The Observer is UIS's editorially independent, student-run news website, covering current events on and off campus. We're always looking for new voices and perspectives to feature. If you're interested in writing for the experience and/or course credit, contact Priyanka Deo, student media director.

The Speech and Debate Team teaches students to communicate ideas, opinions and beliefs in a meaningful and impactful way. Through extensive competition and service opportunities, competitors acquire skills needed to be successful in the classroom and in their future workplace. Contact coach Claire Gordon.

Lambda Pi Eta, also known as the National Communication Association, is a Communication honor society. UIS's chapter allows students to network with each other and communication professionals, as well as receive special recognition at graduation. Contact faculty advisor Dusty Day for more information.

"I proudly served as a state government communications professional for 14 years before moving into the healthcare industry working for a well-respected and influential non-profit association. Thanks to my experiences at UIS, I was able to move into more prominent leadership roles, including serving as the Chief Communication and Civic Engagement Officer for the Illinois State Treasurer.

UIS has an outstanding reputation and truly changed the trajectory of my life in the most positive ways. I will be forever grateful to UIS for a great education, memorable experiences, lasting relationships, and a successful path forward."

"In a world where human interaction and working with others is almost always necessary, fundamental skills gained through my learning in the Communication department helped foment that understanding. My work requires a high level of ‘peopling,’ and because people bring so many unique thoughts, perspectives, cultures, and opportunities—it has been nice to understand the importance/value of high and low-context communication to connect with individuals and engage them in different settings. Additionally, working toward inclusion and equity within diverse settings is always challenging, but I believe the Communication program really emphasized/es the nuance of taking time to learn yourself in intrapersonal ways and to interact with others in interpersonal ways, gathering perspective through classes like intercultural and interracial communication, as well as interpersonal small group communication."

"Throughout college, my weekly beat was covering city council. Before that, I never saw myself as a political reporter. That's when it all changed. Finding a program that would award me a master's degree and give me real-world experience in less than a year, I was all in. I would not have the job I do today without PAR. Having that experience inside the Illinois Capitol working for a local news organization, learning the lingo of politics and getting to work with some of the best in the business helped shape me into the journalist I am today. This program taught me the importance of having a journalist inside the Capitol, telling Missourians what their tax dollars are being used for and how the legislation passed is going to affect their daily lives. I CANNOT say enough good things about the PAR program and will forever be grateful for what I learned and the lifelong friends I made during my time in Springfield."