Student Engagement

The CAPUSS (Communication and Philosophy Undergraduate Student Scholars) program offers students the opportunity to pursue individual academic research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students select a topic reflective of their own interests and conduct rigorous research with the expectation of sharing their results through oral presentations and academic publishing.

Each year, the Communication Lab hosts a Public Speaking Competition where the best students from each public speaking class are invited to participate. The competition requires several rounds of judging and culminates in the top eight contenders presenting live at the finals to packed-house and a panel of faculty-judges. The competition draws students from across campus to watch the best-of-the-best demonstrate the skills they have polished throughout the semester. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the remarkable quality of our communication students, the dedication of our public speaking faculty and the top-notch coaching available through the communication lab.

Dialogue on Race at FGCU is an event designed and directed by Dr. Sachiko Tankei and is presented by students from Critical Race Theory in Communication. Since Fall 2014, students have presented captivating theatrical performances depicting their lived racial experiences and intersectional racialized identity development. For this presentation, students learn theories on race as well as performance methodologies to present scholarly arguments and personal narratives on issues of race performatively. This activity provides students lifelong reflection, sensitivity and activism, along with personal strength. This event also invites the audience at the event into conversation on race. Filled with poignant performances on issues of race, racism, privilege, and intersectionality, the event attempts to bring to light a subject that heavily influences the world around us. 

Dialogue on Race Event

FPRA partners with Career Development Services every fall semester to host the PR & Marketing Job & Internship Fair. At this fair, students in communication, business and extending disciplines are able to network with employers and land opportunities that will lead to growth in their field. With 50 plus employers attending each year, students speak with employers from a variety of different career fields.