Journalism students aim to make USU an official SPJ chapter

For Utah State University students pursuing a career in journalism after graduation, becoming a member of the Society of Professional Journalism can be a beneficial first step.

“SPJ is a national professional development organization that makes itself known to smaller outlets, such as universities,” said journalism student Lis Stewart. “Its goal is to promote the free flow of information supporting our First Amendment rights.”

According to Stewart, becoming an official chapter of SPJ will create awareness among the journalism community for students who want to further a career in this profession.

“It would attach the SPJ name with us, and let people know we are serious about journalism at USU,” Stewart said.

In addition, SPJ provides exclusive benefits offered only to its members.

“It makes it possible for a group to get news letters and discounted or free admission to conferences,” said journalism student Daniel Smith. “SPJ has resources like lawyers that could offer legal advice incase a journalist has a media law problem.”

However, USU is not recognized as an official chapter.

“Right now we are working with ASUSU, to become a campus club,” said Smith, referring to the Associated Students of Utah State University. “Once we accomplish that then we can go online and apply, which lets SPJ know we are willing to start our chapter.”

Smith admits the process of becoming an official club will take time.

“We are slowly getting there,” Smith said. “Right now it is hard because we are all busy with finals week.”

The club needs 10 official members in order to begin the application process, Smith said. And although many have shown interest the group currently only has seven. 

Journalism department head Ted Pease encourages students to become involved

“Starting a chapter at USU reflects the professional standards we have for our journalism students,” Pease said.

Although Stewart and Smith admit the club’s progress isn’t moving as quickly as they would like, both agree it will move forward.

“We are hoping to be an official recognized chapter of SPJ by next fall,” Stewart said.