The AJCU Communication Faculty Network represents the academic departments of communication, communication studies, journalism, media studies, film, video and related academic areas of the institutions that make up the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The Network has met regularly since its founding in 1989, usually in mid-summer to take advantage of the lighter academic commitments of faculty during that time.
Major achievements include drafting the statement, “Eloquentia perfecta,” to describe communication education at Jesuit schools; providing input and planning for program reviews; and offering a forum to discuss issues of Jesuit and Catholic identity in our respective schools.
Members attend the meetings for continuing education, networking, and support. Meeting agendas are planned and adjusted in response to member requests. In addition to discussing questions related to mission at Jesuit schools (e.g., “How does a communication program at a Jesuit school differ from programs elsewhere?”), members have considered issues dealing with internships, study abroad for communication, service- or community-based learning, facilities design, use of technologies in our programs, common research initiatives, and film and video collaboration. The Communication Faculty Network organizes its meetings as a combination of academic conference, with members presenting papers on their current research, and themes chosen by the meeting organizers (typically connected to the location of the host school). In addition, the meeting features roundtables for school representatives to share experiences and perspectives on issues arising in their programs.
Leadership
Co-Chair: Stacy Smulowitz, The University of Scranton
E-mail: stacy.smulowitz@scranton.edu
Co-Chair: Carolyn Cunningham, Gonzaga University
E-mail: cunninghamc@gonzaga.edu
Next Meeting
Dates: Summer 2024
Location: TBD