Society of Professional Journalists holds regular group meetings and sponsors several field trips to major media outlets each semester.
George Mason University’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is an organization for aspiring journalists to meet, learn and grow together through professional networking and the help of their peers. Reactivated in Spring 2014 after several years of inactivity, Mason’s SPJ chapter is dedicated to providing students with access to media institutions and professionals, quality professional development opportunities, and the guidance and support they need to be a successful, professional journalist after graduation. Anyone with an interest or passion for journalism and writing is encouraged to join, and members are not required to have a major or minor in Communication or Journalism.
The Society of Professional Journalists’ motto is “improving and protecting journalism,” and the mission of the organization is to encourage the free practice of journalism and uphold high standards of ethical behavior. Mason’s student chapter shares that goal and prides itself in “upholding a high standard of journalism and the first amendment, and in striving to create a place where those with a passion can grow and thrive among those who share that passion with them.”
Each semester, the Society of Professional Journalists sponsors field trips to major media outlets and provides students with the opportunity to visit the Newseum in downtown Washington, D.C. (usually free of charge) during the fall. Past field trips have included NPR, USA Today, Fairfax County Government Center, WTOP 103.5 FM, The Washington Post, and more. SPJ also brings numerous guest speakers to campus to answer questions from members, discuss issues of ethics and professionalism, and learn more about what a career in the media is really like. Past speakers include New York Times reporter Michael Schmidt, Telemundo anchor Karla Flores, and numerous reporters from The Washington Post and other outlets.
Contact Society of Professional Journalists:
(703) 993-9745
stumedia@gmu.edu
The Hub Suite 1201 (lower level next to Mail Services)
Society of Professional Journalists, GMU Chapter
The Hub Suite 1201, MS 2C5
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Fall 2024 Staff:
Mary “MJ” Demarco
President
mdemarc@gmu.edu
(703) 993-9745
Kathryn Mangus
Faculty Advisor
kmangus@gmu.edu
(703) 993-3004
Click here to see the full staff list on gmuspj.blogspot.com >