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Communication Arts, Language & Literature

Clubs & Organizations

Gain real experience in media and performance.

Western gives you the space to create, experiment, and share your voice. Step into the theatre spotlight, spin tracks and stories on KWSB, or get behind the camera with Taylor Media and Mountaineer Media to produce film and video that make an impact. If words are your medium, you can report for Top O’ The World or join Wordhorde to explore new styles of storytelling.

Poetry student Blaise Vance presents her poetry thesis at the 2025 GPCW summer residency.

Where Ideas Take Shape

Western’s student-led organizations are where creativity meets opportunity. From poetry to journalism, these groups give you the chance to move beyond the classroom and dive into real-world practice. Each experience is designed to mirror professional standards, helping you sharpen your craft while learning how to lead projects, collaborate with peers, and share your voice with a wider audience. Whether your goal is to build a career-ready portfolio or simply to explore your creative passions, Western provides the platform to make it happen.

A screenwriting student checks his script with the director of the short film they are making in class on the lawn outside of the Welcome Center

Bring Your Creativity to Life

Here, you’ll have the chance to showcase your talents in dynamic, hands-on environments. Writers can dive into journalism with Top O’ The World or strengthen their storytelling through Wordhorde’s workshops and events—all designed to help you explore your passions and grow your craft.

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Develop Professional Skills

Working in these organizations means learning how to create with others while building leadership experience. You’ll work alongside peers, faculty mentors, and industry professionals on projects that require planning, communication, and adaptability. Whether you’re producing a play, running a live broadcast, or editing creative content, you’ll gain collaboration, project management, and problem-solving skills that transfer to any career path.

Graduate students and faculty in the GPCW's Nature Writing concentration converse while hiking on the Lower Loop Trail.

Build a Portfolio That Stands Out

Every project you take on becomes proof of your creativity and skill. These experiences not only give you a strong foundation for graduate school or future jobs but also demonstrate your ability to turn ideas into polished, real-world outcomes.

Literary and Journalism Clubs

A student on stage speaking into a microphone.

WordHorde

​WordHorde is Western Colorado University’s creative writing club that fosters a vibrant literary community on campus. Originally focused on spoken word, it has evolved to include fiction and poetry, hosting open mic nights and performances that encourage student expression and collaboration. The club provides a platform for students to share their work, develop their voices, and engage with diverse narratives in a supportive environment.

A view of Taylor Hall with cherry blossoms.

Top O’ The World

Top O’ The World is Western Colorado University’s independent student newspaper. Recently revived, it gives students real-world journalism experience by covering campus news, opinions, and community issues. The publication has been recognized for its role in revitalizing local journalism and continues to grow under dedicated student leadership and faculty mentorship.

See Western's students in the news.

  • Western’s Top O’ The World Student Newspaper Recognized for Reviving Local News

    Western’s Top O’ The World Student Newspaper Recognized for Reviving Local News

    The news business may be changing, but reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated. Western Colorado University’s Top O’ The World student newspaper was…
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Your Voice, Your Platform

Our clubs and organizations let you put your creativity into action while gaining practical experience. Whether you’re reporting on the happenings at Western or publishing poetry, these opportunities give you the chance to sharpen your skills, collaborate with peers, and share your voice with the campus and community.

Students have participated in:

  • Writing, editing, and reporting for Top O’ The World, Western’s student-run newspaper

  • Exploring storytelling and craft through Wordhorde workshops and events

Write your own narrative.

Visit Western to meet the students who lead our Communication Arts clubs and discover how you can get involved.

Learn About the Department Plan a Visit