The College of San Mateo journalism department will be merging with other media departments to create one big “Digital Media” program. With this new unprecedented academic program students will be exposed to a variety of courses that cover the many branches of journalism. The new innovative idea is being brought together by staff members in each of the departments.
“We do expect this restructuring to enhance more sharing of resources that will benefit and broaden opportunities for our students,” said Ed Remitz, professor of journalism and lead advisor for the San Matean newspaper.
“The paper still remains as a First Amendment, student run-publication,” mentions Remitz.
The reason for this new renovation has much to do with “PIV” or “Program Improvement Viability.” The district uses the PIV method when certain programs, in this case journalism, starts to lack or trail causing a lack of student participation. Instead of permanently terminating the journalism program at CSM, the district has feasible ways to make more appealing and innovative to students who plan on pursuing a career in media studies.
Journalism isn’t just about newspapers and the evening news anymore. The industry is changing rapidly. The line that distinguishes various media sources is growing feeble. Today we have phones that can easily access the internet, we have newspapers that can be read online at any time, we have internet radio, and television shows that can be either found on the internet or rented through Netflix. Even broadcasting can be done from one’s home.
Journalism, broadcasting, multi-media, and graphics will all be part of a new disciplinary called Digital Media” said Kathleen Ross, Dean of the technology division.
The digital media program will require students to enroll in core classes before entering a more skilled or centralized class only focusing primarily on one aspect of digital media like journalism or broadcasting. These core classes will give students exposure to the fundamentals of multi media or broadcasting so they can know and gain new skills.
“It’s like taking the best of all these creative things you can do, and giving you a broader set of skills you can take to the market” said Ross.
Students are yet to discover the district’s plan to bring about a unified digital media department. “The process will occur in a couple phases” said Michelle Brown, associate professor of the broadcasting division. Currently there is a load of construction present at CSM and among the new buildings being constructed the digital media department will be hosted in building 10.
“Three core classes will also be offered to students as early as fall of 2009” said Brown.
