COMS News | February 2026
February Newsletter
COMS Announcements
COMS Advisory Committee: Sticker Design Competition
The COMS Student Advisory Committee is putting on an event for Communication Studies majors and minors to design stickers to hand out to prospective students at the COMS Open House. Join us for a design workshop on February 19th from 11 AM - 12 PM in Building 22, Room 315, donuts provided! Please RSVP with the event registration link and upload your designs by Feb. 24 with the submission links below.
- Registration Link - Register for the event contest here!
- Submission Link - Submit your design here!
COMS Club
Want to get involved in the COMS major, show your engagement in the discipline, and connect with other COMS students? You're invited to attend COMS Club all quarter long! When and where are the meetings? Visit the COMS Club website or follow their Instagram account for the most up-to-date information!
LPH Recruitment
LPH is the National Communication Association’s official honor society. The organization recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of COMS majors and offers membership benefits, including honors status at graduation and ceremonial graduation regalia. To see if you qualify to join, check out the membership requirements and fill out the Cal Poly LPH Interest Form by March 1. Be sure to follow LPH on Instagram @lphcalpoly to stay in the loop.
Debate Team News
We are excited to announce that the Cal Poly Debate Team’s English-language division delivered a strong performance in the January 2026 Yaatly Online Debate League tournament. Four teams of two students participated in the competition, and every single team earned a title! Congratulations to Nathan Buehner (CRP) and Emma Thompson (COMS), as well as Franky Chardos (COMS) and Ethan Organista (POLS), for finishing the tournament as open-division quarter finalists, and to team captain Lauren Rosenberg (COMS) and her partner, Sophie Angiulo (POLS), for finishing as open-division semifinalists. Finally, huge congratulations to Avery Beutner (COMS) and Kate Mills (COMS) for winning the novice division championship! We are very proud of this strong showing and wish our Debate Team all the best at the next YODL tournament and the Pan American Championship!
Cal Poly Research/Creative Activity Competition
Come see the exciting projects being conducted by your peers across campus! The Cal Poly Student Research/Creative Activity Competition is held each year to promote excellence in scholarly research and creative activity by recognizing outstanding student accomplishments. Here's who is presenting and representing the COMS Department this year:
- Marshall Piros is a COMS student presenting a study titled "Beyond the CSU AI Initiative Rollout: Exploring the Continued Uses, Gratifications, and Literacy of Generative Artificial Intelligence Integration at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo." This was a study conducted with co-author Kaylie Marrs (COMS alum) in Dr. Adams COMS 461 Senior Project course. Marshall's presentation takes place on Thursday, February 19, during the 4:30 - 5:00 PM time slot.
Course Spotlight
Interested in learning more about classes in the COMS Major? This month we’re spotlighting an assignment from COMS 385, Media Criticism, in which students examine how discourse in popular culture shapes the way we understand the world. When Dr. Cheung teaches the class, students explore popular culture by picking a social topic they care about and a media text as a case study. Potential media texts include not only films or TV shows, but also ad campaigns (e.g. Sydney Sweeney with American Eagle), controversies (e.g. Angel Reese & Caitlyn Clark basketball rivalry), and organizations (e.g. Hims & Hers weight loss treatments). Rhetorically analyzing and critiquing these case studies helps us reveal how institutions and structures reinforce inequality in the U.S. [Photo credit: NBC News].
Events & Opportunities
Social Media Manager: Gus's Deli
Gus's Deli in San Luis Obispo is looking to hire a Social Media Manager to help run and maintain their social media page! Working closely with the owner, the Social Media Manager (SMM) will help develop and execute a social media strategy and will be responsible for building and maintaining an authentic presence on Instagram and Facebook that reflects their family values and long-term vision. They are seeking Applicants with the following qualifications: (1) Social media content creation and management; (2) Canva and Adobe Photoshop; and (3) Scheduling and planning posts across platforms. If interested, please refer to the linked flyer for more information.
Cal State DC Scholars Program
Applications are open for the Cal State DC Scholars Program! Since 2006, this internship program has offered students the opportunity to study, intern, and earn academic credit in the U.S. capital. The final deadline to apply for this opportunity is February 6, 2026. Find out more and apply here!
Asian Pacific Islander Capitol Association Fellowship
The Asian Pacific Islander Capitol Association (APICA), a non-profit organization for legislative staff, lobbyists, and advocates in the Capitol region, is offering a ten-week summer fellowship based in Sacramento. The fellowship is open to college students and recent graduates who are interested in public policy (age 21 years or older) and includes a $6,720 stipend, orientation, and meaningful work experience in a legislative office. Applications are due February 6.
