Hello Students:

I would like to start by apologizing for last Thursday’s class cancellation. This is not something I normally do; however, circumstances kept me from returning. We will discuss what those circumstances were and I will also showcase some of the excellent work done by your peers.

Now, though, it’s time to get back to class. Your lecture notes are up in the BSU Lecture Section.

Ethics students: I now have 15 votes for continuing the papers, so I will bring the new rubric to class and we will discuss what your remaining papers will look like.

ICOMM students: I have the in-class critique sheets. Please be prepared with ALL of your materials (for the project) as you will be writing detailed analysis of the work.

Magazine students: I will be meeting with you individually throughout our reading sessions tonight to discuss your pitches. But you will also be expected to listen, read and critique each other. In the same manner you critiqued the National Magazine Award winners. I will continue to push you, but please remember the excellent response you received from your peers.

Hello Students:

Just a quick note to let you know the grades are completely updated in the Blackboard System. The lecture notes are up (with the exception of the ICOMM class, which is coming next).

If you have questions, please set up a time to talk with me. Understand that if you cancel an appointment, it will be increasingly difficult for me to reschedule in a timely manner.

It’s not personal, simply a function of this time of year.

Hello Students:

I just wanted to write a few of my thoughts as we finish up the first 1/2 of the semester.

On the whole, I’m happy with the progress we are making (in general terms) even if at times I am unhappy with the particulars of a lesson here or there. As I have mentioned in each class, however, I have decided to focus my attention on those who are contributing, striving and learning. Even when our projects don’t turn out entirely “finished.”

With that in mind, I wanted to acknowledge — in a general way — those of you who have excelled at your work. It’s gratifying to work with you. It certainly makes editing, critiquing and grading much more interesting for me. As a professional, my time is valuable. I truly enjoy spending my time, though, on those students who have attacked their assignments with such rigor.

Still, the next few weeks will be particularly difficult in all my classes as we begin to delve into the specifics of your work.

Continue reading »

Hello Students:

I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that I will NOT have office hours for the next three weeks. It’s nothing personal, I promise you.

• I will be running a social media team comprised of BSU students for ABC’s Extreme Makeover from Oct 21-27 (but yes, we will still have class.)
• I will be in Austin from Oct 28-Nov 1 delivering a series of lectures + workshops for the National Fall College Media Convention, which is made up of students and advisors in Student Media from across the country.
• I will be presenting at BSU’s IDMAa Conference Nov 5-7.

HOWEVER, I will still be available for online meetings, phone calls and such. I travel with a video set-up as well, which means if you have Skype we can do a face-to-face. I will not leave you dangling in the wind. But my time will be limited because of these commitments for the department and the university.

If you will work with me, I will work with you.