BU's The Daily Free Press is celebrating its 40th anniversary of being the school's independent student newspaper this Spring. To commemorate the milestone the paper is publishing a series of articles about "the past, present and future" of the Free Press.
They started with this interesting look into how the Free Press got started in the midst of the Vietnam War:
The Daily Free Press - The Free Press Press looks back on 40 years
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Full Circle
When I first started this blog two years ago (wow, really, it's been that long?!?), I started by surveying the websites of publications from schools in and around Boston. What I found was varying levels of attention given to online publishing - like the Suffolk Journal's abandonment of its site and subsequent ill-conceived relaunch.
This blog was an assignment for a new media journalism course at Northeastern University, and I didn't think anyone besides my professor and my classmates would be reading it. However, I have discovered of the years that the blog has been read by many (14,092 hits since I started counting half through '08), and has had an impact in coverage of certain topics, like No More than Four and the 2008 Presidential Election.
However, never have I been happier to find that this blog has had an impact on the very topic I first sought to cover. Last month, I was contacted by the web editor of The Suffolk Journal via a Facebook message:
Ethan is right, the new SuffolkJournal.net is infinitely better than its College Publisher predecessor. In fact, I think this website design is one of the best of all the college papers that I follow.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
I love the look of the Wordpress site. The flash components give the site a sleek, modern, youthful feel, which is what any college paper should strive to achieve. The Journal has also implemented several multimedia and social networking elements (twitter: @suffolkjournal, Facebook, Flickr, etc.) that work seamlessly on the site.
I applaud Ethan and the Journal on making this commitment to improving the website. It's an undisputed fact that the future of journalism will be online, and college journalists and editors should be using their school papers to experiment and learn.
I think the best change the Journal made was getting off of College Publisher. I have never seen a College Publisher website that can compare to another host. The Heights, Berkeley Beacon, The Suffolk Voice, Daily Free Press, Huntington News, The Mass Media and The Tufts Daily all use College Publisher, with Tufts and the Suffolk Voice producing the best result. The limitations of CP mean all of these sites look blandly alike and it limits the newspapers ability to establish a unique online identity.
The Harvard Crimson, Harvard Voice, and The Tech all use other hosting services.
Wordpress is a great alternative to CP, used by professional publications like Entertainment Weekly, and available for free on a limited usage. I have set up several Wordpress sites from production companies I have interned for and had nothing but great results.
I never would have imagined when I wrote my first post in January 2008, that the Suffolk Journal would now be a go to example of a good college newspaper website. Maybe some of the other papers I follow will read this post and be inspired by the Journal's transformation and as Ethan said "gtfo" of college publisher - I'm especially looking at you, The Huntington News!
This blog was an assignment for a new media journalism course at Northeastern University, and I didn't think anyone besides my professor and my classmates would be reading it. However, I have discovered of the years that the blog has been read by many (14,092 hits since I started counting half through '08), and has had an impact in coverage of certain topics, like No More than Four and the 2008 Presidential Election.
However, never have I been happier to find that this blog has had an impact on the very topic I first sought to cover. Last month, I was contacted by the web editor of The Suffolk Journal via a Facebook message:
Jessica -
I understand that you run the blog 'college journalism in boston' and it was actually one of your posts last year about the Journal's website that actually made me decide to become the new Web Editor and 'gtfo' of College Publisher and onto a WordPress site. In my opinion, our new website is a lot better than the previous efforts. Since we've been off of the internet for the past few months, we're trying to gain most of our readers back.
Anyways, thanks! You were one of the few inspirations that pushed us to finally do this!
http://www.suffolkjournal.net
-Ethan Long
Ethan is right, the new SuffolkJournal.net is infinitely better than its College Publisher predecessor. In fact, I think this website design is one of the best of all the college papers that I follow.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
I love the look of the Wordpress site. The flash components give the site a sleek, modern, youthful feel, which is what any college paper should strive to achieve. The Journal has also implemented several multimedia and social networking elements (twitter: @suffolkjournal, Facebook, Flickr, etc.) that work seamlessly on the site.
