Communication Sciences & Disorders
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMDIS) is one of eight departments in the College of Education and Professional Studies (COEPS). The department delivers two related programs but with very different missions. First, the department provides the academic and clinical preparation for undergraduate students in normal communication processes and introductory skill development in communication disorders. Second, the department provides a comprehensive academic and clinical education program for graduate students including on-campus and off-site clinical experiences that culminate in the requisite Master's degree for practice as a state licensed and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist.
Contact Us
Location: Roseman Building 1011
Phone: (262) 472-1301
Email: [email protected]
Department meetings are held on alternating weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm central standard time. Please send an email to [email protected] to request meeting access information. Department meeting agendas and minutes are also availalble to view.
A copy of the Standards for Accreditation and/or the CAA's Policy on Public Comment may be obtained by contacting the Accreditation Office at ASHA, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, calling ASHA's Action Center at 1-800-498-2071, or accessing the documents online at the Council on Academic Accredidation.
Undergraduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The mission of our undergraduate program is two-fold. Our program is committed to providing students with foundation knowledge in communication sciences and disorders required for graduate study in speech-language pathology and audiology. Our broader mission is to prepare baccalaureate graduates:
- To acquire the knowledge and skills to pursue a variety of post-baccalaureate options;
- To communicate effectively as speakers and writers;
- To become life-long learners who can engage in inquiry, analysis, critical and creative thinking and collaborative team work; and
- To embrace with understanding individuals from diverse and multilingual heritage.
Graduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The overall vision of the Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMDIS) graduate program is to be recognized regionally and nationally for its exceptional clinical education program and its dedicated network of faculty, clinical instructors and alumni. The mission of the graduate program in COMDIS is to prepare speech-language pathologists to practice across the lifespan and all settings particularly in the southeastern region of Wisconsin. Specific objectives include:
- To prepare highly qualified professionals in speech-language pathology who exceed the guidelines of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) for clinical and academic preparation;
- To prepare speech-language pathology professionals to assess, diagnose and treat clients of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds; and
- To act as a resource for the University and community by serving as consultants, facilitators and authorities in the various areas of communication disorders.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech language pathology at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Our Strategic Plan
Please review our Strategic Plan for more information about our department.
UW-Whitewater Mission and Values
Our Advisory Board
Roles and Responsibilies of the UW-Whitewater Communication Sciences and Disorders Advisory Board.
Members:
Hannah Alfredson-Cox, M.S., CCC-SLP
Since 2017, Hannah has been working at the Froedtert South Hospital System in Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie. She sees pediatric outpatients, completes outpatient video swallow studies, and provides inpatient care in the Neonatal Intensive Care, Intensive Care, Intermediate Care, and Medical/Surgical Units. Hannah recently stepped into the role of Clinical Coordinator of Speech Therapy Services. She enjoys supervising students and continuing her education as often as possible.
Haily (Korth) Hughes M.S., CCC-SLP
Hailey Hughes is a K-5 Speech-Language Pathologist, serving rural Wisconsin at the Dodgeland School District in Juneau, WI. Her professional passions include assessments and evaluations, expressive language, and social skills. Within the school setting, she has made it her life's work to be an advocate for the profession, providing in-services on speech and language qualification/criteria, developmental norms, and AAC training.
Katie Blue M.S., CCC-SLP
Katie Blue currently works at UW Hospital, a level 1 trauma center, in Madison, WI with the adult inpatient Speech Therapy team. The team specializes in communication and cognition impairments working closely with (but not limited to) acquired neuro trauma, stroke, cancer, transplants, cardiac trauma, and tracheostomy. Prior to this role, Katie worked as an SLP with the Madison Metropolitan School District at the middle school level.
Mahwish Hashmi M.S., CCC-SLP
Mahwish a bilingual SLP who is cross licensed in several states, providing speech and language services in the school setting, both in person and virtually. Her areas of interest and expertise include AAC, bilingual evaluations and literacy based language therapy.
Simone Frame M.A., CCC-SLP
Simone received her master's degree from University of Illinois. She specializes in literacy and is the owner and director of Launch Speech and Reading LLC in Madison, WI.
Advisory Board 2020, 2021
Abby Krueger M.S., CCC-SLP
Dana Syring Melissa J. Taylor, M.S., CCC-SLP
Sarah Samuelson, M.S., CCC-SLP
Sally A Conway, M.S., CCC-SLP, NHA