ANNOUNCEMENTS
Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MnCOGI) to present 2008 John R. Finnegan Freedom of Information Award this Friday
The Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MnCOGI) will present this year’s 2008 John R. Finnegan Freedom of Information Award this Fri., Mar. 14, to kickoff of Sunshine Week 2008. Recipients of the FOI Award include several investigative journalists including Associated Press staffers Martiga Lohn and Brian Bakst and Star Tribune reporters Dan Browning, Kevin Diaz, Patrick Doyle, Mike Kaszuba and Paul McEnroe. All of these journalists have enhanced public understanding of the 35W Bridge collapse through their explicit use of the Freedom of Information Act and the Minnesota Data Practices Act to gain access to public information. The Coalition will also confer two Honorable Mention Awards. An Honorable Mention Award will be given to Susan Albright, former Editorial Page Editor at the Star Tribune. Albright, now with MinnPost, is recognized for her articulate appreciation of the dependence of a free press on access to government information and for her consistent editorial support of the principles of open government. Recipients of the second Honorable Mention Award are Susan Ledray and Katrina Zabinski, coordinators of the innovative “Self Help Center” (SHC) in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District. As designers of the SHC Ledray and Zabinski explicitly used government information to both define and meet the needs of a targeted population. Awards will be presented at Freedom of Information Day ceremonies on Fri., Mar. 14, Noon-1:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis Central Library. Prof. Jane Kirtley, director of the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, will deliver the keynote address. Her presentation is titled “The Light at the End of the Tunnel: The Outlook for FOI.” All are welcome to attend the awards ceremony.

SPH Public Service Announcement Contest
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health is sponsoring a filmmaking public service announcement contest in conjunction with its National Public Health Week Film Festival (April 7-11, 2008). Anyone is eligible and is encouraged to submit a 30-second public service announcement in any format (as long as it can become digital video) illustrating the public health message of their choice. Entrants have a chance to receive a $500 first-place prize and recognition on a global scale. If you have any questions regarding this contest, please visit www.sph.umn.edu/psa or email film@umn.edu.

Applications now being accepted for Fall 2008 enrollment in the Health Journalism program*
Seniors: considering graduate school? Interested in health journalism or communication? Whether you want to report on health for the media, work in communications for a health care organization or promote health to the public, our master’s program can help you launch your career. If you’re interested in health journalism, you’ll learn to evaluate claims from health, medical and scientific sources. If you’re interested in health communication, you’ll learn the fundamentals of writing about health topics for different audiences in different formats, as well as health campaign development. In either specialization, you’ll develop multimedia skills and advanced computer-assisted research and reporting skills. And if you want to gain hands-on experience, you’ll also have practicum opportunities to work in local news organizations or in communications roles with health care organizations. For more program details and information on applying, contact Director of Graduate Studies Gary Schwitzer (schwitz@umn.edu) or Program Coordinator Leyla Kokmen (lkokmen@umn.edu).

*The graduate program in Health Journalism has proposed a name change from the Master of Arts in Health Journalism to the Master of Arts in Health Journalism and Communication, effective for fall 2008. The name change and some curriculum revisions are currently under review by The Graduate School. The review of these changes will be completed around May 1, and a recommendation will be made to the Board of Regents. The Board of Regents will consider the proposed changes in July. Please note that you must apply to the Health Journalism program at this time for entry in fall 2008. If the Board of Regents does not approve the name change to Health Journalism and Communication and the curriculum revisions, you will be given the opportunity to request a refund of your application for admission fee. For information about the proposed curriculum changes please visit our Web site.

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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS & OTHER NEWS

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ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Student Photography Invitational
The Weisman is hosting a student photography invitational in conjunction with the current exhibit Paul Shambroom: Picturing Power.  Snap a photo of how you think power is represented visually. Send one submission to the Picture Power Now! Student Invitational, at the Weisman Museum. Winners will have their image displayed on screen at the Weisman from March 25 to April 20.  Winners will also have a chance to win numerous prizes in a drawing, including a catalog for the Paul Shambroom exhibition; a $100 gift certificate to the Weisman Store; and other goodies.  This invitational is open to University of Minnesota students. Only one image per person will be accepted.  Submission Deadline: Fri., Mar. 14.

