“We have a robust offering compared to most of our competitors, and we offer lots of different times, days and modalities,” says Summer, Winter and Early College Programs Director Kirsten Tripodi.

There’s Still Time to Register

You decide how much of your summer you want to spend studying. These Summer Sessions are still available but don’t delay as the classes start soon:

• June 15 – July 14 (4-week session)
• ��July 1 – August 19 (7-week session)
• ��July 20 – August 4 (4-week session)

Whether you want to brush up on or, as our course catalog shows, we have you covered.

If you’re not sure what to take, Tripodi advises: “Check with your advisor to make sure it’s the right class to take.” She also suggests that students check with Red Hawk Central to see if financial aid is available.

5 Strategic Benefits for Currently Enrolled Students

If you need more good reasons to take a Summer Sessions course, here are five:

1. Core Courses��– Check that prerequisite off your list so you can take that class you’re excited about next semester.
2. ��Boost Your Resume��– Expanding your skills in a particular area or learning new ones can help with your career goals.
3. Learn a New Language��– Speaking more than one language is always a plus, especially if you want to travel or work in other countries.
4. More Attention��– Smaller class sizes during summer means you can get more individualized attention and get to better know your classmates and professors.
5. Love of Learning – If you consider yourself a lifelong learner, there’s no time like the present to learn something new.

Ready to plan your summer?

Log into and register today.

Still have questions about Summer Sessions?��We’re here to help. Reach out to summer@montclair.edu.

The contract between the New Jersey Public Broadcasting and the University will be submitted to the Legislature for their review. The Legislature, which has stressed its desire and strong support for public television to continue in New Jersey, has 15 days to review the contract.

The agreement is for five years with two five-year extensions. Ģ����Ƶ is responsible for programming the stations and has committed to providing at least six hours of New Jersey-centric programming a week, including a weekday nightly news cast and other public affairs programming, live broadcasts of the Governor’s State of the State address, the Governor’s Budget Message, and live coverage of New Jersey elections.

The new contract follows months of uncertainty over the future of NJ PBS and effectively ensures that public television will thrive in New Jersey for the long-term. Cuts to federal funding had put the future in doubt, however Governor Mikie Sherrill’s commitment to transparency makes public broadcasting an integral part of the state’s media landscape.

“Public broadcasting is a vital public service that ensures New Jersey families have access to trusted news, educational programming, and information about their communities. At a time when local journalism faces growing challenges, today’s action keeps this essential service alive in New Jersey,” said Governor Sherrill. “I’m excited that Ģ����Ƶ has been selected to lead the next chapter of public broadcasting in New Jersey. With its expertise in journalism and public media, strong community partnerships, and commitment to innovation, Ģ����Ƶ is uniquely positioned to expand local storytelling and help build a strong, sustainable future for public media across our state.”

“Public broadcasting is a critical pillar of New Jersey media, ensuring all residents – particularly those in underserved areas – have access to quality educational and community-focused content,” said State Treasurer Aaron Binder. “Given the ever-evolving nature of modern media, and recent devasting funding cuts at the federal level, protecting and supporting public broadcasting has never been more important. Treasury was pleased to play a role in ushering in the next chapter of public media in New Jersey, and we look forward to seeing this vital institution grow for many years to come.”

“New Jersey has one of the most extraordinary media landscapes in the country, and we will fully leverage and highlight the breadth of voices and storytellers across the state,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of Ģ����Ƶ’s College of Communication and Media. “This includes universities across New Jersey, countless news organizations, cultural and arts centers, and sports leagues and organizations. We look forward to building a media ecosystem that resembles and is accountable to the people of New Jersey, one that provides unique educational and workforce development opportunities to our state’s future leaders and media creators. We are grateful for the opportunity to ensure New Jersey’s public media is truly the public’s media.”

“New Jersey’s public television stations exist to serve every resident of this state, and this selection reflects our commitment to ensuring that mission continues on a sustainable, long-term foundation,” said Rick Williams, Executive Director of the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority. “Ģ����Ƶ brings broadcast-ready infrastructure, deep community ties, and a demonstrated commitment to New Jersey journalism. We look forward to working with the University and the Legislature as this transition moves forward.”

