CommUnity 2022

CommUnity is an annual C&IS event hosted by the Student Executive Council (SEC) where representatives from student organizations, campus partners and C&IS resources can all showcase what they have to offer and invite students to participate. This year, CommUnity will be hosted in the rotunda of Reese Phifer on September 13-14 from 1-3 p.m.


Participating Organizations: 

Academic Honor Council 

The Academic Honor Council is a group of student Justices from across the college who serve as ambassadors for academic integrity. The justices promote high ethical standards, educate the C&IS community about academic integrity and encourage others to always act according to the values of the Capstone Creed. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, and the formal application process takes place in the spring semester. For questions, contact: astephens5@ua.edu.

Applications open: Early Spring

Apply on the C&IS Engagement Portal at cis.ua.edu/engage.

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Advertising and Public Relations Student Initiative Board

The A+PR Student Initiative Board (SIBs) is an organization that acts as a liaison between students and faculty in the APR department. Students in this organization can gain leadership experience through executive board positions and mentor opportunities. Students will strengthen their communication and professional skills by conducting interviews with APR faculty candidates. Members must either have a major or minor in advertising or public relations.

SIB accepts applications throughout the school year. There is no deadline or specific time frame to join and applications can be found on the C&IS Engagement Portal at cis.ua.edu/engage.


Alabama Forensic Council

The University of Alabama’s competitive speech & debate team, the Alabama Forensic Council (AFC) travels to regional and national intercollegiate speech tournaments with the goal of winning both individual championships and the team championship at the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and be available for regular team meetings, coaching sessions and travel for competitions. Open to all majors and minors within and outside of C&IS. For questions or information on joining the Alabama Forensic Council, email bspyle@ua.edu.


Alice Magazine

Alice Magazine is UA’s premier women’s lifestyle magazine. There are more than 100 women on the staff that produce fashion, entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, food and health content. We hire all majors and years and have rolling applications. Contributors can work for our creative, digital or writing departments. We produce one in-print magazine a semester and continuous web and digital content. For questions, contact: alicemagazine.editor@gmail.com.

Rolling applications are available at this link.


The Association for Women in Sports Media

The Association for Women in Sports Media is an organization whose female and male members support the advancement and growth of women – both professional and student – in sports media. AWSM works to promote and increase diversity in sports media through career-enhancement networking and mentoring initiatives as well as the internship/scholarship program. We hold professional development meetings, bring in gust speakers that work in the realm of sports, as well as host fun get togethers for our members. For questions, contact mehullett@crimson.ua.edu.


Black Warrior Film Festival 

BWFF is an independent, student-led organization that strives to provide an outlet for students to showcase their films to a large audience, as well as to create a film festival environment where student filmmakers can meet and learn from industry professionals, network with other filmmakers and celebrate film. For questions, contact: internal.blackwarriorfilmfest@gmail.com.

To apply, email internal.blackwarriorfilmfest@gmail.com.


C&IS Ambassadors

C&IS Ambassadors serve as the student representatives for the College of Communication and Information Sciences. Applicants are motivated and passionate members of the College who want to present all C&IS has to offer to internal and external audiences including prospective students, alumni and donors. Ambassadors represent the College at various events such as tailgates, Honors Day, recruitment receptions and more! For questions, contact: jbowman@crimson.ua.edu.

Applications open: January 2023

Apply on the C&IS Engagement Portal at cis.ua.edu/engage.

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C&IS in Italy

C&IS in Italy is a study abroad course in Italy during the May Interim (May 12 – 20th, 2023). Students who are interested should contact Dr. Darrin Griffin at djgriffin1@ua.edu for more information.

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Capstone Advertising Federation

Capstone Ad Fed is the collegiate chapter of the American Advertising Federation at The University of Alabama. It is devoted to offering members advantages in the advertising industry. Members enjoy exposure to professional development seminars, speakers, presentations, exclusive internship and job opportunities, industry competitions/conferences and networking through multiple trips. For questions, contact: briannanewberry10@gmail.com.

