Annual report observations (students)
Some items of interest as I reviewed this year’s Region 2 annual reports for campus chapters:
Appalachian State University:
- The chapter worked with the university’s student publication to host a conversation about First Amendment rights on and off campus.
- It raised $137 by collecting a percentage of profits at a restaurant one evening.
- It held a screening of “Spotlight.”
Elon University:
- It was a transition year as the school’s broadcast and print entities merged into one, called Elon News Network. The SPJ chapter is getting a makeover, too.
- What better way to re-emerge than by hosting the next Region 2 conference? It will be April 7 and 8, 2017, at Elon.
George Mason University:
- The chapter had a lengthy list of programs, including visits to the Newseum and WTOP radio, numerous speakers, a career media panel and a résumé workshop.
- It used a wide range of methods for communication, including a listserv, email, kiosks, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and word of mouth.
- Its FOI program was a kiosk in which visitors answered a question: What does FOI mean to you? Prizes were given out.
High Point University:
- It attracted a good crowd for a First Amendment Free Food Festival.
- At a joint program with a local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, hosted a public relations person from Krispy Kreme. (yum)
- Heard from a TV news producer (who has since become communications manager for the Downtown Raleigh Alliance)
James Madison University:
- Held a screening of a professor’s documentary about cerebral palsy
- An ethics program covered difficult reporting situations — approaching victims, consequences
- Bylaws have clear, detailed descriptions of the responsibilities of the officers on the board
Salisbury University:
- Sent its entire executive board to both EIJ 15 and this year’s Region 2 conference
- Had a record year for fundraising at local establishments
- Journalism service projects included a food drive and participating in a school recycling drive
University of Maryland:
- Held three blood drives
- A wide variety of programs included movie screenings, résumé and cover letter critiques, a look at comics journalism and newsroom tours.
- Raised money by busing tabes, working the grill and tending bar at a cookout at the dean’s house for faculty. The dean donated $300 to the chapter for EIJ costs.
Virginia Commonwealth University:
- Held diversity programs during Hispanic, Native American, Black and Women’s history months.
- Planned programs at Region 2 conference; the chapter was a co-host.
- Co-hosted a town hall on the Virginia Senate election
Virginia Tech:
- The chapter, which held six programs during the annual report period, is looking at long-term growth: “Strategic focus has been to position ourselves for long-term growth: conserving resources, boosting recruitment, retaining current members and developing mutually beneficial relationships with other individuals, leaders and organizations.”
Washington & Lee University:
- Went from one member to 18 members (!)
- Supported two ethics institutes held by the journalism department
- Held programs on portfolios and getting jobs after graduation
Western Carolina:
- Its fundraisers were a T-shirt sale and a chili cookoff
- Held programs on “New Tools in Communication” and “How to Freelance.”
- Bylaws also have an openness clause: “All membership meetings and programs of the WCU SPJ shall be on the record and open to coverage by any or all communications media on an equal basis.”