FAMU’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication Associate Dean Felicia McGhee introduced her new monthly Instagram live series “Tea with McGhee” on Tuesday afternoon. McGhee launched the series with high spirits by playing a short clip from 50 Cent’s “In the Club,” before introducing the school’s new academic program coordinator, John Tornes.
The two rolled out McGhee’s new advising initiative, “Help Us Help You.”
First on the agenda was the question, “What do students need to know about spring advising?” Tornes replied that early advisement starts Oct. 16 and he implied that all upperclassmen and graduating seniors should take advantage of this early start opportunity.
Later, Tornes hit on what a “curriculum map” is and why it’s important that each student should have access to their specific degree program and know what is required from them.
A student in the comment section asked, “How do we access the curriculum map?”
Tornes laid out a thorough description of how to do so, by going to the FAMU SJGC website, clicking resources, going to current curriculum maps, select your major and the map should be there.
Tornes also advised that students “cross-reference with an academic adviser and that [early advisement] is the opportune time to do so.”
Soon after his explanation Tornes’ Wi-fi connection was going in and out but not to fear, with a little IT help from an assistant on hand, the program was back up and running.
From there McGhee began to explain what HUHY stands for, explaining that it is a form meant to help with the advising process, “Help Us Help You Initiative.”
Another student asked, “What should students be doing as they get closer to graduation?”
The coordinator gave the simple answer early intervention is the biggest advantage to everyone and the key to a degree is a degree audit for seniors.”
McGhee and her guest then discussed housekeeping principles such as accessing the academic advisement modules and urged students to read their emails.
Capstone was discussed, since McGhee teaches the class this semester. It was clarified that the senior capstone presentation is still happening but SJGC is trying out new things.
The “do’s and don’ts” of Capstone were discussed, and a key change to the long-standing requirement of 10 published articles in order to pass Capstone.
Now there’s a choice of six articles and four creative works including newscasts, social media campaigns, internships and others.
McGhee finished up by speaking on the importance of attending when companies come to campus. “Take advantage of everything the SJGC has to offer,” she said.
McGhee said students need to know that somebody is in their corner trying to “help you help us help you.”