Professionals rely on organizations to enhance their careers, and student chapters of national organizations seek to provide the same support through workshops and programming.
The School of Journalism is home to several active chapters of these groups, including:
Society of Professional Journalists
The
Society of Professional Journalists is a national organization originally founded in
Greencastle,
Ind., at
DePauw University in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi. Now headquartered in Indianapolis,
SPJ aims to maintain a free press, protect First Amendment rights, and promote ethical behavior and excellence in journalism. The IU chapter encourages the same values among the next generation of journalists. The group offers programs about freedom of information, diversity, and finding internships and jobs.
Public Relations Student Society of America
The Public Relations Student Society of America works to increase knowledge about the field and provide opportunities for members to network and develop their professional skills. The
Public Relations Society of America founded the Student Society in 1968 and today, there are over 8,000 student members at 248 American campuses.
At IU, PRSSA hosts speakers, field trips, informational sessions, student panels, portfolio workshops, etiquette dinners and other events along with its regular meetings. Members may participate in the Campus1Housing, Fundraising, Panhellenic/IFC Media Training, or Promotions and Publicity committees.
National Association of Black Journalists
The IU chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists is the newest of the School of Journalism's professional organization partnerships, receiving a charter in 2010 after students organized and developed programs the previous year. Members have supported fundraisers, developed programs with professionals and guest speakers, and collaborated to steer the campus chapter toward goals in keeping with
NABJ's national mission of "providing quality programs and services to and advocating on behalf of black journalists worldwide."
National Association of Hispanic Journalists
The IU chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists offers members connections to national scholarships and internships as well as networking with alumni and professionals in the industry.
Journalists for Human Rights
Journalists for Human Rights is an international organization dedicated to using the power of the media to educate people about their rights, expose instances of abuse, and raise awareness of human-rights issues worldwide. The Indiana University chapter sponsors film screenings and other activities, partners with other relevant organizations to effect change both here and abroad, and contributes to official
JHR publications. The faculty liaison for the IU Chapter is Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
Michael Evans. The president for 2011-12 is
Alen Simic.
Student Society of News Design
The IU chapter of the Student Society for News Design brings together students interested in learning more about visual communications for multimedia, including print and online. The group hears from guest speakers as well as travels to conferences and workshops. Faculty sponsor is lecturer
Bonnie Layton.
Ed on Campus
Ed on Campus is a national organization dedicated to helping aspiring magazine journalists network with professionals and learn more about the magazine industry. The IU group hosts guest speakers and organizes special workshops, such as resume writing. Many of the members have taken one or more of the school's magazine courses. Faculty sponsor is lecturer
Nancy Comiskey.
American Student Radio
American Student Radio is an online station dedicated to student-created podcasts and news shows, as well as other programming. In collaboration with students across the nation, who are invited to pitch their story ideas, students at IU develop and produce NPR-style stories. The group meets to hear guest speakers and to learn more about audio storytelling in workshops and tutorials. Faculty sponsors are Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
Michael Evans and adjunct lecturer
Sarah Neal-Estes, former reporter/producer for an NPR affiliate.
