Chair— Berrin Beasley, University of North Florida Vice-Chair— Secretary & Vice-Chair Elect—Theresa Taylor, Mississippi State University Web Editor—Tony DeMars, Sam Houston State University Nominating Committee— Business Meeting Minutes Mass Communication Division Southern States Communication Association April 3, 2003 The business meeting of the Mass Communication Division (Southern States Communication Association) was called to order Thursday, April 3 promptly at 5 p.m. Dr. John Allen Hendricks presided as chair of the division. Twenty-seven members were in attendance. Dr. Joy Hart and Dr. Ken Sisna, editor-elect and editor, respectively, of the Southern States Communication Association journal were invited guests. They spoke to the division members about the role of the journal editor and listened to the concerns of the MCD regarding the types of articles featured in the publication. The division members had two basic questions, which were relayed by Dr. Hendricks: (1) Why are so few mass communication-related articles published in the journal, and (2) Why are there so few representatives from mass communication disciplines on the journal's editorial board? Ken's response to the first question was that too few mass communication articles are submitted, and the ones that are submitted aren't that good. "You can only publish what gets submitted," he said. During his three-year tenure as editor, he said he reviewed five mass communication-related manuscripts, three of which were sent back and the authors were encouraged to revise and resubmit. Of the two that did resubmit, one was rejected and the other is close to being publishable. Regarding question two, the response was that having people on the board from the MCD isn't really the issue. The issue, Ken says, is publishable manuscripts. John's response, from his discussions with MCD members, was that the members sought to submit their work to journals that are more mass communication friendly. Ken said that he was aware that the journal was low on the list for many of the mass communication division members. John said "it doesn't have to be that way, and we hope it won't." In conclusion, Ken offered three suggestions: (1) send in your best stuff, you'll find it gets published; (2) we're developing a special issue, which could have a mass communication focus, and the acceptance rate for special issues is higher. The acceptance rate during Ken's tenure was 18.97% for regular issues; (3) the association is about to begin searching for a new editor. Since there are overlaps between popular culture, public relations, mass communication, etc., there may be someone among those groups who might consider being the next editor of the Southern Communication Journal. Another topic of concern brought up for discussion was the dwindling membership in every division, including the Mass Communication Division. The MCD has decreased from 203 members in 1999 to 92 members in 2003, a 55% decrease. In one year, the MCD went from 198 members (2001) to 104 members (2002). All divisions have suffered similar declines, though not quite as drastic in most cases as the MCD. There may be several reasons that divisions are showing a decline. One suggestion was that regional conferences are taking a hit in terms of academic priority. Faculty are being encouraged by their deans to present and publish at national and international venues. Another possibility regarding the lack of membership and attendance is the venue itself. Winston-Salem and Birmingham may not be as popular a destination as Tampa and New Orleans. A third possibility for the steady decline is the ever-tightening economy and the dwindling budgets for travel at state-funded universities. Whatever the case, the MCD needs to launch a counter-attack and build up its membership base over the coming years. Another item of discussion was the SSCA constitution. New MCD chair Berrin Beasley was asked to consider whether the division should review our own constitution in light of the recent changes made to the SSCA's constitution. Also, a call went out to anyone who might want to serve on the SSCA standing committees. Those wanting to serve were asked to notify Berrin immediately. For those planning to submit articles to the Southern Communication Journal, Joy Hart has elected to use the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide. The last topic for discussion was off-site events for the MCD division members at SSCA conferences. The problem is that planners are not getting the interest they expect during some years, 2003 being one of them. Do we need to have off-site events? What should they be? How much should tickets cost? Planners asked for guidance for the 2004 conference in Tampa. The consensus was to have off-site events when appropriate and meaningful (the right event, in the right place, at the right time, at the right cost, etc.). Members were encouraged to send in ideas for the Tampa conference. Berrin said she had trouble stirring up interest in panels and paper presentations for this year's conference. The MCD has 12 panels organized. Ten proposals were submitted, and all were accepted. There were six submissions for production showcases and nine papers submitted. The members and officers of the division were asked to start early in requesting and submitting papers and panel suggestions. We chose not to award our research award this year, nor did we have a "Top Student" paper award. We should encourage enough activity to offer both next year. As John suggests, "Not getting papers in weakens the division." Next year's conference theme is Communication: The Nexus for the Academy and the World. An election for vice-chair elect and secretary (both titles are for one position) was held just prior to the conclusion of the MCD business meeting for 2003. Theresa Taylor, currently at the University of Alabama in Huntsville but on her way to Mississippi State University, was nominated for the position, as was Tony DeMars from Sam Houston State University in Texas. In a tie-breaker vote, Theresa was elected to the position. The business meeting concluded at 6:04 p.m. -- Dennis Robertson, secretary |