Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Practicum Audio Lab (Face-to-Face)

COMM 3503-01

Course: COMM 3503-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: COMM
CRN: 32047

Course Description

Supervised work on the University’s FM station, KSUU FM. Only four (4) credit hours of each practicum can count toward the major. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): COMM 1560 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: D- Repeatable for Add’l Credit? Yes - Total Credits: 15

Required Texts

None required.

SUGGESTED TEXT: Geller, Valerie (2011). Beyond Powerful Radio (2nd ed.) Burlington, MA: Taylor & Francis

Learning Outcomes

The Practicum Audio Lab provides students with hands-on opportunities in a wide variety of communication, marketing, and event planning experiences with SUU's campus radio station, KSUU-FM Thunder 91, as the mechanism for experiential learning in the following:

  1. Demonstrate a practiced and developed skill set needed to become a well-rounded communication specialist. Particular emphasis will be given to performing weekly on-air shifts.
  2. Demonstrate effective radio principles and practices including operating the automation software, production, on-air performance, writing, recording, editing, programming, and distribution.
  3. Demonstrate effective on-air performance/delivery and air-check preparation.
  4. Gain knowledge of FCC rules and regulations regarding radio production, underwriting, and broadcasting.
  5. Advance knowledge of radio equipment, computers, software, on-air preparation.
  6. Additional experiential opportunities include projects in podcasting, newscasting, sportscasting, talk radio, producing and engineering, planning, marketing and promoting events, collaboration and teamwork.

Measurement of the outcomes will come from assignments and air-check sessions by the station manager/instructor with critique and individual goal setting that is consistent with professional standards observed in the broadcast and media industry.

Variable Credit Obligations: students should expect to perform and complete projects equivalent to each hour of educational credit claimed, as follows:
  • Air Shifts: one per week, or the equivalency in additional experiential projects planned with the instructor, for each hour of educational credit claimed
  • Position Projects: radio role assignments equivalent to each hour of educational credit claimed
  • Radio/Production Projects: as outlined on Canvas

Course Requirements

AIR SHIFTS & OPERATIONS LOG: 13 weeks of on-air shifts, (one on-air shift per educational credit claimed, 10 On-Air Shift submissions) 35 points each, to practice performance and other related skills. Missing an on-air shift is NOT an option. In the event you cannot cover a shift, you must find a qualified replacement. One missed air shift will result in a half grade drop (A to A-). A second missed air shift will result in a full letter grade drop (A to B). Three missed on-air shifts will result in dismissal from the station and a failing grade. Operators must sign operations log, on/off time, and given first and last name in black or blue ink. Each on-air shift also requires a social media post to the KSUU Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok; 350 points = 35%.

AIR CHECK SESSIONS: 1 session with the instructor, 100 points, to discuss role performance, positive feedback about strengths, constructive criticism, and suggestions for areas of improvement; 100 points = 10%.

RADIO/PRODUCTION PROJECTS: 5 projects, 20 points each, to practice various radio-related skills; completed throughout the semester and submitted via Canvas; 100 points = 10%.

POSITION PROJECTS: 12 assignments/projects, 25 points each, corresponding to staff positions in the class and consistent with educational credits claimed; 300 points = 30%.

PARTICIPATION GRADE: Because this class involves discussion, collaboration, in-class learning and production, in-person attendance and participation are vital. Attendance will be recorded and participation evaluated daily. The instructor may adjust your final grade, at his discretion, by as much as a half grade step (A to A-) based on your participation evaluation. Reasonable/consistent attendance and participation will earn students a 50 on participation; 50 points = 5%.

FINAL PORTFOLIO: 1 portfolio, 100 points; students will submit, via Canvas, a Final Air-Check and a report of their 12 position projects. The Final Portfolio will take the place of a final examination; 100 points = 10%.

Course Outline

A Project-Based Learning Experience, the COMM 3503 Practicum/Radio Lab is to experience all facets of KSUU Thunder 91.1 operation. Students will have the opportunity, and should strive, to improve themselves by developing skill sets in entertainment programming, business management, audience analysis and needs gratification, advertising and PSA creation and production, media sales, marketing and promotions, event management, broadcast newswriting, voice acting, and performance. Additional experiential prospects include podcasting, newscasting, sportscasting, social media, programming, public relations, and other radio station operations opportunities.

The Course is divided into four modules:
Module 1: Production of a show intro and promo, three on-air shifts per hour of educational credit claimed, three position projects, and instruction in advanced Adobe Audition, broadcast regulations and policies, and creating powerful on-air content and vocal delivery.
Module 2: Self-critique of on-air work, four on-air shifts per hour of educational credit claimed, three position projects, an individual assessment with the professor (the Air Check Session) and additional instruction in advanced Adobe Audition, performance, preparation, developing the voice as an instrument, and advanced interview practices and techniques.
Module 3: Creation/production of sweepers and other production for on-air, a second self-critique of on-air work, three on air shifts per hour of educational credit claimed, three position projects, and additional instruction in advanced Adobe Audition, podcasting, news and newswriting, and storytelling.
Module 4: Participation in a promotional event, three on-air shifts per hour of educational credit claimed, three position projects, and additional instruction in advanced Adobe Audition, story writing, marketing, branding, and promotions. 

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Meeting deadlines is critical. Late submissions will be accepted but at a loss of 20 percent on the day after a given due date and one additional point for each subsequent day. No submissions will be accepted after 12/7/25 at 11:59 pm.

Attendance Policy

The nature of this course demands attendance. The course includes significant hands-on and face-to-face participation including an analysis and discussion of principles and practices. Consequently, punctuality and attendance are critical and students will struggle if they are often late and/or absent. Wednesday classes will be similar to a professional radio station’s weekly staff meeting. Please turn off or silence cell phones during class time and expect to engage and participate in discussions, planning, collaboration, individual and group projects and presentations, in-class demonstrations, and weekly on-air shifts. Attendance will be recorded and participation evaluated daily. The instructor may adjust your final grade, at his discretion, by as much as a half grade step (A to A-) based on your participation evaluation. Reasonable/consistent attendance and participation will earn students a 50 on participation. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.