SJGC Welcome Week Prepares Students for the Semester and Beyond
Tallahassee, Fl.- As students begin a new academic year at Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC), Welcome Week is providing more than an introduction to the school. Through academic workshops, leadership sessions and opportunities to connect with student organizations, students are learning what is expected of them and how to make the most of their time at FAMU.
“At the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, we work to ensure our students can hit the ground running academically and in their professional development,” said Dean Mira Lowe. “We believe every moment they are in our care matters. That’s why we launched SJGC Welcome Week in 2023 with a commitment to setting the course for a bright future. Each year, our schedule of activities is designed to provide students with the information, insights and inspiration they need to navigate their journey as the next generation of storytellers.”
SJGC Dean Mira Lowe engages in conversation with students and faculty, reinforcing
the school’s commitment to academic success, professional development and student
engagement. (Photo courtesy: FAMU Communications)
For graphic design students, the week highlighted ways to develop creative skills while gaining experience beyond the classroom. Students learned about organizations, exhibitions, internships, scholarships and opportunities to have their work published.
Jayah Johnson, a junior graphic design scholar, said the week helped students identify resources that can contribute to their growth.
“I think they can take away the skills we can learn from here,” Johnson said, “basically knowing what we have to do to be successful and also learning about the clubs that we can get interested in as well.”
A former SJGC student asks a question during a school event, engaging in conversation
and gaining insight into resources and opportunities available to students. (Photo
courtesy: FAMU Communications)
Senior graphic design scholar Kailahnii Jacobs said she hopes the connections made through SJGC events will lead to new academic and professional opportunities.
“I hope to get an internship that I can apply for, scholarships and other opportunities that I’ve never known about,” Jacobs said.
Graphic design instructors Stanley Johnson and Alicia Hope also encouraged students to remain organized and prepared while taking advantage of the Hope Gallery, U Design Club, exhibitions and student media organizations.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to stretch their skills and to grow and to actually see their work published,” Johnson and Hope said.
SJGC students participate in a hands-on broadcast experience, gaining practical experience
while learning about opportunities available through the School of Journalism & Graphic
Communication. (Photo courtesy: FAMU Communications)
Beyond professional development, Welcome Week focused on helping students understand the academic expectations that will guide them throughout their time at FAMU. During the All-School Colloquium, students heard from SJGC leadership about academic expectations, school resources and the importance of becoming involved. The discussion also addressed senior capstone requirements and other information students need as they progress toward graduation.
Felicia McGhee, Ph.D., associate dean of curriculum and student success for SJGC, said the colloquium gave students an opportunity to become familiar with school leadership and reconnect with available resources.
“I hope they learn the number 10. That’s how many articles you need for capstone,” McGhee said.
SJGC students gain hands-on experience in the broadcast studio, developing on-camera
skills and preparing for future careers in media and communications. (Photo courtesy:
FAMU Communications)
For senior broadcast journalism scholar Elijah Lott, becoming involved in SJGC can
help students discover interests they may not have considered before.
“When you get involved with things like TV20 or WANM or Journey magazine, you kind of start to see where you fit into the bigger puzzle,” Lott said. “And you can find passions that you didn’t know you had.”
Fourth-year broadcast journalism student Louis Brown said students have opportunities to gain experience across different areas of media, including radio, newscasts and student publications.
“J school always has opportunities for young students to get involved with just about everything in the media,” Brown said.
An SJGC student gains hands-on experience in front of the green screen, building practical
skills for a future career in broadcast media. (Photo courtesy: FAMU Communications)
The focus on preparation continued during the Academic Success Workshop, where students received guidance on degree audits, senior capstone requirements and planning for graduation.
Darren Macfarlane, director of academic programs for SJGC, said the workshop was designed to help students understand how to conduct their own degree audits while providing public relations and journalism students with information about senior capstone requirements and substitutions. Macfarlane encouraged students who are uncertain about their academic progress to schedule an appointment with McGhee to discuss their questions and concerns.
SJGC students explore campus resources and opportunities designed to support their
academic, creative and professional development. (Photo courtesy: FAMU Communications)
First-year broadcast journalism scholar Kayla Howell attended the workshop to better understand her academic requirements and ensure she remains on track for graduation.
“I came out just to learn more about if I’m on track with my classes and courses and also just to make sure that I understand everything that’s required for me so I can graduate on time,” Howell said.
Howell also encouraged fellow students to embrace opportunities beyond the classroom by building relationships, becoming involved and stepping outside their comfort zones.
“I would say get involved and talk to people because, as people say constantly, it’s all about who you know,” Howell said. “Please, please, please network, speak to people, and try to do things that are not always in your comfort zone because you never know what opportunity could happen.”
The emphasis on preparation and engagement also reflects FAMU’s broader focus on developing academically prepared, professionally equipped and well-rounded students as the University continues its pursuit of Carnegie R1 research status.
For SJGC students, Welcome Week provides an early roadmap for success: understanding expectations, using available resources, building connections and finding opportunities to grow. As students begin another academic year, those first steps can help prepare them for success at FAMU and beyond.
SJGC students connect with industry professionals, gaining exposure to future career
opportunities and resources beyond the classroom. (Photo courtesy: FAMU Communications)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
