Section C: Information About the Resources of the Program
C-01. Library holdings and other learning resource tools
CSUF’s Pollak Library holds 340 print and electronic books and 47 journals specifically on the topic of public relations. In addition to a number of multidisciplinary electronic resources for the university at large, the Library currently maintains 40 communication databases for the Department of Communications.
Librarian John Hickok, assigned to the Department of Communications as its specialized librarian, has created subdivisions of databases dedicated to each of the Department’s concentration areas, including 17 databases identified as highly relevant to the Public Relations Concentration. In collaboration with public relations faculty, Hickok also creates individual database and library resource sheets for each individual public relations course. Appendix C-01-A is a sample of one of these resource sheets. Hickok also conducts workshops for students in each course on how to use the online and hard copy books and journals in the library.
Librarian John Hickok, assigned to the Department of Communications as its specialized librarian, has created subdivisions of databases dedicated to each of the Department’s concentration areas, including 17 databases identified as highly relevant to the Public Relations Concentration. In collaboration with public relations faculty, Hickok also creates individual database and library resource sheets for each individual public relations course. Appendix C-01-A is a sample of one of these resource sheets. Hickok also conducts workshops for students in each course on how to use the online and hard copy books and journals in the library.
C-02. Technological currency of classroom, learning facilities compared to
similar academic units
The Department of Communications has access rights to five recent-model Intel iMac computer lab classrooms in the College Park building (rooms 16, 18, 19, 22, and 23 as illustrated below).
In total, these rooms have 102 workstations. The computers are set up with the most up-to-date Apple OS X operating system and Apple, Microsoft, Adobe and other third-party software, capable of handling graphics and web design, video and audio editing, statistical and other projects. Typically, the software on these machines is updated every summer.
The labs are also equipped with black-and-white laser printers as well as ceiling-mounted LCD projectors and audio systems. The five computer labs are dedicated to the Department of Communications and are in operation during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. (5 p.m. on Fridays). Occasional classes are taught in the labs on Saturday mornings. All these rooms are located in the basement; rooms are small and have no windows. There is a reasonable concern about egress from the rooms in the event of an earthquake.
Department of Communications students and faculty are supported by two full-time Information Technology staff members and two or more student assistants. In addition, the Department has access to two other University-supported computer labs with approximately 45 total seats that are shared with two other colleges.
The Department provides web space to faculty and students. The Webmaster helps faculty set up websites and provides faculty with quick tours on how to edit their web space with web editing tools such as Dreamweaver, FrontPage, and iWeb.
At Cal State Fullerton, our version of the Moodle online classroom environment is branded as TITANium. A TITANium page is available for every course section. TITANium is the framework for all 100% online courses; it is widely used as instructional support for in-person classes. Appendix C-02-A details the extent of TITANium use in fall 2013 and spring 2014.
The Department of Communications maintains a TITANium Community for faculty and staff. The Community serves as a repository for department policy statements, syllabi from past semesters, FERPA information, document templates and other information critical to full- and part-time instructors. Appendix C-02-B is a screenshot of this password-protected site.
Learning resource challenges
Much of Pollack Library has been closed to the public following a May 5, 2014 earthquake that caused significant damage to the interior of the building. The closure has resulted in some challenges for the Department faculty and students.
Across the CSUF campus, inadequate classroom space is a big problem as CSUF enrollment continues to increase and no new classroom buildings are under construction or planned. For all practical purposes, it has become impossible to schedule new special needs classes (such as classes that require computer labs) in the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. time block, as there is simply too much competition from other programs for valuable space.
The existing basement College Park lab classrooms available to the Department of Communications could be characterized as ‘satisfactory’ for our current needs, but inadequate for long-term program growth. The rooms are cramped, windowless, well-worn spaces. Many of the same issues are noted in regard to the standard classrooms on the first floor of College Park and elsewhere on campus. The Department is in desperate need of additional laboratory, lecture and seminar space. In some cases, open-access computer lab rooms have been repurposed to serve as classrooms – and the design of the rooms is such that instruction is difficult. It would be ideal to make all classrooms lab-capable by installing wireless printers and launching a laptop loaner program. There has been discussion at the university level about inaugurating a system in which all students could check out laptops for their exclusive use. However, that discussion has not reached the department level.