Student Health Assessment Survey
Take Cal Poly’s Health Assessment and enter to win a $100 gift card! Campus Health & Wellbeing needs your input to make our university an even better place to be. By participating in this voluntary and confidential survey, you can help shape health and wellness programming for you and future Mustangs! Don’t wait – check your email and take 15 minutes to complete the survey today for the chance to win one of 25 $100 Cal Poly Bookstore gift cards (link closes February 8, available in student email accounts).
CLA Quarter to Semester Planning Workshop
Join CLA Advising in an interactive workshop to help you understand the degree path! At this workshop, CLA advisors will help you: (1) decide between quarter and semester catalogs, (2) plan your spring schedule using a semester equivalency guide, (3) understand remaining requirements and how to finish with semester courses. Two workshops are available:
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM via Zoom (see QR code in flyer)
- Thursday, Feb. 12, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM in Building 2, room 212
CalFresh Drop-In Hours
Looking for help with a CalFresh application or want to learn more about CalFresh food options? Visit the CalFresh food drop-in hours this winter quarter! They are available Mondays (9 - 11 AM), Tuesdays & Wednesdays (2 - 4 PM), and Thursdays (11 AM - 1 PM). They are located on the 1st level of Campus Health and Wellbeing (door is to the right of the snack bar).
Intertidal's Blind Date with a Book
Intertidal is a literary and art journal created by Cal Poly English students. The word “intertidal” describes areas between land and sea where biodiversity flourishes. In the same spirit, they proudly publish a diverse range of written and printable art created by students, staff, alumni, and faculty across campus. Join Intertidal for their "Blind Date with a Book" event this February 11-12, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, on the Dexter Lawn to purchase books and cards.
Panetta Institute Internship
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program. This prestigious program is designed to encourage and develop future leaders as well as prepare individuals for greater civic involvement. This opportunity is open to third and fourth-year qualified students from ANY major who have an interest in Congress, civil leadership, or public service. Complete program requirements and application details are available at the Panetta website, and the application deadline is February 13, 2026 (by 11:59 PM PST).
Design a Creative PSA (Dream Out Loud)
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, Billie Jean King, Eva Longoria, and Steven Spielberg (among many more!) all started their journeys at a CSU. Now, it’s your turn to help shape what comes next. The CSU Entertainment Alliance is inviting 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. Tell them how you found your way to the CSU system, what motivated you to pursue a creative path, and how the CSU helped unlock your dreams. Find out more here and submit your story by 11:59 PM, February 15, 2026.
Organizational Science Institute
Apply to become an Organizational Science (OS) Institute Fellow and participate in the OS Institute, scheduled for May 11–15, 2026, in Charlotte, NC (deadline to apply: February 15). The OS Institute is a graduate school preparatory program designed to support individuals with the potential to make significant contributions to organizational science. Students interested in applying to graduate school for organizational communication, i/o psychology, sociology, or management are encouraged to apply. Benefits for participants include (1) workshops on graduate school application crafting and research skills; (2) a monetary stipend along with paid food, housing, and travel expenses; (3) faculty and graduate student mentors; and (4) Free GRE resources. For more information and to apply, visit the OS Institute website.
Internship Pathways in Entertainment
If you're looking to break into the industry through an entertainment media internship, here's your chance. The CSU Entertainment Alliance presents a virtual event, How to Get Hired in Entertainment: Inside MACRO’s Internship Pathways with Joey Flores, Film Coordinator at MACRO. Join the online session to learn tips on securing an internship and how internships can lead to career pathways. MACRO is an award-winning, integrated media company in Los Angeles that elevates underrepresented artists and perspectives and premium film, television, and digital content for the global majority. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to learn about MACRO and participate in the Q&A at the end. The online event takes place Feb 18 from 12pm to 1pm PST.
CalFresh Outreach Week: Food & Housing Resource Fair
Join us for a resource fair, free pizza, and raffle prizes in partnership with the Cal Poly Food Pantry/Basic Needs, Center for Service and Action, and CalFresh. This event takes place Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1 – 3 PM on the Health Center Lawn. Come and learn about how to get a monthly cash grant for groceries!
Climate Solutions Now Virtual Conference
Are you interested in sustainability, climate action, and green careers? Join Cal Poly's Initiative for Climate Leadership and Resilience for the fifth annual installment of
Climate Solutions Now! CSN is a 5-day, all-virtual conference from February 23-27 that features over 80 sessions detailing real-time climate solutions being implemented across sectors. Find out more at the event information page!
Student Health Insurance Workshop
The world of health insurance can be confusing, but there are resources to help! Join Campus Health and Wellbeing for a workshop that takes a deep dive into helping you understand health insurance coverage and what you need to do to be your own advocate for your health. This workshop takes place on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, 11 AM - 1 PM (Room 27-11).