I applaud Ethan and the Journal on making this commitment to improving the website. It's an undisputed fact that the future of journalism will be online, and college journalists and editors should be using their school papers to experiment and learn.
I think the best change the Journal made was getting off of College Publisher. I have never seen a College Publisher website that can compare to another host. The Heights, Berkeley Beacon, The Suffolk Voice, Daily Free Press, Huntington News, The Mass Media and The Tufts Daily all use College Publisher, with Tufts and the Suffolk Voice producing the best result. The limitations of CP mean all of these sites look blandly alike and it limits the newspapers ability to establish a unique online identity.
The Harvard Crimson, Harvard Voice, and The Tech all use other hosting services.
Wordpress is a great alternative to CP, used by professional publications like Entertainment Weekly, and available for free on a limited usage. I have set up several Wordpress sites from production companies I have interned for and had nothing but great results.
I never would have imagined when I wrote my first post in January 2008, that the Suffolk Journal would now be a go to example of a good college newspaper website. Maybe some of the other papers I follow will read this post and be inspired by the Journal's transformation and as Ethan said "gtfo" of college publisher - I'm especially looking at you, The Huntington News!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Not buying it Ed
UPDATE: It was just brought to my attention that this email was not sent out to the student body. Instead it appears to have been sent out to 50 or so select students, many of whom I recognize as student leaders here at Northeastern. I will leave this post up for the remainder of the student body to read.
Northeastern Vice President and Dean of the Office of Student Affairs Ed Klotzbier just sent out amass e-mail to the Northeastern student body select Northeastern students (full text below) calling for people to relax about the recent four-year program announcement.
I don't think anyone has missed the point that this is an "OPTION," this is clearly the portrayal Northeastern's PR department has decided will best appeal to angered students, alumni and co-op employers. However, in between the lines is an obvious shift in Northeastern's ideology about co-op. If this announcement wasn't meant to signal a large-scale change well then why would our university president be quoted as saying the four-year option will "spread like wild-fire." Clearly it seems Northeastern wants to make four-years the standard and five-years the option.
It's nice to say that the five-year program is not going to go away, but in reality the negative connotations of spending five years at what may now be considered a "four-year university" will likely dissuade many students from opting for five years. Future students will feel even more pressure to rush and complete their experiential education and their undergraduate requirements with their high school peers at traditional four-year university.
Bottom line is that Northeastern shouldn't even be trying to pander to the traditional four-year model. It has always been an option for interested students to finish their education in four-years, so there was no need to make this announcement if there wasn't a deeper underlying meaning behind it.
And don't even get me started on the idea of online courses while on co-op. Taking advanced-writing (what should be the primary writing and research course that sets up students for their senior thesis projects) while working full-time on co-op is probably the worst educational idea I have heard in my FIVE-years at Northeastern.
Read the full e-mail letter:
Northeastern Vice President and Dean of the Office of Student Affairs Ed Klotzbier just sent out a
"The beauty of this – and what some students seem to be overlooking – is that this is an OPTION, not a requirement, nor a step toward the elimination of the co-op program. This is just something you can choose to do if you want to," writes Ed.
I don't think anyone has missed the point that this is an "OPTION," this is clearly the portrayal Northeastern's PR department has decided will best appeal to angered students, alumni and co-op employers. However, in between the lines is an obvious shift in Northeastern's ideology about co-op. If this announcement wasn't meant to signal a large-scale change well then why would our university president be quoted as saying the four-year option will "spread like wild-fire." Clearly it seems Northeastern wants to make four-years the standard and five-years the option.
It's nice to say that the five-year program is not going to go away, but in reality the negative connotations of spending five years at what may now be considered a "four-year university" will likely dissuade many students from opting for five years. Future students will feel even more pressure to rush and complete their experiential education and their undergraduate requirements with their high school peers at traditional four-year university.
