I don't get any negative things about Dr. West. He has been nothing short of gracious and very accommodating to our papers. Yeah, he's a bit pompous...Aren't all Emerson professors?! But, he has taken time to make us great writers. I'll take that and his ego!

The only professor who met with everyone INDIVIDUALLY in the class to talk about our progress and our writing. Awesome in all ways!

I had him for theory class and he really does care. He gets a bit too involved citing research and theory but that's good for us @ Emerson since we don't get that from other profs. Here's what I learned: Read, participate, be ready to do best paper (he's so ridiculous on grammar and spelling errors). Have fun. he usually does. Made class go fas

I have personally found him to be funny, interesting, sarcastic, smart, and always available. Even tho he's chair of the department, you can drop in his office virtually anytime. He dresses impeccably; he cares about his teaching and his looks!

Rich is one of those professors who will go the extra mile and if you just do the reading, he will love you. Participate in class and don't just sit there. He makes life bearable sometimes since there are a lot of profs who don't have a sense of humor. He rocks with his humor! Not an easy grader but very concerned about your writing.

This guy made me want to come to a class that was almost 4 hours long! He is one of the best in the department by far. Funny and sharp dresser

Here's what's up with him: If you whine, you're done. He's tough, funny, interesting, smart, and a bit arrogant (like some of the other profs at Emerson). But, he cares about your writing. Usually if someone doesn't like him its because they don't get his humor or because they never got a b or c in their lives and he is a hard grader!

TWO WORDS: THE BEST!

I got a B+ in his class. I just finished my sophomore year and he is still my favorite. I think what he tried to do was be funny, interesting, and keep a 3+ hour class go fast. He is, like a lot of people say, pretty big in communications research I wish all professors were as smart and fun!!

Got an A- in his grad course! I was so surprised that he could make me love..I mean LOVE theory! We don't have enough theorists in the department and he just made it real to all of us. He somehow manages to remember every research article in communication! Amazing. Nothing but great things to say about him..great dresser/easy on the eyes! :-)

Kept the grad course going. I know there are some in the course who will whine about him because they want to be spoon fed, but he was the absolute best professor I've had. He took time, and if we didn't get things to him in "grad school" form, he let us know. Direct, honest, and pretty intense at times. Would take another class from him...

I never thought I would say this but he actually makes me LIKE research! You have to listen real carefully to what he says becuz he has a subtle sense of humor. I find myself laughing--sometimes by myself--because hez hilarious.

He knows his stuff, for sure. As others say, he's very funny. But, be careful with him: I've heard he will come down hard on you if you don't proof papers. Make sure to do spell checks because he goes crazy if your papers have any errors. Overall, I like the class and it's research (ugh). Knowlegable, entertaining, worth the money!

I was in one of his classes last fall and he is all about writing! Don't "fake it" cuz he will not "take it." Also, he is in his office like all the time. I was in last Wed for my 600 class and he was there. The next day I had an 8;00 and he was there again. Very smart guy. Overall, I thought it was great, for a theory class.

I just got back my research paper and he wrote almost more than I did! I got a B on the paper so don't freak out with all his words. He is actually one of three profs here who spent time reading my papers and making me think more. Don't like research but he makes it so much easier with his teaching style and his evaluations.

I don't believe I'm placing a comment here but here's what I know about him: I look forward to a class on research! He makes is fun, he knows the stuff, he actually prepares for coming into class and hes not afraid to say "he doesn't know" the answer. I have never had a prof who responds to email within 10 minutes of sending it! Great all around.

LOVE HIM! Weird that others didn't like him. He is very direct, that's for sure. But he's fun. I do know that some grad students don't know what to do with his style. Too bad. I really loved the class and I'm not in the department. I took it as an elective and learned a lot!

