2008 Woodie Awards
Ammons hosts faculty forums
Mark Taylor II
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: News
A meeting about the concerns of Florida A&M University maintaining accreditation for the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication resulted in a candid and open discussion between President James Ammons and SJGC faculty.
Ammons initially sought to hold the meeting with SJGC faculty to receive updates on the school's academic programs.
"I'm proud to know that we received an e-mail that recommends reaccredidation for the (graphic division of) SJGC," Ammons said.
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications will revisit FAMU the week of Feb. 4.
"I think you should be encouraged by the fact that nothing about the quality of this program is in question," Ammons said.
Certain that the council will be satisfied with the SJGC's plan of action, FAMU Provost Cynthia Hughes-Harris said, "You had one issue, and you have clearly addressed that issue."
She was followed by comments from Ammons, who said, "This program is one of the best of the nation, regardless of what's going on at the institution. For over 35 years, journalism brought several students to the university."
Ammons then opened himself to questions and comments from the faculty.
Budget Concerns/Effects
LaRae Donnellan, public relations professor and sequence coordinator, was concerned with how recent budget cuts imposed by the Florida Board of Governors will affect her classroom.
"I had 34 students in a senior level research class," Donnellan said. "The prospect of having larger sections in these intensive writing classes is kind of overwhelming - when will I ever sleep?"
Ammons answered, "This is the kind of message that can come from the faculty to the governor and the Board of Governors. (FAMU) needs (you) to begin to organize as a faculty together."
Of the schools and colleges he has already visited, Ammons said recent budget cuts, recruitment initiatives and enrollment were among the greatest concerns of University faculty.
Ammons initially sought to hold the meeting with SJGC faculty to receive updates on the school's academic programs.
"I'm proud to know that we received an e-mail that recommends reaccredidation for the (graphic division of) SJGC," Ammons said.
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications will revisit FAMU the week of Feb. 4.
"I think you should be encouraged by the fact that nothing about the quality of this program is in question," Ammons said.
Certain that the council will be satisfied with the SJGC's plan of action, FAMU Provost Cynthia Hughes-Harris said, "You had one issue, and you have clearly addressed that issue."
She was followed by comments from Ammons, who said, "This program is one of the best of the nation, regardless of what's going on at the institution. For over 35 years, journalism brought several students to the university."
Ammons then opened himself to questions and comments from the faculty.
Budget Concerns/Effects
LaRae Donnellan, public relations professor and sequence coordinator, was concerned with how recent budget cuts imposed by the Florida Board of Governors will affect her classroom.
"I had 34 students in a senior level research class," Donnellan said. "The prospect of having larger sections in these intensive writing classes is kind of overwhelming - when will I ever sleep?"
Ammons answered, "This is the kind of message that can come from the faculty to the governor and the Board of Governors. (FAMU) needs (you) to begin to organize as a faculty together."
Of the schools and colleges he has already visited, Ammons said recent budget cuts, recruitment initiatives and enrollment were among the greatest concerns of University faculty.
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