PRSSA and other student groups in the Department of Communications are unable to have dedicated meeting space. A meeting space recently constructed on the sixth floor of College Park is inadequate because it can accommodate, at most, 10-12 students. Tusk Magazine, COMM Week and other high-impact practice courses scramble each semester to find dedicated workspace.
PRactical ADvantage Communications was able to secure dedicated workspace – but it is at the Irvine Campus. This presents significant disadvantages, as many students are unable to take classes at Irvine and the agency is not able to interact fully with offices, clubs and organizations based at the Fullerton campus.
The labs are also equipped with black-and-white laser printers as well as ceiling-mounted LCD projectors and audio systems. The five computer labs are dedicated to the Department of Communications and are in operation during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. (5 p.m. on Fridays). Occasional classes are taught in the labs on Saturday mornings. All these rooms are located in the basement; rooms are small and have no windows. There is a reasonable concern about egress from the rooms in the event of an earthquake.
Department of Communications students and faculty are supported by two full-time Information Technology staff members and two or more student assistants. In addition, the Department has access to two other University-supported computer labs with approximately 45 total seats that are shared with two other colleges.
The Department provides web space to faculty and students. The Webmaster helps faculty set up websites and provides faculty with quick tours on how to edit their web space with web editing tools such as Dreamweaver, FrontPage, and iWeb.
At Cal State Fullerton, our version of the Moodle online classroom environment is branded as TITANium. A TITANium page is available for every course section. TITANium is the framework for all 100% online courses; it is widely used as instructional support for in-person classes. Appendix C-02-A details the extent of TITANium use in fall 2013 and spring 2014.
The Department of Communications maintains a TITANium Community for faculty and staff. The Community serves as a repository for department policy statements, syllabi from past semesters, FERPA information, document templates and other information critical to full- and part-time instructors. Appendix C-02-B is a screenshot of this password-protected site.
Learning resource challenges
Much of Pollack Library has been closed to the public following a May 5, 2014 earthquake that caused significant damage to the interior of the building. The closure has resulted in some challenges for the Department faculty and students.
Across the CSUF campus, inadequate classroom space is a big problem as CSUF enrollment continues to increase and no new classroom buildings are under construction or planned. For all practical purposes, it has become impossible to schedule new special needs classes (such as classes that require computer labs) in the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. time block, as there is simply too much competition from other programs for valuable space.
The existing basement College Park lab classrooms available to the Department of Communications could be characterized as ‘satisfactory’ for our current needs, but inadequate for long-term program growth. The rooms are cramped, windowless, well-worn spaces. Many of the same issues are noted in regard to the standard classrooms on the first floor of College Park and elsewhere on campus. The Department is in desperate need of additional laboratory, lecture and seminar space. In some cases, open-access computer lab rooms have been repurposed to serve as classrooms – and the design of the rooms is such that instruction is difficult. It would be ideal to make all classrooms lab-capable by installing wireless printers and launching a laptop loaner program. There has been discussion at the university level about inaugurating a system in which all students could check out laptops for their exclusive use. However, that discussion has not reached the department level.
PRSSA and other student groups in the Department of Communications are unable to have dedicated meeting space. A meeting space recently constructed on the sixth floor of College Park is inadequate because it can accommodate, at most, 10-12 students. Tusk Magazine, COMM Week and other high-impact practice courses scramble each semester to find dedicated workspace.
PRactical ADvantage Communications was able to secure dedicated workspace – but it is at the Irvine Campus. This presents significant disadvantages, as many students are unable to take classes at Irvine and the agency is not able to interact fully with offices, clubs and organizations based at the Fullerton campus.
C-03 Budget allocations compared to similar academic units
California State University – Fullerton is consistently ranked at the bottom of the CSU System in terms of FTE funding. While administrators claim they are engaging in “active discussions” with the CSU, the fact remains if CSUF were funded on par with other institutions in the system it would receive at least $20 million more annually.
Higher education funding in California has weakened substantially in recent years. By the 2008 academic year, the CSU system responded with drastic budget cuts and furloughs of faculty and staff. By 2010-2011, the State of California was spending $1.6 billion less on higher education than it did ten years earlier.
