CU Panel Recommends Closing Journalism School

A University of Colorado-Boulder panel has recommended that the university close its traditional journalism school while continuing to offer journalism education.

The report released Wednesday is part of the effort to develop a new interdisciplinary program that reflects the changes in the media industry. The panel suggested eliminating the journalism school administration and relocating tenured faculty to different departments.

The Program Discontinuance Committee recommended shutting down the CU School of Journalism and Mass Communication while maintaining journalism education, The Daily Camera reported.

A second committee considering a new program for information and communication technology will present its findings by Dec. 31.

The journalism school's structure and small size have impeded "timely and innovative resolution" of the tension between fulfilling the requirements of a research university and providing professionally oriented degree programs, according to the new report.

Panel members said after hearing from a number of people that they believe journalism education has a place with other liberal arts disciplines, but they're not sure the journalism school's current structure is the best vehicle.

The panel also said it's not convinced that technical production skills of particular media should be a major part of journalism education considering the substantial changes in technology over the last decade.

University officials and the regents must approve any changes.

Paul Voakes, the journalism school's dean, is stepping down from his post next summer and returning to teaching.

FMPD Watches Gang Members

One of the things a community meeting with Fort Morgan Police at Morgan Community College brought to light was the issue of gangs in Fort Morgan. FMPD has a team that monitors gang activity and members of that team say they make contact with gang members and keeps records on them so they can keep the peace. Since its not illegal to be a gang member, police keep an eye on the gang members. Police say they don't act until members are linked to a crime.

Thinking Differently About Discipline Workshop Coming Up

Early Childhood Council Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick is sponsoring a workshop, "Thinking Differently About Discipline."
The class will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Council Office at 100 Broadway Suite 14, in the Broadway Plaza Shopping Center.
This workshop is open to anyone including early care and education providers, early elementary teachers, parents, grandparents, foster families and more.
This is a free workshop, but a donation of three cans of food for the Cooperating Ministry is suggested.
In this fun, nonjudgmental, and experiential workshop, we'll explore how to set limits with mutual respect, respond proactively to lessen discipline challenges, and teach children important cognitive skill by involving them in the problem solving process. This class is worth 1.5 hours of continuing education credit.

Please RSVP to Jacie at 526-2440 by Nov. 29.