RSJ News
Spring Semester Classes Set in Renovated Journalism Building
01-17-2012
Boxes, furniture, and supplies still line journalism school hallways but work continues at a furious pace to have the building ready for classes on Jan. 23. Photo: Andrew Chang
The Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism will welcome students and faculty back for the spring semester, Jan. 23 after a year of renovation and technology upgrades.
New furniture, video screens and glass walls are around every corner. The graduate program and multimedia newsroom will be located in newly designed space and the computer lab (RSJ 107) and classroom (RSJ 201) are larger and have upgraded equipment.All classrooms have new wiring and projection screens. New computers have installed in newly configured spaces.Faculty and administrative offices are filling up as books, desks, chairs and equipment return from temporary quarters in the Ansari Business Building, KNPB, and the William J. Raggio Building.
“This has always been a fantastic building,” Larry Dailey, professor and Reynolds Chair of Media Technology, said. “To come back into an even more beautiful environment makes me really look forward to the coming semester and beyond. It feels great to be back home.”
The Linn Reading Room, a common space for students, provides an example of both technology upgrades and the approach taken with many of the changes.There’s a new large video screen, new furniture and new automatic blinds on the top windows to protect the room from the sun’s heat and glare.
“We wanted the space to be more practical,” Rosemary McCarthy, assistant professor and academic chair, said. “We hope the additions will give students a comfortable and useful space to study.”
McCarthy has been involved in much of the coordination of the new construction. This week she is directing movers, answering questions and tracking placement of chairs, tables, bookcases and computers.
“Things are a little chaotic now but we will be ready when classes start. It will be great when everyone is back together.”
All of the new technology will not be in place when the semester begins and students and faculty may have to deal with some inconveniences but that is overshadowed by the excitement of returning the j-school.
Zachary Andrews, a senior in the Reynolds School, has missed the advantages of a building designed for journalism students.
“The past year has been very inconvenient, many of the classrooms were cramped and lacked the technology needed,” he said. “It took a lot of class time away.”
Andrews is looking forward to taking classes in the renovated building and being in an environment that fosters innovative ideas.
“I realize that inspiration is a very important aspect in the journalism field. I’m looking forward to the connection that allows me to be around others that spark ideas of my own."
The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation funded the $8 million renovation.
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