Media College eNews

Facing final exams, graduation and today’s competitive job market, college students are overwhelmed this time of year. This week, a new student reporting project explores how many students use so-called “study drugs” to deal with pressure.

In a new experimental storytelling course, students at the WVU P.I. Reed School of Journalism investigated the nationwide trend of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) drug abuse among college students – focusing in particular on their classmates at WVU.

The School’s first Ogden Newspapers Innovator-in-Residence Sarah Slobin, senior graphics editor at The Wall Street Journal, co-taught the course with Associate Professor John Temple and Assistant Professor Dana Coester. Through the Innovator-in-Residence program, the School of Journalism is able to bring to campus top media professionals who are leading experimental change in their own newsrooms.

The West Virginia Press Association Foundation (WVPAF) is accepting applications for 2014 Summer Internships and 2014-15 Scholarships. If awarded, the WVPAF provides both funded and unfunded internships at newspapers across West Virginia and scholarships up to $500.

The programs are open to journalism majors and students in related fields such as business management, human resources, advertising, social media and marketing. Preference will be given to students in at least their sophomore year of college.

Application deadline is May 16, 2014. Applications are available here .

A multidisciplinary team of students from West Virginia University has been selected to compete in North America’s premier collegiate automotive engineering competition.

Students from WVU’s Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism and the College of Education and Human Services will work together as one of 16 teams in EcoCAR3. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition Series was established in 1989 by the U.S. Department of Energy to speed the development of vehicles aimed at reducing petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and criteria pollutants while maintaining utility, performance and consumer appeal.

The teams will be working with to convert a Chevrolet Camaro to hybrid electric technology during the competition.

The computer labs will be open during the following times the week of finals 4/28 – 5/2. If there are changes, they will be posted on the lab doors.

MONDAY (4/28)

G1 8:30 am – 9:00 pm

WVU Army ROTC is looking for a talented student(s) with multimedia, website design and/or video production skills to develop multimedia products to promote the Mountaineer Battalion including a three to five minute video with military action shots and individual cadet testimonials. Minimal financial compensation is available, but we offer the opportunity to create an exciting portfolio project that will make a difference in publicizing a real U.S. military program. If interested, let’s talk. Services needed immediately or also in the fall 2014 semester. Contact John Dowling at john.dowling@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 685-7766.

West Virginia University journalism and creative arts students will have the option of a new minor in interactive storytelling starting in fall 2014.

The blended Interactive Media Design minor is a new collaborative effort between the P.I. Reed School of Journalism and the College of Creative Arts, which aims to prepare students from both fields to become interactive storytellers across a range of digital platforms and devices.

This transdisciplinary program will allow students to take courses such as Designing for Multimedia, which emphasizes visual design for digital and multimedia platforms; Game Design and Digital Narrative, which includes using game theory to build interactive stories; and Media Tools and Applications, which covers the principles and practice of multimedia content gathering and editing.

From graduation to gardening, West Virginia University Extension Service experts will provide their advice to participants’ specific questions during a new, weekly, one-hour question and answer session through their Facebook page.

The sessions, called “Ask the WVU Extension Expert,” will take place on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. A panel of WVU Extension faculty members will provide users with trusted, research-based information regarding a specific topic.

Graduating seniors and parents alike can benefit from and participate in the Graduation and Stress segment on Wednesday (April 23). Three panelists will be able to answer questions on everything from stress surrounding graduation, to tips for finding that first job out of college.

The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization in Putnam County, W.Va., is looking for an energetic and self-motivated employee with outstanding organizational skills. This entry-level position is a great opportunity for someone interested in social media and assisting with event planning. Strong communication skills are needed with the ability to create and maintain relationships with members.

More job details:
• General office oversight 
• E-mail inquiry response 
• Manage event registrations 
• Data management 
• Website & social media updates 
• Press release writing

Qualifications:
• Degree in Business, Communications or Journalism field
• A minimum of 1-2 years working in a business/office environment (internships included) preferred 
• Experience should include proficiency in Microsoft Office Products, WordPress and Social Media

From the desk of Eric Minor, here are this week’s available job opportunities.

• All Majors – City of Morgantown seeks Multimedia Interns for Summer 2014 (Paid through federal work study). Good for practical experience with video editing and multimedia work.

• StratComm – Eberly College of Arts and Sciences seeks PAID Marketing and Communciations intern for Summer 2014. Intern will assist the college through website design, marketing materials, media relations and brand support.

The State Journal, a statewide, weekly newspaper that focuses on business, government, energy and law in West Virginia, is looking for reporters.

Applicants should enjoy the challenge of covering a diverse state with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Our stories are picked up by national news services and our reporters speak about their subjects on television and radio. We break daily news online and on social media, and we tell the full story with analysis in print each week.

The State Journal is owned by West Virginia Media, a company that includes television stations in West Virginia’s major markets. A bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field is preferred. Candidates must be familiar with AP style. Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with several different deadlines each day is a must. Successful candidates are reporters who can generate their own story ideas and compete for front page space. The ideal candidate will work to become known as the best on his or her beat in the entire state. Two years of experience preferred.