COMS 2302: Personal Relations Communications

Course Feedback Report, March 2023

Student Representative: Celia Chan, 816038874

Last week I had a delightful conversation with my class about our COMS 2302 Personal
Relations Communication course. To begin, students appreciated Ms. Greer Hospedales’
management style. She is academically prepared for every lecture, returns assignment and
examination grades at a responsible timeframe, has made the textbook easily accessible for every
student, and processes the necessary skills to control and maintain a positive learning
environment.

One of the main highlights from my conversations with students was Hospedales’ accessible and
engaging delivery style. Instead of only talking at us, which often fatigues and easily disengages
students because it doesn’t invite them to participate, she inputs questions and application
activities to encourage thoughtful inquiry and critical thinking. Students also reported feeling
excited to come to class because she is enthusiastic and responsive to the majority of students
who self-identify as visual learners; for example, the uses of videos, images, and pop cultural
events were largely praised for their relevancy. This is why students expressed interest in the
lecture and overall course content, Hospedales knew how to tailor to current the demands of
digital storytelling such as having our assignment formats be a Twitter post and podcast. For
exam preparation, students agreed that her communication on studying expectations and her use
of Jeporday to practice the learning content were helpful.

Improvements were discussed in reference to the overall structure of the course and its
relationship to the current UWI learning system. As an exchange student from the U.S., I was
able to share a unique perspective on how my communication classes at my home university
(Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington) are structured differently. Courses are not
lecture and exam based, they’re a mix of discussions, presentations, and my favorite; projects
similar to Hospedale’s assignments where application skills are prioritized. For example, in my
Strategic Communications course, the purpose of the entire semester was to create a campaign
for our client, which was a local indigenous tribe who was looking to build their brand, story, and
community ties. Our final was a presentation to leaders of the tribe and a written campaign
report. We learned how to write and conduct surveys, analyze data, create audience snapshots,
tell a story, build a social media plan, and most importantly; work in teams with our classmates.
When I shared this with my UWI classmates everyone was stunned and inspired. They voiced
desires to express themselves beyond papers and exams. While we also understand that the
Communications Department can only control so much within the structural traditions of
learning at UWI, we thought it was important to advocate for change. Students want
opportunities to apply what they’re learning to the communities around them. One student even
voiced the idea of field trips or any activity that gets them involved and out of the classroom. In
conclusion, I heard a push for hands-on learning and reimagining the current formats of
assessment.

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COMS 2302: Personal Relations Communications
Course Feedback Report, March 2023
Student Representative: Celia Chan, 816038874

Some ending reflections follow: I wish I’d asked the students about their perceptions of the
Communication Department in terms of interdisciplinary and collaboration practices. This is
something I believe always enriches lectures and discussions because it equips students to go
into complex and diverse career settings. The last point I’ll make is about mental health. Students
have highly appreciated Hospedales’ dedication to mental health beyond a first-day discussion. I
believe Hospedales’ compassion and grace has built a safe and healthy learning environment that
positively impacts students’ learning and overall well-being.

In all, we the students of COMS 2302 all agreed that the best part about our course is the
leadership and care of Ms. Greer Hospedales. We’re satisfied with our course and we’re hoping
to see how the Communications Department can make small steps toward structural change.