By 2013, the financial picture was improving somewhat. Governor Jerry Brown’s 2013-2014 budget increased allocations to the CSU by 5%, and promised a total 20% increase over four years. The budget also established a four-year tuition freeze.
CSUF, under the leadership of President Mildred Garcia and Provost Jose Cruz, is actively moving toward a performance-based funding system. Although the actual metrics for “performance” have not been established, Cruz told department chairs in 2014 that they should expect PBF to be in place within two years.
A welcome change at the department level has been the delivery of more relevant, accurate information about budget allocations. In the past, the budget has been shrouded in mystery; past chairs were not able to access budget histories and could not determine what could be spent in any given academic year. No one in administration seemed to have the answers. All of this changed with the issuance of a Base Operating Budget spreadsheet given to the Department Chair and staff in July 2014. Appendix C-03-A shows the Base Operating Budget for the College of Communications and its three departments. The Department of Communications budget figures for the past three years are reflected in Appendix C-03-B.
The 2014-2015 Base Operating Budget for the Department of Communications was built by the administration using its data on average spending for the past three years. According to the 2014-2015 spreadsheet, the total academic year budget for the Department of Communications is $3.38 million. Faculty and staff salaries comprise 89% of the budget allocation. The remaining 11% is allocated for Operating Expenses and Equipment. Aside from the obvious advantage of having a confirmed budget, there are significant improvements over past years:
In light of the horrendous budget cuts imposed upon the CSU System in recent years, and in consideration of the fact that our program still seems impoverished when compared to other academic units of its size in the discipline – the new developments noted here allow us to feel cautiously optimistic about our financial position as we enter the 2014-2015 academic year.
- Moreno, N. (2013, November 13). CSUF receives less funding per student than all other CSUs. The Daily Titan. Retrieved from: http://www.dailytitan.com/2013/11/csuf-receives-less-funding-than-other-csus/
Higher education funding in California has weakened substantially in recent years. By the 2008 academic year, the CSU system responded with drastic budget cuts and furloughs of faculty and staff. By 2010-2011, the State of California was spending $1.6 billion less on higher education than it did ten years earlier.
- Johnson, H (2012). Defunding higher education: What are the effects on college enrollment? Public Policy Institute of California. Retrieved from: http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/report/R_512HJR.pdf
By 2013, the financial picture was improving somewhat. Governor Jerry Brown’s 2013-2014 budget increased allocations to the CSU by 5%, and promised a total 20% increase over four years. The budget also established a four-year tuition freeze.
- Nho, J. (2013, June 28). Gov. Brown signs 2013-14 state budget, increases funds for UC and CSU systems. The Daily Californian. Retrieved from: http://www.dailycal.org/2013/06/28/gov-brown-signs-2013-14-state-budget/
CSUF, under the leadership of President Mildred Garcia and Provost Jose Cruz, is actively moving toward a performance-based funding system. Although the actual metrics for “performance” have not been established, Cruz told department chairs in 2014 that they should expect PBF to be in place within two years.
- Removing bottlenecks to student success (2013, August 29). CSUF News. Retrieved from: http://news.fullerton.edu/2013fa/Reducing-Bottleneck-Courses.asp
A welcome change at the department level has been the delivery of more relevant, accurate information about budget allocations. In the past, the budget has been shrouded in mystery; past chairs were not able to access budget histories and could not determine what could be spent in any given academic year. No one in administration seemed to have the answers. All of this changed with the issuance of a Base Operating Budget spreadsheet given to the Department Chair and staff in July 2014. Appendix C-03-A shows the Base Operating Budget for the College of Communications and its three departments. The Department of Communications budget figures for the past three years are reflected in Appendix C-03-B.
The 2014-2015 Base Operating Budget for the Department of Communications was built by the administration using its data on average spending for the past three years. According to the 2014-2015 spreadsheet, the total academic year budget for the Department of Communications is $3.38 million. Faculty and staff salaries comprise 89% of the budget allocation. The remaining 11% is allocated for Operating Expenses and Equipment. Aside from the obvious advantage of having a confirmed budget, there are significant improvements over past years:
- The Department of Communications now has the authority to move allocations between budget sub-categories. For example, if projected salary expenditures for full-time faculty decline due to retirements and resignations (as they will in 2014-2015), the Department has the authority to increase the allocation for part-time faculty salaries.
