CHAT: Transcript of DOS session, July 17, 2007
Transcript of DOS Chat
July 17, 2007
Speakers: Deans Sreenivasan & Huff
{90 questions in 60 minutes!}
[ See other chats and transcripts ]
DeanSree(P) We will start in about 20 minutes… Submit your questions.
While we are waiting to begin, do make sure you are on these resources:
FACEBOOK.COM SITE (different from the “facebook” directory
published by the school):
http://columbia.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2422437369
CLASS YAHOOGROUP
(mailing list): Jschool2008: Informal class Yahoogroup. To sign up, send
e-mail to jschool2008-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Or go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jschool2008/ and click on “Join This Group.”
DeanSree(P) While we are waiting… Here’s a new apt. posting… Two
girls sharing a three-bedroom in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn are looking for a
third 20-something female roommate. The corner apartment (lots of light!)
has a spacious living room, kitchen, dining “nook,” and one bathroom. The
neighborhood is beautiful and close to almost every Subway train -
Lafayette, Fulton, and Atlantic/Pacific stations (C, G, 2, 3, 4, 5, Q, N,
M, R, B, D). It’s about 15 minutes from Soho/West Village and 25 minutes
from midtown. We are looking for a clean, responsible, non-smoking, and
fun roommate to take a small bedroom going for $850 starting August 1.
Please e-mail us at frtgreene@yahoo.com.
DeanSree(P) Hello and welcome to our latest chat. We have had terrific
feedback to the previous ones. Watch for several more in the coming days.
Your tips and thoughts welcome anytime at dos@jrn.columbia.edu.
DeanHuff(P) Hello All
Ailsa(Q) On the Fall ballot, there isn’t a specific space where we list
whom we want to request as our Masters Project advisor. Do we just mention
that in the last section? To what extent are specific requests for profs
granted?
DeanHuff(A) Hi Ailsa -Broadcast students don’t ballot for Master’s
Project advisers. You are assigned to an adviser who will steer you
through the project pitch process. Once the project is approved, the
project will then be assigned the adviser who will work with you (and your
team if video) on the actual project.
kat2122(Q) Who teaches the various Skills courses? The only insight into
this I found was by looking at student evaluations from last year. Can we
expect the same professors to be teaching the same Skills courses as last
year?
DeanHuff(A) Most, but not all, of the classes will be taught by the same
professors as last year. We will post the names when they are finalized.
kat2122(Q) There are a handful of RWII courses that I would like to
take, although I know I may only sign up for one. That said, should I
audit these other ones, so at least I will learn something about that
other subject/beat?
DeanHuff(A) It is certainly an option to audit (instructions at
http://deanstudents.blogsome.com/2006/11/09/audting-procedurefor-auditing-classes/)
However, most students find that they don.t have the time to do so and
many of the RWII classes meet at the same time.
Alex_Sundby(Q) Regarding the oversubscription of the M.S. class, how
many more students are attending this year than last year? How will this
affect the size of classes come August?
DeanSree(A) Thanks, Alex. We are in the process of adding another RW1
section and another section of New Media Newsroom. We will keep the
individual class size the same - 16-18 students. We expect, as of now,
15-25 more students this Fall than we had last year.
anupk(Q) The courses offered in the fall - listed on the ballot - are
somewhat different from the bulletin we picked up during the open house.
Are those listed on bulletin the final list of classes offered during the
fall?
DeanSree(A) The ones in the bulletin are what we have offered in the
past and likely to offer again. But on a semester to semester basis, the
final list is the one in the Curriculum Guide from Dean Klatell.
Ronni_Reich(Q) Another–sorry this one is so narrow. I’m looking for an
advisor for the MP and my topic has to do with classical music. Any
suggestions as to arts experts?
DeanHuff(A) Hi Ronni - all of our MP advisers are qualified to advise on
any topic. There are, however, a few with arts expertise. You can contact
us directly about them. Please note that we cannot promise that you will
get the advisers for which you ballot.
dmr2133(Q) I keep seeing this question half-asked like I’d like it
asked, so here goes: I’m a magazine concentrator who wants to get as much
New Media as I can…is signing up for New Media Newsroom as an elective a
good way to do that? What are some other possibilities in your minds?
