If you are a communications or journalism major you might have to flip a coin to decide whether to take MCOM 2140 Newswriting and Reporting, because there is not enough space in the classroom.
The classes are held in a lab that has 15 computers. Usually there are at least three students that end up not having access to one.
This class fills up fast. To be enrolled in it you probably needed to register early in the spring. If you did not register early enough, you have two options. One is to wait for the early registration in October. If you are driven to become a reporter quickly, and you have luck on your side, try flipping a coin with a fellow student. If you win, you stay in the class!
In order to attend this class, and to do all the in-class writing assignments, each of the students must have his or her own computer that is hooked up to the printer. Once finished with work at the end of the class, the student hands it in order to be graded.
Ania Savage, who teaches Newswriting and Reporting, tries to find a solution for the problem.
“If you have a laptop, bring in a chair and let’s be cozy in here,” she said.
The popularity of the communications and journalism majors has created the space squeeze. She explained that this situation has occurred because of the increase in the number of a communications and journalism majors within the past few years.
Rodney Buxton, an associate professor of the department and advisor to the School of Communication students, has a different opinion on the problem. He said that the number of majors is not a factor.
“Part of the problem,” he said, “is that a number of freshmen students who should be first trying to meet their CORE requirements are taking the upper division classes.” He also does not see this situation changing in the near future.
Because of overcrowding, the Digital Media Program was moved from the mass communications building to Sturm Hall last school year.
The School of Communications occupies one of the oldest buildings on the DU campus. There is talk about a new building for the school, but the project is still years off. One thing is for sure; until then students will be flipping coins!
