The four students began doing their research during a Communications class at Eastern, and decided to turn it into a larger research project as an independent study in the fall of 2008.  The paper, which incorporates research, data collection and analysis, found that while the flirting behaviors themselves may not increase as intimacy increases, there are different underlying meanings behind the flirting behaviors between serious and casual daters.

As they began their research, Ciak, Reed, Hutchison and Saner found that flirting is a topic that is prevalent in the collegiate setting. "The topic of the paper is something that we are all surrounded by, and we are in a small community so we see it a lot more," Reed said.  "It was something that was fun and something that we were interested in because it affects us, and it affects most students our age."

The students will present their paper at the NCA Conference themed "Discourses of Stability and Change."  The NCA is the largest national organization dedicated to communication. Researchers, educators and professionals work to understand all forms of human communication.  Through publications, resources, conferences, conventions, and services, NCA contributes to the greater good of education and society. The NCA works to establish professional, degree, and assessment standards by providing research and resources, professional development opportunities, and career opportunities.

Ciak is an English and Communications major with a focus on media. A native of Hunlock Creek, PA, she says that the professors in the Communications department at Eastern fueled her passion to write the paper and submit it to the NCA. 

Reed, a Communications major with a focus on public relations, agrees with Ciak.  "At Eastern, you form such strong relationships with your professors and they show a lot of excitement and want you to go further," Reed said.  "I don't think I would have gotten that from a bigger school.  The professors are really encouraging."

Saner, a Communications major with a concentration in Organizational Studies, added,  "My professors really pushed me to go above and beyond, and were so caring and willing to help us.  At Eastern, I formed really good relationships with all my teachers, and felt very academically challenged to go above and beyond coursework."

After graduation this May 9, the four students will go their separate ways.  Ciak plans to attend Binghamton University where she will work toward her Master's Degree in Social Work.  Reed plans to enter the job market, while Hutchison, a Communications major with a concentration in Relational Studies, is thinking about going to graduate school.  Saner, a native of Hatfield, PA, will return to Eastern in the fall and expects to graduate in December of 2009. 

They will all be together again when they meet in Chicago in November to present their paper.  "We are really excited about the Conference," Reed said.  "It's a huge privilege and honor and we are excited to represent Eastern.  Our hopes and confidence are up, and it's a great opportunity."

For more information about the NCA, visit: www.natcom.org

For more information about the Communications Department at Eastern University, visit:

www.eastern.edu/academic/cas/depts/communication_studies/index.html