Interest Groups, Caucuses and Sections
CSCA conducts its business and sponsors convention programs and panels through the 27 Interest Groups, Caucuses, and Sections representing the different discipline emphases of the membership. Members may specify affiliation with as many Interest Groups, Caucuses, and Sections as they choose as part of their membership.
Beginning in April 2006, the recipients of the Top Papers or Top Panels from each Interest Group, Caucus, and Section have been awarded a certificate. The certificates are awarded during the respective Interest Group, Caucus, or Section business meeting.
Each Interest Group, Caucus, and Section receives a yearly stipend of $100.00. This stipend is available to the Interest Group, Caucus, or Section any time during the fiscal year. The stipend does not roll over to the next fiscal year if unspent.
If an Interest Group, Caucus, or Section is able to raise money on its own, that money can be placed in an Endowment Fund managed by the Executive Director. The minimum amount required to start an endowment fund is $1000.00, $100.00 of that may be the stipend for the year. Then, in addition to the budgeted $100.00 each subsequent year, the Interest Group, Caucus, or Section can use the income generated by the interest on their endowment at their discretion.
Click the name of the Interest Group, Caucus, or Section below for more details and contact information.
Activism, Communication Ethics, and Social Justice
The Activism, Communication Ethics, and Social Justice Interest Group centers on issues regarding inclusivity/exclusivity, voice, power, privilege, and inequality among other related interests.
Bylaws of the Activism, Communication Ethics, and Social Justice Interest Group
Chair: Brittany Knutson, Skagit Valley College
Vice-Chair: Kristi Scholten, Ferris State University
Secretary: Heather Walters, Missouri State University
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Adjunct/Temporary Faculty Caucus
The Adjunct/Temporary Faculty Caucus is a forum for communication professionals who teach communication courses as an adjunct or part-time faculty member at the K-12, community college, small college, or university level.
Bylaws of the Adjunct/Temporary Faculty Caucus
Chair: Ali Gattoni, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Vice-Chair: Stacey Mirviss-Jossart, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Secretary: Kate LaPierre, University of Nevada-Reno
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Argumentation and Forensics
The Argumentation and Forensics Interest Group promotes investigation of the practical, pedagogical, and theoretical dimensions of Forensic discourse. The Interest Group encourages research that uses an argumentative perspective to understand social problems, promote civic engagement, and encourage educational excellence in speech and debate training.
Bylaws of the Argumentation and Forensics Interest Group
Chair: Jessica M. Samens, Bethel University
Vice-Chair: Aimee Miller, Ferris State University
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Basic Course
The Basic Course Interest Group exists to support research and facilitate discussion of issues related to the pedagogy and administration of basic communication courses. The Interest Group draws members from high schools, community colleges, small colleges, and universities. The Interest Group provides a forum for discussion of the special challenges and opportunities that face teachers and administrators of service courses and foundation courses for communication majors.
Bylaws of the Basic Course Interest Group
Chair: Caroline Waldbuesser, University of Missouri
Vice-Chair: Josh Young, Divine Word College
Secretary: Josh Young, Divine Word College
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Communication & Technology
The Communication and Technology Interest Group facilitates discussion of topic and in fields related to computer-mediated communication, robotics, virtual reality, online interaction, and other aspects directly relevant to communication and technology. The interest group seeks to promote knowledge regarding how technology impacts and is impacted by communication.
Bylaws of the Communication & Technology Interest Group
Chair: Riley Richards, Oregon Institute of Technology
Vice-Chair: Austin Beattie, Hope College
Secretary: Xialing Lin, University of Central Florida
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Communication Education
The Communication Education Interest Group is dedicated to the advancement of practical, pedagogical, methodological, and theoretical interests of its members. The Interest Group equally values the educational viewpoints and perspectives of its constituents, which include K-12, community college, and four-year college and university educators. The Interest Group encourages the exchange of lively debate among its members and welcomes the opportunity to engage in dialogue with other CSCA members and related interest groups.
