Last week, in the communication studies department, there was one word that evoked frustration into even the calmest students in the major: portfolio. Many students know what a portfolio is, however, most students in the department did not know that their individual portfolios were due last Thursday. An assignment that was due without ever being given would not fly in other majors, but the communication studies department did just that.

Emily Gillingwater, a senior majoring in Public Relations, said, “I have no problem putting together a portfolio, but how can a student be expected to turn one in if they are not told to do so?” I heard another student talking about it today, so I came to the department office to see what I was supposed to do. On my personal mission to uncover the necessity of a portfolio, I found some vague information in the communications studies department office. I approached the office and read all of the posted notices on the Department door pertaining to graduation. There was no mention of a portfolio. I entered the small office and looked at the various notices posted on the front counter where students were sure to read them?still no mention of the portfolios.

I asked the the department secretary, “What should I know about these portfolios I keep hearing rumors about?” She pointed to a file at the bottom of the wall rack where a printed sign read, “Portfolio information.” This so-called important portfolio information apparently wasn?t important enough to be posted on the door or even placed on the counter. Instead, it was placed in a file folder at the very bottom of a wall file.

When I began to ask more questions about what exactly should go in my portfolio, the secretary told me to ask an instructor or adviser. Yet, she was kind enough to inform me that we would not receive our diplomas until our portfolios are turned in. This was news to me, and since I was not being given the help I was I needed, I went to speak to a professor. This communication studies professor claimed he did not know much about these portfolios either, although the faculty was given a memo dated Feb. 25 that explained the portfolio in detail. Rumor has it that it was also discussed at numerous faculty meetings, which weren?t mandatory.

As it turns out, this is the first semester that portfolios are due. All communication studies majors must turn in a portfolio consisting of their graded papers from the department. If you?re in the major and haven?t saved any graded papers, you can place a note in the portfolio saying you haven?t saved any papers. Also, the department is accepting late papers.

How kind of them to wave the penalties on the assignment they hardly informed us about?and is mentioned nowhere in any of the Sacramento State catalogues.

One professor helped explain the portfolio fiasco. The main point he stressed was that portfolios are not going to be graded and are being used to assess how the department is doing in teaching their subject. The purpose is to help the department identify where they might improve their teaching methods. But let me offer a suggestion to the department: Clearly notify students when they have to turn in potential assignments that could cause their diplomas to be withheld. However, without the portfolios, the department cannot properly be assessed. So, communications majors, do your part as well?turn in your portfolios and graduate.

Get a word in edge-wise. E-mail Crystal Clark at [email protected].

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