The New Organization On The Block

Story by Holly Holmes, A&S Journalism Intern

UC students interested in breaking into the competitive field of public relations were given a great opportunity when the Student Activities Council approved the Public Relations Student Organization (PRSO) as a UC student organization. But even more exciting than this is the group’s forthcoming recognition as a student chapter of a national professional association.

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is expected to approve the group’s charter application over the summer. This will give UC an official chapter of PRSSA, the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Achieving national status is not an easy task. In fact, the communication department had to add courses to the curriculum in order to submit an application. The most important result of these changes is the creation of a public relations certificate. This 27-hour program will open to communication students in fall 2005.

The group has already brought several outside speakers to campus, and PRSSA’s shadow day allowed students to accompany professionals at work. Students in the PR Campaigns class put theory to practice by working with Dohn High School to promote the school’s reopening. UC can expect to see more contributions to the community and university as the organization grows and matures. Its primary goals at present are to participate in national campaign contests, open a student-run PR agency, and perform volunteer work in the community.

Maribeth Metzler, professor of communication and advisor to the student group, observed, “The program and certificate are great opportunities for students. We’ve designed it to be thorough and practical so that students can leave here and immediately be productive. In particular, the PRSSA provides exceptional opportunities through the professional networking that can help students see what the field is like and make good connections to get good first jobs.”