cfpca - College of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts

Oral Communication Competency Examination

Participating in the OCCE does not guarantee passing and therefore you may not be completing the university's requirement in oral competency.  It is recommended thta graduating seniors register for a section of COM 1010 and attend class until BOTH Part 1 and Part 2 of the exam are completed and it is certified that you have passed.  The Department of Communication and the University are not responsible for non-refunded monies as a result of registering for, and then dropping, COM 1010.

Your class rank within the University does not affect your liklihood of passing either Part 1 or Part 2.  For example, having a senior status and nearing graduation does not give you an advantage over having junior status.  In addition, your status within your own program (e.g. needing to fulfill an OC requirement to remain in your program) does not effect your liklihood of passing.  For Part II, the evaluation panel is focused on whether your speech meets all of the criteria as outlined in the Part 2 instructions and requirements, and on whether or not your speech represents a capstone speech as would be expected in a 16-week public speaking class.

Part 1
The Oral Communication Competency Exam Part 1 will be administered by Testing, Evaluation and Research Services.

Students interested in taking the Oral Competency Equivalency Examination for Fall 2008 semester need to register for Part 1 of the exam through Testing, Evaluation and Research Services. There will be a $20 test fee for Part 1.

Test Schedule for Part 1.

While Testing and Evaluation Services will be administering Part 1, the Department of Communication is responsible for the content and construction of the exam. You can find out more information by visiting the Department of Testing, Evaluation and Research Services' website at www.testing.wayne.edu/OCCE.pdf

There are three ways to register for Part 1 of the Oral Competency Exam through Testing Services:

1) Register in Person. Go to Testing, Evaluation and Research Services, Room 698 Student Center Building. The $20 Part 1 test fee is required to register and must be paid by a) check or money order payable to Wayne State University, b) Visa, Mastercard, or Magic Line ATM, c) WSU Service or Course Materials Fee Cards or d) WSU OneCard. Cash will not be accepted.

2) Register by Mail. Send your request to Testing, Evaluation and Research Services, 5221 Gullen Mall, Room 652 Student Center, Detroit, MI 48202-3940. Mail your request a minimum of four weeks in advance of the test date you choose. Your request must include your name, address, Student Identification Number, daytime telephone number, WSU school or college, test date preference, and the $20.00 fee. Your Appointment Notice and receipt will be returned to you by mail.

3) Register by Phone. Using a Visa or MasterCard only, call Testing, Evaluation and Research Services at (313) 577-3400. Please have your card ready when you call.


Click here for OCE Part I instructions and study guide (.pdf).


ORAL COMPETENCY EQUIVALENCY EXAM - PART 2

Part 2 of the Oral Competency Equivalency Exam will be administered by the Department of Communication.

Those students who pass Part I of the Oral Competency Exam must register for the Oral Component (Part II) by Monday, August 25 by 4:30 P.M.  Speech performance will be held  Thursday, August 28 at 10:00 A.M. in room 518 Manoogian Hall.

Click here for OCE Part II instructions and tips (.pdf).

Click here for OCE Part II registration form (.pdf).

Registration forms should be delivered to the Department of Communication, 585 Manoogian Hall by the deadline to register. There will be a $20 fee for Part 2 of the OCE exam. (This is in addition to the $20 fee paid for Part 1). Your check or money order made payable to Wayne State University must be delivered with your registration form to the Department of Communication by the deadline date.

Please note: If you major or minor (or will major or minor) in Communication, you will have to take COM 1010 regardless of whether or not you pass both parts of the OCE.

If additional information is needed, contact:

__________________________
Dr. Sandy Penseoneau-Conway
Introductory Course Director
Dept. of Communication
(313) 577-6295
sandyp@wayne.edu