Applications can be found on the C&IS Engagement Portal at cis.ua.edu/engage.

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Capstone Association of Black Journalists

Capstone Association of Black Journalists is a student chapter directly affiliated with the National Association of Black Journalists for The University of Alabama Our goal is to professionally prepare students for a career in the world of news, broadcast, journalism, radio, and writing. For questions, contact uacabj1985@gmail.com.

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Communication and Media Preview (CAMP)

Communication and Media Preview (CAMP) offers high school students the opportunity to interact with UA faculty, staff, alumni and current students while learning about the communication and media industries over a five-day, four-night experience at UA. The CAMP leadership team is a group of upperclassmen UA student leaders who are passionate about C&IS and its resources and eager to share their experiences with high school students interested in communication and media. During CAMP, the leadership team will facilitate discussion and completion of a multifaceted campaign project spearheaded by the participants. Team members will work alongside C&IS faculty in teaching, mentoring, and preparing students to develop and present their final campaign project. They will also facilitate the CAMP schedule by guiding students through the sessions, facilities, and social activity times. All C&IS majors are eligible to apply.

Applications will open in Spring 2023. For more information, contact lbmcmahon@ua.edu.

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The Crimson White

The Crimson White is The University of Alabama’s student newspaper and main source of campus news. We cover everything on campus from football games to breakings news to the latest theatre production. All UA students are welcome to apply, regardless of major or classification, and we are looking for reporters, columnists, photographers, videographers, graphic designers, and social media strategists. For questions, contact: editor@thecrimsonwhite.com.

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Dance Alabama Film Festival

Dance Alabama Film Festival is a student-led organization dedicated to promoting collaboration in cinematography, dance, and music composition through the creation and exhibition of original screen dances. The organization includes students from the Creative Media Department in C&IS, the Dance Program, and the School of Music. Dance Alabama Film Festival oversees the creation and presentation of films at an annual public screening, as well as fundraising, community outreach, and events to facilitate collaboration. For more information, contact jeclaborn@crimson.ua.edu.

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The Digital Media Center

At The Digital Media Center (DMC), you can work alongside industry professionals through paid jobs, unpaid internships and course laboratories to develop the skills you need for your career. The state-of-the-art teaching facility is housed in Bryant-Denny Stadium and is home to The Center for Public Television, WVUA 23 News, and Alabama Public Radio. For questions, contact: glloyd@cpt.ua.edu.

Applications are accepted year round and can be found on the C&IS Engagement Portal at cis.ua.edu/engage.


Education Abroad

The Education Abroad office assists students in pursuing educational opportunities all over the globe. Come ask us how you can study, intern, research, teach or volunteer abroad during your fall, spring or summer semesters, freshmen through senior year. It’s time to discover the world! For more information, contact samantha.young@ua.edu.


First-Year Interest Groups

C&IS First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) is designed for new C&IS students (freshmen and transfer students) to create relationships, get connected to C&IS student organizations and be prepared for leadership roles. FIG Leaders (C&IS Student leaders, SO-SR year) are assigned a group of first-year students (both freshmen and transfer students) based on interest areas and help facilitate social transition to college and expand their knowledge of engagement opportunities. FIGs meet periodically in person as well as connect digitally. During the year, FIGs will explore topics such as campus and college involvement, career preparation, and more! For more information, contact cchayes1@ua.edu.


Industry Immersion

Industry Immersion is a professional development program hosted by the College that serves to strengthen relationships between students, alumni and industry professionals. Industry Immersion offers motivated undergraduates the chance to explore industry and leading job markets as well as engage with high-powered C&IS alumni and leaders in each city. Through Industry Immersion students are given the opportunity to elevate themselves personally and professionally. A more comprehensive understanding of career opportunities, first-hand knowledge of company cultures and experience turning new contacts into mutually beneficial long-term relationships all contribute to better internship and post-graduate opportunities. Your career starts now!