- The 2014-2015 budget builds in funding for 15 course reassignments for faculty members to work on assessment and advising work at the discretion of the Department Chair. This is a first for the CSUF administration, and it is a significant demonstration of the administration’s support for assessment and advising.
- The budget specifically allocates funding for accreditation-related expenses, and the College of Communications has pledged to cover those costs.
- The budget specifically allocates funding to support new faculty hiring – with funding for position advertising, interviewee travel, new faculty start-up and relocation expenses, and other costs relating to the four positions that we will seek to fill in 2014-2015. Two of those positions are in advertising/ public relations.
- Although the budget has a significant reduction in funds to support faculty scholarship travel, the Department will be able to move other resources within the OE&E budget to maintain our commitment of an average $1,500 per year for tenured, tenure-track, and lecturer travel. See Appendix C-03-C.
In light of the horrendous budget cuts imposed upon the CSU System in recent years, and in consideration of the fact that our program still seems impoverished when compared to other academic units of its size in the discipline – the new developments noted here allow us to feel cautiously optimistic about our financial position as we enter the 2014-2015 academic year.
C-04. Scholarships, grants, and gifts to the program
C-05. Awards received by students
These sections are combined in order to reduce redundancy of content.
It should be noted that the Department of Communications does not have its own development officer and does not participate in fundraising. Fundraising is conducted within the college. All gifts to the Department of Communications are given to and then disbursed by the College. As a result, it is difficult to make a complete accounting in this area, particularly in regard to grants and gifts to the program. If the Department of Communications is not notified that a gift has been made (as sometimes happens) the funds sit in an account and are not utilized as the giver had intended.
Department of Communications
Scholarships and awards available to students
Maxwell Scholarship
Amount: $1000 (multiple awards given)
This scholarship was established and funded by Dr. William Maxwell, founder of the Department of Communications at Cal State Fullerton. This scholarship is open to continuing students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communications or RTVF to assist them in meeting educational expenses.Criteria: Financial need, 2.5 GPA, good academic standing, extra-curricular activities involvement, department service or participation, full time enrollment.
The J. William Maxwell International Travel Scholarship
Amount: Varies (multiple awards given)
This scholarship was established and funded by Dr. William Maxwell, founder of the Department of Communications at Cal State Fullerton. Professor Maxwell traveled the world during his lifetime and was interested in international communications. This scholarship is open to continuing students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Communications and will be enrolled in a university sanctioned summer, fall, spring semester or academic year study abroad program to assist them in meeting educational and travel expenses. Criteria: Good academic standing.
James Alexander Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship was established and funded by Professor James Alexander, to recognize and honor students who have demonstrated strong academic performance and been actively involved in high school newspaper, yearbook or magazine production. The applicant is required to write a 225-word essay describing his/ her high school writing experience and career goals as well as provide a sample of a published story or photo from a high school publication. This scholarship is open to freshman and sophomore students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree from the Department of Communications.
Myles Atlas Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $500
Rhonda Atlas Garside, widow of Myles Atlas, endowed this scholarship in memory of her husband’s long and successful career in the advertising business. This scholarship is open to sophomore, junior, or senior Communications majors in the advertising concentration.
Criteria: Career interest in advertising management or media buying.
Jay Berman Daily Titan Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Former students, family and friends of Jay Berman, Daily Titan adviser from 1981- 1992, established this endowed scholarship to recognize a student journalist who has made significant contributions to the Daily Titan. The scholarship will be awarded based on outstanding performance and writing for the Daily Titan campus student newspaper. This scholarship is open to junior or senior Communication majors with at least one semester enrollment remaining at Cal State Fullerton. Criteria: 2.5 GPA and quality of published work.
DGWB Advertising Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
This scholarship was established and funded by DGWB Advertising in Santa Ana to recognize and honor a student in the advertising concentration who demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is open to enrolled Advertising concentration students in the Department of Communications.
Gary Granville Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Former students, family and friends of the late Gary Granville, lecturer and Daily Titan adviser, established this scholarship. The scholarship recognizes a student who has made significant contributions to the Daily Titan. The scholarship will be awarded based on outstanding performance as an editor or reporter with the Daily Titan. This scholarship is open to junior or senior Communication majors with at least one semester enrollment remaining at Cal State Fullerton.