Many thanks…dave
DeanHuff(A) Yes, trying to take the New Media Newsroom is a good way of
doing it. You can also try for new media as your skills course.
jpp2116(Q) Friends of mine that went to the J-school said they recalled
getting their first choices for classes. Do you find most students do get
into the classes (and get the advisors) they list as their first or second
preferences on the ballot?
DeanHuff(A) We do our best to get folks as many of their first choices
as possible. However, there are instances when students do get their 7th
or 8th choices because of the huge number of students who balloted for
certain courses. If you get your first choice for one thing you are at a
lower priority for getting your first choice for the others.
anupk(Q) Hi, good afternoon. I realized that some of the Masters project
in the previous years were based on stories and context out of New York -
sometimes out of the US. The curriculum says that it should be an issue
where research and interviewing is possible from/in NYC. Could you please
explain the possibilities of choosing a “story” of other national or int’l
interest. Thanks
DeanSree(A) FOR MS ONLY (MA Thesis rules are different and will be
explained by Dean Cornog): We are really keen that you do something in the
NYC area or in nearby NJ/CT. Your professor will send you back several
(dozens?) of times to your main subjects and locations, so it’s much
better to do something within easy access. In the end, you have to
convince your Master’s Project adviser if you want to do something out of
the area.
kb2332(Q) When will we know the outcome of the balloting for the Fall
Semester?
DeanHuff(A) You will learn of your RWI assignment when you arrive. You
will learn the rest of your schedule shortly thereafter.
321kb(Q) of the RWII classes, how many will be offered again in the
Spring, and how many will we be allowed to take during that semester?
DeanHuff(A) Nearly all of the topics covered by fall electives are
covered again either as spring electives or spring seminars. In the spring
semester, FT students take one seminar and one elective.
lmf2125(Q) I’ve noticed that a lot of people already have ideas for
master’s projects. But broadcast students work in groups, so it’s a lot
harder for us to plan ahead. Where should we be with this?
DeanSree(A) At this point, don’t worry too much about this. Look into
ideas that interest you and will keep you interested for 6-7 months. Less
than 10 percent of any ideas people have as of July will be the ones that
are finally approved in Oct/Nov.
heffalump(Q) I’m a still rather-confused New Media student. I think my
schedule is completely determined this semester — do I need to pick
anything? Skills? Can I take a second RWII class? How many credits are at
my discression this seemster?
DeanHuff(A) New Media students need to ballot for a fall skills course.
And if you DON’T want to do a new media master’s project, then you need to
ballot for a print master’s project adviser. For the rest, you will be
pre-registered. You simply won’t have the time to do a second RWII
mpiard(Q) Broadcast students can’t take an elective in the fall, but can
New Media students, in addition to their compulsory New Media Newsroom? Or
can they only pick the mini-skills courses?
DeanHuff(A) No, the only RWII that new media students can take is the
New Media Newsroom. New Media students (except Stabiles) must ballot for a
skills class.
sarah1223(Q) Hello, what kinds of classes are offered in the Spring so I
can a better assessment of what to take this fall??
DeanSree(A) Take a look at Spring 2007 Curriculum Guide to have a sense
of what we might offer. Might being the operative word… It’s linked off
the “Current Students” section of the main site: http://www.journalism.columbia.edu/cs/ContentServer/jrn/1175295325682/page/1175295325665/simplepage.htm
321kb(Q) A questions about the Profile, Financial and Feature RWIIs,
they’re offers as I and II–are incoming full-timers allowed to take
either I or II?
DeanHuff(A) The I and II just mean that there are two sections. You
don’t have to have taken one before the other.
jst2118(Q) Should we have already received the fall ballot?
