Communication Studies Department
Welcome to the Spring 2025 Semester!
Welcome to Communication Studies
Communication is a vital part of today's world, whether a skill used professionally, socially or in your personal life. We welcome you to explore one of the many areas of Communication Studies by taking a class at Gavilan College. The Communication Studies faculty at Gavilan is dedicated to providing students with the knowledge and skill about human communication that can be applied to various contexts in your life. Whether it be improving on your public speaking skills, working with a culturally diverse group at work or developing skills to better communicate your wants and needs to family and friends, our curriculum is academically structured to meet your needs based on the specific course that you choose. This is one of the fastest growing degrees offered at Gavilan College, demonstrating the importance of communication skills in our world today.
Don't hesitate to enroll in one of our many courses and empower yourself. Take the time to explore our department homepage links. You will find information about the courses taught, degree and certificate options in Communication Studies, and about the faculty teaching for Gavilan College.
Ask your counselor or contact Denise Besson at dbesson@gavilan.edu for more information!
Best,
Denise Besson, M.A.
Click this link to play the above Communications Studies Program video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S4sksLBFuo
Award Winning Department
WSCA Model Communication Program Award - The Communication Studies program at Gavilan Community College was awarded the 2013 Model Communication Program Award from the Western States Communication Association. Our faculty presented the four main areas to their success:
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Being a Model in Teaching
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Being a Model in Service
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Being a Model in Creative Works and Research
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Being a Model in Utilizing Resources and Marketing the Program.
The faculty emphasized a student-centered pedagogy and the importance of shared leadership between full time and part time faculty alike. Service Learning and CommClub were also noted as being important components to the success of the department. Presently the 3rd largest graduated major on campus, it's no wonder the department is successful as they model what they teach amongst themselves everyday as a team of colleagues devoted to the teaching of the discipline Communication.
Pictured from left to right : Award Presenter Mary Claire Morr Serewicz, University of Denver, Award Recipients: Denise Besson, Shelley Giacalone, Christina Avila, Adrian Andrade, Michelle Zajac, Ellen Waddell, and Donna Cowan.