A new procedure for declaring the Journalism and Mass Communication major and minor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will be in effect for all applicants after August 22, 2008. The new procedures are described at: http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/JMC/undergrad.html
Q: Why is JMC changing its admissions process?
A: JMC uses a selective admissions process because the number of students seeking the major is considerably more than can be accommodated. In the recent past JMC has used only quantifiable minimums for admission: 2.5 GPA at UWM, 15 credits completed, and grades of at least B in JMC 101 and JMC 201. The old procedures relied heavily on the rationing of grades given by teaching assistants in JMC 201 and did not indicate when or if students who met the requirements would apply to be majors or minors. The new, more holistic process still highly values the academic performance recorded on transcripts, but also uses 500-word personal statements and current résumés to take other factors into account.
Q: Can I still be admitted through the old process if I have satisfied its requirements?
A: If you are not a declared major by August 22, 2008, then you will have to apply for the major under the new process. Once a student has been admitted under the old or new process, he or she remains a major.
Q: Do I still have to get a grade of B or better in JMC 101 and JMC 201?
A: Students still must complete JMC 101 and JMC 201 before applying under the new process, but a grade of B or better no longer will be mandatory. The undergraduate committee, however, will look closely at applicants' performance in all JMC classes.
Q: What are the GPA expectations for admission?
A: Generally speaking, the higher your grade point average, the better your chances of admission. The undergraduate committee begins by ranking applicants according to overall GPA. Then performance in JMC courses, transcripts, résumés, and personal statements will be used to make distinctions among applicants, mainly when they are near the line between the number of those who can be accepted and those who cannot. The location of such borderline decisions in a particular semester depends on instructional resources and the number of applicants. JMC will be providing statistical data once the new process has been in place for a period of time.
Q: What should I include on my résumé?
A: The undergraduate committee suggests a standard, one-page résumé similar to one you would submit if applying for a job or an internship. It should include your work and educational history, and highlight skills and experiences relevant to the major. The résumé should be carefully organized and free of errors. Do not include references. Help on résumé writing can be found at: http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/CDC.
Q: What should I write about in my 500-word personal statement?
A: The committee will be looking for a well-written essay that discusses relevant background information about yourself and your reasons for selecting a JMC major or minor. Provide a thoughtfully articulated narrative with reflections on the experiences, challenges, and inspirations that have influenced your decision. In addition to telling your story, discuss your academic interests and career goals. Demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and carefully (i.e., without typographical and grammatical mistakes).
Q: Can I appeal the committee's decision if I am denied entry into the JMC program? How do I do that?
A: As UWM e-mail messages to students who are not admitted will explain, appeals are submitted to the JMC department chair within five working days of the notice of non-admission. An appeals committee consisting of the department chair and two JMC faculty members appointed by the chair will vote on applicant appeals within five working days of the appeal deadline. Otherwise, students may re-apply later when they are better prepared.
Q: Who will provide information not available here or on the JMC Web site www.uwm.edu/Dept/JMC?
A: You may contact the JMC program assistant Stephanie King (sking@uwm.edu or 414-229-4436) in JOH 117; JMC undergraduate director Joette Rockow (jrockow@uwm.edu or 414-229-5354) in JOH 128; or the JMC department chair Jeffery Smith (jsmith@uwm.edu or 414-229-6851) in JOH 135.