Alfred and Louise Hewitt Journalism Fund
Amount: $1,000
Mr. Stephen Hewitt established this scholarship in memory of his parents, Alfred and Louise Hewitt. Mr. Alfred Hewitt was passionate about journalism and this scholarship will celebrate his witty journalistic soul. In the tradition of his humor and teaching style, this scholarship is being established in his name to honor students who carry on his writing style and approach to journalism.
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students majoring in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism.
Terry Hynes Scholarship
Amount: $500 (dependent upon funding)
Terry Hynes, former chair of CSUF's Department of Communications, endowed this scholarship. This scholarship is open to Communication majors who will be seniors with at least one semester enrollment remaining at Cal State Fullerton.
Criteria: Outstanding academic performance, contributions to the department.
David Little Scholarship
Amount: $500
This scholarship was established to recognize and honor students with good academic credentials who are in need of financial assistance. This scholarship is open to enrolled students interested in a career in advertising management or media buying.
Criteria: Academic achievement and financial need.
V.J. Lovero Photojournalism Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 (dependent upon funding)
This scholarship was established and funded by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to assist in educating students who have demonstrated career promise in photography. The scholarship honors the memory of renowned sports photographer V.J. Lovero. Applicants must be enrolled for at least one semester during the next academic year and they must demonstrate professional promise. This scholarship is open to new and continuing Photo Communications majors. Criteria: Quality of portfolio.
Miven Venture Partners Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 (two awards given)
This scholarship was established by the Tsao Family Foundation and Miven Venture Partners to support students in need of financial assistance. Applicants must prepare a two-part project (can be from a class project) consisting of: 1) 60% articulating brand strategy and 2) 40% to communicate the tag line. Selection will be based on what is distinctive or unique about the project and how well the reader understands the conceptualization of the brand. Other consideration is how well the tag line is promoted aside from an ad campaign. This scholarship is open to undergraduate students majoring in Advertising. Criteria: 2.0 GPA and financial need, full-time student.
Tom Pasqua Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Established by: This scholarship was established in memory of Tom Pasqua, a journalism professor at Southwestern College in Chula Vista and in the Cal State Fullerton Communications Department during the 1970s. This scholarship is open to community college transfer students majoring in journalism. Criteria: 2.75 GPA, good academic credentials, demonstrated record of involvement in journalism activities.
The Society of Professional Journalists Scholarship
Amount: $700 (dependent upon funding)
This scholarship was endowed by the Orange County Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. This scholarship is open to sophomore or junior Communication majors in print, visual or broadcast journalism who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Criteria: Academic achievement and experience in journalism activities.
OCVA - Rick Pullen Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
The Orange County Visitors Association has established this scholarship in honor of Rick Pullen, who served as the dean of the college for 15 years. Dean Pullen was an advocate for the Center for Entertainment and Tourism in the College of Communications and has served as a board member of the Orange County Tourism Council. The recipient will be presented with the award at the Orange County Tourism Symposium during spring semester. This scholarship is open to undergraduate communication majors at any college level who are pursuing a career in Tourism. Criteria: 3.0 GPA and financial need.
Barbara K. Rickard-Riegle Broadcast Journalism Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship is memory of Barbara K. Rickard-Riegle, to support the efforts of students who are in need of financial assistance who are studying broadcast journalism. This scholarship is open to new and continuing Communications students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Must be a citizen of the United States. Criteria: Full-Time enrollment, 3.25 GPA, financial need, and excellent journalism skills.
Don and Vi Smith Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1000
This scholarship is given by family and friends in memory of Don and Vi Smith to support the efforts of students who are in need of financial assistance. This scholarship is open to sophomore, junior, or senior Communications majors in the journalism concentration (print, broadcast, media) who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Criteria: 2.75 GPA or higher, experience in journalism activities, financial need and plans to pursue a journalism career.
John Stewart Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship honors the memory of John Stewart and supports the efforts of students who are in need of financial assistance. John Stewart, an outstanding journalist, died of cancer at a young age. This scholarship is open to junior or senior Communications majors in the journalism concentration who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Criteria: Academic achievement, experience in journalism activities, financial need and plan to pursue journalism as a career.
