ANNOUNCEMENTS
SPJ meeting on election coverage
SPJ will be meeting Monday, March 31 to discuss election coverage. Hear from local reporters in print and broadcast, how much coverage is too much? Want warrants a story? And hear their personal stories on covering past elections as well as the upcoming presidential election.  For the remainder of the semester, SPJ meetings will be from 2:30 – 3:30 in Murphy 100 every other Monday. Meetings will be held on March 31, April 14, April 28. Everyone’s welcome to attend the meetings!

May graduates receive complimentary UMAA membership
Students graduating in May 2008 will receive a complimentary one-year membership to the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Membership cards will be sent in the mail over the summer and typically arrive after students receive their diplomas. Students can guarantee receipt of their cards by updating their address at www.alumni.umn.edu/newgrad.

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

Be a Superhero: Support the PRSSA Relay For Life Team!
PRSSA Relay For Life Bake Sale
Murphy Hall Info Desk
Wednesday April 2 - Thursday April 3
Noon to 5pm

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ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Nonprofit Career Fair and Working for Change Conference
Monday, March 31, 2008
Coffman Union, Great Hall
http://www.idealist.org/careerfairs
Bring your resumes! This event is both a career fair and a career exploration conference. This event may be particularly interesting to graduate students, graduating seniors, other undergraduates considering careers in the non-profit sector, and other job-seekers.  Spend the whole day or just stop by for the events that interest you!  From 12 to 4 p.m. is the "Idealist.org Nonprofit Career Fair". During that time, more than 80 organizations will have tables and staff reps inside Coffman's Great Hall.  Then, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the "Working for Change Conference" portion of the event is ongoing. During that time there will be free, 60-minute workshops. Feel free to attend just one workshop or all of them. These workshops focus on careers in nonprofits and social justice work.  This event is free and open to the public, but please register at http://www.idealist.org/careerfairs.

The 2008 Student Advertising Summit
Spring is finally upon us, which means it's time to break out of your hibernation mode and "Go Beyond the Classroom," for this year's Student Advertising Summit on April 17, 2008 from 10am to 4pm.  Leave your shell, cave, den, or wherever else you may be cooped up, and come to the premier networking event featuring a diverse group of professionals in the advertising, marketing, and public relations industries.  Listen to keynote speakers, interact with the professionals, have your portfolio reviewed, or tour one of the agencies right here in the Twin Cities.  As the "real world" approaches it can become more and more intimidating. With the Student Advertising Summit you get a first-hand glimpse of what life is like working in an agency. Remember these guys were once in your shoes and are here to help. Not only will you get a chance to interact with them through various career driven activities, but there will also be plenty of time for you to ask any burning questions you may have about the industry.  Go beyond the classroom and register today by visiting http://ad2sas.org

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CAREER & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Fulbright Info Sessions for Undergraduate Students
--Tuesday April 1, 3:35-4:30, 110 Heller Hall
--Thursday April 3, 3:35-4:30 315 Nicholson Hall
Fulbright Grants provide generous support for American citizens to study, conduct research, engage in creative work, or teach English abroad for a year in approximately 100 foreign countries.  College students in all fields of study who will graduate May 2009 or earlier are eligible to apply for 2009-10 Fulbright Grants.  Applicants should have strong academic records.  Applications for 2009-10 Grants must be submitted by September 8, 2008 for a campus review and interview process.  These informational sessions will cover the Fulbright Teaching Assistant grants, which enable recent college graduates to assist in English language classrooms abroad, as well as the better-known Fulbright Full Grants for study, research, or creative work.  Speakers include campus Fulbright advisors Alison Skoberg and Sally Lieberman, and recent Fulbright Fellow Graham Lampa.  Further information about this and other scholarship opportunities for outstanding undergraduates is available at http://www.honors.umn.edu/scholarships/

MinnPost Student Symposium Journalists being journalists
Thursday, April 10
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
MinnPost is a nonprofit journalism enterprise that publishes MinnPost.com and MinnPost in Print.  You are invited to an evening of schmoozing, merrymaking and intelligent discussion.  Our mission is to provide high-quality journalism for news-intense people who care about Minnesota. We intend to focus sharply on that mission, and not get distracted by trying to be all things or serve all people.  The Event will be held at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul campus, in the Murray-Herrick Campus Center, Room 155.  Attendance is free. R.S.V.P.s not required, but appreciated as space is limited.

