Department Sponsored Events

Upcoming Events in Fall 2026!

Welcome Back Bash - Sept. 17, 2026

Join us for lunch as we gather on Sept. 17th during U-Hour in the SBSB Courtyard.  We'll play corn hole games, give out lots of awesome swag, network, mingle and soak up a chance to see everyone as we kick off Fall semester!  See you there.

Events during Academic Year 2025-2026

CMS End of the Year Celebration - May 6, 2026 in the SBSB Courtyard

Jake Steffanci received the award of our CMS Outstanding Student of the Year at this event!!  Dr. Catherine Armas-Matsumoto was recoginzed for her 21 years of teaching for our department.  Students and faculty gathered and enjoyed time together before commencement and the summer break.  

Spring Fling - Feb. 5, 2026

This event brought a large number of GEO & CMS students together to mingle with our faculty.  It is awesome to see our CMS community come together like this!

CMS Alumni Career Panel - Oct. 14, 2025

Our CMS students gained a tremedous amount of insight during our Career Panel. Jakob Woo-Ming ('19) graduated from CSUSM with a degree in Media Studies and a minor in Sociology.  He manages the online and social presence of Executive Medical Spa's two clinics and he serves as an administrator and content specialist for Doctor Podcast Network.  Christine Vaughan ('06) is the President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos.  Prior to her role as the CEO, she was the Director of Communications at CSUSM!  Christine Lee ('14) serves as the Public Information Officer for the San Marcos Unified School District.  She leads media strategy and community engagement across one of North County's largest school districts.  

Transfer Student Power Hour - Sept. 30, 2025

During U-Hour, CMS transfer students attended an info session to help them navigate their path to success!

Meet & Greet - Sept. 9, 2025

During U-Hour we hosted our Academic Year 2025-2026 Meet & Greet Celebration.  LPE was there to share information and promote their club.  The Communication & Media Studies Society (CMS Society) announced their new club!!  Dr. Cecilia (Lia) Uy-Tioco and Dr. Robert Gutierrez-Perez were promoted this Fall.  Dr. Uy-Tioco is now a Full Professor and Dr. Gutierrez-Perez is an Associate Professor.  Congratulations to both of them. 

Events during Academic Year 2024-2025

2025 Graduation Celebration - May 6, 2025

Our 2025 Graduation Celebration was held on May 6th from 4-5 pm at the Clarke Field House Grand Salon.  Dr. Liora Gubkin (CHABSS Dean) and Dr. Brian Dolber (CMS Department Chair) passed along well wishes to our graduates! 

Spring Fling - Mar. 25, 2025

Our Spring Fling event was a HUGE success with over 100 students in attendance.  We enjoyed lunch together.  GEO 102 students took selfies with instructors & received extra credit.  We will continue to have events like this to bring our CMS & GEO community together.  

Oct. 15, 2024 - Employment Search Panel

The Department of Communication and Media Studies (CMS) held an Employment Search Panel on Oct. 15, 2024.   Two speakers discussed potential career paths upon receiving a degree in CMS. Dr. Christopher Bell (CMS Lecturer) 
talked about working in Hollywood as a Diversity and Inclusion consultant with Pixar.  Victoria Vasquez, one of our CMS alum, talked about her work with a non-profit organization and the steps she took to obtain her current position.

Sept. 18, 2024 - Meet & Greet Kickoff 

CMS kicked off our Fall 2024 Semester with the return of our Meet & Greet event!  Students enjoyed interacting with their peers and faculty members.