Edgar P. Trotter Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship is named for Professor Edgar P. Trotter, chair of Communications Department from 1983-1990, in recognition of his strong support of students and their educational needs. This scholarship is open to sophomore, junior, or senior Communication majors who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Criteria: Academic achievement, financial need.
Vikki Vargas Broadcast Journalism Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship was established and funded by Vikki Vargas and KNBC-TV to recognize and honor students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in broadcasting. This scholarship is open to new and continuing students who are pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree. Criteria: 3.0 GPA, good academic standing, financial need and extra-curricular activities.
Cal State Fullerton maintains a philanthropic website that allows individuals to make donations to these and other scholarship funds.
Orange County PRSA
Shining Star Scholarship
Each year, the Orange County PRSA Chapter offers a $1,000 stipend to a student in each of the university PRSSA chapters in the county. The $1,000 can be applied to any PRSA and OC/PRSA expense over the following two years. The recipient is honored at the OC/PRSA PROTOS awards dinner in August.
Department of Communications
IRA grants
CSUF students have a long history of assessing themselves an Instructionally Related Activity fee that is now $36 per student, per semester to support a variety of special needs directly related to courses. Associated Students of CSUF administers the IRA fee and provides support to faculty, staff, advisors, and students who participate in courses that benefit from this fee. The IRA grants are competitive. Each faculty sponsor is required to make a written and oral presentation of need for his/ her class. Funds are disbursed each July for that academic year.
For 2014-2015, the Department of Communications IRA funding award was:
All of these programs are open Public Relations Concentration students.
Department of Communications
Gifts to student media
When PRactical Advantage Communications was established in 2011-2012, it was given 600 square feet of dedicated laboratory and office space at the Irvine campus. The College of Communication funded $50,000 in computers, equipment and furnishings. Through Spring 2014, the agency had received $6,500 in philanthropic donations from current and former clients. Additional philanthropic support is pending.
In 2014, the Daily Titan newspaper earned a $2,000 prize as the 2013-14 winner of the University of Georgia’s Betty Gage Holland Award for excellence in college journalism. Earlier in the year, the Daily Titan was presented with a $1,500 equipment grant from the California Press Foundation.
We believe there were numerous other cash awards made to our program since the last CEPR accreditation. However, there has been no record-keeping system for such information. This is a deficiency we need to address beginning with the 2014-15 academic year, so that we can more accurately track external support.
Along these lines, it should be noted that the scholarships provided by outside donors for students in the Public Relations Concentration are not as expansive as those made available for students in other subject areas. We need to increase the number of scholarships available for Public Relations Concentration students through stronger partnership with the professional community in Orange County and beyond. We welcome recommendations in this regard, particularly in light of the fact that the Department of Communications has no assigned development officer to address this issue.
It should be noted that the Department of Communications does not have its own development officer and does not participate in fundraising. Fundraising is conducted within the college. All gifts to the Department of Communications are given to and then disbursed by the College. As a result, it is difficult to make a complete accounting in this area, particularly in regard to grants and gifts to the program. If the Department of Communications is not notified that a gift has been made (as sometimes happens) the funds sit in an account and are not utilized as the giver had intended.
Department of Communications
Scholarships and awards available to students
Maxwell Scholarship
Amount: $1000 (multiple awards given)
This scholarship was established and funded by Dr. William Maxwell, founder of the Department of Communications at Cal State Fullerton. This scholarship is open to continuing students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communications or RTVF to assist them in meeting educational expenses.Criteria: Financial need, 2.5 GPA, good academic standing, extra-curricular activities involvement, department service or participation, full time enrollment.
The J. William Maxwell International Travel Scholarship
Amount: Varies (multiple awards given)
This scholarship was established and funded by Dr. William Maxwell, founder of the Department of Communications at Cal State Fullerton. Professor Maxwell traveled the world during his lifetime and was interested in international communications. This scholarship is open to continuing students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Communications and will be enrolled in a university sanctioned summer, fall, spring semester or academic year study abroad program to assist them in meeting educational and travel expenses. Criteria: Good academic standing.
James Alexander Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship was established and funded by Professor James Alexander, to recognize and honor students who have demonstrated strong academic performance and been actively involved in high school newspaper, yearbook or magazine production. The applicant is required to write a 225-word essay describing his/ her high school writing experience and career goals as well as provide a sample of a published story or photo from a high school publication. This scholarship is open to freshman and sophomore students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree from the Department of Communications.
