Frequently Asked Questions:
 

"What are the annual Association Dues?

Regular membership dues are $25 per year.  Student dues are $5 each year. 

 

"What can I gain from Association membership?"

Frequently, a person is the only person within a field or emphasis area.  Whether you are in the education or in the private sector, the Association provides an opportunity to network with colleagues for collaboration, professional enrichment, and discussion among your peers.

 

When is the Annual Conference?

The Tennessee Communication Association Annual Meeting is conducted each year, during the month of September.

 

Where is the Conference this year?

The 2007 TCA Annual Conference will be at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.  Visit the “convention” page on this website for details.

 

Who are some of the members?

Members of the Tennessee Communication are faculty members and students from across Tennessee. Members teach and study communication at all levels of higher education, from undergraduate through graduate studies.  Full-time high school, undergraduate, and graduate students may be admitted to student membership.  In addition, membership is open to those interested in promoting the purpose of the Tennessee Communication Association.   A sample list of members and institutions is located here.

 

What is the membership period?

The Association membership lasts from Annual Meeting to Annual Meeting (September through August).

 

How do I join the Association?

Upon application and payment of dues, any person interested in promoting TCA’s purpose may become a member of the organization.  A membership form should be completed (visit the link below to print a copy) and mail, with annual dues, to the Executive Vice-President of the Tennessee Communication Association.  View a membership form.

 

What happens at an Association meeting?

Association Annual Meetings are, both an opportunity to renew associations or develop new associations, and to share ideas and research.  A variety of communication interest areas are discussed during the Annual Meeting, including but not limited to, argumentation, forensics, corporate and organizational communication, curriculum and instruction, interpersonal and small group communication, mass communication, rhetoric, and public address.  Interest Group Chairs organize programs to present papers and provide discussion forums on a variety of topics.

 

What is the purpose of the Association?

TCA seeks the improvement of communication education at all levels in Tennessee, encourages research in communication, and fosters community recognition of effective communication.  Visit the Constitution and By-Laws at this site.

 

How do I participate at an Association meeting?

Members may propose programs and/or submit papers for consideration at the Annual Meeting.  Each Interest Group Chair is in charge of a program area and assists the President-Elect to plan the Annual Meeting.

 

How do I find out what presentations are scheduled for the program and when the Interest Groups have scheduled meetings?

Visit the “Convention” page at this website.  When programs are finalized, they will be posted here.  Contact the Interest Group Chair for the area you are particularly interested in attending.  In addition, the Convention Planner notifies the membership of Annual Meeting details.

 

Besides an annual meeting, what else happens during the year?
Members receive 2 newsletters during the year, issues of The Communication Teacher, and opportunities to correspond directly with members of the organization.  In addition, the TCA President and Executive Committee correspond with the membership concerning issues of importance to the communication community.  One current Presidential Committee, the Core Curriculum Committee, is charged with examining curriculum issues on member campuses and at the state level, and with proposing to the organization strategies for addressing these issues with specific areas of examination to be the general education core and the development of changes in major programs."  Visit the Committee page.

Click Here for a Printable Membership Form