Stephen F. Austin State University students in SFA Mass Communication Lecturer Greg Patterson’s Graphic Design for Media class visit Tuesday with Robin Land, right, publisher of The Daily Sentinel.
The MCM 403 students toured the Sentinel office, speaking with Land and other staff members on the fluid nature and future of news as well as how reporters and designers manage time, among other topics.
“Visiting media professionals helps students experience and understand the role of media in society, which is one of our program learning objectives,” Patterson said. “The visit helped to emphasize the importance of organization and time management, which is essential for journalists working with tight deadlines. Another course goal is the ability to understand and explain the role of graphics typography, design and layout in print and digital communications.”
The trip enabled students to connect classroom lessons with real-world examples.
“I think the most interesting thing for me during the trip was learning that reporters write 40 to 60 different stories a month. I know for myself that it is sometimes difficult to complete one story a week in my classes, so this was good preparation for me,” said Emily Brown, a MCM 403 student. “Trips that specifically put students into their field are important. It is good knowledge for me to have of how a real newspaper works, and I was able to see more of the things my professors talk about.”