I'm reading these reviews. Here's the deal with him: He's TOUGH but FAIR. He's funny. He won't take BS in anything. He knows his stuff. He'll run with you on your work but know what you're talking about. The students who don't like him don't want to work. That's what I figured out; I used to be one! Yeah: great suits! Had him for 2 classes (B-/A-)

Before he got here, no one heard of the Department. I'm glad he's here but still not happy with the B+ he gave me! I have had profs tell my classes that he is one of the best Chairs ever to come into Communications. I liked him, but was mad about his grading.

I can see how he is "controversial" since he "takes no prisoners" in his teaching. I agree with those here who say you better do your work. He expects 100% because he does give 100% (I never thought I'd be interested in stats and now I am!). Overall, very good, but be ready to do your work!

Here's a surprise I wasn't ready for: He keeps research class interesting. What I think he tries to do is to make everyone feel "good" about research. The problem is that only about 3 of us want to go on to grad school and the others want out of the class ! lol. He is very funny and a pretty interesting lecturer.

He is CHALLENGING! I mean, you better never, EVER have any spelling errors. He continues to amaze me with his knowledge (he can quote any research study in Communications), but his grading is just too tough. I like the class and like being there, but when I get a paper back, it's like he thinks we're all grad students! Be prepared to be perfect.

So I got my paper back from him last night: I'm an A student and I got a C- from him because he said I didn't meet the "2 page minimum". Man, I hate that crap and I'm trying to be fair here: He is too tough sometimes. Tough grader. But, he was very flexible in the class and at midterm, redesigned the class based on our comments. Very cool there.

Bottom line: He is/was the first professor since coming to Emerson who told me that he was "proud" of me and my work. I about dropped my backpack. He's hard, very very hard but he really cares in the end. He does have great suits too!

I just got my grade and although it's a BIG struggle in the class, he was more than fair! My final project was a B but he took into consideration our final exam and our participation. I liked research a bit more after being in his class and he has so much passion for the topic. I'd recommend him. Period.

Loved him! But tough! Sometimes I think he believes we're all graduate students. Some of my group members didn't do well in his class so they will blast him. I liked him but be prepared to work. He is very smart.

As a former student and graduate from USM. Rich is an exceptional professor. He is always fair, clear on his expectations and he will work with you- as long as you are serious about producing college level work. If you want a professor who is engaging, liberal, intelectually interesting and academically supportive- choose Dr. West as a professor.

Phenomenal. I wasn't so sure when he was a professor because he was very intense on research. Now, that I'm doing a thesis, he was the first prof I went to. He knows his stuff and will sit with you if you are real/honest with him. He is super busy but will always make time. Love him and we're lucky to have him around Emerson.

This is the third class I'm taking with him. I haven't gotten A's in all of them but he is so interesting and very funny. i don't know anything about him being Chair but I can say that the campus knows about our Department because of him and we are more respected because he defends us a lot. I'm graduating in Dec. but I'd take him again.

I am a freshman and I have never had so much fun in a class in my life. Sure, he's tough and he's sarcastic at the same time. I like how he tries to include all viewpoints in class discussions. I must admit that I heard that you better not slough off in class and it's true. But, he makes the class so entertaining. THUMBS UP!

I have never laughed so hard in my life. He is hilarious, interesting, always provocative, and I didn't think that a college course could be so much fun. He's very sarcastic but that makes the time fly by. I am learning so much.

I was NOT interested in this topic when I signed up for the course. I needed an elective. Since then, West has inspired me to switch majors. I agree he's tough and he's got some pretty intense moments. But, he's fair, fun, and fantastic! Get ready for a great ride!

Make no mistake: you'll love his classes which are very fun and informative. But, don't punt on the paper. He'll nail you, even if you have a fragment. He's a big stickler for spelling and seems to have zero tolerance..A bit obsessive in my eyes...but still overall really great in class. He has great style too!

he is the toughest. we're only in a 100 level course and he's like grading us like we're phd students. i like the class and he is very entertaining but the work load is way over the edge and he grades way too hard.

