COMS News | December 2025
December Newsletter
COMS Announcements
Finals and Winter Break
Good luck to all of our students during the upcoming finals week! Your professors are cheering you on! As a reminder, we hope that you will take advantage of the many resources Cal Poly has available just for you, such as the Office of Writing and Learning and the Tutoring and Learning Center, to help you achieve pathways to success on your academic journey. We also hope that you make time for self-care and check in with services such as Campus Health and Wellbeing. Have a restful break and happy new year to our COMS community members!
Debate Team Fundraiser
Want to help strengthen the future of productive civic discourse and public deliberation? Support the Cal Poly Debate Team! Our program is built on a core educational mission: teaching students how to engage in reasoned disagreement, practice collaborative problem-solving, and model the kind of democratic dialogue our society urgently needs. Debate at Cal Poly isn’t just competition, it’s an immersive learning environment where students research complex issues, test arguments through respectful dialogue, and build the habits of mind essential for informed citizenship. Providing these high-impact educational opportunities requires meaningful support. Airfare, accommodations, and tournament fees add up quickly for our 40-member team of English- and Spanish-language debaters who represent Cal Poly at prestigious national and international tournaments. Your donation directly empowers students to participate in these transformative experiences, expand their cross-cultural communication skills, and practice real-world deliberation on the global stage. Invest in an education that strengthens democratic discourse. Donate today through the Debate Team donor website — every contribution helps us prepare a new generation of thoughtful, capable public thinkers for the 2025–26 season and beyond.
Spotlights
We're proud to share the amazing stories of our current students and alumni! This month, we're spotlighting the work and accomplishments of alumni Rohit Nandyala and Ejay Brady!
- Rohit K. Nandyala (he/him; graduated fall 2024) has been working as an Area Manager at Amazon! He leads the Stow department at a fulfillment center, which involves managing and developing a large team of associates, optimizing inventory flow, and using data to keep operations running smoothly and accurately while working closely with other teams to achieve shared goals. When reflecting on his time at Cal Poly, Rohit shared that: "As a people manager, the experiences gained from my Communication Studies courses have been vital to my role. There are multiple types of communication at play at work every single day, with interpersonal, organizational, small group, intercultural, and intergroup communication just being a few to name."
- Ejay Brady (she/her; graduated spring 2021) has been working as the Communications Director at Andrew Goodwin Designs (AGD), an architectural design firm. Over the past year and a half, she has focused primarily on writing proposals to secure bids for educational design projects. When reflecting on her time at Cal Poly, Ejay shared that "Cal Poly has a lot of resources for whatever your interest may be. Whether that exploration begins at a club or a major/minor, this exposure allows for you to find an interest you may not know you even had. That’s how I found myself in the architectural design field, which was through my minor, sustainable environments. The COMS department enabled me to step into my career prepared with skills in critical thinking, analysis, and overall competency in writing. Use your professors and advisors as resources!"
Events & Opportunities
Capital Fellows Programs
Capital Fellows Programs are administered by the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State and are an outstanding opportunity for college graduates to begin their careers and engage in public service. Fellows work 10-11 months as paid, full-time staff members in the California State Assembly, California State Senate, California executive Branch, or California's Judicial Branch. They participate in policy making, program development, and program implementation. Upon successful completion of their fellowships, Fellows receive a graduate certificate in Applied Policy and Government from Sacramento State. Prospective Capital Fellows must have a bachelor's degree and a demonstrated interest in public service, California state government, and public policy. All majors are welcome to apply. Online applications are now open and must be submitted by Monday, December 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST. If you have questions regarding the Capital Fellows Programs, please contact the Senior Outreach Specialist, Shannon Swanson.
CSU Entertainment x Disney Internships
Interested in learning about internships with Disney? Join the CSU Entertainment Alliance (CSUEA) for a Disney info session on internships. Learn how to apply, what to expect, and more! Disney internships help students gain hands-on, real-world experience. There are varying internship locations and career fields to apply to. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity! For more information on how to apply, get valuable application tips, and have your questions answered directly by Disney, reserve your spot at the event and attend the Q&A. This is an online event that takes place on December 12 from 12pm to 1pm PST.
WSCA Undergraduate Research Conference
Do you have a research project you’re proud of? Ready to share your ideas with a supportive community of scholars? Submit your paper to present at the Western States Communication Association Undergraduate Student Research Conference (USRC), which takes place February 27, 2026 in San Diego California! The USRC provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to showcase their scholarly work and to receive feedback from experienced scholars in the field. Don't delay! The deadline to submit your paper this year is Monday, December 15 at 11:59pm PST. For more information, visit the USRC web page and email Dr. Brie for resources and support to attend the conference!
