Abstract
This article presents a set of promotional strategies to improve the institutional visibility and perceived legitimacy of communication departments, particularly in the context of declining enrollments and misconceptions about academic rigor. Based on initiatives implemented at North Texas State University, the discussion outlines several tactics for altering negative perceptions among students, faculty, and administrators. Public events such as Communication Awareness Week, faculty debates, and colloquia were used to display the field’s intellectual range and practical value. The department also developed targeted outreach through campus media, orientation materials, and collaborations with other academic units. Raising standards in basic courses, such as requiring more challenging exams and speeches on national issues, further improved the department’s reputation. In addition, the creation of service courses for computer science, education, and social work demonstrated the relevance of communication training across disciplines. The article concludes that proactive internal marketing and academic excellence can secure departmental stability and affirm the central role of communication in a liberal arts education.
Recommended Citation
DeMougeot, William
(1986)
"Selling Communication to the Campus,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 58, Article 30.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol58/iss1/30
