LSU Distinguished Communicator Candidates
You've applied to the program and completed your orientation. Now what?
Program Requirements
Here's all the information you'll need to complete the program, including any forms and deadlines you need to keep in mind. If you want to keep track of your progress along the way, download the Personal Tracking Form to use throughout your journey as a Distinguished Communicator candidate.
Keep reading, or click below to jump directly to the section you're looking for.
- C-I Courses
- LSU Communicator Certificate
- Meetings with CxC Representatives
- Faculty Advisor
- Portfolio Development Sessions
- Public Portfolio
Personal Tracking Form (PDF)Timeline for final three semesters (PDF)
Communication-Intensive (C-I) Courses
C-I Courses help you develop your skills as a communicator in your field. You are required to take enough courses to meet the requirements for the LSU Communicator Certificate, demonstrating your ability to communicate to a variety of audiences through multiple modes of communication.
Can't find a course certified in the mode you need to earn? As a Distinguished Communicator candidate, you have the option to submit an Independent C-I Course Contract to earn the mode in a class. If this is something you are considering, your best bet is to check in with your CxC Representative to discuss your options.
Deadline: Contracts must be submitted within the first two weeks of the semester for a course you are currently enrolled in.
LSU Communicator Certificate
LSU Distinguished Communicators earn the LSU Communicator Certificate as part of their program requirements. You are working on the medal requirements and certificate requirements at the same time, and you will ultimately graduate with two distinctions.
Meetings with CxC Representatives
This is your chance to meet one-on-one with a CxC team member to talk through your progress to date and help you make a plan for the next steps. We recommend connecting with your CxC Rep at least once a semester, but you can reach out any time you have a question.
Faculty Advisor
You will work with a Faculty Advisor as you work toward earning the Distinguished Communicator medal. This is someone you choose rather than someone we assign to you. This will give you the opportunity to find a mentor who will work with you to achieve your goals and provide necessary context for where you plan to go next.
Deadline: You must choose an advisor and submit a Faculty Advisor Contract no later than three semesters before you plan to graduate.
Portfolio Development Sessions
Your Public Portfolio is a comprehensive demonstration of your ability to effectively communicate across modes to your target audience(s), whether they are employers, graduate programs, internships/co-ops, etc. Think of this as an extension of your resume—it's an opportunity to further show your capabilities before someone even meets you. According to a 2020 survey done by the American Association of Colleges & Universities, nine in 10 employers find Portfolios to be useful in the hiring process. So it's time to put your best foot forward!
Distinguished Communicator candidates are required to attend at least one Portfolio Development Session to ensure they are accessing and reviewing helpful resources.
Public Portfolio
Identified in consultation with their DC faculty advisor, DC candidates will be asked to include the following materials in their public portfolio in addition to any other materials the DC advisor identifies as important for the student’s professional trajectory:
- Demonstration of exemplary multimodal communication skills within the discipline
- Inclusion and articulation of experiences beyond the classroom that enable you to practice effective communication skills and prepare for your future field, including one which enables you to serve in a leadership role
- A Spoken Sample that appropriately demonstrates your mastery of oral communication
- Downloadable, print-ready résumé in a pdf or similar format (no word documents).
Public Portfolio Deadlines
- Draft Portfolios and Self-Assessments are due on April 1.
- Final Portfolios and Dear Reviewer Letters are due on September 1.
- Draft Portfolios and Self-Assessments are due on November 1.
- Final Portfolios and Dear Reviewer Letters are due on February 1.
Public Portfolio Information and FAQsDear Reviewer Letter InformationFinal Assessment Rubric (PDF)