Standards for Oral Communication

The College requires effective use of public and academic discourse as defined and appraised by the faculty and the College community. Many courses across the curriculum, including Proseminars and seminars, require class participation through discussion, performance and debate, as well as through individual or group presentations. Most departments require a public presentation of their concentrators' Senior Projects. Students may develop their speaking abilities and public presence through courses designated as "Speaking Intensive" (SI). Course descriptions found in the online catalogue include “Oral Presentation” if an instructor has designated a course as such. Students who experience difficulty in meeting the College’s expectations for effective oral communication are encouraged to pursue a plan for progress in consultation with their instructors, advisor and/or associate dean of students (academic).