Earl G. Graves Sr. Journalism Institute

Earl G. Graves Journalism Institute is a program created and administered by the Alabama State University Office of Student Media to provide students a structured opportunity to gain education, training and applied experience in journalism.  The institute 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 Graves Journalism Institute program offers a unique opportunity for non-journalism majors on the ASU 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 institute will offer networking with industry contacts and coaching for obtaining internships and jobs. All students who complete the institute will receive certification from the Office of Student Media. OSM will maintain a media transcript for institute graduates and convey to prospective employers and graduate schools references upon request outlining participants' work. 

Who can register for the institute?
The Graves Journalism Institute is an optional program, open to any student who decides to work in the Office of Student Media.

When can I register?
Students may register for the institute at any point during the academic year.   Completion of the institute is based upon hours earned rather than a calendar system.

How do I register?
Students may register for the Institute in person at the Office of Student Media, 2nd floor of the John Garrick Hardy University Center, by sending a registration form by fax to (334) 229-4934, or by sending an email message expressing your intent to register for the institue at asustudentmedia@gmail.org.

What does it cost to participate?
There are no fees required to participate.

Will the institute hours count toward my degree?
The program is not affiliated with any academic department at Alabama State University and hours earned will not go toward fulfilling any degree requirements.  IT IS STRICTLY EXTRA-CURRICULAR. However, students enrolled in programs that grant credit for internships may wish to discuss with their advisers whether the Earl G. Graves Journalism Institute could be substituted for a traditional internship. 

How long will it take to complete the Institute?
Certification for completion of the program requires 150 hours. Participants may earn hours at their own pace though it typically takes a minimum of two academic years to earn the required credits.

How do I earn Institute hours?
Students who enroll in the institute will receive hours for attendance at sanctioned events and participation with selected activities.

How do I know which events are Institute sanctioned and grant hours 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 OSM bulletin board on the second floor of the John Garrick Hardy University Center.  Participants who wish to receive hours for attending an appropriate media-related event not listed may seek approval in advance from the institute director.

 

The categories and points granted are:

Workshops/Events

3 pts.
Attending an Institute or OSM sponsored workshop or event (e.g., Media
Minds presentation, Writers' Workshop, etc.).

3 pts.
Attending a non-OSM sponsored media-related presentation or event that is
on the approved Institute list.

10 pts.
Attending as a registered delegate a media-related convention, conference, or
workshop event that is on the approved Institute list.

10 pts.
Completing a one-semester media-related class at Alabama State University or another accredited
college or university (class must be approved by the Institute director before
hours will be granted).

 

Applied

Institute participants are required to earn at least 20 hours from one or both of the following two categories:

2 pts.
Each published (print or online) non-opinion piece that is bylined/credited in
an OSM campus medium;

2 pts.
Each published (print or online) non-opinion piece that is bylined/credited in
a non-student medium;

 

Institute participants are required to earn at least 30 hours from the following category:

15 pts.
One semester service as a staff member of a student medium
(The Hornet Tribune, HORNET, The Equinox, or ENVISAGE); or, the equivalent of one semester
service as staff member, freelancer or regular contributor to an Institute approved
non-student journalism medium; or, a one semester or summer internship at an Institute
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.).

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