Summer Work Prepares the School of Journalism for New Academic Year
Work began this summer to install new photo displays and a historical timeline in the School of Journalism.
Photo by Rick Wiley
While the University of Arizona campus is noticeably quieter during the summer months, SoJ administration, faculty and staff kept the momentum going behind the scenes to prepare for the academic year ahead. Now that the fall semester is underway, returning students are seeing the results of some of that work firsthand.
Improving Spaces and Tools for Students
Many of this summer's projects focused on creating a more welcoming and functional environment for students, faculty and visitors.
New portable audio kits will be available for students to use for class assignments and reporting projects.
“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors, we were able to make strategic investments in our equipment and facilities throughout the summer,” said SoJ Director Jan Lauren Boyles. “We’re very excited to showcase these new additions, in celebration of the School’s 75th anniversary. With this work, we are positioning the School for success in its next 75 years.”
A crowdfunding campaign, conducted in concert with the University of Arizona Foundation, helped raise key funds for new audio and video equipment.
Audio kits: This is the first time the School of Journalism has purchased professional-quality wireless sets in quantity for students to use for multimedia assignments in journalism classes. The School purchased 20 Rode Wireless GO (Generation 3) sets, which include two transmitters and one receiver, as well as Sennheiser lapel microphones and all associated connection cords, bulk chargers and cases for each set. These professional-quality, versatile sets work with handheld reporter and studio mics as well. They are compatible with video camcorders, smart phones and DSLRs.
- Cameras: Before this purchase, the School lacked camera equipment that matched the quality of professional cameras in use at regional broadcast outlets. The School purchased three, Sony FX3 full-frame 4K professional video cameras that feature industry-standard dynamic range, light sensitivity and cinema-quality color for students in the advanced multimedia classes. The purchase included a Sony 24-70mm zoom lens for each camera, a compact video tripod, headphones and all of the associated batteries and chargers. These cameras are compatible with the Rode Wireless GO microphone system described above. A single Sony 70-200mm zoom lens will also be available for students covering news or sports.
New Sony cameras are being used in classes for in-studio productions.
The SoJ’s staff were key and steadfast contributors to moving this project forward.
“Our staff championed these projects with tireless enthusiasm,” Boyles said. “Thanks to their endless dedication and resilience, we have forever enhanced the student experience for our next generation of journalism majors.”
Administrative Associate Kaila Garcia managed the purchase of the equipment, as well as new furniture, décor and three television displays installed throughout the building. The new displays provide additional opportunities to highlight student work, share important announcements and promote upcoming events. Outreach Coordinator Jesse Tellez developed the messaging behind the successful crowdfunding campaign, designed new informational posters on display in the building, and created web and social content to promote these accomplishments to our key internal and external audiences.
Telling the School’s Story
Two new television screens were installed in the School of Journalism's undergraduate student lounge.
In addition to the new equipment, the School also installed new photo displays and a historical timeline that documents the School's milestones and the generations of students, faculty and alumni who have shaped its legacy. The project also spotlights key moments in Tucson’s journalism history.
“We are thrilled that our visitors can now see our School’s rich traditions, which will permanently be featured in our Marshall Building home,” Boyles said.
The visual timeline was constructed in collaboration with SBS Marketing and Communications Senior Graphic Designer Mackenzie Virdee and Assistant Professor of Practice Rick Wiley, who helped identify historical photos for the exhibit. Tellez and Garcia provided logistical support on this project as well.
Alongside this work, Tellez also co-led major website updates, with the School’s Director, to improve the way prospective students, current students, alumni and visitors access information about the School.
Investing in Student Success
Program Coordinator Meredith Edwards and Academic Advisor Vanessa DeCardenas spent the summer focused on helping students begin the academic year with the information, guidance and support they need to succeed.
Incoming graduate students met with School of Journalism faculty and staff at the fall graduate orientation on Aug. 14.
Working closely with the University of Arizona Foundation, Edwards helped streamline the School's scholarship process to help ensure available funding reaches students as effectively as possible. She also updated the School’s graduate student handbooks with current information, finalized future course schedules to support academic planning and organized the School's annual graduate orientation event.
"I enjoy getting to know all of our graduate students on an individual level and guiding them through their time with us by providing academic support as well as a listening ear in times of need,” Edwards said.
As the School's academic advisor, DeCardenas spent the summer welcoming new students through a series of online orientations designed to help them transition to college life and highlight the available resources that support them throughout their time at the U of A.
Looking Forward
While many of these projects took place when classrooms were empty, their impact extends well beyond the summer months.
New and continuing Journalism students are now starting a new year on campus with access to updated spaces, new technology and opportunities to connect with their peers and working professionals.
“We will continue building upon this foundation, improving the look and feel of our facilities in the coming years,” Boyles said. “Our next chapter will be our brightest one yet, thanks to the steadfast contributions of our faculty and staff, who moved massive projects forward this summer.”