Bottom line is that Northeastern shouldn't even be trying to pander to the traditional four-year model. It has always been an option for interested students to finish their education in four-years, so there was no need to make this announcement if there wasn't a deeper underlying meaning behind it.
And don't even get me started on the idea of online courses while on co-op. Taking advanced-writing (what should be the primary writing and research course that sets up students for their senior thesis projects) while working full-time on co-op is probably the worst educational idea I have heard in my FIVE-years at Northeastern.
Read the full e-mail letter:
Hi friends,
Wanted to reach out because I know there’s been a lot of chatter about Northeastern offering a 4-year option for students that includes 2 co-ops. For some of you, this isn’t news at all – there are plenty of students who are already on this plan – some who are currently here, and some who have already graduated. The beauty of this – and what some students seem to be overlooking – is that this is an OPTION, not a requirement, nor a step toward the elimination of the co-op program. This is just something you can choose to do if you want to. We are and will be a school that prides itself on our signature co-op program. Want to do 2 co-ops? Great. Want to do 3 co-ops? Cool. Not sure if you want to do co-op at all? That’s ok too. In almost every major, it’s not required. But rest assured that we’re not abandoning our roots, or trying to be like any other school.
We’re unique – and we all know that co-op is the number one reason students choose Northeastern. And it will continue to be! The great thing about the co-op program is that it’s FLEXIBLE. It allows those of you who would rather graduate in 4 years to do so. We’re not phasing out the 5 year model – that is still an option that many students will continue to choose. So as students, you are empowered to design a track that best suits you.
I know there’s a lot of misinformation out there in the blogosphere and elsewhere right now. In fact, some media outlets are even reporting this wrong. The fact is. This is really great for all current and future students – you can make your Northeastern experience the best it can be – and you’ll get help along the way, to stay on whichever track you choose.
Got questions or concerns that you need cleared up? Talk to me. Give me a call, shoot me an e*mail or come by my office. I’m happy to talk it over!
That’s it for now,
Ed
E. Edward Klotzbier, J.D.
Vice President and Dean
Office for Student Affairs
104 Ell Hall
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
e.klotzbier@neu.edu
617-373-5434
Well said Huntington News and TGIG!
The news broke yesterday on Northeastern's decision to put more of a focus on a four-year, two co-op program. Wednesday is the publication day for the student-newspaper the Huntington News and I am sure they were sweating to adjust to this last minute news bomb. However, the paper more than rose to the occasion with its coverage.
Here's the front-page news story, NU announces four-year program
But the real gems are found on the editorial page, in the staff editorial and Mary Ann Georgantopoulos column.
Three cheers Huntington News! This is great, well-written representation of the voice of "real" students demands.
I hope the Northeastern Administration is reading this. I too share the TGIG sentiment and is that really the feeling Northeastern wants to foster with its outgoing classes - the future endowment donors.
My only question is, is there anyone besides President Aoun and his administration that agrees with the decision?
Also read,
Letter to the Editor: Move to four years unnecessary, detrimental
Here's the front-page news story, NU announces four-year program
But the real gems are found on the editorial page, in the staff editorial and Mary Ann Georgantopoulos column.
"Let’s imagine for a moment that this is an excellent decision. Aoun and Provost Stephen Director have yet to give a good explanation of why. ... No one has said exactly why becoming a four-year institution makes Northeastern more appealing or how it improves students’ education.
... Students already have the option of graduating in four years and that's the way it should stay. Some programs require five or more years, but that should only add to the quality of the degree. Doesn’t it stand to reason that more time studying and working will better serve students after they graduate?
Unless there’s a real reason, Northeastern, let’s not try to fix what isn’t broken."
"Now I know this is not the first time we’ve heard about this plan. President Joseph Aoun and Co. have made it clear to us that they want to move in a four-year school direction. But why, Joe? Why do you want to make Northeastern just another cookie cutter university?