I was his research assistant last year. Here's what happens behind the scenes: He LOVES students (even the "whiners" as he calls them) , wants the department to be a national leader, and ALWAYS takes pride in the work he does. I liked working for him, but I do agree with those who say that his standards are pretty outrageous.

he was the best BEST prof i've had here since I came 2 years ago! i laughed and learned..i don't think i've done both in one class before. my roommate hated him cuz she got a B but behind closed doors, she says he was fantastic. take him: you'll learn but do your work!

Rich is an encouraging teacher who tells you like it is. Take his class if you want to learn something new everyday and have fun at the same time.

he made a end of the day class experience feel like it was a quality film. i appreciated his energy, knowledge, and standards. but, don't screw around because he'll call you on it--in front of the 30 others!

He rocks! I not only felt that it was my favorite class last fall, but as I take the other courses, they fail in comparison! He's tough, funny, sarcastic, spontaneous, and loves his job! Yeah, tough grader but cares a lot about us and the department as chair. Take him take him..but do the reading..he'll get you on that if you don't.

Decided to have him on my thesis committee because he knows his stuff. I don't understand why anyone didn't like him. I do know that a lot of students didn't like him because he took no c--p! He expects MA students to be good writers. Many were just not up to the expectation. I got a B+ and I wasn't happy but I definitely felt class was worth it.

Fantastic and Funny. Good dresser. Interesting midwest accent :) Knowledgeable. Very Demanding. Don't fake it. He'll get you on it!

A family from RI who used to teach at Emerson highly recommended Prof West to me and I am happy he did. Although at times he can be quirky and unclear, I enjoyed his course and learned so much from him. He is a very giving professor and I am happy my family friend recommended him.

his class turned out to be one of my favorites. i graduate in 2 months and can say that it was in my top 3. take him but be ready to write perfect.

I've only been in his class (and the Masters program) for a month but he is the funniest. And I'm learning! I work all day and then was dreading a four hour class...in theories! But he makes it go fast and I'm excited that i'm taking him. I have another communications class this fall and it's not as fun but it's interesting.

I am an international student and he is very patient with all of us. I rate him high.

The topic of theory was not my favorite. But, he did his best to make it interesting. I think he doesn't know that his humor can be mistaken as insulting to some. BUT, he is the only professor who took time to meet with 1-1. I was challenged in his class and felt that he did his best to make it interesting. I'd give him what he gave me: A-

He def knows his stuff in family comm. His bow ties are super cute and he is dry in his humor. I'm not a morning person but he's interesting and keeps things moving. We just turned in our papers but I think he will be a very tough grader... Takes no prisoners kind of prof:)

Don't ever EVER think you'll get an A on a paper of his. He is way too tough and I just got my paper back and got a B- on it because I didn't have a thesis! His standards are ridiculous. He agreed to meet with me and even then, he didn't budge.

I think this professor is the first Emerson prof I had who actually cared about what we think. He allowed us to vote on the final exam format. He also gave us different extensions on rewrites. He's tough, but fair. I'm bummed I'm graduating as this is the first class I took with West.

For a grad class, I can tell you that he will tell you when you are wrong! I answered a question and thought I "might" be right and he literally said: "nope that's not right...anybody else?" I get that we're grad students but he could be a bit more sensitive. BUT, I do like his style overall, he's a kick ass dresser, and keeps 3+hours moving!

He is the funniest professor I've had in my life! His stories about his mom, his bleeding mouth, and online dating made me cry! I love this class and he makes it so worth the 3+ hours

Never had a professor who actually made me want to come to class. He's very irreverent--which makes the class fun! Stickler on papers and no excuses for late papers-- he actually told another student that he wouldn't accept her paper late and told her to look at the syllabus policy. Never saw her again..Ouch!