In this role, Ģ����Ƶ plans to reimagine public media and expand the value public broadcasting can provide to New Jersey residents. Central to that mission is building a network that fully represents New Jersey, drawing on the state’s 300-plus news organizations, its colleges and universities, and its diverse communities to create and inform programming made stronger through collaboration and shared expertise. In addition to a robust broadcast presence with daily newscast and discussion programming, NJ PBS will focus significant efforts on digital and social media content as well as in-person events and public engagement, meeting New Jersey residents where and how they consume information.

Ģ����Ƶ’s proposal leverages existing university assets to create an operational budget that recognizes the current fiscal environment for public media. This includes $1.2 million annually of in-kind contributions from the University, including studio access, engineering expertise, IT infrastructure, human resources, finance, legal, and facilities management. It also includes teaching and internship opportunities for students, helping to train future media professionals while also infusing a dynamic perspective into station programming.

The station will be housed in Ģ����Ƶ’s College of Communication and Media, one of the nation’s leading academic hubs for media education and innovation. The College has a world-class production facility, complete with professional broadcast studios and film stages, multiple control rooms, a multimedia newsroom, and engineering infrastructure built for network-level production. Faculty and staff bring extensive professional experience in the New Jersey and national media landscapes, and the College has been nationally recognized for its work while preparing the next generation of New Jersey media professionals.

The Center for Cooperative Media, housed within Ģ����Ƶ’s College of Communication and Media, will help build the backbone of NJ PBS’s statewide journalism model. The Center’s longstanding relationships with hundreds of New Jersey news organizations provide NJ PBS with an existing statewide journalism ecosystem capable of supporting collaborative reporting and community-informed storytelling across all regions of the state. Ģ����Ƶ’s operation of NJ PBS will include robust content partnerships across the state, including collaborative agreements with a range of other New Jersey colleges and universities as well as civic, arts, and news organizations, ensuring network content reflects the diversity and talents of New Jersey’s residents and communities.

Ģ����Ƶ plans to produce a daily newscast and discussion program, a weekly public affairs roundtable, and sports coverage, including a formal partnership with the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The University has also committed to a code of journalism ethics, an independent ethics committee with external appointments, and a Community Advisory Board, with additional public accountability in being subject to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act as a public university.

More than 20 full-time employees will initially operate NJ PBS, including three reporters and a production team of 11. Students will also participate through internships and supervised experiential learning opportunities. Employment opportunities with NJ PBS will be posted .

For more information/media contact:

Ģ����Ƶ: Keith Green, Director of Communications and Strategic Operations, College of Communication and Media. greenk@montclair.edu, 973-655-3701.

New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority: Danielle Currie, Deputy Director of Communications Danielle.Currie@treas.nj.gov

###

About the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority: The New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority (NJPBA) is a State authority holding four FCC noncommercial educational television licenses, collectively branded as NJ PBS. The Authority’s stations, WNJS, WNJN, WNJT, and WNJB, serve all regions of New Jersey with public media programming. The NJPBA operates in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury under the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority Act of 1968, as amended by the 2010 New Jersey Public Broadcasting System Transfer Act. For more information, visit https://www.nj.gov/treasury/njpba/.

About Ģ����Ƶ: Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Ģ����Ƶ has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate programs provided by 13 colleges and schools. Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Ģ����Ƶ delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions.

About Ģ����Ƶ’s College of Communication and Media: The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of approximately 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through nearly $10M in grants awarded over the last decade, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

Over four months, Hernandez lived and learned at sea, meeting with local leaders through a United Nations‑connected dialogue program – an experience she says changed how she sees both the world and her own future.

Ģ����Ƶ’s study abroad and international programs, including Semester at Sea, help students like Pamela gain global experience and bring those insights back to campus.

First Time Seeing the Ocean – and Living on It

Hernandez remembers her first sight of the ship – and of the ocean itself – when she boarded in IJmuiden, the Netherlands.

“I’d never been on a ship, and it was so huge,” she said. “I just stared at it for a good minute thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to be living here for the next four months.’”

On board, she took classes at sea, then stepped into cities and communities around the world, connecting what she learned in class to the people and places she was visiting.

Four Months, 13+ Scholarship Applications – and a Life‑Changing Email

The Semester at Sea voyage comes with a substantial price tag, covering tuition, housing and travel while the ship serves as a floating campus. To make it possible, Hernandez spent about four months applying for more than 13 scholarships, ultimately winning the highly competitive $25,000, which supports students engaged with Chinese language and Chinese studies, as well as U.S.–China relations.

