Instead of gambling the night away or finding yourself at the quickie chapel, make sure you’re around to check out some of the amazing programs geared for students at the convention in Vegas.  Here’s a quick overview, but the entire schedule can be viewed on SPJ’s convention website.

MONDAY

2-3:15 p.m.

How Schools and Universities Use “Privacy” Law to Thwart Legitimate News Coverage

MELROSE 2

The nation’s obsession with family privacy has been a double-edged sword. For every family shielded from unnecessary embarrassment there are countless families whose stories of struggle and misery have been obstructed by “privacy” laws that put the wall of government bureaucracy between journalist and story. This session will throw the spotlight on FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Among the most important stories journalists cover involve children and public education, which makes FERPA one of the most important laws a journalist must understand and master. Learn what FERPA really says and, most importantly, what it does NOT say.

Speakers: Frank LoMonte, executive director, Student Press Law Center; David Chartrand, journalist-author, Kansas City

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Weird Careers in Journalism

MELROSE 2

If you’re about to graduate or recently have, a future in journalism may look bleak. But there are good jobs for young journalists in places you might not think to look. Learn how to apply for them and how to separate yourself from all the other applicants.

Speaker: Michael Koretzky, student media adviser, Florida Atlantic University

4:45-5:45 p.m.

Covering Campus Crime

SUNSET 2

From sexual assaults to fraternity hazing, crime on college campuses is a story that college and professional media outlets struggle to cover. You’ll learn the laws governing access to crime records and how to get information from reluctant campus officials. The new edition of the Covering Campus Crime booklet will be distributed.

Speakers: Frank LoMonte, executive director, Student Press Law Center; Carolyn S. Carlson, assistant professor of journalism and citizen media, Kennesaw State University

TUESDAY

9-10 a.m.

Your Walking, Talking Resume

SUNSET 2

Get tips on making the best first impression, then create your own “elevator pitch” and practice introducing yourself to colleagues.

Facilitators: Aiesha Little, associate editor, Cincinnati Magazine; Renee Petrina, instructor, Ball State University

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Art of Interviewing

WILSHIRE A

Lots of journalists dread one thing as they prepare for a story: the interview. Unfortunately, journalism classes don’t teach reporters how to conduct a successful interview when they’re trying to “get the story.”  In mock interviews, attendees will be coached on what type of questions one could and should ask during interviews. You’ll also get constructive feedback on which tactics work best so that you’ll feel at ease when interviewing someone for your next great story.

Speakers: Mary Hausch, assistant professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Bonnie Newman Davis, associate professor, Virginia Commonwealth University

2-3:15 p.m.

It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences

MELROSE 2

To be a great writer, you must write great sentences. But most journalists never take the time to learn what makes some sentences sing and others stink. This session will offer rare insights into this most-critical writing unit. Taking a mechanical approach to breaking down and rebuilding sentences, Casagrande will show you how to streamline your writing in a way that turns clunky, amateur prose into high-quality professional work.

Speaker: June Casagrande, author, “It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences”

3:30-4:30 p.m.

The Nuts and Bolts of Freelancing

MELROSE 2

Whether you’re making a career change, looking for some extra income or simply interested in diversifying your portfolio, freelancing can be a terrific option. But it’s not as easy as submitting story ideas and waiting for the checks to roll in. Hear from a group of freelancers on what it takes to get started. From setting up a home office to printing business cards and invoicing, as well as the various options for freelancers, including traditional media outlets, blogging for pay or editing books.

Speakers: Holly Fisher, Freelance Writer/Editor; Dana Neuts, Freelancer; Bruce Shutan, Freelancer

SPJ’s Convention and National Journalism Conference is just around the corner (October 3 – 5), which can only mean one thing: campus chapters need money! SPJ is not oblivious to this, which is why the campus board members pulled together some fundraising ideas for campus chapters.