Kal Penn: From White Castle to The White House
Cal Poly Arts is co-hosting an upcoming event featuring Kal Penn, an Emmy-nominated actor, author, producer, and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. Penn will be onstage at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo on February 26 to share his real-life experiences transitioning from acting to global public service. The event takes place Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Harold Miossi Hall at the Performing Arts Center.
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 final deadline to apply is February 27, 2026. Find out more and apply online.
CIE Innovation Application
Have an idea you’ve been building, coding, designing, or prototyping? Cal Poly’s Innovation Quest (iQ) competition is open to students of all majors and is awarding $15,000 to the top student innovators—and it could be you! What’s in it for you? (1) Compete for $15K in startup funding; (2) Gain valuable feedback from industry experts; and (3) Join a 21-year legacy of student entrepreneurs. Learn more and apply here by March 13 at 11:59 PM!
New Student Transport Services
Check out these new resources available to students! First, ASI Student Government and Campus Health & Wellbeing are offering a Grocery Shuttle on Fridays and Sundays (10 AM – 4 PM) during Weeks 1–8 of winter and spring quarters. Stops include the PAC, UU, and Poly Canyon Village (Vista Caballo B), with routes to Trader Joe’s and Target (Free with a PolyCard). Second, a new Transport Program through Health Services is now available for students who are too ill to get to the Health Center. They can schedule pickups and drop-offs from designated campus spots by calling (805) 756-1211.
Risography Printing Installation
The University Art Gallery is holding a Local Print Pop-Up Workshop this quarter for Risography! Students can learn more and engage with Risography and Riso printing through the following opportunities: (1) Take part in hands-on demonstrations of Riso printing as well as zinemaking workshops; (2) Print your work during Friday Open Studio Hours; (3) Take home posters from an ongoing installation with reflections from the growing community of Riso printers; and (4) learn more about Riso printing via ongoing screenings. The installation is available January 29 - March 13, 2026. For more information, please visit the Riso Installation website.
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.
Western States Communication Association
Communication Studies students, alumni, and faculty head to San Diego, CA this year to attend the 96th annual Western States Communication Association (WSCA) Convention, February 27 - March 2, 2026. Faculty, students, and alumni in attendance will be presenting original research, sharing best practices in teaching, participating in academic service opportunities, and networking with scholars.
Scheduled Student & Alumni Presentations
Rowan Colleary (Alum)
- “It Doesn't Matter What Happens, It Doesn't Matter How You Feel. None of it Matters. Just Get Through It": Exploring the Content and Impact of Memorable Messages about Mental Health in Black Families (Sponsored by the Intepersonal and Family Communication Interest Group) *Top Paper
Emily IP
- Performative Diversity in the Sex Lives of College Girls (Sponsored by the Undergraduate Scholars Research Conference)
Bridget LaPorte, Olivia Thomas, and Kaley Scheppler (Alumni)
- The Impact of AI Use on Student and Professor Perceptions in Academic Communication (Sponsored by the Communication and Instruction Interest Group) *Top Paper
Hanna Lee (Alum)
- Reinforcing the Gender Binary in The Circle: Erasure of Gender Uniqueness (Sponsored by the Undergraduate Scholars Research Conference)
Crystal Onuwaje
- Jubilee’s Media Logic: The Pitfalls of Digital Deliberation (Sponsored by the Undergraduate Scholars Research Conference)
Ariella Per
- Tyranny in the Name of Virtue: Exploring Internalized Patriarchy and Female Complicity in The Handmaid’s Tale (Sponsored by the Undergraduate Scholars Research Conference) *Top Paper
Marshall Piros
- Adoption and Resistance to AI: A Case Study of ChatGPT’s Rollout in the CSU System (Sponsored by the Communication and Instruction Interest Group)
Lauren Rosenberg, Hunter Larson, and Kate Mclaughlin
- The Impact of Marketing Strategies: College Student Non-Profit Involvement (Sponsored by the Undergraduate Scholars Research Conference)
Miranda Ward (Alum)
- Community and Motivation in Pokémon GO: Gotta Catch ‘Em All and Keep Playing (Sponsored by the Media Studies Interest Group)
Scheduled Faculty Presentations
Dr. Aubrie Adams
- The Impact of AI Use on Student and Professor Perceptions in Academic Communication (Sponsored by the Communication and Instruction Interest Group) *Top Paper
- Adoption and Resistance to AI: A Case Study of ChatGPT’s Rollout in the CSU System (Sponsored by the Communication and Instruction Interest Group)
- Community and Motivation in Pokémon GO: Gotta Catch ‘Em All and Keep Playing (Sponsored by the Media Studies Interest Group)
Dr. Darrian Carroll
- Resisting the Script: Black Masculinity and Counter-Narrative in Sinners (Sponsored by the Media Studies Interest Group)
- Media Studies Interest Group Business Meeting (Committee Member)
Megan Lambertz-Berndt
- Feminist Pedagogy: Teaching Resistance in Times of Crisis (Sponsored by the Communication and Instruction Interest Group)