Her application told the story of a first‑generation Mexican American student whose first language was Spanish, who struggled with English as a child, and later added Korean and Mandarin at Ģ����Ƶ – tying her multilingual journey to a commitment to cross‑cultural understanding and global storytelling as a double major in Film & Television and Business Administration, with a minor in Asian Languages.

She learned she had won the scholarship while at work as an intern in Broadcast and Media Operations on campus. “That was the best news of my life.”

With the award secured, everything accelerated. “I only had two months to prepare for the voyage, and you don’t know how to prepare because of how extensive it is,” she says.

UN Dialogue Training: Practicing Difficult Conversations on Human Rights and Education

On top of classes, Hernandez was selected for a United Nations‑connected dialogue program that ran alongside the voyage, part of Semester at Sea’s efforts to build global conversation skills.

Training prior to the trip prepared students to facilitate dialogue on issues such as human rights, food security and education. Once the ship reached each port, the cohort met with local leaders.

In India, discussions around women’s education felt especially personal, and Hernandez noticed how often her opinions as a young woman were brushed aside, reinforcing her desire to advocate for girls’ access to schooling.

Turning 12 Ports into a Global Classroom Through Study Abroad

On her itinerary, Hernandez studied abroad in Amsterdam, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, Cambodia and Thailand. In port, students explored cities and communities, sometimes on their own and sometimes through “in‑port” class days, where professors designed activities that connected course content to local realities.

Those experiences helped Hernandez see how issues like education, gender equity and media representation look different around the world – and how they intersect.

Living in the Moment – and Bringing Stories Back to Ģ����Ƶ

Hernandez is still processing the impact of the voyage.

“One of the biggest takeaways was to just live in the moment because I am such a perfectionist, and when I travel – especially when it comes to safety – I want to know where I’m going, who I’m going with, where I’m staying,” she says.

With no internet during long stretches at sea and last‑minute itinerary changes – like diverting from France to Portugal due to protests – she had to loosen her grip and trust the journey.

“As a first-generation student, I can’t really have control over my entire life,” Hernandez said. “I just have to take risks and be spontaneous at what I’m doing. And so that really helps set my mindset to what I want to do.”

On track to graduate in 2027, Hernandez says the experience clarified her purpose as an aspiring filmmaker.

“I want to continue pursuing my career in film and telling stories about people from all over the world because I realized there are a lot of stereotypes I didn’t even know existed,” she says. “Traveling abroad, I learned so much about people in their communities and cultures that I want to help share those stories and bring awareness.”

Study Abroad: Take Your Education Global

Hernandez’s voyage is one example of how Ģ����Ƶ students turn the world into their classroom. Through International Academic Initiatives, Ģ����Ƶ offers:

• More than in over 50 countries
• , plus semester‑ and year‑long options across disciplines
• Access to to help students fund international experiences

Ready to Start Your Ģ����Ƶ Journey? Accepted students: Make it official by submitting your new student deposit.

I look back at the person I was before I attended Ģ����Ƶ – I’m completely different: more confident, more understanding of the world.”��

Building Identity and Story

For Mazariegos, who grew up in Marlboro, staying close to home also meant staying connected – to both community and identity. She chose Ģ����Ƶ for its recognition as a Hispanic‑Serving Institution and soon found that staying in New Jersey could offer far‑reaching opportunities.

I never imagined that at my state college I’d study abroad in Costa Rica, report on immigration at the Arizona‑Mexican border and work with Telemundo 47,” she says.

Those experiences inspired her documentary Raíces (Roots), Connected by Culture, about her grandfather’s journey from El Salvador and her own evolving sense of identity.

“I was in a place where I was redefining my identity, connecting more with my Latin roots and what it means to be the granddaughter or daughter of an immigrant,” she says. “I didn’t realize at the time how therapeutic it was, or how much I wanted to redefine what that meant for me.”

Dani Mazariegos sets up a shoot on the Arizona‑Mexico border during production of the award‑winning series Arizona Stories: Border, Water and Politics.

Scholarships That Opened Doors

Mazariegos’s decision to attend a public university close to home was also made possible – and amplified – by scholarships that recognized her talent and potential.