• One of the fastest ways to earn money is to partner up with a local restaurant or business willing to donate part of a night’s profits to the chapter. The basic idea is that the chapter would promote the evening, which means an increase in business. A lot of chain restaurants do this, but you can always check with local businesses to work out a similar arrangement.
• Some campus athletic departments will also allow campus organizations to sell concessions for a cut of the profits. A twist on this idea would be to sell an item that the department does not typically carry.
• Selling t-shirts and other memorabilia with a catchy phrase or slogan is always a big moneymaker. Early in the semester may be the best time for this fundraiser. Other items to put slogans on could be notebooks, drawstring backpacks, and water bottles.
• Some other popular items to sell – with a little bit more planning and effort – are AP Stylebooks. A stylebook sale can be very profitable. However, chapters need to be willing to make a much larger financial commitment upfront, and be prepared to compete with the campus bookstore.
• Creating midterm care packages for incoming students is also a great way to raise money. A school’s academic affairs office can provide chapters with the names and addresses of parents and legal guardians. A chapter can charge around $20 for a package, and then fill it with $5 to $7 of goodies. Another nice touch is to include a signed card from the parent or guardian.
• Don’t be afraid to “hit people up” for money, too. Department chairs, deans, and provosts usually have a special fund that can be used at their discretion. Be prepared with a good argument as to why the convention will not only benefit your chapter, but the whole school. Student governments have also been known to give money to organizations in need.

There are six ideas to get you started, but there are countless more out there. Chapters with their own fundraising ideas are encouraged to share their ideas in the comments! Also, a big thanks to Board Member Neil Ralston for most of these tips!

Don’t forget to check back for more convention ideas and news!
____________________________________________________________
Andrew M. Seaman is a student at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York, and a recent graduate of Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He is one of SPJ’s student representatives on the national board and you can follow him on Twitter @andrewmseaman.

No immigrant has the same story on how they came to the United States, but the stories often share some similarities.

A class at Medill has stepped up to show local ethnic papers that while each culture is different, they face similar problems.

You can read all about it on SPJ’s Journalism and the World blog!

Photo Courtesy: Mallory Kydd

Nine students from the Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School completed a 24-hour reporting project on December 6, which they titled, “Homeless≠Voiceless.”

The students spoke with 16 homeless people at St. Vincent De Paul, a local assistance organization in Phoenix, during lunch.

Their project’s website features articles, videos, and pictures from their conversations.

Mallory Kydd, chapter president, said in a press release that the chapter initiated the project hoping to give members an opportunity to report outside classroom walls.

“It gives our members a taste of what it’s like out in the field,” said Kydd.

Christopher Callahan, the dean of the Cronkite School, was the project’s editor. Callahan reviewed the student’s work as it was turned in.

Thank you to the students and the dean for sharing this wonderful and successful project with us.

Below is a video from the project:

Did you ever think that the requirements for starting a new campus chapter are asking a little much? Well, SPJ wants to hear from you!

Let SPJ know what should be asked of prospective campus chapters, and what current campus chapters should be expected to accomplish each year. Your comments, concerns, and suggestions will be taken into account when reviewing the campus chapter requirements.

Take a look at the current requirements, and please send suggestions to Campus Adviser At-Large Sue Kopen Katcef (skatcef@spj.org).

Has your campus chapter done something amazing lately?  Have you put on programs to educate about First Amendment Rights or ethics?  Did you have a membership drive and end up with a new heap of members?  Or are you just great?

Let us know what your chapter has done in the name of journalism lately.  We’ll highlight great ideas and accomplishments on the blog so other chapters can learn from your success!  Feel free to send pictures and documents as well.

Greatness can be sent via e-mail to student representatives Tara Puckey (tpuckey@spj.org) or Andrew Seaman (aseaman@spj.org).

Student pays school, school provides education.  School expects student to learn and succeed, student expects school to…

With the changing face of journalism, it’s clear that students need to expect more from their journalism schools.  More than a few people think that “expecting” simply isn’t enough and that demands are in order.

Robert Niles recently wrote a list of eight things that journalism students should demand from their journalism schools, but we’re just highlighting a few of our favorites below.

Role Models
Students need someone they can emulate, both academically and professionally.  Bringing guest speakers to schools isn’t enough. Students need to be engaged in choosing the speakers and the areas of interest and should be allowed as much access to professionals as humanly possible.

New media: the Internet
While most journalism students are being taught all forms of reporting and writing, some schools may not provide enough focus on the new types of media.  Students need experience with social media and writing specifically for the Internet.  If it’s not provided and encouraged, demand it.

Making a Name
It’s not just about the best resume or most respected school anymore when it comes to getting a job.  Companies are now looking for people whose name has already graced the face of the journalism world.  It’s the schools responsibility to be an agent for their student, to provide every opportunity to publish their work and encourage them to make a name for themselves.

Passion for “the change”
A journalism student needs encouragement about the new face of the business.  Passionate instructors who teach their students how to adapt and change rather than fold and quit are not only benefiting themselves, but teaching their students there is hope in a business that the whole world is watching.

So make the demands as a student.  If not, you’re only hurting yourself.