation and keyboarding before they can declare a communication major, said Kimberly van Noort, Liberal Arts associate dean.

Journalism assistant professor Camille Broadway said the test sets a standard for incoming students’ abilities so professors can spend less class time addressing basic writing skills.

Dr. Broadway said several committees will review the proposed test before approving it for screening.

She thinks this test will benefit the college, allowing professors to spend more class time on details specific to the class. She also thinks students will get better grades in class because they won’t lose points for improper spelling and grammar.

“We are spending time on basics that we would like students to come in with,” Broadway said. “I hope it will improve student success.”

Students in lower-level journalism classes took the test voluntarily to help the department troubleshoot it.

Journalism junior Jessica Petty tried the test in her Writing for Mass Media class and thought the test was nothing to worry about.

“It’s not that big of a deal,” she said. “Most of our work is on a computer, so we need to know how to type.”

Advertising junior Lauren Duncan, who also took the test, said it adds one more obstacle for incoming students, but thinks it will help improve the department.

The department will only require new students to take the test. Communication students already enrolled will be exempt.

Ivana Segvic, communication assistant professor and journalism degree plan coordinator, designed the test.

The test is still in the development stage and some details are unavailable, such as what will constitute a passing score or how many times students may attempt the test.

Segvic and communication interim chair Charla Markham Shaw both declined to comment on the test.

— Tracie Morales contributed to this story.