Bylaws of the Communication Education Interest Group
Chair: Kathryn B. Golsan, University of Northern Iowa
Vice-Chair: Joshua Young, Divine Word College
Secretary: Kyle Vareberg, Northeastern State University
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Communication Theory
The Communication Theory Interest Group is concerned with the examination and discussion of concepts through which its members interpret and extend their understanding of communication within and across domains, including the development, comparison, extension, criticism, teaching, learning, and application of those concepts.
Bylaws of the Communication Theory Interest Group
Chair: Hocheol Yang, California Polytechnic State University
Vice-Chair: Stephen Spates, Michigan State University
Secretary: Austin Beattie, Hope College
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Community College
The purpose of the Community College Interest Group is to deal with issues of general concern to members including the sharing of information on course development, teaching strategies and programs in the Community Colleges; promoting professional research-related instruction; encouraging co-curricular activities; and organizing panels and programs for the annual CSCA convention.
Bylaws of the Community College Interest Group
Chair: Julie Semlak, Laramie County Community College
Vice-Chair: Becky Belter Roberts, Jackson College
Secretary: Kara Boyd, St. Charles Community College
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Ethnicity, Race, International, and Class Concerns Caucus
The Ethnicity, Race, International, and Class Concerns Caucus is designed to support issues related to identity concerns in all aspects of the members’ academic lives. The scope of this Caucus is broad, as the study of race, ethnicity, international, and class issues includes all domains: personal, professional, private, and public. Each year the Caucus will offer programming that includes both cutting-edge research in the areas of race, ethnicity, class, and international-oriented topics; but also activist programming that seeks to address issues and advance causes related to the Caucus membership.
Bylaws of the Ethnicity Race International and Class Concerns Caucus
Chair: Nurhayat Bilge, SUNY - Fashion Institute of Technology
Vice-Chair: Hsin-I Sydney Yueh, University of Missouri
Secretary: Sofia Elena Salazar Carballo, University of Central Florida
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Graduate Student Caucus
The Graduate Student Caucus is focused on graduate student development within the Central States region and is open to all members who affiliate with the Caucus. The Caucus supports research conducted by graduate students as well as research and programming focusing on issues related to the unique situations of being a graduate student and graduate teaching or research assistant.
Bylaws of the Graduate Student Caucus
Chair: Maddy Pringle, University of Missouri
Vice-Chair: Misornu Nartey, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Secretary: Abigail Olajire, University of Missouri
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Great Ideas for Teaching
The G.I.F.T. (Great Ideas for Teaching) Interest Group provides members with an opportunity to share exceptional teaching activities and assignments to enhance pedagogical approaches in the ever-changing communication discipline. Traditionally, G.I.F.T. submissions have focused on public speaking, interpersonal, small group, organizational, and hybrid courses; however, we encourage creative submissions from any facet of our discipline, including activities designed for online teaching.
Bylaws of the G.I.F.T. Interest Group
Chair: Jaclyn Shetterly, The University of Alabama
Vice-Chair: Katie Turkiewicz, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Secretary: Darcy Wente-Hahn, Southwestern Illinois College
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Health Communication
The Health Communication Interest Group focuses on the role of communication in the delivery and promotion of health. Among research interests are concern for communication effectiveness of providers and consumers, development of health campaigns, promotion of ethics, and the role of technology.
Bylaws of the Health Communication Interest Group
Chair: Sydney O'Shay, Utah State University
Vice-Chair: R. Amanda Cooper, University of Connecticut
Secretary: Amanda Lilly, Utah State University
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Instructional Resources
The Instructional Resources Interest Group is comprised of members interested in all forms of instructional technology, resource materials, and research which enhance classroom instruction.
Bylaws of the Instructional Resources Interest Group
Chair: Kellie Welch Smith, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Vice-Chair: Kim Omachinski, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Secretary: Stephen A. Klien, University of Missouri
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Intercultural Communication
The Intercultural Communication Interest Group was established in 1994 to meet the demand of increasing academic interests in communication issues related to globalization, diversity, and group relations in a multicultural society. The purpose of this Interest Group is to develop a research base in theory, criticism, and pedagogy that contributes to the understanding of communication in intercultural contexts.
