The UMW Speaking Center is one of only eight certified communication centers in the U.S. It received certification from the National Association of Communication Centers in January, joining such institutions as the universities of Pennsylvania, North Carolina at Greensboro, and Southern Mississippi. The UMW Speaking Center helps students develop and polish oral communication skills, supporting objectives of a liberal arts education and of the UMW Speaking Intensive Program. Consultants are undergraduates trained to provide peer tutoring and consultations. The national certification is based on a review of how tutors and consultants are trained. “The center’s training program was revamped this past fall and now provides broad support and communication training for new consultants,” said Anand Rao, associate professor of communication and director of the Speaking Center. The center does more than just work on public speaking assignments – the center’s consultants run workshops and … [Read more...]