...Why change the one thing that sets us apart? In my eyes, co-op seems to be working just fine. ...
Northeastern seems to be full of changes lately. Restructuring the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Criminal Justice, cutting the football program, and now this. All I can say is, TGIG – Thank God I’m Graduating."
Three cheers Huntington News! This is great, well-written representation of the voice of "real" students demands.
I hope the Northeastern Administration is reading this. I too share the TGIG sentiment and is that really the feeling Northeastern wants to foster with its outgoing classes - the future endowment donors.
My only question is, is there anyone besides President Aoun and his administration that agrees with the decision?
Also read,
Letter to the Editor: Move to four years unnecessary, detrimental
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
NU wants to make co-op four years
I've just completed my last course as a college student at Northeastern University, and while I am finishing final projects I can't help but be nostalgic about my five-years as a husky. This is exemplified by the fact that the Northeastern I am leaving feels so different than the Northeastern I entered in Fall 2005.
I was the last honors class in Kennedy Hall, which at the time seemed like the mecca of Freshman residence halls but now looks like a rundown, evil step-child next to West Village F and International Village.
I'm part of the last class to graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences - as division into three new colleges - College of Science, College of Art, Media and Design and College of Social Sciences and Humanities - is (rumor has it) wrecking havoc in the Lake, Holmes, Meserve corridors. Where's communications belong? Why no more College of Criminal Justice? Are these three new colleges still going to be housed in one of the oldest, most dilapidated, convoluted buildings on campus?
And now comes Northeastern's announcement today to alter the 100-year-old co-op program, to allow students to graduate in four-years instead of five.
This "big announcement" is inept for many reasons, one of which being that doing co-op and graduating in four years has always been a possibility. In fact, most of my journalism major friends have gone for the four-and-a-half year option and graduated in December of their senior year. While others like my economics major roommate have been able to get their undergraduate degree, do three co-ops and a one-year Master's program within the five-year time frame.
The thing about the five-year program is that it is tailored to give students the best opportunity to gain 18-months of real work-experience, while still being able to enjoy the full college experience. Three co-ops wasn't right for every student (me included - I opted for a study abroad experience and change in area of study before going on my second and final co-op), but the flexibility of five-years allowed for more possibilities. This was especially true for students who struggled to find a co-op placement and needed the extra time to either get their grades up or reassess their field of choice.
This change doesn't eliminate the option of a five-year program, but it does certainly signal a shift in focus.
The co-op director of the University of Cincinnati says it best in the Globe article:
I appreciate Northeastern's attempt to give the students what they "demand," and have seen some good changes during my time here. International Co-op and Study Abroad being a major point of growth. But who is demanding this? Students who want a traditional four-year college experience? Well then they shouldn't be looking at Northeastern - there are a dozen other schools in the Boston area that can offer them that. Northeastern is the only school that can offer the unique five-year experience. This decision seems to be a ploy to bring in more students who have less of an interest in experiential education. This is not what Northeastern is about. The unique experience of this University is the campus' constant medley of working professionals and undergraduate students. Nine out of 10 current students (completely unfounded statistic) will probably tell you they came to Northeastern because of Co-op and all of them knew it was a five-year program. Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the number of applicants only continued to steadily rise in recent years?
This change for the sake of change policy of NU's current administration is not working. It seems to come from a president who hasn't seemed to connect with co-op or what Northeastern is about from the beginning. This announcement really isn't groundbreaking - four-years has always been an option - but if it does indeed signal a shift in the University's ideology than that is something to be concerned about. I worry that in a few years more alumni won't recognize the school they graduated from - and this more than anything else is going to hurt the future of NU's endowment.
Oh and don't forget, Bye Bye Football!
UPDATE: Huntington News has posted a brief article online - Northeastern announces four-year co-op program - Basically just summarizes the Globe article, but the comments are worth a read as always. Looking forward to reading the full story/editorial in tomorrow's edition.
