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CMAT

Vol. XXXII No. 4 - October 29, 2015

What is the Communication Arts Program?

The Communication
Arts major is a Bachelor of
Arts degree offered to students through the Department of Communication
Arts.

nize problems of communication and how to solve these

problems; to achieve competency in one or more communications related career
field; to complete a concentrated study in one track; and
The students can specialize in to understand organizational
one of four areas, or tracks, communication and public
that focus on certain aspects relations through studying
of Communication Arts
intercultural communication
human communication,
and international media.
journalism/public relations,
media production, and meTo complete the major, studia studies.
dents must complete 40
credits, or 10
All tracks help students
improve their face to face
courses. 16 of the 40 credits
communication, decision
must be at the 300-400 level.
making, and problem solvWith this major, students are
ing skills, to prepare them
learning how to enhance the
for careers in sales, training
quality of community life.
and development, human
resources and management,
-Taylor Wilson
print or broadcast journalism, radio, television, and
public relations.

These skills also

extend to students personal
lives. The goal
for every Communication Arts
student is to
become aware
of the importance of communication and
improve their
communication skills and
knowledge; to learn to recog-

TABLE
OF
CONTENTS

CMAT Program...................pg 1
Faculty Spotlight..................pg 2
Faculty Spotlight..................pg 3
Study Abroad (India)..........pg 4
Study Abroad (Scotland)... pg 5
Study Abroad (England)....pg 5
Advising................................pg 6
SPJ.........................................pg 6
WXSU...................................pg 6
Internships...........................pg 7
Practicums...........................pg 7
Calendar...............................pg8
1

Faculty
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Pro

Melany Trenary is a Commu-

nications Arts teacher at Salisbury

University focusing in the Human
Communications track. Trenary has
been apart of SU for 19 years starting here in 1996. Trenary attended
James Madison University for her
B.S. and then attending East Carolina University for her M.A. While
teaching six grade Trenary decided to
go to grad school because of a
student she met. I wanted to help
him and didnt feel l I knew how or
could in my
current position as teacher. It spurred
me to study counseling education,
Trenary Said. Currently Trenary
teaches in the Human Communications Studies Track. Some of the

Assistant Professor
Jennifer Cox began teach-

ing at Salisbury University in

2011, after receiving
her PhD from the University
of Florida.
She moved to the Eastern
Shore because she felt it was a
good place to live and teach.
Since joining the Communication Arts Department, Cox
has been able to create new
courses that incorporate a
journalistic foundation. These
courses include Mobile Journalism, Public Affairs Reporting and Contemporary in New
Medias.
Getting to watch my students
grow and learn new concepts
is probably one of the best
things about teaching, said
Cox. Watching them get to
understand something for the
first time and develop a passion for it is amazing.
Cox said the most challenging
thing about teaching is the
grading, because she feels

the system is subjective and

unfair.
When she is not in the classroom she serves as the advisor
for the Society of Professional
Journalist, an organization that
aims to provide students with
information on the world of
journalism.
Cox hopes to continue to grow
the Communication Arts Department in the future, and add
new courses that the students
will enjoy.
-Dallas Jordan

classes she is teaching now are Intro

to Human Communications and Interpersonal Communications. Having been apart of SU for many years
Trenary enjoys being apart of the
department. I enjoy our department
because of my gifted colleagues.
They truly have a passion for what
they do. I also enjoy the timeliness
and reliability of the content we are
fortunate enough to teach, Trenary
Said. Having hands on experience
and being involved has helped her be
successful in her career Hands on
experience has always been the most
beneficial in my educational career
and discussions revolving around
that experience, Trenary said.
-Cheyenne Powell

Spotlights
Born in Bombay, India and beginning with a graduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Bombay, one may wonder how Dr. Andrew Sharma
made his way to Salisbury, Maryland to become a
professor for the Communications Department at
SU.
Dr. Sharma has been on the move
throughout his life. He started in
India, found his way to Louisiana,
Illinois, Indiana and New York, until
he discovered the eastern shore of
Maryland.
Along the way, he received a
post-graduate diploma in Communications from Xavier Institute of
Communications in India, a Masters
degree from Southern University and
earned his Ph.D. from the Newhouse
School of Communications at Syracuse University.
Dr. Sharma worked in the advertising industry and
Production as he earned his degrees, and went on
to teach at Guru Jambeshwar University in India,
Ball State University and the State University of New
York, until he found his place at Salisbury University.

