Fall's launched and test dates scheduled

We’re off! The Fall 2008 term started with a last minute rush of activity. Departing faculty’s offices were painted, offices equipped with fresh supplies and then the swarm of arriving students (that began last Wednesday on move-in day) began arriving for their classes. Frantic follow-up calls led to the late arrival of desk copies of new textbooks ordered last June. But, we made it.

Freshmen, the darlings, have no problems for now with their 8 a.m. classes. They are used to high school hours where classes usually start BEFORE 8 a.m.

Former students kept in touch on Facebook and Linked In. One, Maggie Lillis, now a reporter at a newspaper in Las Vegas, made a guest appearance via YouTube in Bill McWhirter’s first class of the term. Check out her four-minute video. McWhirter who is legendary around the Com Arts hallways for his willingness to try just about anything to keep his students engaged and energized, had a successful launch.

Meanwhile, two four-person teams of State News reporters and photographers are covering the two political conventions, blogging, sending back stories, photos and video. What a terrific opportunity for these eight students!

Our temporary academic adviser Lauren Gaines has been working very hard to help the dozens of students seeking academic advice over the past few weeks.

The proficiency test dates for admission into JRN 200 are set. Sharpen your number #2 pencils and bring along your Student ID and a calculator (there are a few math questions). The test is given in 145 Com Arts.

Test dates are:

Monday October 20, 2008

Test#1
Sign up 9:30am-10:00am
Start at 10:00am-10:45am

Test#2
Sign up at 10:30am – 11:00am
Start at 11:00am-11:45am

Thursday October 23, 2008

Test #1
Sign up 2:30pm – 3:00pm
Start at 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Test #2
Sign up 3:30-4:00pm
Start at 4:00pm – 4:45pm

Also, application deadline for Admission to the Journalism major is November 1 for the fall term. The application is available online under the Undergraduate tab on the J-School web site.

Have a terrific start for the Fall term, and remember the countdown has begin for the J-Schools Centennial celebration in April 2010.