Bylaws of the Intercultural Communication Interest Group
Chair: Andrew R. Donofrio, St. Lawrence University
Vice-Chair: Ahmet Aksoy, Columbia College
Secretary: Kim Omachinski, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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Interpersonal and Family Communication
The Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group was formed in 1996 to create an outlet for researchers, scholars, and practitioners in the fields of interpersonal and small group communication. Members engage in professional discussion and collaboration of interpersonal and small group communication relating to theoretical, empirical, community engagement, methodological, and pedagogical issues. The goal is to develop a strong network among its members to enhance theoretical development and research agendas within the academic and outside research communities, particularly within the Central States Region.
Bylaws of the Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group
Chair: Cimmiaron F. Alvarez, Rutgers University
Vice-Chair: Sarah Symonds LeBlanc, Purdue University Fort Wayne
Secretary: Lauren J. Johnsen, University of Wisconsin-Stout
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Media Studies
The Media Studies Interest Group is united by a common interest in all aspects of media studies including mass communication, media education, media literacy, media production, telecommunications policy, media technology, media criticism, media and culture, media convergence, or other related areas. We are also committed to research and teaching on such topics as the functions of mass communication, audiences and their uses of media, and mass media impacts on both societies and institutions. This Interest Group also has a particular interest in studying the development of media technology forms, such as computer-mediated-communication, that alter traditional notions of mass communication.
Bylaws of the Media Studies Interest Group
Chair: Nettie Brock, Morehead State University
Vice-Chair: Byron B. Craig, Illinois State University
Secretary: Tasha Riggins, Baker University
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Organizational and Professional Communication
The purpose of the Organizational and Professional Communication Interest Group is to collaboratively promote the efforts of researchers, teacher/scholars, and practitioners as they relate to the study and practice of human communication in organizational and professional contexts. The goal is to develop a strong network among its members to enhance pedagogical and research agendas, particularly as they might aid theoretical development and practical application, within the academic and outside research communities, particularly in each of the 13 states of the Central States region.
Bylaws of the Organizational and Professional Communication Interest Group
Chair: Jessica M. Rick, University of Southern Indiana
Vice-Chair: Cody Coker, Boise State University
Secretary: Kara L. Starnes, University of Missouri
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Performance Studies & Autoethnography
The purpose of the Performance Studies & Autoethnography Interest Group is to promote study, research, teaching, application, and public awareness of the artistic, humanistic, and cultural principles of performance.
Performance Studies and Autoethnography Bylaws
Chair: Tasha R. Dunn, University of Toledo
Vice Chair: Sarah Symonds LeBlanc, Purdue University Fort Wayne
Secretary: Vianna Isbister, Independent Scholar
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Political Communication
The mission of the Political Communication Interest Group is to support the teaching and research of political communication. The scope of the Interest Group is broad, as the study of politics and communication may encompass the communicative activity of citizens, individual political figures, governmental institutions, the media, political campaigns, advocacy groups, and social movements. This Interest Group recognizes and encourages research that addresses political communication topics in all contexts and levels of analysis, employing a variety of methodologies.
Bylaws of the Political Communication Interest Group
Chair: Jihye Park, University of Zurich
Vice-Chair: Joshua D. Atkinson, Bowling Green State University
Secretary: Xavier Scruggs, University of Missouri
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Popular Culture
The purpose of the Popular Culture Interest Group is to serve as an outlet for the discussion of popular culture research, scholarship, and creativity.
Bylaws of the Popular Culture Interest Group
Chair: Matthew R. Meier, DePauw University
Vice-Chair: Holly W. Holladay, Missouri State University
Secretary: Tyler Curran, Missouri State University
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Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
The Rhetorical Theory and Criticism Interest Group is dedicated to preserving and promoting scholarship and teaching in rhetorical theory and rhetorical criticism.