Hearst Journalism Award
Professional Journalism track students are encouraged to participate in the 2006-2007 Hearst Journalism writing, photojournalism and broadcast news competitions. All entries must have been “published” or “broadcast” within the last year. Monthly scholarships will be awarded ranging from $500-2,000 to top entries. All finalists will compete in the National Championship Finals for additional scholarship awards ranging from $1,500-5,000. For more information visit: http://www.hearstfdn.org/hearst_journalism/index.php.  We will announce internal deadlines as they approach.

Sunshine Week webcast explores government secrecy
 One of the features of Sunshine Week 2008 is a nationally webcast panel and discussion of freedom of information issues.  “Government Secrecy: Censoring Your Right to Know” will be satellite broadcast and webcast on Wed., Mar. 19, Noon-1:30.  The Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MnCOGI) will host a local site at the Minneapolis Telecommunications Network, 125 Main St SE in Minneapolis.  The MTN studios are in St. Anthony Main, just across the Mississippi from downtown Minneapolis.  Attendees are invited to stay after the webcast for a brief discussion of Minnesota access issues and a tour of the MTN facilities.  The webcast and discussion are free and open.  Reservations appreciated at mncogi@gmail.com.  Participants are welcome to pick up lunch at the local restaurants or brownbag.  For more information, visit www.mncogi.org.

Study Politics in Washington, D.C. this Fall
The Politics & Journalism Semester is a non-partisan, non-ideological program to teach the next generation of political reporters about politics. The program selects 12 or 13 talented college journalists for Winter/Spring (February to May) and Fall (September to December) classes each year.  During 16 weeks in Washington, students work full-time in major news bureaus. Twice a week, they gather for the major purpose of the program: 90-minute seminars on campaign, governance and interest group politics.  Students pay no tuition or fees. Each receives a $3,000 stipend to help with Washington living expenses.  To apply, visit www.wcpj.org.  Applications are due to 110 Murphy Hall no later than Fri., Mar., 28 for fall semester.  We can only nominate our two best students, so please make sure you submit all your materials on time.

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CAREER & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Scholarship Info Session for Studying Abroad in UK and Ireland for Fall 2009
On Tuesday March 4 at 3:30-4:30 in Nolte Library (125 Nolte Center).  Our panel of U faculty and staff experts will offer an inside view of the application process for these exceptional opportunities to study at Oxford, Cambridge, and universities throughout the UK and Ireland.  All of these scholarships require exceptional academic records (GPA of 3.8 or higher is recommended).  For full information about eligibility requirements, please see the descriptions of these scholarships at http://www.honors.umn.edu/scholarships/information/index.html. Several of the scholarships require institutional endorsement; instructions for submitting an application for the campus endorsement process will be available at the info session, and thereafter from Sally Lieberman, liebe001@umn.edu.  The application process starts this spring for U of M-Twin Cities Juniors and Seniors interested in scholarships to begin graduate study in Fall 2009.  Interested Freshmen and Sophomores are also welcome to attend the info session.  The campus application deadline is Apr. 4 .

AAJA is now accepting applications for AAJA UNITY projects
College students from across the nation will participate in week-long projects at the UNITY 2008 convention in Chicago, IL, July 23-27, 2008. Dozens of aspiring journalists will work side by side with professionals and mentors to produce solid and innovative journalism across media platforms in a more integrated "convergence" newsroom.  For more details and to apply for this innovative experience, please visit: http://www.aaja.org/programs/for_students/multimedia_project/. 
The deadline to apply is Mar. 31.

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JOB & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Announcing IPG Lucky 13 Twin Cities Internship Program
The Interpublic Group’s Lucky 13 Internship announces new and unique opportunities this summer. IPG’s competitive internship program gives juniors and seniors the chance to experience the industry by working with real local and national clients. Participants explore the disciplines of advertising, public relations and experiential marketing through four of the nation’s top agencies – Campbell Mithun, Carmichael Lynch Spong, Weber Shandwick and Jack Morton. This 10-week local internship is a paid opportunity aimed at jumpstarting a professional career. The deadline for applications is March 28th, 2008. For more information, refer to www.lucky13internship.com, or come to the information meeting on Mar. 12, 3:30-5:00 p.m. in Walter Library, Room 101.  Pizza will be served!