“Meet the Pros” Workshop and Northwestern College in St. Paul
Hear from 15+ business and communication professionals speak about their experiences in government, nonprofit, agency and corporate communications. Get your resume reviewed and network with seasoned pros, as well as recent grads, to find out what it takes to make the leap from college to career!  This workshop will be held Apr. 14 at 6:30pm in the Blue Room of Nazareth Hall of Northwestern College in St. Paul.  Admission is $10 for student nonmembers at the door.  Cost includes desserts, presentations, resume review and networking.  Go to mn.ibac.com for more information

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JOB & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Intern at Martin-Williams
Velocity is a 16-week agency immersion designed to give participants real-world experience and a chance to demonstrate their talent as advertising professionals. Unlike some internships, the program is a full-time, paid experience. A comprehensive description of Velocity, as well as the program's application process, can be found at velocity.martinwilliams.com. Applications are due March 31, 2008 and the program begins June, 2008.

2008 Asian American Journalist Association Summer Internship
AAJA is pleased to announce the AAJA/NBC 2008 Summer Partnership for currently enrolled students who are of sophomore standing or above, attending an accredited college or university in the U.S.  NBC Universal will offer two students the opportunity to become NBC Fellows and join one of the following NBC Programs for summer 2008: America's #1 morning news program "The Today Show"; or the top ranked evening program "Nightly News with Brian Williams"; Primetime NBC's own "Dateline"; or one of NBC's local Owned and Operated Stations. Two students will be provided a stipend in the amount of $500 a week for 10 weeks to live in New York City, totaling $5,000 for each student.  The 2008 AAJA/NBC Partnership internship application is now available. The deadline is Apr. 11. Please see the following link for application.  http://www.aaja.org/programs/for_students/internships/#nbcsummer

NLGJA'S 2008 Washington DC Student Project
Don't just watch election news from the sidelines this summer. Join the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association in the nation's capital for an exciting out-of-classroom experience that will jump start your journalism career.  Taking place August 19-24 in Washington, DC, NLGJA's 2008 Student Project will be an opportunity for students to refine their skills, build their portfolios and expand their professional networks during one of the country's largest gatherings of media movers and shakers. Student Project participants are paired with professional mentors to report, photograph and design the daily print, TV and radio news of NLGJA's National Convention.  Accepted participants will have travel, lodging, food and convention registration expenses covered in Washington, DC.  The deadline for this year's program has just been extended to Friday, Apr. 11.  Download an application for this year's program at http://nlgja.org/students/studentproject.htm.

Big Ten Network Internships
The Big Ten Network On-Campus Internship Program is designed to provide practical experience in writing and production for a national television network allowing Big Ten students to gain insight into the field as a career option.  The internship is also designed to enhance the undergraduate experience by providing a "real world" and fun experience.  In addition, the program allows for a student's perspective to be brought to the Network's coverage of Big Ten sports.  Any student enrolled in good standing at a Big Ten university. Students can contact the Big Ten Network directly at www.bigtennetwork.com and clicking "about us/internships." The program is usually reserved for juniors and seniors, but exceptional underclassmen will also be considered.  The deadline for the Fall semester/quarter is Apr. 15.

GOP Internships
The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced that the Committee on Arrangements (COA) will host an Internship Program from June 2 through Sept. 4, 2008. The program will provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to participate in the preparation and planning of a quadrennial presidential nominating convention. COA interns will play key roles in the offices of Delegate Services, External Affairs, Communications, and Operations. Interested students are encouraged to apply online at www.gopconvention2008.com/interns.

ABC seeks interns for Republican National Convention in St. Paul
ABC is looking for 12-16 runners for the Republican National Convention. Interns must be available during the entire convention and have a vehicle. Shifts will vary and could start as early as 5am for Good Morning America and continue into the late evening for Nightline. Pay is $125 for a 10 hr day. Interested? Please contact Ken Stone by Friday, April 11.

Lee Ester News Fellowship at Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Public Radio is pleased to announce the establishment of an annual Lee Ester News Fellowship based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Lee Ester News Fellow will be a promising new or very recent bachelor’s or master’s graduate interested in deepening his or her experience and skills in news radio broadcasting. This paid internship will be a 75% time appointment for nine months, beginning on July 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009. The Lee Ester News Fellow will be responsible for start-to-finish preparation of assigned news segments/news casts that are balanced, issue-oriented and analytical. Concentrated coaching and feedback on writing, editing, voicing and other aspects of radio news reporting are important elements of this fellowship.  Please see complete posting at www.wpr.org (about WPR).

Jobs to Win Back the White House
Grassroots Campaigns is hiring graduating seniors with leadership experience for paid election campaign positions nationwide.  Not a senior?  Summer jobs available.  To apply, call Sarah (888) 999-8852 or check out www.bringchange2008.org to find out more information. Find out more at: http://www.grassrootscampaigns.com

Job openings at The Capital Times in Madison, Wis.
Visit http://www.madison.com/tct/ for a complete list of openings.

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.

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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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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