He has brought his expertise in his areas of specialization, including Television/Video, Radio/Audio
and Film Production, Advertising Communication
Strategies and Media Effects and developed a study
abroad program for SU called Bollywood and Beyond in India for the
winter semesters.
Logan OMeara, senior Communication Arts major, felt that Dr. Sharmas
approach to
teaching and engaging his students
was effective when she took his
course.
I enjoyed Dr. Sharmas Advertising
and Campaigns class because I felt
like he challenged his students in the
classroom every day to be better,
said OMeara. Im glad I got the
experience!
For any students interested in learning more about
Dr. Andrew Sharma or want to learn a
thing or two from him, visit his website and check
out which courses he teaches.
-Jessica Crew

Are you Ready for the Trip of a Lifetime?

Salisbury University CMAT Study Abroad Opportunities
HOLA, CIAO, SALUT: HELLO FROM AROUND THE
WORLD- SU STUDENTS STUDY
ABROAD

College is such a significant, life-changing, learning

experience that serves as a building block for your
future. Leaving home, for some: living in a new state
or better yet a new
country is a huge
adjustment but its
all part of the experience. Sitting in a lecture of 120 students
is quite intimidating
and somewhat of a
cool feeling but why
not really take things
to the next level, step
out of your comfort
zone and study abroad. Salisbury University offers
over 20 different programs allowing freshman-senior
students to study for both fall and spring semesters
as well as a winter or summer term. Salisbury University offers a unique program for Communication

Arts majors known as a Global Internship centered

out of Florence, Italy. Students will earn communications arts credits towards their major, gain valuable
international work experience, and learn the Italian
culture- sounds a lot better than a 120-person lecture!
After students return home from this experience,
they tend to stand out as opposed to every other
student according to Dr. Darrell Mullins, a Communications Arts Professor, Having supervised CMAT
students in
international internships for almost
five years now, I can
confidently say that
students who have
spent time abroad
are more confident,
more mature, and
are generally more
sophisticated. These
qualities come
across naturally in interview settings; I believe that
it enhances student success both professionally and
personally Mullins remarked. So why not study
abroad?
-Lauren Minghenelli

INDIA
Imagine. A new country. A new experience. Imagine, a trip of a lifetime.
Bollywood and Beyond is exactly
that, a chance to explore the inner
cultures of India.
Dr. Andrew Sharma, a professor at
Salisbury University is the conductor
of the winter study abroad program
to Mumbai, India. Dr. Sharma had
the idea to facilitate a program that
allowed students a life changing
experience after he took his wife and
children to his hometown 20 years
after leaving.
Bollywood and Beyonds geographical focal point is in the city of
Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra.

Students will get a chance to see, what

Lonely Planet Guide to India says is a,
cultural cocktail.
Studying abroad to city that is rich
in culture and history will lead many
students to a different look at life. The
trip allows tourists to not only see
what the city life of India has to offer,
but also a chance to see a povertystricken country that leaves many
touched. The Bollywood and Beyond booklet given to students says
that the trip is a lifetime experiencementally, physically and emotionally
and to make sure to, open your mind
and heart.
While this trip is made to be fun and

entertaining, it is also expected that

students remember that this trip is a
learning experience and students are
responsible for their schoolwork.
As the 6th edition, Lonely Planet
Guide to India would say, India
is not a place that you simply and
clinically see, its a total experience,
an assault on the senses, a place youll
never forget.
-Alexis Luther

SCOTLAND
For students,
the opportunity
study abroad, to
immerse yourself
in another culture
- taste their food,
learn their history,
understand what it
really means to be
part of their nation
- is an invaluable
experience.
That dream can become reality for many students, thanks
to the Communication, Culture and Identity in Scotland
course.
In the winter semester, Salisburys Communication Arts
students have the chance to visit Scotland for two weeks,
allowing them to interact with the Scottish community.
As a study abroad student from Scotland, I wanted to find
out what students who take part in the trip can expect,
and how it shapes them.
Students totally evolve in the two week span, said Dr.