DeanHuff(A) Yes, the fall ballots are at
http://deanstudents.blogsome.com/2007/07/16/memo-fall-2007-ballots-go-live/
sarah1223(Q) When it comes to Master Thesis Advisors, I found that the
student evaulations offered little help in my decision making process. Is
there any other source we could use in choosing an advisor, maybe
something that isn’t mathematically graded?
DeanSree(A) First a terminology point… MS students do Master’s
Projects MA students do Master’s Theses As of now, we only have the
mathematical grading of classes. You will also want to look at the
professors’ bios on the FACULTY section of the main site.
gayle(Q) How many RW11 electives can a broadcast student take in the
spring?
DeanHuff(A) All students take one elective in the spring.
Ronni_Reich(Q) Can full-time MS students audit classes available to
part-time MS students or to MA students?
DeanHuff(A) We don’t allow auditing of the MA courses. With the
exception of a few fall classes, FT MS and PT MS take the same courses, so
the generally auditing rules apply:
http://deanstudents.blogsome.com/2006/11/09/audting-procedurefor-auditing-classes/
lb2491(Q) For new media concentrators, if we request to do a master.s
project in new media is it guaranteed? Or, will we have to pitch a project
idea? How are projects selected, and what if we don.t have a project idea
fleshed out now? Are the new media master.s projects conducted in groups?
How many new media projects does Dean Sree advise? What is the schedule
for the week of August 6?
DeanSree(A) For the NM students, ideas will be pitched in teams of two
or three. While we cannot guarantee selection, last year, all 20 students
who wanted to do NM projects got to do them. As for the NM and Broadcast
schedules begining Aug. 6, watch the DOS Blog for more info, coming this
week.
gayle(Q) Hi, broadcast students were only supposed to submit their order
of preference for skills classes, correct? Also, we don’t specify any
preference for a professor for any classes right?
DeanHuff(A) If you are planning on doing a video master’s project that
is correct. Those broadcast students wanting to do a print project ballot
for print advisers.
Yian(Q) Hi. I can’t seem to access the class evaluations (getting an
error message). Is anyone else having this problem or is the site down?
DeanHuff(A) Please contact us directly about this and we will look into
it.
rothstein(Q) When we are assigned a beat to cover in a specific
neighborhood, will we have any sort of preference? For example, if I am
commuting from the border of Queens/Nassau county , might I have some
input in choosing a beat that is logistically more convenient than, say,
the northern Bronx?
DeanSree(A) We received a similar question last week from a student. We
forwarded the question to Prof. Ari Goldman, who also coordinates the RW1
program. Here’s what he wrote to that student: You choice of a
neighborhood will be made in conjunction with your RW1 instructor. You
will be given considerable latitude — it is unlikely you will be
restricted to the Bronx or any other borough - and you will discuss safety
issues extensively. There is no need to prepare a neighborhood in advance
of your arrival at school in mid-August.
DeanSree(P) We have about 40 minutes more, folks… Keep those questions
coming.
gayle(Q) Are broadcast students at any kind of disadvantage because they
graduate with only 1 elective vs. the 2 electives print students will have
under their belts?
DeanHuff(A) No, you will not be at a disadvantage. You will have a full
arsenal of broadcast journalism skills. No two students come away with the
exact same skills, but all are well suited for the career.
Taís_Moraes(Q) For broadcast concentrators, do I choose my MP adviser
this semester?
DeanHuff(A) No, not if you plan on doing a broadcast project. You will
be assigned an adviser to guide your through the pitch process and then
the project will be assigned an adviser to see it through.
sp2514(Q) Greetings Deans - I turned in my ballot yesterday and
specified that I would like to take two electives. Of the eight elective
choices I submitted, am I guaranteed to get into at least two of the
classes? Just want to understand the ‘process’ behind the random
allotment.
DeanHuff(A) I assume that you are a part time student. Yes, you will get
into two of those classes.
heffalump(Q) Ok…and what about a New Media master’s project. I know
you have to work in a team (and therefore have less control over subject
matter). But what’s the advantage of doing a New Media thesis vs. print?
Better for the job search? And are there places where I can see what past
New Media thesis look like?
DeanSree(A) NM Projects are done in teams of two or three. They combine
text, video, audio, interactive graphics and traditional reporting in new
and interesting ways. You can see some of these at
http://columbiajournalist.org/masters_projects/2005/index.asp?course=masters_projects
The Science of Sex one won a Webby for best student website - it was very
exciting for the school!
Taís_Moraes(Q) My question was just answered! Thanks!
DeanHuff(A) You are welcome
321kb(Q) So if the Profile, Financial and Feature RWIIs have two
sections, should we ballot for each section individually or will we be
place in either section of the topic class?
DeanHuff(A) You should ballot for each section.
sarah1223(Q) When do classes end in December and restart in January? And
when are the skills classes held?
DeanHuff(A) The fall semester is officially over on December 21.
However, your classes may end earlier depending on the professor. Classes
begin again on January 22.
gayle(Q) I understand that video masters theses are not guaranteed
approval, but if a project is not approved what would broadcast students
have to show for themselves after graduation when searching for a
broadcast job?
DeanSree(A) All their broadcast work in all their other broadcast
classes… Please remember that many broadcast students opt not to do
broadcast MPs themselves. It all depends on whether you are willing to
work in groups or not and whether your idea is a good one. If you have a
good idea, you are set. Also, only video projects are in teams. Radio ones
are solo.
jpp2116(Q) Building on the question re: RW1 beats…I’ve heard that in
some cases, students have been allowed to cover some of the urban
neighborhoods just outside of the five boros, like Jersey City. Is this
true?
DeanHuff(A) Yes, it has happened. RWI beats are at the discretion of the
RWI professor.
sp2514(Q) When will you release the details regarding days and times
when skills classes will be held?
DeanHuff(A) We will release the information as soon as we have finalized
them.
Ronni_Reich(Q) Hi! I understand that many students freelance in the
fall. Does this usually mean classwork to clips or do some students find
regular outside freelance positions?
DeanSree(A) It’s hard to find time to freelance fresh stories in the
Fall (or the Spring), but many students have had great success selling
their RW1 and other class work to print, broadcast and web outlets. Watch
for more information about this from the Career Services folks - see their
last chat transcript and the next chat, coming up July 23.
lb2491(Q) I read that there are 40 incoming new media students…my
concern is that if my project is not chosen as a new media project, what
are my options in terms of print master’s advisers. Thanks, Lisa
DeanHuff(A) If that is the case, we will match you with a solid print
adviser.
321kb(Q) can you give some examples about MPs that have been published
in mags or newspapers?
DeanSree(A) Hmm, there have been dozens over the years… I won’t be
able to give you a list right now… Let’s chat when we meet.
DeanSree(P) Need more questions, folks.
mpiard(Q) Sree, on facebook you explained that Broadcasters and New
Media students have fewer options for the Fall, but that in the Spring
they get to pick a seminar and an elective. Would it be possible to have a
list of the available Spring seminars and electives, or at least find out
which Fall ones reoccur? Namely, I’m VERY interested in Covering Conflict,
and International Reporting as well.
DeanSree(A) Here’s what was offered in Spring 2007. It’s just a guide.
Can’t promise exactly what we are going to offer:
http://www.journalism.columbia.edu/cs/ContentServer/jrn/1175295325682/page/1175295325665/simplepage.htm
lam_vo(Q) I have a question about life in NYC in general, seeing that
I’m coming in from another country. How are living expenses (excluding
rent, more like food and material we might need)? And since we are to
travel about so much and make numerous phone calls with our cells/mobile
phones? How much should I plan for that per month? Thanks a lot! Lam
DeanHuff(A) To cover these things, we are going to doing separate chats:
one on living in NYC and one for international students.
rgt2105(Q) ii heard some classes meet on saturday…what if you are un
able to do so due to religious reasons.
DeanHuff(A) Please note that this is the case in the additional
information section of your ballot.
Ronni_Reich(Q) Is there a way to do a print MP but still come out with a
reel for radio work?
DeanSree(A) Yes, by taking one of our several radio classes (including
the ones in the Spring) open to non-broadcast majors.
gayle(Q) what percentage of our own private study time should be
dedicated to the MP?
DeanSree(A) Hmm, tough to say… Depends on your topic and such. But I’d
say if you spent 2-3 hours a week (including weekends) starting in early
September, you’ll be in great shape.
lmf2125(Q) I’m a broadcast concentrator but I’m also really interested
in print. Do I have to decide now which type of MP I’d like to do so that
I can ballot for a print adviser?
DeanHuff(A) If you want to be able to rank options for a print adviser,
then the answer is yes. However, I would opt for broadcast and then see
how you feel about that process once you begin. It is possible to opt out
of broadcast during the fall term, but it is not possible to opt in.
rothstein(Q) What kind of opportunities are there for prospective
science journalists within the MS program, and will it be possible to
audit or elect a course, say in the neurosciences, (upon permission from
appropriate persons)? Furthermore, I’ve heard that science journalism is
pretty hot right now. Just how hot is it?
DeanHuff(A) We have a science writing course each semester for which you
can ballot. You also have the option of swapping out your elective either
semester for an outside science class, such as something in the
neurosciences. And yes, it is a hot topic right now. See
http://www.journalism.columbia.edu/cs/ContentServer/jrn/1175295325420/page/1175295325345/simplepage.htm
for information on taking outside courses.
lmf2125(Q) What does “computer assisted reporting” mean exactly?
DeanSree(A) CAR teaches you about using computer databases to find
stories of all kinds. A good guide is here:
http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=83144 BTW, Poynter.org
is full of interesting tip sheets and other useful information. Also be
sure to read every day what has become the American media’s watercooler:
Romenesko. It’s at http://www.poynter.org/romenesko FULL DISCLOSURE: I
write a column of web tips there, but feel free to ignore that!
jpc2129(Q) I’m currently packing for the move. Are there any
events/instances early on in the semester where a suit or formal wear may
be required? (networking events, professional settings, etc?)
DeanSree(A) Probably a good idea to have one business suit on hand for
job interviews, graduation, etc. There’s also a formalish party the
students host each December called “Lucille’s Ball” (named for Joseph
Pulitzer’s daughter). At that event, men wear jackets and ties and women
cocktail dresses. That party this year is Thursday, Dec. 13.
jpp2116(Q) I’m still a little confused as to what exactly we will be
doing on August 16 and 17. I was under the impression at first that RW1
would start on those days because we were told we’d be getting right to
work, but then, if I recall, a previous chat transcript indicated RW1
begins on August 20. So what can we expect come August 16-17? Also, are we
on campus that first weekend as well either for orientation or class?
DeanHuff(A) On August 16 and August 17, we have a full range of
mandatory activities. They include master classes and lectures from
prominent journalists as well as standard orientation fare. There may be
some social activities schedule for that weekend, but not classes.
rgt2105(Q) how many broadcast concentrators are there?
DeanHuff(A) Around 48. NM concentrators: Around 30. Rest of the 230ish
folks are newspaper or
magazine.
dmr2133(Q) Sree: Wilson Rothman says Hi. And, if I have ZERO idea as to
what to do for a Master’s Project, when should I start getting nervous
about that?
DeanSree(A) Hello to Wilson (a great tech reporter and alum, folks)… I
wouldn’t worry about it now. You will get ideas as you start exploring the
city and your beats.
lam_vo(Q) If we already have a few ideas about a possible MP topic,
should we contact you?
DeanHuff(A) You should mention your ideas on your ballot.
lb2491(Q) Are past master’s projects available online?
DeanSree(A) Alas, only the NM projects are online, at
http://columbiajournalist.org/masters_projects/2005/index.asp?course=masters_projects
But you can see the TOPICS of all projects since 1995 at:
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/indiv/jour/masters/ You will get some
ideas that way.
DeanSree(P) We need questions, folks. We have answered 58 out of 59! We
have another 20 minutes or so.
dmr2133(Q) So, in terms of electives, is it possible to take some sort
of New Media class, investigative class, and feature class over the course
of the year, or am I cuckoo? I’m a Magazine type.
DeanHuff(A) In the fall, there is an investigative elective for
non-Stabiles and in the spring there is an investigative seminar for
non-Stabiles. In the fall, you can try for new media newsroom or new media
skills. And we always have feature writing on offer.
lmf2125(Q) or to rephrase my question if you haven’t gotten to it yet,
what is the difference between computer assisted reporting and new media?
DeanSree(A) CAR teaches you how to use computerized database tools to
find stories. New Media is new ways of storytelling.
DeanSree(P) Remember, at 2 pm, after the formal part of this, we make
the room unmoderated, so you can chat amongst yourselves. A great way to
get to know your classmates! So stick around…
321kb(Q) is absolutely necessary to take a, for example, financial
reporting class, if you’re interested in doing that professionally, or is
it possible to bring some of those topics out in RWI
DeanHuff(A) RWI covers a wide range of subjects including business
stories. And in a feature writing class, you could pitch business stories
to keep on that focus. However, if you really want a solid grounding in
financial reporting, it would be a good idea to take a class in it.
DeanSree(P) We need questions, folks… We are in the midst of answering
the last two we have.
lrg2116(Q) Hi Deans! May we access Columbia’s athletic facilities prior
to receiving our IDs on the 16th?
DeanHuff(A) No, it isn’t possible.
anupk(Q) About taking classes at other colleges within Columbia - do we
do those only after coming to school?
DeanHuff(A) Yes, that is correct. All the schools need to see what the
enrollment numbers are for their students before allowing others to
enroll. And you also need to see your schedule first so you know when you
have time for such a course.
http://www.journalism.columbia.edu/cs/ContentServer/jrn/1175295325420/page/1175295325345/simplepage.htm
Ronni_Reich(Q) I remember reading somewhere that our IDs are press
passes…what exactly does that mean?
DeanHuff(A) Actually you are issued a CUID and a press pass. The press
pass is designed to identify you as press at an event rather than as an
attendee. You should not expect to be able to use it to attend city events
for free.
Alex_Sundby(Q) Back to wardrobe, one of the SPJ tips from alumni is to
always wear a tie when on assignment. Is that expected from the school
when we’re on our beat? Does it help when talking with sources in New
York?
DeanSree(A) This is NOT expected by the school. In fact, there will be
assignments where a tie will be most inappropriate. When you get here, we
can discuss this - your RW1 professor is likely to have a thought, too.
dmr2133(Q) Okay…here’s one I wasn’t going to ask, but since you need
questions: Is there any way to do some sort of Master’s Project about Red
Sox fans in NYC? Or has that been done to death?
DeanSree(A) No rule saying your story has to be the first of its kind.
You can have your own unique take on things that have already been done.
Popular topics each year: homelessness, the arts, domestic violence… You
get the idea.
rothstein(Q) Apologies if this is covered in some of the literature on
courses, but will there be specific instruction in how to work as a
freelancer in magazine/print, and even more specifically, how to shop
pieces, compose proper queries, and network within the field?
DeanHuff(A) All of those topics are covered in depth in a variety of
forums by the Career Services folks. You should do their next chat - see
schedule at
http://deanstudents.blogsome.com/2007/07/06/chats-online-chats-about-the-school-3/
anupk(Q) i don’t know if this pertains to our subject today but, what
kind of awards scholarships possibilities are there in the fall?
DeanHuff(A) You will receive information when you arrive
jpp2116(Q) I’ve had friends that both lived near campus, and commuted
from places like Williamsburg while in the J-school. Some said they
couldnt imagine not living near campus, while others said the commute was
not so bad. I live in downtown Jersey City, so in your honest opinion,
between that and going back and forth between my RW1 neighborhood, is all
the commuting going to kill me?
DeanHuff(A) Students have managed to live in New Jersey and go to school
here. However, if it is remotely possible to live in the city, I think it
will enhance the experience.
jpc2129(Q) How “technical” is the NM curriculum? Along with developing
our writing skills, do NM concentrators learn to design/edit websites,
shoot & edit video and photography proficiently?
DeanSree(A) Yes to all of the above, along with Flash… You will leave
here with in-depth skills that can be used day 1 at new jobs. See
NYC24.org - http://www.nyc24.org - for examples of work in the Spring.
Almost all those students had zero NM experience when they got here. Same
for the NM MPs:
http://columbiajournalist.org/masters_projects/2005/index.asp?course=masters_projects
[A followup e-mail to the DOS Office:
Q: Thanks again for today’s chat. They are very resourceful.
This site is impressive - http://www.nyc24.org/2007/health/.
Was its creation part of the New Media Workshop course? Or was it a group’s master’s project?
A: This was created by the New Media Workshop - almost all the students learned all their NM only after they got to the school.]
kat2122(Q) Would we learn a bit about CAR in the Investigative
Techniques RWII elective?
DeanHuff(A) I believe so, but you may want to reach out to Prof. Port
directly for clarification.
321kb(Q) a little random, but, i’m toying with the idea of getting a
vespa-type scooter for my commute between williamsburg/columbia and my TK
beat… do you think it would be useful to have vehicle access for the
purposes of reporting?
DeanHuff(A) My guess is that storing the scooter while you are at the
Journalism School or while you are conducting your interviews may be a
problem.
Daye_Kim(Q) Hi, I’m a magazine concentrator and plan to get some web
skills with a self-study book this summer. Which version of DreamWeaver do
we use at school: DreamWeaver MX or 8.0?
DeanSree(A) Depends on the lab, but I believe it’s MX. For most folks,
it’s way too complicated for summer self-education. One thing that some of
you, including non-NM folks might want to do is sign up for some of the
free 1- to 2-hour online courses offered by NewsU.org:
http://www.newsu.org - from the folks at Poynter.
db2487(Q) Is there a limit to how many magazine students working on an
MP you will accept?
DeanSree(A) Every student is guaranteed a chance to do a print
(magazine-style) MP. It’s the NM and broadcast folks who attempt to do NM,
video and radio projects.
dmr2133(Q) For Judith Crist’s class - we have to submit a piece of
writing and a short essay to Dean Huff. Can we just send a link to an
article in the body of the e-mail, or should we print that piece in the
body of that e-mail before or after the essay?
DeanHuff(A) I have to send these to her as hard copy via messenger, so
send it to me in a way that makes for easy and readable printing.
lb2491(Q) Are we able to purchase business cards from the school?
DeanHuff(A) Yes, you receive instructions in your orientation packet on
the first day.
rothstein(Q) Seeing as graduation will occur thick in the middle of this
dramatic election season, what do you think of applying for positions with
local, state, and/or federal political campaigns? Can a j-school grad
realistically cut his/her teeth writing as part of a political campaign?
DeanSree(A) Hmm, yes, you can apply for such jobs for May and beyond,
but at the school we’d much rather have you COVER the politicians that
work for them. This is something you’ll want to explore in your one-on-one
sessions with the Career Services folks once you get here.
DeanHuff(P) Five more minutes - last few questions please!
yg2183(Q) Let me understand this. Broadcast concentrators don’t have any
RWI electives during the fall? That’s why we only need to fill out Page
1/2/3/6 at the FALL 2007 Ballots?
DeanHuff(A) Yes, that is correct. Broadcast students do not take a fall
elective class.
db(Q) I was just able to join this chat and may be repeating an earlier
question. I looked at the online balloting and saw a form for us to list
our Master Project Advisor preferences. How are we supposed to have any
idea who would be best for us to pick? Thanks.
DeanHuff(A) If you go back to the curriculum letter in the DOS blog, the
list of advisers has been added and they are linked to their bios.
lrg2116(Q) Do we learn any html/web design in RWI?
DeanSree(A) Yes, you will learn web skills in RW1. Every M.S. student
will be participating in a new addition to RW1 this fall. We call it
“Web-ified RW1″ - you will learn a content management system, pickup
continuous news skills and learn a little about photo and audio - all in
addition to our regular, rigorous RW1 curriculum.
kat2122(Q) There was some talk earlier about Science reporting. I don’t
see any courses offered…maybe in the spring? Also, I’m interested in
covering mental health topics, would that fall under Science Reporting?
DeanHuff(A) This fall we are offering environmental reporting as our
science journalism class. In the spring we will have a science writing
seminar that will include health writing.
dmr2133(C) No question here: Sree and Huff, many thanks for this
session.
heffalump(Q) How many gadgets from the list you sent us are really
necessary?
DeanSree(A) Get as many as you can afford. A laptop and a camera will
really make your life easier here. So, too, will a good
cellphone/Blackberry device on which you can receive/send e-mails.
yg2183(Q) Where could we buy textbooks related to Broadcast RWI,
Critical Issues in Journalism, and US as a foreign country?
DeanHuff(A) We don’t use textbooks for these classes. There are readings
assigned each week that are either distributed by the school or are
available on reserve at the library.
db(Q) Anything special we should bring to the first day of orientation?
DeanHuff(A) There isn’t anything specific that you really need to bring.
I suppose having a combination lock with you would be great so that you
can begin right away using your locker.
lam_vo(Q) I know the MSc will be a very degree but how much theory will
we touch upon, particularly in New Media (will there be some Laurence
Lessig-type literature, for instance)? What’s the ratio of theoretical vs.
practical?
DeanSree(A) In NM we spend a lot of time doing, but we also spend time
THINKING about where things are going (and how we got here)… The ratio
is defintely more oritented to the practical, but with supplemental
readings and such. One thing you might want to start looking at now is my
collection of useful articles about the media, “Changing Media Landscape.”
It’s at http://www.sreetips.com/landscape.html - even non-NM majors found
it particularly useful.
lmf2125(Q) thanks for everything, one last question–do we need to have
appointments regarding financial aid? I remember at the info session
someone mentioned that everyone should try to schedule a meeting, but I
didn’t get a chance to. Who should I talk to about this?
DeanHuff(A) For financial aid questions, please reach out to SFS -
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/sfs/
jst2118(Q) How active is Columbia’s SPJ chapter, and will there be an
opportunity to work with CJR?
DeanSree(A) SPJ is very active and you will all get a chance to run for
office and really make a difference. Study the previous year’s site at
http://spj.jrn.columbia.edu Re: CJR - we have one or two paid one-year
fellowships that are assistant editor positions for the graduating class.
More on that in the early Spring.
yg2183(Q) Do we get to know the schedule of Broadcast RWI, Critical
Issues in Journalism, and US as a foreign country during the week? As intl
students, we also need to look for part-time jobs to get our SSN.
DeanHuff(A) Your broadcast RWI schedule will depend on the class to
which you are assigned. Critical Issues and and New York as a Foreign
Country both meet on Fridays. International students are not allowed to
work off campus.
DeanSree(P) Ok, folks, Dean Huff is answering the last of the 90
questions we got… Thanks for playing! We have another session this
afternoon, aimed at PTers, but you are welcome to swing by. Now, in a
minute or so, we will be opening this room up, so you can stay and chat
amongst yourselves… Please introduce yourselves!
321kb(Q) any clues about upcoming lecturers for the next year?
DeanHuff(A) We will distribute a schedule shortly.
Transcript comes later today to the DOS Blog.
DeanHuff Last answer: F1 visas only allow for the following kind of work:
DeanHuff On-Campus Work - Full-time students are allowed to work up to 20
hours per week during the academic year. On-campus employment means that
you are paid by Columbia University or working at a University location
with an employer that is providing services to students, such as the
Bookstore. On-campus employment requires an I-9 Employment Verification
Authorization form to be completed by you at the ISSO in advance of
beginning to work.