Myles Atlas Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $500
Rhonda Atlas Garside, widow of Myles Atlas, endowed this scholarship in memory of her husband’s long and successful career in the advertising business. This scholarship is open to sophomore, junior, or senior Communications majors in the advertising concentration.
Criteria: Career interest in advertising management or media buying.
Jay Berman Daily Titan Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Former students, family and friends of Jay Berman, Daily Titan adviser from 1981- 1992, established this endowed scholarship to recognize a student journalist who has made significant contributions to the Daily Titan. The scholarship will be awarded based on outstanding performance and writing for the Daily Titan campus student newspaper. This scholarship is open to junior or senior Communication majors with at least one semester enrollment remaining at Cal State Fullerton. Criteria: 2.5 GPA and quality of published work.
DGWB Advertising Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
This scholarship was established and funded by DGWB Advertising in Santa Ana to recognize and honor a student in the advertising concentration who demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is open to enrolled Advertising concentration students in the Department of Communications.
Gary Granville Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Former students, family and friends of the late Gary Granville, lecturer and Daily Titan adviser, established this scholarship. The scholarship recognizes a student who has made significant contributions to the Daily Titan. The scholarship will be awarded based on outstanding performance as an editor or reporter with the Daily Titan. This scholarship is open to junior or senior Communication majors with at least one semester enrollment remaining at Cal State Fullerton.
Alfred and Louise Hewitt Journalism Fund
Amount: $1,000
Mr. Stephen Hewitt established this scholarship in memory of his parents, Alfred and Louise Hewitt. Mr. Alfred Hewitt was passionate about journalism and this scholarship will celebrate his witty journalistic soul. In the tradition of his humor and teaching style, this scholarship is being established in his name to honor students who carry on his writing style and approach to journalism.
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students majoring in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism.
Terry Hynes Scholarship
Amount: $500 (dependent upon funding)
Terry Hynes, former chair of CSUF's Department of Communications, endowed this scholarship. This scholarship is open to Communication majors who will be seniors with at least one semester enrollment remaining at Cal State Fullerton.
Criteria: Outstanding academic performance, contributions to the department.
David Little Scholarship
Amount: $500
This scholarship was established to recognize and honor students with good academic credentials who are in need of financial assistance. This scholarship is open to enrolled students interested in a career in advertising management or media buying.
Criteria: Academic achievement and financial need.
V.J. Lovero Photojournalism Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 (dependent upon funding)
This scholarship was established and funded by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to assist in educating students who have demonstrated career promise in photography. The scholarship honors the memory of renowned sports photographer V.J. Lovero. Applicants must be enrolled for at least one semester during the next academic year and they must demonstrate professional promise. This scholarship is open to new and continuing Photo Communications majors. Criteria: Quality of portfolio.
Miven Venture Partners Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 (two awards given)
This scholarship was established by the Tsao Family Foundation and Miven Venture Partners to support students in need of financial assistance. Applicants must prepare a two-part project (can be from a class project) consisting of: 1) 60% articulating brand strategy and 2) 40% to communicate the tag line. Selection will be based on what is distinctive or unique about the project and how well the reader understands the conceptualization of the brand. Other consideration is how well the tag line is promoted aside from an ad campaign. This scholarship is open to undergraduate students majoring in Advertising. Criteria: 2.0 GPA and financial need, full-time student.
Tom Pasqua Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Established by: This scholarship was established in memory of Tom Pasqua, a journalism professor at Southwestern College in Chula Vista and in the Cal State Fullerton Communications Department during the 1970s. This scholarship is open to community college transfer students majoring in journalism. Criteria: 2.75 GPA, good academic credentials, demonstrated record of involvement in journalism activities.
The Society of Professional Journalists Scholarship
Amount: $700 (dependent upon funding)
This scholarship was endowed by the Orange County Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. This scholarship is open to sophomore or junior Communication majors in print, visual or broadcast journalism who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Criteria: Academic achievement and experience in journalism activities.