A once in a lifetime trip abroad

awaits Salisbury University students. For the past 10 years,
Professor Darrell Newton of the
Communication Arts Department
has and continues to take lucky SU
students to England for the Summer Session I period. The 4-credit
class is called CMAT 399: International Studies in Communication
and its offered to all majors. The
program takes place from June 2
to June 27 and offers students the
opportunity to do an individual,
communications-related project
while touring London and other
parts of Europe. The course is split
up into two sections. The class
meets each weekday at SU for the

Jennifer Cox, Assistant Professor and organiser of the last

two trips. Its very exciting to see how students develop
[in that time].
The trip is based in Edinburgh, which Dr. Cox described
as the cultural mecca of Scotland. Students also get to
visit Glasgow, and travel through the Scottish Highlands
to Inverness.
During their time in Scotland, students have the chance to
go on pub crawls through the capital, visit historic landmarks, go on a Scottish Whisky Tour, and climb Arthurs
Seat - an iconic Edinburgh landmark.
It is not all pub crawls and sightseeing, though. Students
have to complete journal entries on what they have experienced; a final exam on their trip; and a final project
on how the trip made them feel about their own cultural
identity, and Americas place in the world.
Theres no reason not to do it, Dr. Cox said. Anyone who
wants to do it - do it!
It will pull you out of your comfort zone.Spending time
abroad is highly valued by employers, and SU students are
getting an opportunity they cannot pass up.
-Ross Brannigan

ENGLAND

first part from June 2 until June 10

for pre-tour lectures that will help
students develop a clearer understanding of European media and
culture. Students then depart for
England from the June 11 to June
21 and will tour the BBC, British
Museum, British Film Institute
and the British Library, while also
visiting different universities, the
city of Warwick and the country
of Wales. Tuition and other fees
for the program will cost between
$2,000 and $2,500 for in-state residents. The final price depends on
the number of participants but includes airfare, tuition, travel, room
and board. During the trip, students will stay at Brunel Univer-

sity in the Uxbridge area and will

travel by train and the Tube for
educational purposes and personal
exploration. Newton says students
should utilize these unique opportunities in order to become global
citizens and ultimately become
competitive in their job searches
post graduation.
My favorite part about this program is watching students have a
good time, do well on their assignments and learn to view the world
differently, Newton said.
-Karly Oristian
5

Prepare for Advising

Twice an academic school year Salisbury
University students are faced with the daunting
task of
planning the next five months of their academic careers.
Advising has started and its time for students
to decide if they can sit in a lecture for three
hours , complete all their general ed credits or
if theyve completed all there credits for graduation with their advisor.
Advisees and advisors should meet during
week 8 and 9 during the school semester
Each advisor is assigned no more than 50 students in the major they teach and it is their job
to guide students throughout their time at SU.
Its easy to get lost and make mistakes, Communications Professor James Burton said.
Burton believes it is important that students
have a good working relationship with their
advisors. This can make them less anxious
when they have to meet and guide them on the
right track for graduation.
Were like the college umpires Burton said.
Burton recalled that once he had a student who
missed several meetings with him because he
believed that he could plan his course load on
his own but when he came in for a to plan what
he believed to be his last semester the student
found out that he had to take 45 more credits
unitl he could graduate.
-Alexie Malloy

Salisbury Universitys
96.3 WXSU radio station

is a student-run organization
that has brought music to the
student body since its genesis
42 years ago. Carsen Kralstein,
the stations general manager,
remarked that she has seen the
station go from a mere twelve
DJs during her freshman year
to a hundred DJs by her senior
year.
I think it adds life to the
campus, it spreads music into
peoples days and it is a great
way for the students to express
themselves, Kralstein said.
The club has offered students
a unique opportunity to let
their voices be heard, playing

popular songs students know

and love as well as indie and
music from local up-and-coming bands. In addition, the station broadcasts student talkshows where student hosts
are able to offer insight into
current events, both smallscale and global. Kralstein acknowledges how she has seen
the station allow students to
learn and grow as members of
a radio station, as well as grow
into their own skin.
The DJs have opened up and
as the General Manager I get
to watch their progress,
Kralstein said. Its pretty
amazing.
-Corey Lapres

JOIN STUDENT GROUPS

The Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ),

is a student organization
dedicated to training
upcoming journalist and
providing networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
The chapter at Salisbury
University aims to explore
contemporary issues affecting new media, including
online journalism, social
media and media management.
When the group is not
holding their annual meetings, they take several field
trips to gain insight on the
day to day requirements of a
journalist, and how they as
students can break into the

field.
The group recently went
to visit the WBAL studio
in Baltimore, following the
Picturing Protest event
hosted by the Md. SPJ Pro.
Visiting the WBAL news
studio was an amazing
opportunity, said Charlei
Baylor.
I was so
grateful for the opportunity
to visit a live newsroom and
to speak to someone in the
field.
Everyone is welcome to
join SPJ and it is strongly
encouraged for those in the
Communication Arts program. The next meeting will
be held in November.
-Dallas Jordan
6

