Communication Center

Need help with a communication class? We've got you covered.

Whether you are tackling tough couse concepts, dealing with public speaking nerves, prepping for a presentation, or just want to rehearse your speech - the tutors in the Communication Center are here to support you through every assignment, project, and presentation. No stress, no pressure, no judgment.

We offer help with all Communication courses, including:

• COMM 1100 - Introduction to Communication Theory
• COMM 1101 - Introduction to Mass Communication
• COMM 1105 - Oral Communication (Public Speaking)
• COMM 1110 - Small Group Communication
• COMM 2200 - Business Communication
• COMM 2204 - Technical Writing
• COMM 2232 - Interpersonal Communication
• COMM 2245 - Introduction to Film Studies
• COMM 2268 - Intercultural Communication
• COMM 2450 - Persuasion

Here's how we can help:

• Break down complex course material
• Offer feedback and tips for speech outlines and presentations
• Provide space and support to rehearse and record your speeches
• Build your communicaiton skills and confidence

You don't have to figure it all out on your own - we are here to help you succeed.

The Communication Center is open to students, faculty, and staff. The recording and the advice are absolutely free.

Location

The Communication Center is located at:

Franklin University - Phillips Hall, Room 106.
303 S. Grant Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43215

We will provide both in-person (synchronous) and virtual (on Teams) appointments.

Appointments

The Center opens the second week of the semester. It is not open during finals week, most weekends, spring break, and campus recognized holidays. The center will be closed should the campus be closed for any issues (ex: inclement weather).

Communication center appointments fill up quickly, so make your appointment early in the semester and keep it. Should no spots be available, you may not be able to complete the assignment unless someone cancels.

Virtual tutoring sessions are by appointment only and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please follow the steps below to make a virtual appointment:

1. Schedule a virtual appointment at the Communication Center using Blackboard.
   1.  Log into Blackboard > Click/tap Tool > In-Person Tutoring (CSCC)
   2.  Go down the list and look for Communication and click on the blue Communication Center link.
   3.  Click on "Schedule and appointment"
   4.  Choose a person and date and time is listed as "virtual"
2. After making your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email with further details.
3. No later than an hour before your scheduled appointment time, email the following documents to the Communication Center (commcenter@cscc.edu) and in the subject place ATTN: TUTOR'S NAME (ex: Chris) and if possible, the date and time of appointment. (Ex: ATTN: Chris. Aug 8th at 3pm):
   1.  A copy of your full-sentence speech preparation outline (for speech) or copy of your completed or draft assignment, either as a Word document or PDF file. Do not submit a link or attach a file as a link. If you do the tutor will not be able to review the document.
   2.  A copy of the assignment details either as a Word document or PDF file. (This will help your tutor know if you are meeting your professor's expectations.)
   3.  Include in the body of the email your instructor's name and if the section is online or in-person.
4.  For speeches - before your appointment, rehearse your speech at home, often, and with an audience, if possible, until you feel confident that you can perform it well.
5.  At the time of your appointment, connect to Teams using the information provided in the appointment confirmation email. You must have a working camera and microphone for a virtual appointment to count.
6.  During the appointment, the tutor will go over your speech preparation outline or assignment giving you feedback. If you are presenting a speech, the tutor will also give you feedback on your speech presentation. 
7.  Follow the steps below to ensure you recieve credit for the speech presentations:
   1.  Set up your device so the tutor can see you when you present your speech.
   2.  Present your speech as if you are presenting for your class such as standing if capable, dressed appropriately, and using speaking notes.
   3.  Be sure the tutor can see you from your knees up.
   4.  Ensure appropriate lighting.
   5.  Resting the device on a high table or stack of books can help get a good angle for your rehearsal video.
   6.  Do NOT read from your outline. Reading from your outline may receive 0 credit from your professor.
8.  After the appointment, your professor will have access to the tutor's notes on Starfish. However, please keep all emails from the Communcation Center for your records.

In-Person Appointments

For in-person tutoring sessions, you will meet with your tutor in the Communication Tutoring Center in Phillips Hall room 106 (located at CSCC - Phillips Hall at Franklin University) at your appointment time and perform your speech live for one of our tutors.

In-Person tutoring sessions are available by appointments and drop-ins, on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop-in sessions are not guaranteed and depend on tutor availability. You may not be able to meet with a tutor without an appointment, and if a tutor is available, your time may be limited due to other scheduled appointments.

Please follow the steps below for in-person appointments:

1. Schedule an virtual appointment at the Communication Center using Blackboard.
   1. Log into Blackboard > Click/tap Tool > In-Person Tutoring (CSCC)
   2. Go down the list and look for Communication and click on the blue Communication Center link next to it.
   3. Click on "Schedule an appointment"
   4. Choose a person and date and time is listed as "Franklin University - Phillips Hall, Room 106"
2.  For speeches and presentation - before your appointment, rehearse your speech at home, often, and with an audience, if possible, until you feel confident tat you can perform it well.
3. Bring your printed, full-sentence preparation outline; speaking notes; visual aids (if any); and a copy of the assignment details to the tutoring session. You may choose to email the outline as well (please see the emailing an outline instructions in the virtual appointments section).
4.  For all other classes bring a copy of your assignment and your current draft.
5.  Arrive promptly for your appointment at 106 Phillips Hall (CSCC - Phillips Hall at Franklin University). 
   1.  You have a full 30 minutes with your tutor.
   2.  If you are late, you will receive only the remaining time of your appointment.
   3.  If you are later than 10 minutes, the tutor may have taken a drop-in appointment in place of you. If that happens you will need to reschedule your appointment.
6.  For speeches - The tutor will read your printed outline and discuss your performance objectives before recording your rehearsal.
   1.  Your tutor will go over both your outline and presentation with you providing critical feedback. You will watch the video to further understand what the tutor saw during the rehearsal.
7.  For all other classes, the tutor will help you understand your assignment and go over any class concepts you need to understand for your assignment.
8.  After the appointment, your professor will have access to the turor's notes on Starfish. However, please keep all emails from the Communication Center for your records.

Contact

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact: 

Chris Ross
Academic Support Lead for Communication 
Email: cross28@cscc.edu
Phone: 614-287-5391

Or

Dr. Melissa Cumberbatch
Instructor of Communication
Lead of the Communication Center
Email: mcumberbatch@cscc.edu
Phone: 614-287-5053

All emails will be answered within 3 business days during the hours of 9am - 5pm (excluding weekends and holidays).