Editor,
I read Thursday's edition of the Lobo with a real sense of disappointment and disgust upon learning that for the first time in 50 years, the UNM journalism program will not be receiving accreditation from the Accrediting Council in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Mr. Brad Hall's statement that, "I hope we can get better at some things," frankly states what many people in this community have been hoping for, but alas, under his leadership, the department has continued to deteriorate. It has also been apparent that the commitment to providing a first-class education for students who still want to pursue a journalism career has gotten less and less during his tenure, as well as over the last decade.
It is true that print journalism has been going through a huge change, what with the advent of the internet, cable television and the many choices that are now available for people to get their news. It is also true that objective journalism as a value has also taken a beating, as the blurring of investigative journalism bleeds into front-page editorialism and counter-spin. One can argue that that having a first-rate school of journalism is more valid because of these reasons, and can provide a balance and laboratory for those who want to follow the time-honored profession of years gone past.
During my college education at the University of New Mexico, I flirted with the idea of applying to the Communication and Journalism Department. Numerous people, who said it was a school in decline, talked me out of it. Monies were not being directed to keep the school current, faculty were not being recruited and recently the school's director was more geared towards communications. Having taken a class in communications by the director, I was not that impressed with his ability to communicate, and was somewhat surprised of his assent to the chairmanship of the department. It is my impression that the chickens have come home to roost.
Mr. Hall's statements that that "we have been told by some people it really is a side issue," also give me pause. Why wasn't a study of the impact on students who have invested in their education done before they withdrew the application in the first place? Was an impact study on job placement done to see how other students faired in schools that weren't accredited?
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I beg to differ that this will not have an effect on students.
I hope that students, the department, the University, the regents and the community begin to look at the direction of the present leadership. This department has graduated journalists who have made real contributions to the community, and it would be egregious to have such a black mark on UNM.
Susan L. Weiss
UNM student
