Annual Welcome Event
The UMass Journalism department kicked off the 2016-2017 academic year by welcoming new and returning students on Wednesday, Sept. 7, in the Integrative Learning Center. The event introduced faculty and student leaders of campus media outlets and ended with icebreakers and catching up over pizza.
Before the event, freshman journalism student Shane Smith explained he was excited "to branch out a little bit and make some connections." Alex Francisco, a senior sports journalism student, was happy students new to the department got to see how much the department has to offer. "The staff has so much expertise, so much knowledge," she said. "I think this is a great opportunity for [new students] to realize that."
Current students were invited to participate in a light-hearted dialogue about internships, advice for students new to the department and why they chose UMass Journalism. New students also toured the department with student workers. Attendees also received this year's t-shirts and participated in raffles and giveaways for local restaurant gift cards and university swag. -Morgan Hughes '19
James Foley Symposium
UMass Journalism co-sponsored "The Task of Witnessing: A Symposium in Honor of James W. Foley" with the Interdisciplinary Studies Institute and the MFA Program for Poets and Writers Sept. 19-20, 2016 at UMass Amherst.
The symposium started with a screening of the film "Jim: The James Foley Story," followed with a question-and-answer with his parents John and Diane Foley and Heather MacDonald, film co-writer and childhood friend.
The next day was filled with panel discussions, reflections and tributes to Foley, including a panel of journalists: Charles Sennott, Ben Brody and Beth Murphy (pictured bottom left).
We were honored to be a part of this day and are so grateful to Diane and John Foley for sharing Jim's story and legacy with us.
Visit our Facebook page for more photos and links to news articles. We also encourage everyone to visit the Interdisciplinary Studies Institute for a full recap of the symposium, including videos of the panel discussions and reflections. Thank you, ISI, for making this symposium happen and for inviting us.
Charter School Cap Forum
UMass Journalism was a co-sponser of the Charter School Cap Forum, which took place in the Integrated Learning Center on Oct. 18. Panelists included Barbara Madeloni, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, William Diehl, executive director of collaborative for educational services, Marc Kenen, executive director of Massachusetts Charter School Association and Julia Mejia, parent at Brooke Charter Schools in Boston, MA. Students from Professor Roche's 301 multimedia class also participated in the event.
Corey Flintoff visits UMass Journalism
NPR's Corey Flintoff spoke to UMass Journalism students on Oct. 17. Flintoff shared his experience working in radio and offered advice to rising journalists: “Never miss an opportunity to talk to someone. Be there, talk to people and let things happen.”
Claire Wardle on social media verification
Claire Wardle, research director at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia Journalism School, discussed "Verification for Social Media Sources and Eyewitness Media" with our students on Oct. 25.
David Daley discusses Ratf**ked
David Daley, former Salon.com editor-in-chief, met with UMass Journalism students for a chat about gerrymandering on Nov. 4. Check out the event write-up on Amherst Wire.
Amherst Wire election coverage
Amherst Wire held their first Facebook Live broadcast of election night, which reached 40 thousand viewers. Continued coverage of election week, including breaking news protests, were also picked up by the Boston Globe.
Election 2016: What happened? What is likely to happen?
Journalism's Department Chair Kathy Forde spoke at the campus event "Election 2016: What happened? What is likely to happen?" on Nov. 17. Forde stressed the importance of how quality journalism is needed now, more than ever.
Giovanna Dell'Orto speaks about immigration and the media
Giovanna Dell'Orto shared her research on immigration and how the media reports on the topic with journalism students and faculty on Nov. 10.