While at Ģ����Ƶ, she:

• Received the Presidential Scholarship every semester.
• Won a scholarship.
• Earned the Linda & George Hiltzik Scholarship in Communication & Media.
• Received an NBCU Academy scholarship, part of Ģ����Ƶ’s partnership with NBCU that provides students with scholarships, training and direct access to industry professionals.

These resources helped her say “yes” to demanding reporting trips, intensive on‑the‑road productions and networking opportunities that would later matter with employers like NBC.

Dani Mazariegos accepts the Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award on behalf of Ģ����Ƶ’s Arizona Stories team for their coverage of asylum seekers, aid workers and law enforcement at the U.S.–Mexico border at the 2025 College Television Awards in Los Angeles.

Why Close to Home Might Work for You

Dani’s story is just one example of how a college close to home can open big doors. For many students, staying local can:

• Reduce overall college costs through in‑state tuition, lower living expenses and less travel.
• Keep you connected to family and friends while you adjust to college life.
• Help you build a career where you want to live through local internships and employer connections.
• Give you flexibility – live at home or near campus, depending on your goals.
• Offer the best of both worlds: new experiences in an area you already know.

“I went in thinking, I want to make something of this degree. I don’t want to just get a degree and leave. I want to leave a mark, meet people, experience something,” Mazariegos says.

All that is to say, for a state university, Ģ����Ƶ students are making waves in some of the top industries, and part of that comes from our strong connections to New York City. I got to experience all of these benefits and opportunities firsthand, and I got to do it just 58 minutes from home.”

Finding Opportunity Close to Home

Within Ģ����Ƶ’s College of Communication and Media, Mazariegos found professors with industry connections that helped her build a powerful portfolio. She worked on three major On the Road news projects with Professor Steve McCarthy that earned national acclaim – covering the Fentanyl/drug crisis in San Francisco, the migrant crisis and voter engagement during a national election.

“That’s one of the incredible things about Ģ����Ƶ – little but mighty,” Mazariegos says. “The level of journalism we produce is astonishing. Our school really creates some of the best work in the media and helps put people into big jobs.”

Dani Mazariegos on site with NBC Sports in Stamford, Connecticut, during coverage of the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

Those industry connections are part of what helped Mazariegos and other Ģ����Ƶ alumni land roles on Olympic coverage. Thanks to Professors Kelly Whiteside and Stacy Gitlin, she secured a production assistant position with . From NBC’s Stamford, Connecticut, studios, she joined the Gold Zone sports desk team, producing feature stories for The Olympic Zone, a 30‑minute segment leading into primetime coverage.

“I worked alongside producers and associate producers to source, transcribe and organize footage. From stories about figure skating costumes to exploring Italian aperitivo culture, every day brought something new,” she says. “Being part of such a fast‑paced environment gave me an inside look at storytelling and production.”

Her long shifts, often running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., were intense but exhilarating. “The crazier the hours, the more fun it is,” she laughs.

On set, Mazariegos watched her Ģ����Ƶ training come to life – and ran into other Red Hawks working on the Games. “I was like, guys, what are we doing? We’re taking over! We’re covering the Olympics.”

Ready to start your Ģ����Ƶ journey?

Accepted students: Make it official by submitting your new student deposit and registering to attend Accepted Students Day.

He shares this year’s honor with Tommy Foster ’23, an associate producer at Good Morning America whose rapid rise in national broadcast media began on Ģ����Ƶ’s campus and now serves as a model for young people imagining careers in journalism and sports media. Together, the two honorees embodied the spirit of the 2026 MEGA Symposium: moving students from access to achievement and from passion to profession.

Trailblazer Award honorees Tommy Foster and Leslie Wilson, center, gather with Ģ����Ƶ leaders Rahjaun Gordon, left, senior director of EOF and Success Programs, and Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs, EOF and Academic Success. (Photo by Ian Peters)

A Historian Shaped by Harlem

Wilson’s journey as a historian began in Harlem, where the streets outside his bedroom window doubled as his first classroom. Surrounded by artists, clergy and scholars, he absorbed lessons in civic and cultural life that would shape his future work. Among his early influences were neighbors such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Leo Whipper and community figures including Jackie Robinson, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Mabel Smythe.

