OBU’s chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is a student organization sponsored by the CMDS Department. Students who are interested in the study of normal and disordered communicative behavior are invited to join. We are a local student group associated with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Assocation (ASHA)
The OBU chapter of NSSLHA is a fun way to learn about the profession of speech/language pathology and to meet other students majoring in CMDS. Members of OBU’s NSSLHA participate & sponsor several community projects as well as social activities throughout the year.
The OBU Speechies work hard, but have a lot of fun. Click on the following link to see some of the activities/fun times of the OBU CMDS Department – known as The Speechies.
Photos
Scholar’s Day
Seven CMDS students presented poster sessions during the 2007 Scholar’s Day held on the campus of OBU.
Kristen Watson & Emilee Turner presented, “Noisy Toys, Dangerous Play.” “Sound Barriers for Learning” was presented by Katie Swope, Brandi Huddleston, & Alyssa Watson. Kelly Jo Runyan & Jessica McNulty presented “Tuned in Today, but Tuned Out Tomorrow.”
One CMDS student, Chlise Hunter, presented a 20-minute powerpoint
presentation entitled, “Impact of Personal Listening Devices.”
Christmas in the Bubble
The OBU CMDS Department sponsored the First Annual “Christmas in the *Bubble” treelighting. The Hardman family donated the 26 foot Christmas tree and the OBU Physical Plant workers placed over 10,000 lights on the tree. In spite of the cold temperatures, snow flurries, & straight-line winds – over 150 students braved the elements & enjoyed the hot chocolate provided by the Speechies. The Speechies hope to make this an annual celebration on the campus of OBU.
* the term “bubble” is often used in reference to the OBU campus
Pond Party
Each fall, Associate Professor Carol Morgan & her family host the CMDS “pond party” @ their home. A country experience for those from the city, they offer a “weeny” roast, smores, & a hayride. It is always a lot of fun & a great way to take a break from studying.
Senior Dinner
Each May, the Hardmans host the Senior Dinner in honor of the graduating seniors. For the past two years, it has been a crawfish boil w/ spicy, cajun onions, corn & potatoes along w/ the crawfish. Quite an experience for many who have never seen a mudbug.
It is a happy & sad time as the Speechies congratulate the seniors but also say good-bye to many of their classmates who will be going to grad school or pursuing other ventures.
Mid-South Conference
OBU Communication Sciences & Disorders students attended the annual Mid-South Conference on Communicative Disorders held in Memphis, Tennessee. This conference is sponsored by NSSLHA of the University of Memphis. Each year, OBU takes 20+ students to this conference as a “rites of passage” to teach our students “how to do” a conference & to meet/hear many of the leading professionals in the area of speech/language pathology. Of course, we always take out time for good food & some site-seeing.
Additional Pictures
Our program is demanding & challenging, but possibly due to those demands & challenges our students tend to have a lot of comic relief – both in & out of the Clinic & away from their academic studies.
Our students are involved in:
- Collegiate Sports (soccer, volleyball, softball, football, & swimming)
- Student Senate
- Social Clubs (our version of sororities & fraternities)
- Intramural
- Mission Trips
- and a lot of volunteer work in local churches & the community.
The Speechies is a great group of young people.
