What's in a name? Members of the Department of Speech Communication would know, as their long quest to change their title has ended with a new, more appropriate identifier: Department of Communication.
The old name, assumed in 1973, became outdated as the field grew to the broader study of messages—many of them nonverbal—and how they're produced, disseminated, and received in a variety of settings. While the department continues traditional programs such as rhetoric and public speaking, major areas of study also include organizational, interpersonal, family, health, and political communication.
"We do much more in terms of breadth than simply speech," says Barbara Wilson, professor and department head. "Most of our peer departments dropped the name 'speech' 20 years ago."
Changing the name proved more complicated at the University of Illinois, however, as there was concern the department would be confused with the already existing College of Communications. After negotiations, the College of Communications agreed to rename itself the College of Media, a name that the college says more accurately reflects its endeavors as well.
The Department of Communication name change required approval by several entities, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Office of the Provost, faculty senate, Board of Trustees, and Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Five professors from the College of Media have transferred to the Department of Communication to study in the areas of media history and policy, communication technologies, and communication and culture. Approximately 670 undergraduate students major in the newly named department.
"We're thrilled. It's been a long process," Wilson says, adding that the excitement extends from faculty to students and alumni. The department conducted a T-shirt design contest to promote the name change, and on the last day of class this spring, students donned the winner. The front read, "Speechless?" while the back read, "Department of Communication," followed by, "New Name, Same Tradition of Excellence."
