National Communication Association
Atlanta, Georgia, November 2001

The Division met for its Business Meeting on November 3. Chair Michael Pfau presided. The minutes of the November 2000 meeting were approved. Secretary Sheckels announced that the e-mail list for the Division newsletter would be updated before the next (January) mailing.

Pfau reported on actions of the Legislative Council. Among them were an increase in NCA dues, the approval of a new NCA journal focused on cultural studies, and the endorsement of a new constitution. Under this constitution, all divisions and sections would have two votes on the Legislative Assembly, with larger units having more. Currently, the Political Communication Division is on the threshold of receiving a third vote. The new constitution also would allow units (should they wish) to select separate Legislative Assembly delegates and Nominating Committee members. Currently, the chair and immediate past chair serve on Legislative Council, and the immediate past chair serves on the Nominating Committee.

Vice Chair Bill Benoit reported on the 2001 program. 55 papers were received; of these, 56 percent (31) were accepted and combined into 8 panels. 21 program proposals were received; of these, 62 percent (13) were accepted. Benoit announced and presented awards to the Outstanding Paper authors: Michael Pfau, University of Oklahoma; Amy J. Pierce, Saginaw Valley SU; Glenn Hansen, University of Missouri, Columbia; and Jennifer T. Cartwright and Henry C. Kenski, University of Arizona. Benoit also thanked those who reviewed submissions.

Vice Chair Elect Gregory Payne asked for volunteers to review submissions for the 2002 meeting. He also suggested that submissions focused on the events of 9/11 were especially welcome.

Nominating Committee Chair Barbara Walcosz asked members whether they wished to elect a Publications Board Representative. The consensus was to do so. Mari Boor Tonn was elected to a one-year term. In other elections, Diane Bystrom was elected Vice Chair Elect; Theodore Sheckels was reelected Secretary; Trevor Parry-Giles, Sharon Jarvis, Michael Nitz, Terry Robertson, and Sherry Strahan were elected as Nominating Committee, with Parry-Giles serving as chair.

After announcements, including Benoit’s election as editor of Journal of Communication, the meeting adjourned.

Theodore Sheckels, Secretary
tsheckel@rmc.edu