Dear PennWest, don’t let the journalism program die
Originally Published in the Clarion Call | May 9, 2023
“Why Journalism? When students learn to make sense out of their world, they become the people who will transform it”— John Spencer
EDINBORO, P.a. — According to the university website, Pennsylvania Western University offers more choices: “Take advantage of our expanded array of programs, the chance to take specialized electives within your major, add minors that add value to your degree, and study with an expert professor who might be located on another campus.”
While the university branding claims to offer an expanded array of programs, in reality, programs are constantly consolidated, leaving students and faculty with sparse resources.
The following programs have been cut from Edinboro since 2020:
Teacher Leadership: Social Studies and Online Instruction. Secondary Education: Physics. Special Education: Autism and 7–12. Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement. Anthropology and Forensic Anthropology. Conflict Management. Health and Wellness Studies. International Business. Geographic Information Science. Physics and Engineering Physics. Web/Mobile Application Development. Data Analysis. Comprehensive History. Environmental Studies. Deaf Education.
When I first started this article, I was speaking out against the journalism major being consolidated down to a concentration. While concentrations are effective in some cases, consolidating a major with existing concentration options down to one concentration seemed mildly problematic.
Now, as my final semester studying journalism at Edinboro comes to an end, there are rumors that the program is being cut entirely. If this rumor becomes reality, students of Pennsylvania Western University will no longer be able to declare a major, minor, or concentration in journalism.
In an article for Imaginated, writer Sikandar Riaz emphasized the importance of the industry: “Journalism plays a crucial role in informing the public, holding those in power accountable, and fostering a functioning democracy. It helps to uncover the truth, provide a platform for diverse voices, and create a more informed and engaged society.”
While journalism is not the largest program at Edinboro, the students enrolled are driven, engaged, and passionate about their craft and their education. Simply put, some programs are larger than others. While smaller programs like journalism may be lacking in volume, they make up for via their contribution to the university.
As written on edinboro.edu, “The Department of Communication, Journalism, and Media prepares students for a variety of careers in mass media, public relations, sales, and related industries.” Students studying journalism learn valuable skills including critical thinking, professional writing, research, communication, storytelling, public relations, digital media production, and more.
Courses like Media and Audience and Newspaper Practicum have been instrumental in my education, professional development, and career preparation. Edinboro’s journalism capstone course, Advanced Electronic Journalism, provides upperclassmen the opportunity to experience a realistic newsroom and other practical elements of modern newsgathering and storytelling.
Unfortunately, the future of these courses is unclear.
Over the last few years, many classes have slowly been eliminated from the curriculum or transitioned to online delivery. Many students have resorted to replacing required courses with substitutes to keep up with pre-requisite requirements and their preferred graduation timeline.
Not only will students interested in studying journalism directly be affected by the program cut, but so will the fate of the longstanding, award-winning campus media organizations.
Edinboro Campus Media
Edinboro Campus Media consists of Fighting Scots Radio (WFSE 88.9-FM), Edinboro TV, and The Spectator newspaper. The three student media organizations work in harmony to produce quality media content for the campus community.
Three years ago, I joined Edinboro University’s student newspaper, The Spectator. Now, as a graduating senior, I have worked multiple roles within the organization from staff writer to executive editor for the 2022–23 school year.
My time with Edinboro Campus Media has been invaluable. My experience interviewing individuals, leading meetings, and overseeing content production has pushed me far out of my comfort zone and made me a better writer, editor, and leader. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to complete three internships and a work-study job — positions I obtained largely because of connections and portfolio content I gained through The Spectator.
Like many of the journalism students that have come before me, I have spent countless hours in the cozy campus media office located on the first floor of Compton Hall completing homework assignments, honing my journalistic skills, and forming friendships and special memories. Amidst piles of dusty, archived Spectator newspapers dating back to 1935, the walls of the office are covered in posters encouraging free speech, content creation, and critical thinking.
It is a great hope of mine that future students of PennWest are granted the same opportunity to spend time in the office and create meaningful content through the journalism program and Edinboro Campus Media.
Edinboro’s Department of Communications, Journalism, and Media has dedicated, talented staff with industry experience that have trained generations of journalists and media professionals. Kimberly Firestine, for example, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism in 2018 and a Master of Science in Communication in 2021 from Edinboro University.
During her time at Edinboro, Firestine worked for The Spectator for four years. In 2017, she led the newspaper staff as the executive editor and later worked as the organization’s graduate assistant.
“The Spectator teaches you critical thinking, interviewing, leadership, research, and writing skills,” she explained. “It opens the door to being a better communicator, storyteller, and teaches you how to better understand how and why certain stories are told.”
In a survey distributed to campus media staff in March 2023, 100% of participants said that their experience working with campus media enhanced their overall student experience; 100% of participants said they would encourage a friend to join Edinboro Campus Media.
Throughout faculty consolidation, budget issues, staff shortages, and outdated technology and equipment, student volunteers and faculty advisors work tirelessly to support and sustain campus media. Students are doing their job and yet, they are met with diminishing resources.
With how the program currently stands, I could not confidently recommend a prospective student interested in journalism to attend PennWest Edinboro. Not at the fault of our students or faculty, but the lack of resources amidst a major university integration.
I maintain faith in our deans, admins, and campus leaders. A few years down the road, when the university has adapted to growing pains, I believe the educational experience guaranteed under the PennWest Promise will finally be operational. But current students are struggling. Retrenchments and consolidations have severely damaged programs across the three campuses, and students are losing hope.
It’s difficult for students to rally behind a new university plan when that plan is leaving them behind.
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