This guy can get pretty intense. In a theory course, he came out fast and I can tell the class will be tough. I like his humor, but I worry whether we can all be up to his level. My roommate said to just read the stuff and he knows what he's talking about. So far, though, I'm not a theory person but I like his style

Who couldn't love a prof who gives us candy? :-) He's funny, but I've heard horror, HORROR stories about how he doesn't let you go on even spelling errors. I'm going to read my paper over like 10x before turning it in.

So try doing a paper for 10 hours and receive a D on it! His standards are outrageious!

I'll tell everyone this: You will be shocked when you first get a paper back (I got a D and I'm a A student!). But, it's the first time we get a chance to really see our writing. He spent alot of time in apts talking to me about my writing. I wish I had this as a freshman and not a senior.

Witty, snappy dresser, intense, makes research methods actually interesting!!

In research methods and I have never had such a hard time with the material. He's around for us, knows what he's talking about, loves what he teaches but it's just impossible to get an A in this class. I took him for Family Comm and he was less intense.

At first I was turned off. But he spends a lot if time with us on our projects. I no idea what I was doing until he spent an hour with me talking about research on feminism.

West's stories are very funny and keeps the class going. BUT, he can be a bit whacky at times and you just have to figure out that he likes to put his life into the material so that we do the same. I missed one class and I got an email lecture that seemed like I missed my own wedding. Just follow the long--very long--syllabus. And don't be late!

I'm not a major in the communications department but loved this class. He was very funny but can be very snarky and funny. I didn't show up one day in class and he emailed me and asked if someone was sick. His syllabus is like 100 pages long but in the end, I learned a lot and by far, the most applicable to my life.

It was a Research Class (ugh). I did fine in the class, but I found him to be: not forgiving for turning in late papers, calling out students who are not paying attention, asking direct questions to us about reading, and some other things that annoyed me but when I talked to my dad about him during break, he said its what bosses are all about.

Like the other person, I took his Interpersonal Communications class and I loved it. The first paper I think we all got like C's and D's but he was pretty understanding. The exam was very fair and he played music that was pretty hip. I'd definately take him again.

Had him last semester and taking him for 400 level now. He was great in interpersonal but this semester, he's really clamped down on us. I'm okay with him having high expectations (we got our first papers back and they were low grades) but we have other classes too.

With this virus all over and the school shutting down, only one professor has made me feel like everything is going to be okay. He is tough in class, but his support of me and us now more than ever makes me respect him even more .

The easisest A I got. In the summer, he's a blow off and that's because it's online. Stay on top the Discussion tho.

Im nearing the end of this course and it seems like his standards have just skyrocketed. I agree with a lot of the other reviews that say hes just extremely tough. He calls out students if they dont do more than one post online. But he does acknowledge students who have really good posts. Im just not sure what grade Im going to get.

The HARDEST A- I've ever had. He was really intense in grading papers. We had 1-2 page papers and most of the class got a D! I worked hard, read everything, and participated online. He doesn't shy away from his reputation as tough and it's prolly the toughest class I've had at Emerson.

I know that I'm still not done with his class but this is becoming a class that I know I won't be able to coast in. He's written us like 100 Announcements about how he won't tolerate even "minor paper deficiencies" -not good for me! He definitely knows his stuff but I agree with some others who say this is the hardest of my classes!

Tough? borderline unfair! Just got my first paper back. I never got a C- in my life. He's ridiculously hard and he even took off points because I forgot the S in "relationship". I'll be fair, I've learned stuff and I might even take another class of his since I'm only a junior. But he needs to lighten upBe ready to not have one single mistake!

Dont laugh but Ive taken three courses from him and loved every one of them. Hes the only professor who actually makes us think and doesnt allow us to get away with anything. Hes very funny and a snap dresser.

TOUGH BUT FAIR. WON'T ACCEPT EXCUSES. KNOWS HIS STUFF. LOVES HIS MOM. DROPS LOWEST GRADE.

