SCAT OFFERS HANDS ON EXPERIENCE FOR CREDITS

The Creative Services Workshop, a class in the School of Communications and Theater, provides a “real world,” hands-on experience.

CSW is a fully integrated communications agency in one place, servicing all of the client’s communication needs from graphic and web design to advertising and public relations. It is one of a limited number of student-run agencies in the country.

“The class functions as a real communications agency doing real work for real clients,” said Tara Carl, a senior JPRA major, who is the public relations director for CSW.

The class is separated into four or five-person teams, which are assigned a client. The team consists of an account planner, who does most of the communication with the client, a public relations director, an advertising director and graphic designers.

Carl said, students produce whatever the client wishes. “Some students have produced Web sites, brochures, research, ad campaigns, graphics and much more.”

CSW works with outside clients and Temple University departments. The workshop’s current clients include: PNC Wiring, the JPRA Awards, Women’s International Support Environment, Dynamic Resources and the X-Games. Students complete work, free of charge, for clients who just pay for production costs.

Carl says that portfolios and work experience are very important in communications. “Thus far this semester, I was able to create a portfolio, as well as, learn things about the industry that a book usually does not tell you.”

Serious junior and senior JPRA students may take CSW for one to three credits, so students have the option of taking the workshop more than once.

“The class is offered in the fall and spring. The class meets Monday’s from
2:40 p.m. to 5 p.m.,” Carl said.

“With CSW you get to work with people. It’s a team effort,” commented Kelly Brennan, a graduating public relations major. Brennan, current Account Planner for CSW, has been involved for two semesters. “It’s much more than a class.”

FACT BOX:
Fact sheets regarding CSW can be seen throughout Annenberg Hall. For more information about CSW, contact Dr. Marra at (215) 204-1904 or via e-mail at jlmarra@astro.ocis.temple.edu. You can also stop by Dr. Marra’s office located in Annenberg Hall, room 326.

If you would like to speak with a current CSW student, contact the CSW office at (215) 204-0123.