NEWS

University introduces Communication minor

November 30, 2011

Southern University at New Orleans now offers students Communication as a minor. Touted as compatible with nearly every major, the minor offers students the opportunity to "explore communication skills with co-workers and family members" among other things according to Dr. Lora Helvie-Mason, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies.

Students must have taken Fundamentals of Public Speaking (COMM 210) and requires 18 hours of study in Communication courses. Some course offerings include: Introduction to Human Communication (COMM 110, required for minor), Advanced Public Speaking (COMM 220), and Communication, Social Media, & Popular Culture (COMM 310). Click here for the full list of course offerings.

Helvie-Mason wins outstanding teacher award

April 14, 2010

Dr. Lora Helvie-Mason, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, received the Southern States Communication Association's Dwight L. Freshley Outstanding New Teacher in Communication Award. She received the award in Memphis, Tenn. Dr. Helvie-Mason was also awarded the top paper for the Instructional Development Division of SSCA (with my co-author, Jennifer Edwards) for our paper, "Student usage and perceptions of virtual office hours."

The Dwight L. Freshley Outstanding New Teacher in Communication Award "honors SSCA members who have demonstrated teaching excellence early in their careers," according to the SSCA web site. Dr. Helvie-Mason has shown a commitment not only to her field but also to SUNO students through her organization and moderating the University's Communication Club. She also maintains a blog "Communication & Higher Education: Life on the tenure-track at a teaching institution".