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Journalism Academy
is a program created and administered by Vanderbilt Student Communications, Inc.
to provide students a structured opportunity to gain education,
training and applied experience in journalism.
The Academy will benefit students who wish to learn practical journalism skills,
assist students seeking careers in mass media, and serve as a measurable achievement that
may be verified by prospective employers, graduate schools and others.
Why should I participate?
If you have an interest in journalism or mass media, whether it is a strong curiosity about
journalism's inner workings or aspirations for a career in the field, the Journalism Academy program
offers a unique opportunity on the Vanderbilt campus to learn. Students who participate will be
introduced to basic journalism standards and practices, will hear from members of the
professional media, and will practice and refine the skills of journalism.
For media career-minded students, the Academy will offer networking with industry
contacts and coaching for obtaining internships and jobs. All students who complete the Academy
will receive certification from Vanderbilt Student Communications. VSC will maintain a media
transcript for Academy graduates and convey to prospective employers and graduate
schools references upon request outlining participants' work.
Who can register for the Academy?
Journalism Academy is an optional program, open to any Vanderbilt undergraduate student.
When can I register?
Students may register for the Academy at any point during the academic year.
Completion of the Academy is based upon cumulative points rather than a calendar system.
How do I register?
Students may register for the Academy in person at Sarratt Student Center Room 135-B,
by sending a registration form by fax to 343-2756,
or by sending an email message expressing your intent to register to academy@vscmedia.org.
What does it cost to participate?
There are no fees required to participate.
Will Academy points count toward my degree?
The program is not affiliated with any academic department at Vanderbilt University and points
earned will not go toward fulfilling degree requirements. However, students enrolled in programs
that grant credit for internships may wish to discuss with their advisers whether the
Journalism Academy could be substituted for a traditional internship.
How long will it take to complete the Academy?
Certification for completion of the program requires 140 points. Participants may earn points at
their own pace though it typically takes a minimum of one academic year to earn the required credits.
How do I earn Academy points?
Students who enroll in the Academy will receive points for attendance at sanctioned events
and participation with selected activities.
How do I know which events are Academy sanctioned and grant points for attendance?
All registered participants will receive regular email updates listing upcoming sanctioned events.
These events will also be listed on this website and will be posted on the VSC bulletin board outside Sarratt 130-F.
Participants who wish to receive points for attending an appropriate media-related event not listed
may seek approval in advance from the Academy coordinator.
What is the Academy curriculum?
Each participant must complete 140 points and pass a final competency exam to successfully complete the
program and receive certification. The Academy curriculum has two components: Workshops/Events
(didactic learning) and Applied (experiential learning). Participants are required to earn at least 60 points
from each of the components for a total of 120 points. The Applied component 60 points must come
from required categories, noted below. The final 20 points to complete the required 140 may be
earned from any category from either component.
The categories and points granted are:
Workshops/Events
3 pts.
Attending an Academy or VSC, Inc. sponsored workshop or event (e.g., Media
Minds presentation, Writers' Workshop, etc.).
3 pts.
Attending a non-VSC, Inc. sponsored media-related presentation or event that is
on the approved Academy list.
10 pts.
Attending as a registered delegate a media-related convention, conference, or
workshop event that is on the approved Academy list.
10 pts.
Completing a one-semester media-related class at Vanderbilt or another accredited
college or university (class must be approved by the Academy coordinator before
points will be granted).
Applied
Academy participants are required to earn at least 20 points from one or both of the following two categories:
2 pts.
Each published (print or online) non-opinion piece that is bylined/credited in
a VSC, Inc. campus medium;
2 pts.
Each published (print or online) non-opinion piece that is bylined/credited in
a non-student medium;
Academy participants are required to earn at least 30 points from the following category:
15 pts.
One semester service as a staff member of a Vanderbilt student journalism medium
(The Vanderbilt Hustler, Versus, Orbis, or Torch); or, the equivalent of one semester
service as staff member, freelancer or regular contributor to an Academy approved
non-student journalism medium; or, a one semester or summer internship at an Academy
approved non-student journalism medium.
Academy participants are required to earn at least 10 points from the following category:
5 pts.
Written critique of a single issue or series of issues of a Vanderbilt student journalism
medium (The Vanderbilt Hustler, Versus, Orbis, or Torch).
The following categories offer optional points:
5 pts.
One day on-the-job observation of a professional journalist working at his/her job.
5 pts.
Written report of an interview with a Vanderbilt University alumni who works or
worked in a media-related profession.
1 pt.
Each Academy approved award received for journalism work (e.g., VSC “Best” awards,
Associated Collegiate Press, Southeast Journalism Conference,
Society of Professional Journalists, etc.).