Industry Immersion Leadership Team applications open in the spring and trip applications are open on a rolling basis. All applications can be found on the C&IS Engagement Portal at cis.ua.edu/engage.


The Oakley Society

The Oakley Society brings together students and professionals in mutually rewarding relationships and promotes and supports professional development. We purposefully pair students with a mentor in an industry of interest, and also provide meaningful professional development opportunities for students to engage in. The program is open to any C&IS student with 45 or more semester credit hours earned in all C&IS majors. For more information, contact alison.beasley@ua.edu.


Platform Magazine

Platform Magazine seeks to create an online community through an innovative medium, which will contain relevant and entertaining content primarily targeting future professionals and educators, as well as practitioners. Its key role is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information that encourages the ethical practice and enhancement of leadership in the field of public relations. Students who are interested can apply if they are majoring in public relations and have completed APR 332: PR Writing.


Professional Women in Communication and Business

Professional Women in Communication & Business (PWCB) is an organization devoted to developing successful female leaders on campus and in the workplace. PWCB encourages networking, helps to better develop professional etiquette, and promotes women empowerment! We meet every other Monday night to help each other to be the best we can be. For more information, contact armaki@crimson.ua.edu.


Public Relations Council of Alabama

PRCA is a student-led organization that invites students from all experience levels to learn about the public relations field. PRCA provides plenty of leadership opportunities in different areas of interest. Students can expect to gain valuable knowledge and experience from member meetings, professional speakers, workshops, volunteer opportunities and each other. For questions, contact: bcboockmeier@crimson.ua.edu.

Rolling applications are available on the C&IS Engagement Portal at cis.ua.edu/engage.

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Public Relations Student Society of America 

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA for short!) is a pre-professional organization dedicated to engaging future PR professionals through fun events, informative meetings and an irreplaceable network of likeminded peers. Chapter meetings are held monthly, and there are no requirements to join – all majors and age classifications are welcome! For questions, contact: uaprssa@gmail.com.

Applications are open each fall and spring and can be found on the C&IS Engagement Portal at cis.ua.edu/engage.

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Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)

RTDNA is an organization that provides students real experience and professional development within the news and radio industries. As a member, students will be able to meet news and radio professionals, attend resume workshops, and get to know faculty and others who share a common interest.

To join, attend an RTDNA meeting and inquire. For meeting times, email uartdna@gmail.com.

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Social Media Ambassadors

The C&IS Social Media Ambassadors serve a vital role in the communication, internal relations and external relations for C&IS. Responsibilities include promoting C&IS events and developing social media content through Instagram Stories, Instagram Live, TikTok and YouTube. For more information, contact mbgay@ua.edu.

Applications are available online at cis.ua.edu/engage.


The Speaking Studio

The Speaking Studio is a campus wide resource designed to help students improve their public speaking, presentation, and oral communication skills. We aim to help students clarify and craft effective messages, cultivate dynamic delivery, and calm public speaking anxiety. For questions, contact: acbillings1@ua.edu.


The Student Executive Council 

The Student Executive Council exists to coordinate the organizations within the College of Communication and Information Sciences while fostering stronger relationships between the students, faculty and alumni of the College and serving as a place for students to voice their concerns. The SEC is responsible for fundraising to support the C&IS Student Organization Fund.

Applications are available in early spring on the C&IS Engagement Portal at cis.ua.edu/engage.

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UA Ad Team

UA AdTeam participates in the American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition, the premier student advertising competition in the country. Work on a real brief for a real client! Compete with 120 other schools from around the country for the national championship of advertising! Get class credit as well! The client for the 2023 competition is Indeed.com. For questions, contact: ghwaters1@ua.edu.

Applications can be found on the C&IS Engagement Portal at cis.ua.edu/engage.


UA Girls Club

UA GIrls Club is club for women wanting to work in sports! The platform was built on networking and helping women succeed in the sports field! For questions, contact: embergmann@crimson.ua.edu.