Research Methods was the hardest class I've taken. He's very smart, but he's so direct in his comments. I'll print the words from my 1st paper: "You may want to review the way a sentence is constructed from your middle school notes." Ouch! I got a B on the paper, but I REALLY proofed my paper the next time and I got an A. I learned so much, tho!

I'm graduated now but the ONLY professor in the Dept who actually taughts us about jobs and work life. I have another interview next week and he had us do mock interviews that I know they have helped me. As for class: I pretty much agree with others who say he's sarcastic but every class was fun. Don't miss a deadline--like my workplace btw haha

I've been in his Capstone course for just 3 weeks and I've learned more about how to get a job and how to brand myself than from any other professor at the College. He's tough & he likes to be direct. But, we all need to grow up because we're about to graduate. Great info and great networking. He makes us LinkIn with him and he's helped me already!

Direct, sarcastic, cares in his own way. I agree with people who said he is the only one who talks about jobs and how we can get them. Seriously into grammar.

If you show you care (participation is key), youll be just fine. Ask questions, probe his brain (he likes an intellectual challenge). Proof your papers! More laid back in CC476 than CC305. Doesnt use Canvas. Lets us decide the format for the final. He cares. A LOT!!! Wants you to succeed well beyond just his class! Its ALL worth it, trust me.

Write good papers, participate and be prepared to back up your answers. Have original ideas but make sure you can synthesize this with course content. He does everything for a reason and he challenges you to question/observe everything. Yes, hes sarcastic and blunt but he knows his stuff. I think incompetence turns him off so be careful with that.

His reputation as a stickler shouldnt deter you from taking his course unless youre not ready to get feedback on your writing and speaking skills. If youre ready to ask questions about the field of communication, youre in good hands. Rich is nothing but an expert there. Check your grammar on papers! Hes really funny and has some great stories.

This was the BEST professor I had at Emerson. Tough, fair, funny, and cared about whether we got jobs or not. I had him for 4 classes during my years and wish I could have had him for me. And yeah, he's sarcastic but grow up and deal with it because he cares about whether we are good writers or not. And, he is very emotional at times in class!

The HARDEST class I've ever taken. He know his stuff we all know that. BUT, he really doesn't tolerate excuses. Get papers done ON TIME! I never thought I would like research but he got me to think about in in "everyday" ways. I never missed one class because unlike a lot of Emerson classes, I learned stuff. I'd take him again.

Participate and you will be fine! Proof your papers and really think about the material and how it applies to your professional and personal life. Rich deeply cares about his students. He may seem cold and he can be, bur he really wants you to succeed. The man knows every comm research theory and study! Ask him about being on The Price is Right!

As my nana would say: he is the "real deal." He doesn't apologize for telling the truth and being direct in our writing. I worked my butt off for the grade but I learned a lot about jobs and the communication field. Also, he is the only professor in my 4 years who congratulated me in front of of the class because our team won the night before.

Secret to getting on his good side? Put in the effort to understand the material. Rich appreciates people who care to learn. Make sure you check your papers for grammatical accuracy or he will ruthlessly berate you in his comments. He grades easier as the semester goes. If you participate, you will be fine! You will thank him, I promise.

I'm ready to graduate and so glad I took him. He actually reads papers and grades them. He also knows his stuff. If you're afraid of working hard, don't take him. My friends didn't take him and heard how great the class is and now want in his section. I graduate in a few months and wish I didn't wait till my senior year.

If I didn't graduate, I'd take him again. This, by far, was the most worthwhile class I took. He had speakers from what he jokes is the "real world" and they were so supportive. I'm LinkedIn to all of them. He's funny and snarky but he's fair. I will miss him the most in the department because he was the only one who talked about getting a job!

I can't write anything negative because he was direct, his policies were laid, and we even got extensions on papers. I appreciated the Zoom he had with me when I was having a tough time with writing because I'm not the best writer. I think he tried to work with us as a small class. I'm a major and I know I'll be glad to take him face-to-face.