Dr. Leslie Nelson
- “It Doesn't Matter What Happens, It Doesn't Matter How You Feel. None of it Matters. Just Get Through It": Exploring the Content and Impact of Memorable Messages about Mental Health in Black Families (Sponsored by the Intepersonal and Family Communication Interest Group) *Top Paper
- Interpersonal & Family Communication Business Meeting (Chair)
Faculty & Staff News
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 and achievements of your professors:
Dr. Jnan Blau has a newly published book chapter out in print! It’s the lead chapter in an edited volume (chapters by different authors), and is an adaptation of the keynote address he delivered at the inaugural Phish Studies Conference, held at Oregon State University in spring of 2019. The chapter is titled “We Are Aphicionados! We Are Vernacular Theorists! A Critical Reconsideration and Anti-Hegemonic Recasting of Phish, Phandom, and Fan Praxis,” and the book, published by academic press Bloomsbury, is titled Concepts We’ll Ponder: Identity, Improvisation, and Community in the Phish Experience.
Dr. Sergio Fernando Juárez's scholarship was recently featured on the Between Us podcast in an episode titled “Who Gets to Sound ‘Proper?’” The episode examines how ideas of “professional” speech are shaped by power, culture, and race, and how these norms continue to influence perceptions of credibility in classrooms and workplaces. Drawing on critical pedagogy and bell hooks’ Teaching to Transgress, Dr. Juárez discusses the ways public-speaking instruction can work to include more diverse voices. The conversation invites listeners to reimagine education as an act of freedom rather than conformity, highlighting the role communication education plays in advancing equity and student belonging. Learn more about the podcast and click here to listen!
Dr. Lauren Kolodziejski is now serving officially as the CLA Associate Dean for Student Success! In 2024, she stepped into the role of Interim Associate Dean, leading efforts in advising, admissions, and preparation for semester conversion. Dr. K also served as the Chair of the COMS department between 2022–2024, where her leadership supported faculty and students through major curriculum updates and the development of meaningful, student-centered programming. Across roles, she has been especially committed to building structures that help students feel supported, informed, and empowered. We’re thrilled to see her continue this work at the college level and know our students will benefit greatly from her thoughtful, collaborative approach to student success. On behalf of the COMS department, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Kolodziejski for her time, leadership, and dedication to our students, and we wish her continued success as she moves forward in this important role!
Dr. Megan Lambertz-Berndt pedagogy was recently published in Communication Teacher in a G.I.F.T. (great idea for teaching) titled Applying Small Group-Decision Making Strategies to “Who Stars in the next Gatorade Commercial?" This activity permits students to reflect on their small group decision-making practices by applying organizational constructs, including analogical reasoning, functional group theory of decision-making, and various typologies of small group decision-making to their own practices. The activity results in student application of organizational constructs to their own behaviors and greater self-reflexivity of which information they decide to privilege when making a decision.
Professor Martin Mehl hosted a “Leadership Unplugged” event on Monday, February 2, at the Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) Gym. At the event, Superior Court Judge O’Neil spoke candidly about leadership, responsibility, and decision-making in the real world, followed by an interactive Q&A with students. This event provided a clear look at how leadership actually works and why it matters to show students what purposeful leadership looks like in action. In addition to Professor Mehl's service, he has also recently been quoted three times as a subject matter expert on AI, industry, and education, being most recently featured in an article by the Washington Times.
Dr. Leslie Nelson has been named as a finalist for Cal Poly's Distinguished Teaching Award. Based on student and alumni nominations, this yearly award is given to three faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching. Should Dr. Nelson be selected as one of the three recipients for this award, she would be honored at Cal Poly's Fall Convocation. Congrats to Dr. Nelson for this nomination!
Professor Erica Stewart completed her Rodel Fellowship in January 2026. The Rodel Institute brings together elected officials throughout the state to discuss leadership and governance while leaving their political partisanship at the door. Each year, the program selects 24 outstanding state and local-level leaders to come together for a series of three multi-day seminars held over a two-year period. Following completion of the program, Fellows have gone on to serve as United States senators, governors, mayors, party leaders, Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, and Vice President of the United States. Big congrats to Professor Stewart for this accomplishment!
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