UPDATE TWO: Another thought, I guess BU fans can't chant "Five-year Program" at sporting events anymore. That basically halves their insults. And makes us more like them. Oh no!
I was the last honors class in Kennedy Hall, which at the time seemed like the mecca of Freshman residence halls but now looks like a rundown, evil step-child next to West Village F and International Village.
I'm part of the last class to graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences - as division into three new colleges - College of Science, College of Art, Media and Design and College of Social Sciences and Humanities - is (rumor has it) wrecking havoc in the Lake, Holmes, Meserve corridors. Where's communications belong? Why no more College of Criminal Justice? Are these three new colleges still going to be housed in one of the oldest, most dilapidated, convoluted buildings on campus?
And now comes Northeastern's announcement today to alter the 100-year-old co-op program, to allow students to graduate in four-years instead of five.
Northeastern to offer students in co-op program 4-year degrees - The Boston Globe
This "big announcement" is inept for many reasons, one of which being that doing co-op and graduating in four years has always been a possibility. In fact, most of my journalism major friends have gone for the four-and-a-half year option and graduated in December of their senior year. While others like my economics major roommate have been able to get their undergraduate degree, do three co-ops and a one-year Master's program within the five-year time frame.
The thing about the five-year program is that it is tailored to give students the best opportunity to gain 18-months of real work-experience, while still being able to enjoy the full college experience. Three co-ops wasn't right for every student (me included - I opted for a study abroad experience and change in area of study before going on my second and final co-op), but the flexibility of five-years allowed for more possibilities. This was especially true for students who struggled to find a co-op placement and needed the extra time to either get their grades up or reassess their field of choice.
As Northeastern University marks its 100th year of cooperative education, the University has committed to an expansion of its signature academic program by offering a four-year bachelor’s degree with two full co-op experiences. This approach is driven in part by ongoing efforts to provide students with greater choice and flexibility, while maintaining the benefits of co-op and experiential learning. -Northeastern Press Release
This change doesn't eliminate the option of a five-year program, but it does certainly signal a shift in focus.
The co-op director of the University of Cincinnati says it best in the Globe article:
Studies by the school have shown that students experience the most growth in the final six months of 18 months on the job. That is when students have gained enough skills to run independent projects and can really make a difference, he said.
“So the question becomes: If you were to systematically kill that last year, would the employers be that interested anymore, because now the co-op is completely introductory?’’ asked [Kettil] Cedercreutz.
I appreciate Northeastern's attempt to give the students what they "demand," and have seen some good changes during my time here. International Co-op and Study Abroad being a major point of growth. But who is demanding this? Students who want a traditional four-year college experience? Well then they shouldn't be looking at Northeastern - there are a dozen other schools in the Boston area that can offer them that. Northeastern is the only school that can offer the unique five-year experience. This decision seems to be a ploy to bring in more students who have less of an interest in experiential education. This is not what Northeastern is about. The unique experience of this University is the campus' constant medley of working professionals and undergraduate students. Nine out of 10 current students (completely unfounded statistic) will probably tell you they came to Northeastern because of Co-op and all of them knew it was a five-year program. Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the number of applicants only continued to steadily rise in recent years?
This change for the sake of change policy of NU's current administration is not working. It seems to come from a president who hasn't seemed to connect with co-op or what Northeastern is about from the beginning. This announcement really isn't groundbreaking - four-years has always been an option - but if it does indeed signal a shift in the University's ideology than that is something to be concerned about. I worry that in a few years more alumni won't recognize the school they graduated from - and this more than anything else is going to hurt the future of NU's endowment.
Oh and don't forget, Bye Bye Football!
UPDATE: Huntington News has posted a brief article online - Northeastern announces four-year co-op program - Basically just summarizes the Globe article, but the comments are worth a read as always. Looking forward to reading the full story/editorial in tomorrow's edition.
UPDATE TWO: Another thought, I guess BU fans can't chant "Five-year Program" at sporting events anymore. That basically halves their insults. And makes us more like them. Oh no!
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