Taught the course online and loved that we met 1-1 Zoom every week. I just transferred & he definitely knows nonverbal communication! I agree that he's tough since I got a C- on my 1st paper and was in shock (I never got below a B ever). But, I learned how to write and he also allowed us to redo the paper and turn it in on the last day of class.

I have never had a prof who actually wrote almost as I did critiquing my papers. He is dead serious about writing and doesn't miss a beat. His favorite saying: "You're in higher education, not high school education." Proof your papers before turning them in! I'm learning a lot and love his style. But, don't slack on your writing.

TOUGH! But, he's funny....when he's not mad about our writing! Favorite Sentence of his: "If I'm the worst experience you've had in life, you've had an easy life" Even with that, I'd take him again but I'm graduating-he has speakers in class, we practice job interviews, and even do interview questions. Because of those things, I rate him high.

I had this professor 10 years ago now. He will forever be one of the most appreciated, memorable, and insightful professors I ever had. He was tough, and expected nothing short of exceptional effort from his students. If you truly want to be prepped for reality & how to handle life with a comedic sense of relief, choose him 100x over. -Tiffany

I'm about to graduate and need to write on a few professors who I thought were the best. Dr. West is one of those. If every professor spent even 1/2 of the time on my papers as he did, I would be an even better writer than I am. Like I read in a few posts here, he really is tough. But I know he cares..wish all of them in ComStudies did!

Last fall, I was in a course of his and this year, it's like he's had a major makeover. He is so nice, so interesting, and not at all sarcastic. I don't know what happened in a year, but I have never enjoyed a class more than this--even if it's a subject I'm not all that excited about. Just really like his teaching and this course this year!

I can't believe I got an A in his class! It was the hardest course but he actually made RESEARCH interesting. He knows what he's talking about. I heard about how hard he is but he is the best teacher I've had in the CS. I wrote in my evaluation that he was the most educated professor I've had. Just don't screw around.

In my four years at Emerson, he's the first professer who actually talked about careers and jobs and seemed to really care. He comes with a pretty tough reputation, but I found him to be chill. He's funny and sarcastic, and I'm glad I had him before I graduate.

Rich grows on you--like a haircut I thought was bad but that ended up getting a lot of compliments on.

The hardest class I took at Emerson so far. I gave him a great rating on the student evaluations because he showed he cared for us and how we learned. My suitemate took him last semester and she loved how fair he was. I'd take him again but not for RESEARCH!

Professor West is known to be tough but fair. He cares about students' success and pushes us to improve our writing. Attending class is a must, and unstuck ai was a helpful tool for prepping. Overall, a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Not entirely tough course but the most valuable in my 4 years. I am happy that I ended up taking him but I can see how some have a hard time with how direct he is. I didn't mind it because he was always upfront.

The only class where a professor actually says things about jobs. He has guest speakers, resume critiques, "pretend" job interviews, and even recruiting info. He's sarcastic, yeah, but he knows his stuff If you'd don't like him, you're probably getting a C or lower. I know he hates whiners and laziness. I will (hopefully) be getting an A.

I took his research class last year & he's like day and night. He is so on the student side and helping us with resumes, interviews, & helping us to deal with the real world. The speakers were the best. I know this platform draws the complainers about his snarkiness and yeah, he can be. But, he is the only prof who talked about post-Emerson life.

The hardest class I had at this college but the one that challenged me the most. I (barely) got an A but I worked hard. He is not a guy who takes excuses for doing work so if your used to professors who allow you to coast through, West won't let you. I'd take him again but not for research!!!!!

Loved that he read and even complimented my writing on my papers. It's an online course & not the easiest to do in summer. Every time I looked at his replies to our comments, he always supported what we said. He's very direct but the only professor I've had in 3 yrs who talked about Pride and Juneteenth. Walked the walk in a diversity class. Yeah!