Mid-summer greetings from JAMM

We’re just four weeks away from the beginning of the fall semester. Here’s an update on what’s been happening since graduation in May.

Sixteen students from Idaho and Washington attended the 7^th annual Scripps Howard Multicultural Journalism Workshop June 24-30. The photo (above) shows the group on the roof of The Spokesman-Review in Spokane as part of a field trip. Three of the students are incoming UI freshmen and two are transfer students, one a sophomore and a junior. The workshop’s success was due in part to our UI student mentors: Emily Thomason, Tileena Leighton, Sean Williams, Rubell Dingman and Carissa Wright. Student Nick Beber produced the 20-minute video shown at the closing brunch. Thanks also to transportation coordinator Marc Skinner and to faculty presenters Glenn Mosley, Sandra Haarsager and Becky Tallent.

Summer enrollment: We had 84 students enrolled in the first session (May 14-June 9) and 45 students in the second session (June 12-July 6). In addition, we have 27 students enrolled in internships, practicums and directed studies. Thanks to all faculty who taught this summer!

New classes for fall: Dean Katherine Aiken has provided funding for a new (6^th) section of Media Writing, to be taught by Bill Loftus. In addition, she has approved a TA stipend for Mary Packer to teach JAMM 270, Principles of Radio and TV. This will allow Denise Bennett to teach JAMM 377, Documentary, on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thanks to Mary and Bill for their willingness to help us meet student demand. Students interested in either of the new classes should contact their advisor or Marc Skinner, mskinner@uidaho.edu

Air conditioning coming! Crews from Facilities Management have been cutting holes in the ceiling and floor of our utility closet (next to Mark Secrist’s office) to allow installation of huge ducts to move chilled air from the attic to Admin 221 (the classroom immediately below the JAMM office) and Admin 225 (our primary teaching lab for writing and editing classes). This will make a huge difference in the comfort and usability of these rooms. Thanks to Suzanne Aaron from the CLASS dean’s office and to Cynthia Leonhart from the Registar’s Office for making this happen.

Keep cool and enjoy the rest of your summer!