Communication focuses on understanding the processes that occur when individuals interact or link with one another, whether in interpersonal, small group, family, organizational, or public situations. Courses in Communication emphasize understanding what happens in direct verbal and nonverbal interaction between people, as opposed to written communication, or to interaction via television, radio, or film. Courses in Communication acknowledge both that communication occurs between persons who are diverse in gender, cultural background, and belief, and that such diversity is becoming increasingly apparent in an ever more complex and interdependent global society.  

The primary emphasis of courses in Communication is providing students with an understanding of the processes that occur when individuals interact with one another. Upper division courses focus on helping majors and minors develop their abilities to make informed, critical analyses of their own and others' communication acts, and to apply their knowledge in facilitating effective communication in social situations characterized by diversity in gender, cultural background, and belief. This background has led graduating majors to professional careers in law, government, education, and business. A secondary concern, particularly in the lower division courses, is to provide students with an understanding of human communication that will help them in developing their personal abilities to communicate with diverse individuals in a variety of social situations.

Business Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:00

Department phone number  907.474.6591

Department e-mail fycomm@uaf.edu

What is the Speaking Center?

The Speaking Center is a student-oriented service provided to facilitate preparing public presentations. Students can receive coaching in refining their presentation topic, in organizing their presentation effectively, and in practicing their presentation. The Center makes it possible to digitally record and to watch one's practice presentation, receiving constructive feed back from a Speaking Center coach.

The Speaking Center also provides instructional support to UAF faculty by providing presentations on effective public speaking and debate in Oral Intensive classes. The service is also open to UAF faculty teaching non-Oral Intensive classes.

Find out more at http://www.uaf.edu/speak/.

Who can use the Speaking Center?

The Speaking center is available to all students currently enrolled at UAF or at TVC and faculty UAF. Non-UAF affiliated community members interested in Speaking Center services should inquire about their specific needs.

Scheduling Procedures

Please call 474-5470 or e-mail fyspeak@gmail.com to schedule an appointment at the Speaking Center. Walk-ins are welcome, however, students can be served only if there are openings.

Individuals may schedule the Center's practice room daily any time prior to Speaking Center hours.

Faculty interested in Speaking Center services should contact Dr. Michael Souders at mcsouders01@alaska.edu or 907-474-5702.

Where is the Speaking Center located?

The Speaking Center is located in the Department of Communication on the fifth floor of Gruening. Come to Room 507 to meet with a Speaking Center coach.

Speaking Center Hours (Fall 2012)

Monday-Thursday           10:00am-6:00pm

Friday                            12:00pm-4:00pm

Closed Tuesday              1:00pm to 2:00pm

Appointments may be set outside regular office hours. Please contact the Speaking Center to set an appointment. The Speaking Center may temporarily close to walk-ins during scheduled presentations or staff meetings.

Below are hints and tips on how to improve your oral presentations. Please feel free to use these materials for your personal use.