Editor,
As we all know, last month the journalism faculty unanimously voted to withdraw from the reaccredidation process.
Is this the best news for the department? No! Nor is it the end of the world. So what is the next step? Our faculty realized it was better to withdraw than to fail. They decided to review, regroup and research. All of which the department is currently doing and will continue to do until a decision to apply or not apply for reaccreditation has been made.
At no time has the department said it will not reapply for accreditation. What has been said is that the department wants to get input from professionals, students and others to see how important it is to be accredited - both for the students and the department. In my opinion this is a great approach. Let's look at all sides of the issue and figure it out.
Are they regrouping? Yes, Brad Hall has stated numerous times that the department is not perfect and it can improve. For example, he acknowledges problems in tracking graduates, advising and internships. So let's look at these issues.
Tracking graduates is something the department does not currently do. The good news is it is willing and trying to figure out a way to do this. Do the department members have a plan today? Perhaps. I don't know. I do know that they are concerned about this and other issues and are seeking ways to correct the problem.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Are there problems with advising? Yes, there are. Therefore Brad Hall has been meeting with the dean of the College of Arts and Science seeking to upgrade a staff member's position and provide office space. Again, they are seeking solutions.
Regarding the report of the team, Brad Hall stated in the meeting on Tuesday, that there is no final report as the department withdrew from the process. However, there is a preliminary report they are reviewing and they will attach a letter addressing some misunderstandings. The example he used was some confusion regarding hours needed. He said the report would be available next week.
Regarding internships, currently all information on internships are sent to students over the listserv. Brad Hall encouraged all students to make sure their e-mail addresses were on the listserv and if not to see Mary Bibeau in the C&J office. Once again, they are seeking solutions.
As a journalism student, I feel very confident in the faculty that we have and I am personally asking media professionals if this matters and how it could affect my future. If we want to have real input, we need facts to back it up. Let's get past the knee-jerk reaction of anger and blame and focus on a future for all of us.
Heidi Brown
UNM journalism student
