search through journal, As the profession of agricultural communication continues to develop and refine its mission in society, we must relate this mission to our academic programs. Therefore, we must continually examine the profession where our graduates will find professional positions. By doing so, we continually refine our programs for academic content, gain new knowledge to realistically advise our students, and therefore produce graduates who will meet the expectations of our profession. This article looks at selected characteristics of practicing agricultural communication professionals from six professional organizations and give insights into concepts we must consider as we plan our academic programs and advise our students. (original)
search through journal, This study examined the daily influences that affected the behavior of agricultural communications personnel as professional communicators. If focused on the conditions that the employees perceived as influencing their behavior and how these phenomena related to the total communications process of the department. The researcher used Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory method of qualitative research. The findings of this study suggest that changing organizational needs are affecting the professional behavior of communications personnel. The relationship between agricultural communications departments and their clientele, both internal and external, is changing because of budget-slashing priorities common throughout institutions of higher education. (original)
search through journal, This assessment was requested by AG*SAT, a consortium of land-grant universities created to plan, coordinate, and deliver distance education in the agricultural science. The perspectives of department heads regarding the delivery of credit instruction using AG*SAT and related technologies were assessed. The heads indicated that their departments will subscribe to one-of-a-kind courses and courses taught by nationally recognized faculty. Most of those surveyed support faculty involvement in distance education, but they perceive that faculty need in-service education in order to teach distance courses effectively. Several programming issues were identified that have implications for ag communicators. (original)
