DEAN’S RESPONSE
Planning and Review Committee
Program: MS Technical and Professional Communication
College: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Year: 2014
Recommendations for the Program Director:
Issue/Concern:
1. Continue efforts to recruit quality students from out of state (and internationally).
2. Continue efforts to improve the quality of students’ independent research by increasing the proportion
of students who successfully complete their independent research within the standard timeframe; and
by articulating more clearly the role of independent research as it relates to students’ academic and
professional experiences.
Response from Program Director:
In order to recruit quality students from beyond Wisconsin, the program plans to continue recruiting
nationally at the STC Summit and through social media campaigns such as Facebook that allow targeted
marketing to specific geographic areas. The PD is working with an MSTPC student on a practicum
project in which the benefits of Linked In groups will be researched and an MSTPC Linked In group will
be created. In addition, the PD will work with the Industry Advisory Board and mine various
undergraduate TCOM/PCEM alumni lists to communicate marketing information about the program.
A research study will be underway beginning this spring to identify ways to increase the proportion of
students who successfully complete their independent research. Currently, the study is being shaped and
IRB approval will be sought.
Recommendations for the Department Chair:
Issue/Concern: Continue to work with the Program Director to improve the quality of students’
independent research by increasing the proportion of students who successfully complete their
independent research within the standard timeframe; and by articulating more clearly the role of
independent research as it relates to students’ academic and professional experiences.
Response from Department Chair:
The Department Chair will continue to work supportively with the PD to provide the resources needed to
meet the indicated concerns.
Recommendations for the Dean:
Issue/Concern: Continue to work with the Program Director to recruit quality students from out of state
(and internationally).
Response from Dean: Student recruitment and retention is one priority in the CAHSS strategic plan, and
our unit is particularly interested in cultivating this in our customized instruction programs. Supporting
the MSTPC in its efforts to recruit from a more geographically and culturally diverse pool is an initiative
the CAHSS supports.