Those early experiences stayed with Wilson as he advanced through Cheshire Academy and the New Lincoln School and later to Cornell University and the City University of New York. Trained in the history of science, Africana Studies and American history, he built a body of work that is intentionally intersectional, examining how race, place and power intersect in American life. His research centers on 19th- and 20th-century American and African American history, with projects on New York City churches, urban and suburban migration, school segregation and environmental racism – issues that continue to shape communities today.

“Dr. Wilson has a gift for making every scholar in the room feel like they belong there,” says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs, EOF and Academic Success. “His passion for scholar success, especially his unwavering commitment to supporting students in academic jeopardy, is undeniable.”

From Campus Leader to National Producer

Tommy Foster ’23 received the Alumni Trailblazer Award for his achievements in broadcast journalism and his ongoing mentorship of young scholars. While earning dual degrees in Television and Digital Media and in Sports Media and Journalism, Foster balanced his studies with community outreach, mentoring high school students in Newark.

During his junior year, Foster landed a competitive internship with Good Morning America and ABC News in New York City, where he contributed to coverage of major national stories. One day after walking across the Commencement stage at Ģ����Ƶ, he accepted a full-time role at the show. He now serves as a sports producer, covering the Super Bowl, NBA Finals and World Series and booking interviews that bring powerful stories to millions of viewers each morning.

“Tommy was nominated for the Alumni Trailblazer Award for his continuous growth as a leader, from his time on campus to his thriving professional career,” says Rahjaun Gordon, senior director of EOF and Success Programs. “As a Ģ����Ƶ student, his leadership was grounded in learning, hard work and humility. He has carried those values into his work covering marquee events and uses his experiences to guide high school and college students as they navigate their own career journeys.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

The MEGA Symposium, held March 6, brought together more than 350 students from high schools in Newark, East Orange, Paterson, Trenton, Plainfield and across New Jersey, alongside college scholars from Ģ����Ƶ, Rutgers, Princeton, Rowan and community colleges statewide.

MEGA is part of Ģ����Ƶ’s broader effort to improve educational outcomes for all students by moving them from enrollment to graduation and into meaningful careers. Organizers say that honoring Foster and Wilson at this year’s symposium underscored that mission, showing students how passion paired with persistence and purpose can open doors.

Ready to start your Ģ����Ƶ journey? Learn more about our College Access and Enrollment Programs.

Accepted students: Make it official by submitting your new student deposit and registering to attend Accepted Student Day.

This award will help us greatly in our efforts to uplift educators and promote new and innovative instruction that is accessible to all learners. This grant will allow Ģ����Ƶ to fund NJ250: Civics and History for the Next Generation, a three-year project that includes two initiatives:

• Teacher Fellowship Program: In each year of the program, 30 middle and high school teachers will form a cohort that will work with subject matter experts to develop engaging curricula that enhance the teaching and learning of American history, civics and economic liberty. Teachers will be paid a $6,000 stipend and their lesson plans will be made publicly available. for the fellowship program.
• Civics Videos: Teacher cohorts will work with Ģ����Ƶ’s College of Communication and Media to create a series of “Schoolhouse Rock-style” short and long-form videos to spark interest in civics and reach an audience beyond the classroom.

The award, part of the the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics Seminars Program, reflects a commitment to strengthening civics education nationwide. Ģ����Ƶ is the only New Jersey institution to receive an award from the .

“At Ģ����Ƶ, we believe that preparing all learners to be informed, engaged citizens is one of the most essential roles a public-serving institution can fulfill in our society,” said President Jonathan Koppell. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, this work is more urgent than ever. We are honored to lead efforts that will equip educators and students alike to reflect on the principles and values of American democracy so they can be informed and active citizens engaged in the responsibilities of self-government.”

About the American History and Civics Seminars Program

Efforts from the American History and Civics Seminars Program will coincide with the United States Semiquincentennial, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Funding from the grant will support:

• Seminar-based instruction grounded in founding texts and constitutional principles;
• The creation of short- and long-form educational resources to enhance civics learning for students and the broader public;
• School and community events fostering civil discourse on public issues related to foundational American principles;
• Locally developed curricular resources that meet state academic content standards.

Learn more about NJ 250.

Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview.

