Communication and the Arts Graduate Orientation Welcome  

On Thursday, August 25, 2022, the College of Communication and the Arts held its annual orientation to welcome new graduate students pursuing a Master of Arts in Communication and Museum Professions. Held virtually on Microsoft Teams, the orientation kicked off with faculty introductions and an overview of what the graduate expierance is like at the University. 

In attendance, and welcoming the new students were Ruth Tsuria,Ph.D., assistant professor of Communication; Gregory Stevens, M.A.T., faculty associate of Museum Professions; David Bonner, M.A., adjunct instructor; and Sheri Levinsky – Raskin, M.AT., adjunct instructor; along with Communication and the Arts Dean Renee Robinson, Ph.D., Associate Dean Ryan Hudes, Ph.D. and CASE Director, Brittany Scoles.

Tsuria, noted the importance of the orientation. "The College's new graduate student orientation helps students meet the faculty before they start interacting with them. That way there’s a face and a voice to the people who are there to support the students. Students also learn some great tips about important resources." She added, "It  also fosters a sense of community among the students, which can help with support and networking among our peers."

Discussing what she hopes students achieve while working on their master’s in communication, Tsuria said, "My hope for every student is that they discover how brilliant and strong they are – what great minds can do, as they say!"

Reflecting on the student experience within the College's M.A. in Museum Professions Stevens noted, "From my perspective as the director of the Museum Professions program, I hope our students gain the skills they need to succeed in a museum career. These skills include students emerging from the graduate program better understanding the broad scope of the museum field, its constant evolution, its successes and challenges, and the important themes of inclusion and social justice that are at the forefront of discourse in our field."

Stevens also emphasized that new graduate student orientation allowed new Museums Professions students to get acquainted with the "many resources the College and Seton Hall have to support our graduate students' success. Everything from Walsh Library research assistance to the Online Writing Lab (OWL) to Disability Support Services (DSS) to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)."

To round out the orientation, students attended breakout sessions to meet with the faculty of either the communications or museum studies program, as well as their future classmates. In the smaller breakout rooms, students were able to find out more about their program. Many were met with support from their professors and received answers to any questions they may have had. By the end of the orientation, it was clear that an exciting year lay ahead for both students and faculty.  

The College of Communication and the Arts offers graduate-level programs in Museum Professions and Communication, with the opportunity to concentrate their study in Public Relations, Digital Communication/Communication Technologies, and Communication in Organizations. The College also offers dual-degree options and an accelerated master's/B.A. program. A dual M.A. degree with the School of Diplomacy and International Relations is also offered. For more information, please contact Associate Dean Hudes. 

Categories: Campus Life, Education