Author Archives: Nancy Heiz

Romance Writers of America® Strategic Communication Internship — Apply Today!!

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Are you passionate about storytelling, digital communication, and advocating for creative professionals? Romance Writers of America® (RWA)’s Strategic Communication internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit communication, public relations, and advocacy campaigns. This position is ideal for students interested in gaining real-world experience in strategic messaging, content creation, and community engagement within the publishing and literary industry.

Through this internship program, students will gain practical experience developing and implementing communication strategies that advance RWA’s mission to support romance writers and increase public awareness of the romance genre. Interns will work remotely for the duration of the internship with weekly virtual meetings and ongoing mentorship.

Interns Will:
● Develop strategic communication materials for member advocacy campaigns.
● Create content for RWA’s website, newsletters, and digital platforms.
● Research and write press releases about industry trends and RWA initiatives.
● Assist with social media content creation and community engagement.
● Support public awareness campaigns to promote the romance genre.
● Conduct research on publishing industry trends and literacy initiatives.
● Draft talking points and messaging frameworks for organizational leadership.
● Assist with event promotion and member communication strategies.
● Collaborate with team members to enhance RWA’s brand presence.
● Analyze communication metrics and prepare performance reports.

Qualifications and Requirements:

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Knowledge and experience with social media platforms and digital communication tools
● Strong research and analytical skills
● Self-directed independent worker with a strong work ethic who enjoys collaborative teamwork
● Currently pursuing or holding a degree in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, English, or a related field
● Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
● Interest in the publishing industry, nonprofit advocacy, or literary organizations
● Familiarity with best practices in social media
● Understanding of or interest in romance literature and publishing industry trends
● Experience with graphic design tools (Canva preferred) for content creation

Time Commitment and Location:
This internship program requires a minimum 15-hour per week commitment (120 hours total for 3-credit internship) with flexible scheduling based on academic calendar requirements. The internship is conducted remotely, and meetings will be scheduled on a weekly basis.
Additional one-on-one mentoring sessions will be scheduled as needed with the Executive Director of RWA.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this internship, students will have developed competencies in:
● Develops Strategic Communication Plans: Creates messaging frameworks that align with organizational mission and goals.
● Produces Digital Content: Creates engaging content across multiple platforms and audiences using various digital tools.
● Executes Public Relations Activities: Writes press releases, manages media relations, and communicates with stakeholders effectively.
● Implements Advocacy Communication: Crafts persuasive messaging for policy and industry advocacy campaigns.
● Applies Nonprofit Communication Strategies: Demonstrates understanding of unique communication challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector.
● Analyzes Industry Trends: Evaluates publishing industry developments and literary community dynamics to inform strategic decisions

This internship does not offer monetary compensation. RWA provides college credit opportunities and will work with students and their academic institutions to complete all necessary paperwork for credit requirements.

This internship offers invaluable hands-on experience in strategic communication within a nationally recognized literary organization. Interns become integral members of the RWA communication team, contributing meaningfully to campaigns that directly impact thousands of professional writers. The experience provides excellent networking opportunities within the publishing industry and the nonprofit sector.

Additional Benefits:
● Professional mentorship from experienced communication professionals and authors
● Access to RWA’s professional development resources and industry connections
● Letter of recommendation upon successful completion
● Opportunity to attend virtual RWA events and workshops
● Portfolio development with real-world campaign materials and published content

Application Instructions:
To apply, please email the following materials to admin@rwa.org with the subject line “Strategic Communication Internship Application”:
● Current resume
● Cover letter explaining your interest in strategic communication and the romance writing industry

Communication Isn’t Just Human Anymore — Explore AI’s Role in CMM 493

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Explore the Future of Communication: Enroll in CMM 493 – AI and Communication (Fall 2025)!
Curious about how artificial intelligence is shaping the way we connect, work, and communicate? Join us this Fall for CMM 493 – AI and Communication, a senior-level course open to all students interested in understanding the evolving role of AI in our lives. There are no prerequisites to enroll in the course (cannot be a first-year student).
In this course, you’ll explore:
  • How AI is changing communication in relationships, workplaces, and media campaigns
  • The major terms, tools, and applications of AI
  • How AI compares to human communication
  • The history and current uses of AI in communication
  • Big ethical questions about the future of AI—and how we can build frameworks to guide it responsibly
This class is hands-on, discussion-based, and designed to connect AI to real-world communication challenges. Whether you’re studying organizational leadership, media, public relations, or just curious about AI’s impact, this course offers fresh insights and practical knowledge you can apply anywhere.
Why take CMM 493?
  • It counts as a concentration elective for Communication Studies students in Organizational, Relational, or Strategic Communication.
  • It’s designed for advanced students across a range of majors—no advanced tech skills required!
  • It’s lively, engaging, and gives you a chance to debate, create, and critically explore the future of technology and society.
Course Description:
This course explores artificial intelligence (AI) through human communication frameworks. Students will examine AI terminology, applications, and the effects of AI on relational, organizational, and strategic communication. The course also addresses ethical challenges AI poses and invites students to develop their own frameworks for managing communication with AI technologies.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
  • Understand key AI concepts and their connection to communication theories.
  • Compare human and machine communication styles and abilities.
  • Analyze how AI has developed historically and what it means for communication today.
  • Evaluate the ethical, relational, and strategic issues raised by AI technologies.
  • Propose your own strategies for ethically managing communication challenges in an AI-driven world.
Sign up for CMM 493 this Fall 2025 and be part of the conversation about the future of communication!
CRN: 640

Internships Available at Legislative Gazette in Albany

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The Legislative Gazette is seeking journalism and multi-media interns to serve as writers, photographers, copy editors, social media editors, podcast producers, and video content producers for Summer 2025. More than $10K is available to provide Scholarships for qualified students (preference given to underrepresented students and those with financial hardship).