OCVA - Rick Pullen Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
The Orange County Visitors Association has established this scholarship in honor of Rick Pullen, who served as the dean of the college for 15 years. Dean Pullen was an advocate for the Center for Entertainment and Tourism in the College of Communications and has served as a board member of the Orange County Tourism Council. The recipient will be presented with the award at the Orange County Tourism Symposium during spring semester. This scholarship is open to undergraduate communication majors at any college level who are pursuing a career in Tourism. Criteria: 3.0 GPA and financial need.
Barbara K. Rickard-Riegle Broadcast Journalism Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship is memory of Barbara K. Rickard-Riegle, to support the efforts of students who are in need of financial assistance who are studying broadcast journalism. This scholarship is open to new and continuing Communications students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Must be a citizen of the United States. Criteria: Full-Time enrollment, 3.25 GPA, financial need, and excellent journalism skills.
Don and Vi Smith Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1000
This scholarship is given by family and friends in memory of Don and Vi Smith to support the efforts of students who are in need of financial assistance. This scholarship is open to sophomore, junior, or senior Communications majors in the journalism concentration (print, broadcast, media) who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Criteria: 2.75 GPA or higher, experience in journalism activities, financial need and plans to pursue a journalism career.
John Stewart Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship honors the memory of John Stewart and supports the efforts of students who are in need of financial assistance. John Stewart, an outstanding journalist, died of cancer at a young age. This scholarship is open to junior or senior Communications majors in the journalism concentration who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Criteria: Academic achievement, experience in journalism activities, financial need and plan to pursue journalism as a career.
Edgar P. Trotter Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship is named for Professor Edgar P. Trotter, chair of Communications Department from 1983-1990, in recognition of his strong support of students and their educational needs. This scholarship is open to sophomore, junior, or senior Communication majors who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Criteria: Academic achievement, financial need.
Vikki Vargas Broadcast Journalism Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship was established and funded by Vikki Vargas and KNBC-TV to recognize and honor students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in broadcasting. This scholarship is open to new and continuing students who are pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree. Criteria: 3.0 GPA, good academic standing, financial need and extra-curricular activities.
Cal State Fullerton maintains a philanthropic website that allows individuals to make donations to these and other scholarship funds.
Orange County PRSA
Shining Star Scholarship
Each year, the Orange County PRSA Chapter offers a $1,000 stipend to a student in each of the university PRSSA chapters in the county. The $1,000 can be applied to any PRSA and OC/PRSA expense over the following two years. The recipient is honored at the OC/PRSA PROTOS awards dinner in August.
Department of Communications
IRA grants
CSUF students have a long history of assessing themselves an Instructionally Related Activity fee that is now $36 per student, per semester to support a variety of special needs directly related to courses. Associated Students of CSUF administers the IRA fee and provides support to faculty, staff, advisors, and students who participate in courses that benefit from this fee. The IRA grants are competitive. Each faculty sponsor is required to make a written and oral presentation of need for his/ her class. Funds are disbursed each July for that academic year.
For 2014-2015, the Department of Communications IRA funding award was:
- The Daily Titan $148,265
- Titan TV $29,433
- Tusk Magazine $20,600
- COMM Week $20,000
- OC News $15,360
- PRactical ADvantage Communications $11,411
All of these programs are open Public Relations Concentration students.
Department of Communications
Gifts to student media
When PRactical Advantage Communications was established in 2011-2012, it was given 600 square feet of dedicated laboratory and office space at the Irvine campus. The College of Communication funded $50,000 in computers, equipment and furnishings. Through Spring 2014, the agency had received $6,500 in philanthropic donations from current and former clients. Additional philanthropic support is pending.
In 2014, the Daily Titan newspaper earned a $2,000 prize as the 2013-14 winner of the University of Georgia’s Betty Gage Holland Award for excellence in college journalism. Earlier in the year, the Daily Titan was presented with a $1,500 equipment grant from the California Press Foundation.
We believe there were numerous other cash awards made to our program since the last CEPR accreditation. However, there has been no record-keeping system for such information. This is a deficiency we need to address beginning with the 2014-15 academic year, so that we can more accurately track external support.
Along these lines, it should be noted that the scholarships provided by outside donors for students in the Public Relations Concentration are not as expansive as those made available for students in other subject areas. We need to increase the number of scholarships available for Public Relations Concentration students through stronger partnership with the professional community in Orange County and beyond. We welcome recommendations in this regard, particularly in light of the fact that the Department of Communications has no assigned development officer to address this issue.