Post-Production Film Grants
Are you looking for funds to finish a film-related project? Apply for a Starz Post-Production Funds grant from the CSU Entertainment Alliance! This funding opportunity is open to CSU students and recent alumni who have completed their degree within the last two years. The funds can be used for post-production services such as editing, sound design, color grading, music composing, animation, and VFX. The deadline for submission is December 15, 2025. Finished films will participate in an industry screening of all completed films that received funding! Find out more at the application page.
Television Academy Foundation Internship Program
The Television Academy Foundation is looking to hire interns for Summer 2026! The Foundation offers hands-on learning experiences with professionals at the top of their game in the television industry. Television Academy Foundation interns are placed at studios, networks, and production companies across the entertainment industry where they receive direct mentorship and access to industry practices, processes, and opportunities for professional networking. Find out more and apply here.
CSU Research/Creative Activity Competition
The CSU Student Research/Creative Activity Competition is held each year to promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate scholarly research and creative activity by recognizing outstanding student accomplishments across the 23 CSU campuses. The competition is open to all disciplines and to current undergraduates, graduate students, and 2025 alums. Cash prizes are awarded. Submissions are due by the end of the day on Monday, 1/12/26. For general information, visit the Office of Student Research website and to learn more, attend the upcoming scheduled Information Session: Thursday January 8, 2026, 11:10am-12pm (Zoom Meeting ID 883 6250 1116).
Fully-Funded Global Internship in Ireland
The Frederick Douglass-Daniel O'Connell Global Internship is a fully-funded summer study abroad program for diverse student leaders. Ten students will be selected for this transformative 8-week, fully-funded internship in Dublin, Ireland, to expand their understanding of Irish history and gain real-world work experience. They invite applications from 1st-, 2nd-, or 3rd-year students with a GPA of 3.0 or above who are eligible for the Pell Grant or have demonstrated financial need. All eligible applicants not selected for the Fellowship will receive a $1,500 grant toward any CIEE summer or semester program through summer 2027. Applications will be accepted until January 9, 2026. Find out more at the Internship website and attend one of the upcoming virtual info sessions on December 15 or January 8.
MA Program in COMS at San Jose State
The Department of Communication Studies at San Jose State University is currently accepting applications for their M.A. program for Fall 2026 admissions. This graduate program features both a hybrid track (mix of in-person and online classes), or online-only track and is grounded in the theoretical and ethical foundations of communication studies. Students accepted to the hybrid track will also be eligible to apply to the Teaching Associate program, which includes a full tuition waiver and stipend. They will also be hosting a series of info sessions for prospective students to learn more about the programs. Please contact Graduate Program Director, Dr. Marie Haverfield for the online link to the info sessions, which takes place 3-4pm Pacific Time on January 29th. Learn more about the M.A. graduate program here.
Healthcare Communications & Marketing Scholarships
Are you interested in pursuing a degree in advertising, marketing, or public relations with a specific interest in healthcare marketing communications? Apply for a scholarship through The Lagrant Foundation (TLF)! TLF will be providing $2,500-$3,750 scholarships for 10-20 students. The early bird deadline to apply is January 20, 2026 (with a final deadline of February 27, 2026). Find out more and apply online.
Share your Story Through a Creative PSA
The California State University (CSU) system has opened doors for generations of creative thinkers in film, media, design, and beyond, offering an accessible, high-quality alternative to expensive private programs. And the results speak for themselves: Ryan Coogler, EvaLongoria, Billie Jean King, and Steven Spielberg all started their journeys at a CSU. Now, it’s your turn to help shape what comes next. The CSU Entertainment Alliance is inviting CSU students and alumni to create a short Public Service Announcement (PSA) that reflects your experience with the CSU. This isn’t just an ad; it’s storytelling, identity, and inspiration. For more information, visit the Submission web page and send in your project by 11:59pm on February 15, 2026.
LA Olympics 2028 Volunteer Program
LA28 is recruiting volunteers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic games. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be one of the most iconic sporting events in Los Angeles history and they can’t happen without you! The LA28 Volunteer Program is your chance to make a difference, starting now. Whether you’re supporting the local community starting in 2025, or helping host the world in 2028, this is your chance to be a part of something meaningful, memorable, and impactful. Find out more and apply here!
Free Immigration Legal Services
The California State University (CSU) offers free immigration legal services for CSU students and employees through the nonprofit agency Immigrant Legal Defense (ILD). Attorneys, paralegals, and/or accredited representatives from the service providers visit campuses on a routine basis to assist with legal services such as consultations, DACA renewals, and general assistance in filling out forms such as family-based petitions. For more information, visit the immigration legal services website.
Faculty & Staff News
Faculty News
Dr. Lisa Kawamura received a Mayor's Commendation from Mayor Caren Ray Russom and the City of Arroyo Grande on October 28, 2025, in recognition of her selection as one of five recipients of the 2025 Congressional Woman of the Year Award for her outstanding contributions to education, equity, and empowerment on the Central Coast. For more than 27 years, she has inspired Cal Poly students through her teaching in the Communication Studies Department, helping countless students find their voices, build confidence, and communicate with purpose and authenticity. Congrats to Dr. Kawamura!