“I decided to come to Ģ����Ƶ because it’s close to the city, and my career goals are focused on working there while I’m still young,” says Haskell, a Social Media and Public Relations major with a Business minor.��

“Compared to other schools, Ģ����Ƶ is much more affordable and I know I’ll be able to pay off debt and make use of the connections I formed.”

Emma Haskell prepares to board the train to New York from the Ģ����Ƶ Station, located directly across from her dorm. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Emma Haskell rides the train into New York City en route to her entertainment public relations internship. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

At Ģ����Ƶ, affordability and opportunity go hand in hand. With tuition lower than many comparable institutions and a location just 12 miles from New York City, the University offers students a powerful combination of accessible education, real-world experience and long-term value.

Ģ����Ƶ’s national recognition highlights its strong outcomes for graduates. According to the WSJ/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges rankings – which emphasize how well institutions prepare students for financial success – Ģ����Ƶ graduates receive an average salary boost of $34,013 above what they could expect from attending another college. The typical graduate recoups the cost of their education in just one year and seven months, placing Ģ����Ƶ among the fastest for payback period among all U.S. public universities.

As Chantelle Wright, assistant vice provost for Experiential Education and Career Connections, explains, Ģ����Ƶ’s rankings tell a deeper story.

“We were particularly excited because for us, it means that when people talk about the University being mission-driven, we actually see that trickle down,” she says.

As an Admissions Ambassador, Emma Haskell guides prospective students through campus, helping them envision their Ģ����Ƶ journey. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

What Students Say About Ģ����Ƶ’s Value

Haskell gives campus tours to high school students, who most often ask about campus life and academics. She wishes more would ask about rankings and financial considerations to better prepare for the long run.

Not enough students ask about cost and value, but it’s a good question. It’s important to know what you’re signing up for.” – Emma Haskell

For students like Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major, those questions about value made all the difference.

“I’m from Maryland, so not too far away,” Mayfield says. “I considered several schools, but Ģ����Ƶ had the best program for the best price, and I was really impressed by the arts here.”

Through her work at the campus radio station WMSC 90.3 FM – where she co-hosts and co-created the program More Animation – her role as a student worker in Calcia Hall, and her active participation in the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, Mayfield has discovered both creativity and opportunity.

Mayfield’s academic load reflects her passion through both digital and traditional illustration, and her classes allow her to apply her interests in different ways. For example, in “Products and Zines,” students are preparing their own art and custom products to sell at the Society of Illustrators’ MoCCA Arts Festival in the spring.

“I’m really happy to be taking such varied classes because it allows me to explore different ways to apply both my skills and major,” she says.

In class, Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major from Maryland, hones her animation skills as she prepares for a future in visual development for film and television. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa)

Hands-On Learning That Drives Success

Experiential learning stands at the heart of the Ģ����Ƶ experience.

“It means being able to experience your future career,” says Wright. “It’s about taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it to your aspirations.”

For Jose Carlos Aguilar, a double major in Political Science and Child Advocacy and Policy, that philosophy has shaped his time at Ģ����Ƶ. Through internships, policy research, fellowships and campus leadership roles, he has turned academics into action – tackling real issues in government, child welfare and advocacy.

“I know for sure I want to commit to public service,” Aguilar says.

Inside the Ģ����Ƶ Edge

Students can access:

• Internships and co-ops,��micro-interships, campus jobs and community partnerships that apply classroom learning to real-world contexts
• A national network of more than 7,000 approved employers – including global companies and local organizations
• Career guidance and mentorship from faculty, advisors and alumni invested in student success
• Individualized support through interview training and resume development, job fairs and employer connections

“Students need to practice and experience a ‘day in the life’ of the profession they aspire to,” Wright adds. “That’s what experiential learning is – testing out your career goal.”

In his first semester, Jhonny Moncada, a Fashion Design and Merchandising major, is already taking advantage of opportunities for hands-on experience.

Freshman Jhonny Moncada is making the most of Ģ����Ƶ’s resources and opportunities. Majoring in Fashion Design and Merchandising, he’s applied for a mentorship program—an opportunity he learned about from his academic adviser in the College of the Arts.

“Ģ����Ƶ has a very supportive environment that wants to see you succeed and advocates for you, that genuinely invites me to invest more of myself,” Moncada says.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Begin Your Ģ����Ƶ Journey?

