::Wayne State College::

Abstract
Communication consulting has recently become an area that has received increased attention. Businesses are moving from classical management styles to perspectives that involve human resource approaches. This involves a flattening of the corporate infrastructure, decentralizing power to more collaborative group approaches, and embracing diversity of new thoughts and ideas. Communication audits have provided a way to assess strengths and weaknesses of communication channels in order to reach these new goals. Businesses are not the only organizations that have restructured their approaches to everyday organizational life and problem solving. This new focus can be seen from the educational side of our society as well. This paper takes an in-depth look at two local area high schools, points out communication strengths and weaknesses, and provides suggestions for possible improvement within their individual organizational cultures. This dual analysis brings to light common problem areas between the two high schools, yet it highlights each system's own unique struggles.

Autobiography
Jeff Child is the son of Craig and Pam Child of Draper, Utah. He is a Speech Communication major with emphases in Corporate and Community Relations and Public Relations. He also has two minors in Computer Science and Mathematics. While at Wayne State College, Jeff has been involved in the following: Peer Tutor for the Learning Center and STRIDE, Tutor Program Office Assistant for the Learning Center, Vice President of the local chapter of the National Communication Association Honors Society, Co-President of Association for Computing Machinery Club, Historian of Mathematics Honor Society, Treasurer and Initiation Officer of the Blue Key National Honors Fraternity, and Treasurer of Neihardt Hall. In the Fall of 2002, Jeff will begin graduate work in the field of Organizational Communication.

-----

HEATHER D. CONLEY

"Improving Organizational Communication: Perfecting the Communication Consultant Experience"

Joint project with Jeff Child

Advisor: Dr. Deborah Whitt

Autobiography
Heather Conley is the daughter of Howard and Deb Conley of Omaha, Nebraska. She is a Speech Communication major with an emphasis in Corporate and Community Relations. She also has a minor in Human Resource Management. While attending Wayne State College, Heather's activities include varsity softball, STRIDE tutor, CAT Council, Society for Human Resource Management, and President of the local chapter of the National Communication Honor Society, Lambda Pi Eta. In the Fall of 2002, Heather will begin graduate studies in the field of Organizational Communication.

-----

SHANNON KOBES

"A Conversational and Attitudinal Analysis of Victim Blame and Rape Myth Formation"

Advisor: Dr. Karen Walker

Abstract
The present study attempts to add to the body of knowledge regarding victim blame and rape myth formation in a college population. A study in which the assault location and victim age were manipulated in ambiguous assault scenarios. It is hypothesized that the manipulation will cue certain rape myths or misconceptions. Furthermore, by examining conversations about sexual assault in a naturalistic setting with a friend, recognition of personal beliefs and/or misconceptions about rape myths that individuals may unknowing hold could become more apparent. Participants underlying acceptance or rejection of these will be analyzed by conversation and attitudinal surveys. Results of the content analysis and attitudinal surveys will be presented.

Autobiography
Shannon Kobes is the daughter of Tim and Tina Kobes of Sioux City, Iowa. During her time at Wayne State College, she served as a Resident Assistant for two years and as a tutor for psychology and sociology department. Shannon has also been inducted into three honor societies: Alpha Lambda Delta, the National Freshmen Honor Society, Pi Gamma Mu, the International Social Sciences Honor Society, and Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honor Society. Furthermore, Shannon is a founding mother of the social sorority Zeta Tau Omega and is an active member in the Greek system, participating in GAMMA and Greek Council. She hopes to obtain a doctorate degree in clinical psychology and teach, research, and council individuals who have experienced sexual abuse.

-----

SCOTT McINTOSH

"Forty Miles of Bad Road"

Advisor: J. V. Brummels

Abstract
As an English Writing major and poet, I created a multimedia poetry chapbook. Combining desktop- and web-published poetry with an audio CD, I produced my first collection, Asphalt, Moon Rocks & Snake Oil, as well as Forty Miles of Bad Road, in a sound and page format. Both were hands-on projects in which I was responsible for all aspects of the publication process, including design, layout, editing and printing. Each chapbook features a CD of oral poetry that I recorded, mastered and duplicated.

Autobiography
Scott McIntosh is the son of James and Anna McIntosh of St. Edward, Nebraska. Scott, a 1988 graduate of St. Edward High School, is majoring in English with a Writing emphasis. Scott has minors in Online Media and Literary Editing and Publishing, and is scheduled to graduate in May 2002.

-----

ELIZABETH E. REICH

"Issues Concerning Women in the Accounting Profession"

Advisor: Dr. Gary Volk

Abstract
The ratio of female accounting students to male accounting students at Wayne State College has been over 2 to 1 for nearly the last half decade. Is this trend mirrored in the business world in eastern Nebraska? As a dominating force from colleges and universities, what can women expect once in their career fields? It was these and other questions that prompted me to develop a survey to determine some of the issues women accountants are faced within business settings. I have compiled and analyzed the results of the completed surveys and compared my findings to previously conducted nationwide surveys and studies. The replies I received were sometimes surprising, sometimes expected, yet showed that there are both opportunities and challenges awaiting the women graduating with accounting degrees.

Autobiography
Elizabeth Reich is the daughter of Patrick and Joyce Reich of Auburn, Nebraska. She is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Accounting. While at Wayne State College, Elizabeth has been involved in various residence hall activities, on Dean's List, a Cardinal Key member, and a recipient of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship. Upon graduation in May 2002, Elizabeth will go to work for Grant Thornton, LLP/BKD, LLP in Lincoln, Nebraska.

-----

WILL S. WINCHESTER

"OPPD Power Drive Program Curriculum: Creation of an Electric Vehicle that Applies Math, Science, and Technology to the Classroom"

Advisor: Greg Vander Weil

Abstract
The Omaha Public Power District sponsors an electric vehicle race in the spring at various sites around Nebraska. This program promotes students' abilities to apply math, science, and technology from the classroom to an electric vehicle. OPPD gives each competitor a starter kit composed of a control box, battery cables, and a one horsepower electric motor. The competitors then design, build, test, and document their electric vehicles. OPPD started this project in 1998 and now 50+ high schools and two colleges are currently competing among each other. The program presently lacks a curriculum that helps teachers apply classroom work and activities to the OPPD Power Drive Program.

Autobiography
Will Winchester is the son of Miles and Caroline Winchester of Wolbach, Nebraska. Will, a graduate of Wolbach High School, is majoring in Industrial Technology in Education, obtaining a minor in Driver Education, and will graduate in December of 2002. While at Wayne State College, Will has been the president of the Industrial Technology for two years and treasurer for one year, participating in international organizations such as ITEA, SkillsUSA-VICA, TECA, and SAE. Will has been on the Dean's List, Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honorary, has won multiple Technology Education Collegiate Association (TECA) regional competition awards and placed fourth in Manufacturing at the national level.