The Importance of
Networking
Internships

An internship is one of the most important and

crucial requirements for any students hoping to
leave Salisbury University with a degree in communication arts.
Not only is it their first step out of the classroom
and into a real-world working experience, but also
define a students path on what they want to do
with their lives.
What many find to be the most difficult part of the
internship experience is actually finding and securing the position, but what those same students do
not realize is that the key to getting a great internship, is networking.
For many, the only searching they do is online or
through a list provided, and while that may work

for some, most students who have successfully

secured an internship will say that networking for
them, was key in finding their internship.
Dr. Jody Morrison, the Internship Director for
communication arts, says, When networking,
students most popularly find their internships
through their personal and social contacts.
But it is often times not necessarily that first level
contact like asking a parent or asking a best friend.
Sometimes the contacts you need
will not be your first thought, but someone who
will come up in a conversation with a cousin,
whose neighbors wife works for the company you
are trying to get an internship with.
No matter where you go or whom you are talking
with, always look for the next way to branch out.
You may not get an internship offer on the spot,
but you never know when that contacts sisters,
husband will get you that internship for the company of your dreams.
-Gabriella Tancona

Practicums

One of the requirements for students in the Journalism and Public Relations track is enrollment in
a 90-hour practicum course. This program allows
students to gain professional experience while also
studying in their field.
I want to make sure that we continue getting a
high level of professionalism from the students,
Amanda Welch-Hamill said about the practicum
program. In January of 2015, Welch-Hamill will
be taking the position of Practicum Director for
students studying Journalism and Public Relations,
a position currently held by Dr. Jody Morrison.
Welch-Hamill is a lecturer in Communication Arts
at Salisbury University.
Welch-Hamill said that she looks forward to seeing
the websites the students create for their practicums as well as how they grow throughout their
experience. Despite the change in directors for the

program, however, there are no plans to change it

in the immediate future.
Right now we are keeping the practicum program
as it is, Welch-Hamill said. Right now its meeting our needs but as things change and develop Im
hoping that the practicum program will change
and develop as well.
-Darby Dicks

OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

1101 Camden Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801-6860
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Get more info online:

www.salisbury.edu
Vol. XXXII No. 4 - October 29, 2015
NOVEMBER
CALENDAR

3
-7:00 PM -10:00 PM
SOAP- Comedy Night ft.
Jeff Keith & Ilica; GUC
Wicomico Room
4
-10:30 AM -03:30 PM
SOAP- Stuff a Plush; GUC
Fireside Lounge
-06:30 PM -09:00 PM
Exercise Science ClubGull-ow Run (5K)-Sea
Gull Square Lawn/Pavilion
6
-7:00 PM -10:00 PM
SU Student Film Society;
Film Screening: Inglorious Basterds- Fulton 111
7
-10:00 AM -03:00 PM
Wesley Foundation-How

to Manage Your Finances-TE 153

8
-2:00 PM -05:00 PM
G.O.T. Moves-Maggs
Auxiliary Gym-215
-8:00 PM -10:00 PM
SOAP Film- San Andreas;
DH 123
10
Tuesday
02:00 PM -05:00 PM
Student Wellness- Wellness Fair; GUC Wicomico
Room
-7:00 PM -10:00 PM
Muslim Student Association; I Wont Keep Quiet-GUC Wicomico Room
12
-11:00 AM -05:00 PM
SGA-Recycle Madness;
Red Square

-6:00 PM -10:00 PM
SOAP- Mike Super, the
Illusionist; Holloway Hall
Auditorium
14
-7:00 AM -05:00 PM
SGA- I Love Salisbury;
Red Square
-10:00 AM -03:00 PM
Math Club Gullcode-TE
152
15
-8:00 PM -10:00 PM
SOAP Film- Minions; DH
123
16
5:00 PM -09:30 PM
SOAP- Open Mic Night;
GUC Wicomico Room
17
-10:00 AM -04:00 PM
SGA-Housing Fair;
GUC-Wicomico Room

18
-7:00 PM -09:30 PM
NAACP- Poetry Slam;
Commons Building-Montgomery Room
19
-2:00 PM -05:30 PM
SGA- Staff and Faculty
Appreciation; GUC Fireside Lounge
20
-12:00 PM -10:00 PM
NCNW-Mr. NCNW Pageant; HH Auditorium
21
-9:00 AM -01:00 PM
NAACP; Bagged Lunch
Volunteer Effort-GUC
Wicomico Room
-11:00 AM -04:00 PM
Quidditch Club; Quidditch Tournament- Intramural Field 1
8