Bylaws of the Rhetorical Theory and Criticism Interest Group
Chair: Thomas A. Salek, Elmhurst University
Vice-Chair: Gordana Lazić, Missouri State University
Secretary: Alexandra Parr Balaram, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Caucus
The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Caucus is designed to support gay, lesbian, transgender, questioning, intersexed, or otherwise queer individuals in all aspects of their academic life. The scope of this Caucus is broad, as the study of sexual orientation and gender identity includes all domains: personal, professional, private, and public. The Caucus is designed to stimulate and promote the research, teaching, and professional concerns regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in all areas of the communication discipline. The Caucus recognizes research at various levels of analysis, employing a variety of methodologies.
Bylaws of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Caucus
Chair: Stephanie Young, University of Southern Indiana
Vice-Chair: Jimmie Manning, University of Nevada, Reno
Secretary: Danielle Stern, Christopher Newport University
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Sports Communication
The Sports Communication Interest Group facilitates discussion of topic and in fields related to interaction of communication and sport. The interest group seeks to promote the importance of sport in society, highlighting its place in communication pedagogy and scholarship.
Bylaws of the Sports Communication Interest Group
Chair: Linsay Cramer, Coastal Carolina University
Vice-Chair: Jerralyn Moody, Wisconsin Lutheran College
Secretary: Scott Jensen, Webster University
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States Advisory Council
The States Advisory Council serves as a primary channel for communication between and among the 13 states in the Central States region in matters pertaining to professional activities in the 13 states. Each state may nominate two representatives who attend meetings at the CSCA and the NCA annual conventions.
Bylaws of the States Advisory Council
Learn more about the States Advisory Council here!
Chair: Gayle Pohl, University of Northern Iowa
Vice-Chair: Kim Weismann, Bismarck State College
Secretary: Jeffrey Brand, University of Northern Iowa
Illinois: Dana Trunnell
Iowa: Jeffrey Brand and Joy Daggs
Minnesota: Scott D. Wells and Keith Bistodeau
Missouri: Scott Jensen and Randy Dillon
Nebraska: John Heineman
North Dakota: Kim Weismann
Ohio: Amber Ferris and Cody Clemens
Oklahoma: Kristopher Copeland
South Dakota: Joshua Westwick
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Strategic and Applied Communication
The Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group highlights scholarship and pedagogy dealing with issues, strategies, and teaching materials related to public relations. The Interest Group encourages members to engage students and each other in the study, analysis, evaluation, and participation in strategic and applied communication activities. The Interest Group encourages networking and relationship building among students, faculty, and professionals in strategic and applied communication.
Bylaws of the Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group
Chair: Xianlin Jin, University of Toledo
Vice-Chair: Joshua Bolton, Salisbury University
Secretary: Khairul Islam, Wayne State University
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Undergraduate Education & Administration
The Undergraduate Education & Administration Section is an inclusive organization that includes, but is not limited to, faculty both at small colleges and in the undergraduate divisions of larger institutions, faculty interested in curricular and co-curricular development programs, undergraduate honors students with an interest in scholarly work, and faculty in programs with both an academic and a community outreach component. Our Section encourages cooperation among the values and professional styles associated with classroom issues, co-curricular programming, and scholarly research efforts.
Bylaws of the Undergraduate Education & Administration Section
Chair: Joy L. Daggs, Northwest Missouri State University
Vice-Chair: Elizabeth Ribarsky, University of Illinois, Springfield
Secretary: Xinyue (Gordon) Liu, North Dakota State University
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Women’s Caucus
The purpose of the Women’s Caucus is to provide an outlet for scholarship, teaching and service pertaining to the lives of women in academia, education, and society. We are particularly concerned with feminist approaches to communication research, and are engaged in activism related to improving women’s lived experiences through communication.
Chair: Kellie Welch Smith, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Vice-Chair: Amanda Grace Taylor, Bowling Green State University
Secretary: Kristin Fitzsimmons, University of Minnesota
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