Explore our nationally ranked programs, visit campus, , or.

Among the most prestigious in news, the Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community. In the Student category, the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Video Newscast went to the CCOM student production, , and won the Murrow Award for Excellence in Video Hard News.

Multi-Award-Winning Student News Productions

For Arizona Stories, the students interviewed asylum seekers and law enforcement at the U.S. southern border, as well as aid workers who provided food and water to migrants crossing the desert and gained access to migrant camps – witnessing firsthand the risks endured by those at the border. In addition to the Murrow Award, Arizona Stories was previously awarded two “Student Emmys” by the Television Academy Foundation.

One of the College of Communication and Media’s #FOCUS projects, #FOCUS Democracy: Our Election was an ambitious News Lab project covering Gen Z’s views on voting and pivotal student concerns. Students working on #FOCUS projects have also won Folio Awards.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for earning national Edward R. Murrow Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in journalism,” said Keith Strudler, dean of the College of Communication and Media. “Their storytelling reflects a deep commitment to covering issues that matter – from democracy and elections to immigration – and showcases the exceptional quality of work produced by our students and faculty.”

Ģ����Ƶ Nurtures Student Creativity

Award-winning accomplishments are nothing new for CCOM students, who learn and work in state-of-the-art facilities under the guidance and mentorship of professors who are industry veterans or current industry professionals. Journalism and Digital Media students have won awards for reporting on hurricane recovery in Puerto Rico, and WMSC-FM, the student-run radio station, is a regular contender for the best in the nation, among others.

Faculty-led trips to engage in field reporting – such as the one that resulted in Arizona Stories – give students the hands-on experience so vital to their creative development. And with New York City right on the doorstep, internship opportunities at places such as TV studios, Fortune 500 companies, advertising agencies, PR agencies and sports teams are open to students eager for more.

Ready to Start Your Ģ����Ƶ Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents: Plan your visit and in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about the College of Communication and Media.

Journalists: Contact Media Relations for assets or to schedule an interview with faculty or students.

“It feels surreal and such an honor to know that the same people who vote on the Emmys saw potential in me,” says Rodriguez of being selected for the paid internship. “It motivates me to push myself creatively and to live up to the high standards of this incredible opportunity.”

California Dreamin’ and a Transfer to Ģ����Ƶ

Rodriguez, who says she has been editing video since she was 11 years old, always had a passion for the work and a dream to one day go to Los Angeles. That dream may have played a part in leading her to Ģ����Ƶ as a transfer student in her junior year.

“I chose Ģ����Ƶ because of the Semester in L.A. Program,” she says. “I was not happy where I was – not with the school or major – and knew I wanted to switch to film as my school did not have that option.”

Not knowing which college in New Jersey had the best film school or programs, Rodriguez did an online search and Ģ����Ƶ was the first to pop up. “I’m happy to say Google did not lie! I looked through the school’s page and the first thing that caught my eye was the Semester in L.A. Program,” she says.

“I had been dreaming of L.A. since I was a little kid and as a student, I knew that having an internship would help me with my career,” she explains. “I was so excited I called the Admissions Office right away and asked if transfer students would be able to participate and they said ‘Yes.’ The rest is history!”

Expert, Caring Professors

Rodriguez, who started at Geiger Post in September, credits the Film and Television program with helping prepare her for the internship.

“The Film and Television program definitely has helped, especially the staff,” she says. “The professors in the program are like no other – they truly care about their students and want to help them achieve their goals.”

The Roselle, New Jersey, native is especially grateful for the instruction and mentoring of Professor Melissa Rodriguez, “who helped me succeed in getting my internship at the Television Academy, who taught me everything I know about editing and gave me the confidence in myself to pursue my passion.”

Among the many courses in the program, Rodriguez feels she was helped the most by the Introduction to the Control Room and Studio class taught by Professor Vernard Gantt.

“He pushed me and the other students to do things we thought we never could achieve,” she says. “His class is tough and the work is hard but achieving the goals for the class felt incredibly gratifying. He also gave us the opportunity to ask questions about the television world and how we could achieve our goals – and he would always give us the best advice I could ask for, words I still think of to this day.”

Advice for Aspiring Film Majors

Rodriguez will continue working at her Hollywood internship until December before returning to Ģ����Ƶ to finish out her senior year. “I will be graduating in May of 2026 and very excited, yet sad for leaving the staff and students I’ve grown so fond of.”