Faculty Projects
Our COMS Department faculty are always participating in high-quality teaching, research, and service projects within our academic community! This month we're highlighting the following news showcasing the work of your professors:
Dr. Aubrie Adams' scholarship was recently published in Making Thought Visible: Representations of Neurodiversity on Television in a book chapter titled, "Examining reactions to atypical behaviors in Young Sheldon." This collaborative piece (written with alumni Mackenzie Demay, Scott Collier, and Abigail Dorman) used a content analysis method to examine how responses to the expression of neurodivergent behaviors can become normalized through television sitcoms in positive and negative ways (available at the Cal Poly Library).
Dr. Lorraine Jackson's scholarship was recently published in Preventive Medicine Reports in an article titled "Advancing Support for Electronic Cigarette Control Policies in the United States: The Impact of Theory-Based Messaging Strategies." This co-authored piece (written with Alber, Viela, Jessup, Sandoval, & Santilena) tested whether theory-based messages (focused on attitudes or perceived norms) could increase public support for e-cigarette control policies among U.S. adults. Their results showed that Attitude-based messages were rated as more effective and were linked to greater support for taxing e-cigarettes, suggesting strategic messaging may help strengthen policy support.
Dr. Sergio Fernando Juárez's scholarship was recently published in The Basic Communication Course Annual (BCCA) in a forum response titled "Beyond Gatekeeping: Narratives and Infrastructures for Inclusive Foundational Courses." This collaborative piece (written with Ana Isabel Terminel Iberri) argues that foundational courses need more institutional infrastructures that support inclusion and equity. By shifting away from exclusionary course structures and traditional gatekeeping practices, foundational courses can become more accessible and supportive for a diverse student population.
Dr. Sergio Fernando Juárez's scholarship was also recently published in the Journal of Intercultural Communication Research in an article titled, "Reimagining Reflexivity as an Embodied Practice." This co-authored essay (written with Ana Isabel Terminel Iberri) critiques how racial disparities and the dominance of white scholarship have restricted innovation and reinforced narrow perspectives within communication studies. It proposes an embodied form of reflexivity, grounded in Chicana/Latina feminist theories, that integrates lived experience and cultural knowledge to reveal and challenge inequitable power structures.
Professor Jon Kawashima received a shout-out in the Cal Poly Report from Computer Science student Carter Lim, who was the winner of the 16th Annual Elevator Pitch competition! In the shout-out, Carter acknowledged that, "Leading up to this, I was very stressed, but I want to give a shout-out to my communications Professor Jon Kawashima, who gave me the confidence to do this." This recognition is a wonderful reminder of the powerful role our public speaking professors play in students’ lives. Their guidance not only helps students find their voice in the classroom, but also equips them with the confidence and communication skills that open doors far beyond it.
BEACoN Research Projects
Congratulations to our COMS professors who will be participating as mentors and scholars in the annual BEACoN research program! Check out the projects your COMS professors are advising this year:
Dr. Darrian Carroll was awarded funding for a study called Racial In/visibility on Cal Poly’s Changing Campus. While working on this project, student scholars will learn rhetorical field methods and autoethnography. In addition, students will practice the kind of textual analysis that is foundational to success in post-college education programs, whether that be law school or graduate education.
Dr. Victoria Zamora and Dr. John Patrick were awarded funding for a study called Access on a Shoestring: Student-Led Facilitation for the Sierra Sustainability Summit. While working on this project, student scholars will gain skills in facilitation & group process, public speaking & advocacy design, leadership & collaboration, program design & assessment, professional tools, and equity-minded practices.
Retirement Announcement
We're celebrating the fabulous work and accomplishments of Professor Rebecca Laidlaw, who is retiring at the end of the fall 2025 quarter after being at Cal Poly since 2002! Coach Laidlaw was the recipient of the CLA "Outstanding Career Achievement in Teaching by a Lecturer" Award in 2022 and has left a lasting impact on our department! On behalf of the COMS Department community, we wish her a truly wonderful retirement!
In Memoriam
The COMS Department is also sharing the sad news that Professor Emeritus James R. (“Jim”) Conway passed away on Tuesday, November 4, at his home in Cayucos. Jim was a beloved member of our department for many years, teaching in Communication Studies from 1969 until his retirement in 2010, and was also a former Department Chair. He was deeply committed to his students and colleagues, and his presence helped shape the department we know today. Jim was also part of a long-standing bridge group for nearly 40 years, which is a reflection of the friendships and community he built both inside and outside of Cal Poly. Many of us who knew Jim will remember him with warmth and gratitude. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Sharing is Caring
Do you have an announcement to share with COMS majors, minors, faculty, and staff? Email Dr. Brie to find out how to share it! Follow COMS on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn