The future structure of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication is still in question as Chancellor Phil DiStefano sends his recommendations to CU President Bruce Benson.
Posted to the CU website today, DiStefano said in his recommendations to Benson that he supports the realignment that was suggested by the Program Discontinuance Committee in mid-November.
“I concur… that some or all of the degree programs currently housed in SJMC be continued or offered in a revised form under a different administrative structure,” DiStefano wrote in his recommendation letter.
He also wrote that depending on the final recommendation and future costs, students interested in journalism could focus on a degree in a liberal arts discipline and earn a certificate or minor in journalism.
“…The University, at the very least, will provide future undergraduate students with an opportunity to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in a liberal arts discipline along with a minor or certifications in journalism studies,” he said.
Despite these potential changes, DiStefano wrote that current SJMC students will be able to finish their degrees.
“The University will honor its commitment to our undergraduate and master’s candidate students currently majoring in journalism and allow them to graduate through their existing programs or some new alternative structure,” he said.
President Benson, in accordance with the University Administrative Policy on Program Discontinuance, now has 60 days to make his own recommendations to the Board of Regents concerning the SJMC’s future.
Contact Breaking News Editor Isa Jones at Alexandra.i.jones@colorado.edu.
1 comment
Thank you, CU Independent, for following this story so closely and bringing us these updates. However, the academic jargon is still concerning to me: What exactly is this restructuring that’s been proposed? Are there any hard facts whatsoever? Please ask the admins to explain what they have in mind in plain English.
Signed, a worried journalism alumnus.