For students thinking about getting involved in the film or television industry, Rodriguez offers some advice: “Talk to your professors – most, if not all, were in the industry or still are. Ask them how they got their start, what kind of people they talked to, what steps helped them most in their careers. Let them know what your goals are – the professors love to connect students with industry friends.”

But most important of all, Rodriguez believes, is passion. “In film and television, all you need is passion. If you have the passion for it, people will take notice and want to help.”

“This is what I have learned so far and I’m happy to say I have the passion so I will keep learning.”

Ready to Start Your Ģ����Ƶ Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents: Plan your visit and in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about the Film and Television program at the College of Communication and Media.

Journalists: Contact Media Relations for assets or to schedule an interview with faculty or students.

The held Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge in honor of what would have been Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra’s 100th birthday, and successfully set a new Guinness World Records title for the biggest continuous game of catch.

A star-studded crowd was on hand to watch 2,358 participants successfully set the record on the refurbished Yogi Berra Stadium field, making it an unforgettable day for the thousands in attendance – who included emcee Bob Costas, former New York Yankees legends Ron Guidry, Willie Randolph, Rick Cerone and, and Berra’s sons Larry, Tim and Dale, and granddaughter, Lindsay.

Ģ����Ƶ College of Communication and Media students were at the center of it all, getting the type of unique, hands-on learning opportunities that have become a staple of the Ģ����Ƶ experience.

“We’re of course thrilled to have broken the record,” says Museum Director Eve Schaenen. “But the real joy is in seeing so many families, friends, community members and Ģ����Ƶ students come together around Yogi’s legacy, playing the game that he loved best. The fact that Ģ����Ƶ students were right in the thick of the action, applying what they’re learning to the execution of our event made it all the more special. We look forward to creating many more opportunities for students to engage with our programming in the future. ”

Hands-On Learning in the House of Yogi

While fans and families lined the field, Ģ����Ƶ students from across the College of Communication and Media put their skills to the test at the high-profile, live event.

Students from , the University’s student-run PR and strategic communications agency, managed the media organizations who came to cover the festivities. NewsLab student journalists also reported from the concourse and produced stories for Hawk+, Ģ����Ƶ’s digital streaming platform.

also served as the primary live broadcasters for the record attempt. A crew of 15 students and three professors produced a 45-minute pre-event show featuring packages, trivia and live on-the-field interviews leading up to the main event.

Student broadcasters from hosted a special live two-hour show, featuring interviews with University leadership, museum executives and special guests. Ģ����Ƶ students also assisted the University’s Office of Special Events in all aspects of the event from planning to execution, giving them practical experience in putting on a live outdoor event. And the Ģ����Ƶ baseball and softball teams were fully in the mix, serving as on-field volunteers to facilitate the participant count required by Guinness World Records.

“I always thought that record would stand until it was broken” — Legendary Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra

Alba Rodriguez, an international student from Spain, shared her excitement as her family watched the event from halfway around the world. Alba, who was part of the Hawk Communications group that assisted with media relations, remarked how special the day was for her and her family.

“My grandmother watched the event from Spain. For me, she is like a second mother, and the fact that she had the chance to see everything I’m doing on such an important day has been incredible. She told me how exciting it had been for her to watch all those people coming together to achieve a common goal. She was completely focused on the TV, pointing me out to my mother whenever I appeared on screen, and she was moved to see all the work I am doing here in the United States. It’s truly emotional to see how, on a day when families came together, mine did too. Even though they are thousands of miles away, today they were with me, and they were able to experience a little bit of the amazing adventure I am living here at Ģ����Ƶ.”

“At Ģ����Ƶ and in the College for Communication and Media, we’re constantly looking for opportunities to put our students at the center of the action in their chosen fields,” says College for Communication and Media Dean Keith Strudler. “This was a great experience for our students to take what they’re learning in the classroom and apply it to a world-record event. That’s something few colleges and universities can offer, and we are proud to give these opportunities to our students and see the professional-quality work they create as a result.”

Discover More at Ģ����Ƶ

• Prospective Students and Parents: Learn more about the College of Communication and Media, plan a visit to our campus, and take the first step toward applying to become a Red Hawk.
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