Building Campus Partnerships through Advocacy and Collaboration

Abstract

Building partnerships with academic programs and campus divisions can advance a communication center’s goal of enhancing students’ communication competencies while also expanding the reach and visibility of the center. This paper explicates a process for establishing and executing such collaboration effectively, from advocating for the center’s integration in Student Life to developing and executing pilot projects that addressed recognized communication needs on campus. Central to this process were undergraduate student consultants who conducted research, designed communication modules, and facilitated difficult conversations. Student Orientation proved to be a fruitful campus site communication centers’ student consultants to support and enhance their peers’ public speaking, interpersonal, and small group communication.