Interested in getting hands on radio experience? Radio K needs you!
Interested in getting hands on experience in broadcasting? Join Radio K, the nation's premier student-run radio station. We have volunteer opportunities for students in all of our departments, including marketing, music, news, media production and also live on-air broadcasting. E-mail Phil at (volunteer@radiok.org) or stop by our offices in Rarig Center room 610 on the West Bank to find out how to get involved.

Are you an aspiring journalist, broadcaster, political satirist?
The Political Pundit competition is the first to launch in our Broadcasting Channel at http://broadcasting.projectbreakout.com and is all about providing emerging broadcasters, journalists, reporters and other students across the US and Canada with an opportunity to showcase their talents by submitting original video stating their point of views in regards to a electoral candidate or a political matter for the online universe to watch, enjoy and judge. Through online audience voting and judging by a panel of industry experts, Project Breakout will identify the next breakout talent in broadcasting. Contestants will be vying for the opportunity to serve as one of two Project Breakout field reporters (“webcast journalists”) during the 2008 Republican (September 1 – 4 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) and Democratic (August 25 – 28 in Denver, Colorado) National Conventions and each one will earn $2500 in cash. The competition entry period is Feb. 11- Apr. 20. Information available at www.projectbreakout.com.

Health Communications Internship Program
The National Cancer Institute’s Health Communications Internship Program (HCIP) is now accepting applications for its Fall 2008 intern class. We would very much appreciate your help in getting this information to prospective applicants. Please forward this e-mail to students, alumni, and faculty in related programs. Applications for the fall session are due no later than Mar. 17. .  All applications must be complete by this date (including letters of reference).  Additional information about this program including application instructions can be found at http://hcip.nci.nih.gov/.

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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

AAJA/S.I. Newhouse Foundation Scholarships
Awards of up to $5,000 each to college students pursuing careers in newspaper print journalism. While the scholarship is open to all students, AAJA especially encourages applicants from historically underrepresented Asian Pacific American groups. S.I Newhouse scholarship winners will be eligible for summer internships with a Newhouse publication. The application is available to download. Deadline is Mar. 28.

Neilan B. Lund Scholarship
The American Indian Studies Department in association with the English Department and the School of Journalism & Mass Communication is pleased to announce a scholarship opportunity for an American Indian female student with a background and interest in literature, writing, and/or journalism. Students interested in applying for the scholarship should submit a transcript, a letter expressing interest in applying for the scholarship, and a two-page essay that describes: 1) their interests in writing, literature, and/or journalism, and 2) that explains how these coincide with their future career goals. Applications for the Neilan B. Lund Scholarship need to be submitted to the Department of American Indian Studies, Room 19 Scott Hall.  The deadline for submission is Apr. 1. Refer any questions to Jean O’Brien, Chair of the Department of American Indian Studies at 612-626-5330 or obrie002@umn.edu.

Thomas L. Phillips Collegiate Journalism Awards
The Thomas L. Phillips Collegiate Journalism Award recognizes excellence in collegiate reporting in which the student's work demonstrates an understanding of the basic ideas that support a free society, including freedom of the press, freedom of speech and free-market economic principles.  Judges will recognize students who show initiative and original reporting, and superior writing skills, as well as an understanding of the principles of individual freedom. In addition, a quality piece will also demonstrate a skill for accuracy in reporting as well as good use of sources.  For more information on how to apply visit www.tfas.org/ipjawards.  Applications are due no later than Mar. 31.

Murray Scholar Print Journalism Scholarship for Sports Journalists
The Jim Murray Memorial Foundation will be awarding seven $7,500 scholarships to journalism students interested in Sports Writing. Applicants should have at least a “B” (3.0) grade point average and be entering their Junior or Senior year in Fall 2008. Stop by 110 Murphy Hall for an application and entry form, all completed applications must be submitted to 110 Murphy Hall by Friday, Apr. 11 for prescreening.

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