Continue reading →

Watch the Communication Studies Major Overview Video and Orientation Materials

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Read through the presentations:

Download

CMM-TRANSFER-Advising_rev 8.24

Please watch the video major overview for all Communication Studies concentrations:

Every student must know how to read their DegreeWorks progress report: Happy Valley CC – Transfer Student Progress Report – Spring 2023

Our department requires students to use the My Schedule Planner tool for creating their class schedule before meeting with their advisor. Please watch the tutorials: https://hawksites.newpaltz.edu/dmjnews/2020/03/09/use-my-schedule-planner/

Go through the Advising Checklist: Transfer-Advising-Checklist_for-Spring-2023

Internships are OPTIONAL for Comm majors. Understand the requirements to be eligible to do an internship, by reading this post.

Discover the Power of Strategic Communication – Join Our Virtual Info Session Monday, March 18, 5:30pm

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Dear Prospective Graduate Student,

Are you looking to advance your career with a master’s degree in Strategic Communication? Look no further than SUNY New Paltz! We are excited to invite you to an information session about our brand-new MA in Strategic Communication program on Monday, March 18, at 5:30 p.m.

Our innovative hybrid program offers the best of both worlds: the flexibility of online coursework and the invaluable experience of in-person collaboration. Most of your coursework can be completed online, allowing you to balance your academic pursuits with your personal and professional commitments. However, three on-campus weekends per semester provide you with access to our exceptional campus resources and the opportunity to work closely with our faculty and your fellow students.

Whether you choose to complete the program in two years or at your own pace on a part-time schedule, our MA in Strategic Communication will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s dynamic communication landscape.

During the information session, you will have the chance to:

  • Learn about the program’s curriculum and unique hybrid structure.
  • Discover how the degree can enhance your academic and professional career.
  • Interact with our dedicated faculty and knowledgeable graduate admissions team.
  • Get answers to your questions about the program and the application process.

Take advantage of this opportunity to take the first step toward advancing your career in Strategic Communication. Register now for access to the meeting link:

https://admissions.newpaltz.edu/register/SC24

We look forward to seeing you at the information session and discussing how our MA in Strategic Communication can help you achieve your goals!

Best regards,

Dr. Jason S. Wrench

Department of Communication Graduate Coordinator

Public Relations Internship Opportunity with Festival of the Voice

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Students interested in a long term internship opportunity should consider applying for the Hudson Valley International Festival of the Voice Internship. The internship would begin immediately and conclude July 10, 2024 (there is a possibility of creating a permanent position afterwards). Continue reading →

Introducing Michael Kim, Our New Communication Studies Professor!

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Join us in welcoming our new professor in Communication Studies Dr. Michael Kim! Professor Kim is teaching two classes this semester: CMM375 Social Change and Advocacy Communication and CMM353 Persuasion and Social Influence. Professor Kim’s research and teaching are focused on social change communication, specifically, the important roles of communication and media in the process of social change. For example, he investigates how the actors of social change (NGOs, journalists, etc.) communicate about social issues. His courses teach students the strategic and critical thinking that can lead to changing the mechanisms within the social structure and culture. Michael Kim headshot

Professor Kim was born in Bloomington, IN, and grew up in South Korea, where he earned his bachelor’s degree from Hanyang University. He then earned his master’s from the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK. In America, he spent a year at The University of Texas at Austin, followed by another 4 years at the University of Miami working toward and then earning his PhD. Before coming to New Paltz, Professor Kim was not familiar with the area, but he always envisioned himself living in the New York area. He loves the location of New Paltz and enjoys the welcoming community. Although it is a completely different climate, both socially and environmentally, compared to Miami and South Korea, Professor Kim is adjusting well and appreciates the engagement from both faculty and students on campus. Professor Kim is ecstatic to be teaching here and broadening his horizons, as this is early in his career in academia.  

Professor Kim’s personal interests changed a lot with transition as he moves from place to place; however, he has always enjoyed playing soccer or futsal. In New Paltz he has been exploring the area, hiking and taking walks, and finding his place in the community. 

In class, Professor Kim would like to emphasize issues of social change and international development and encourage students with critical thinking. In general, he wants students to be able to think critically and apply what they learn to their area of interest. As this is his first teaching position, Professor Kim is still figuring out his unique teaching style. However, he sees himself more as a mutual facilitator of learning than simply an instructor. He values student engagement and encourages them to be able to relate to the topics and content to their own experiences. His classes will consist of lectures and discussions.  Professor Kim wants his students to be approachable and open-minded to lead to an enjoyable classroom experience. He is still experimenting in terms of course design and looks forward to his students to reach out freely with feedback and suggestions about the course, topics, and format.