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SENIOR PORTFOLIO

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University requires the submission of a senior portfolio as part of a rigorous and systematic assessment program for graduating students. Through the senior portfolio, students can show evidence that they have learned or acquired the professional knowledge, values and competencies expected of them. This requirement is the latest in an ongoing effort to develop and implement multidimensional methods to assess student learning especially at this time that the department is seeking accreditation with the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. It is also Texas State University’s policy to encourage and support assessment initiatives designed to strengthen curriculum instruction and student learning.

Mass communication students are required to submit a senior portfolio during their last long semester in the program. Failure to submit the portfolio will result in a “graduation hold” that will prevent them from graduating.

Procedure:

Mass Communication students should save and accumulate work from classes, practicum or independent studies, and internships throughout their years of study at Texas State University. This includes but is not limited to writing samples, audio and video tapes, campaign plans, internship projects and evaluations, graphics and other visual presentations.

 Students must organize and submit portfolios of all their work for faculty evaluation. Portfolios are evaluated for their quality and completeness. Students may see the portfolio evaluation after it is completed. A copy of all portfolio evaluations will be kept in the school.. Portfolios are returned to students after completion of the evaluation.

Students can obtain a checklist of specific portfolio requirements for each of sequences in the school office, OM 102. To give students ample time to collect and properly organize portfolio materials, they are encouraged to get the checklist as soon as they attain full-major status.

Deadlines:

Portfolios for students in the Advertising, Mass Communication, Print Journalism and Public Relations sequences are due no later than forty-five (45) calendar days before graduation. Portfolios for students in the Electronic Media sequence are due in MC 3312. Summer candidates must follow the spring schedule as portfolios are not reviewed in the summer. Failure to submit an acceptable portfolio to the appropriate sequence representative by the deadline will result in a “graduation hold” being placed on your records.

Student Benefits:

            The industries that journalism and mass communication schools serve typically require students to present examples of their work as part of the interviewing process. Those making hiring decisions also tend to place greater weight on this evidence of student ability and knowledge than academic transcripts.

By requiring students a senior portfolio, the school, therefore, will be helping them when they eventually apply for internships and full-time employment. Students will be ready to present a record of accomplishments, a tangible product or evidence of what they are able to do or have actually done, which they can show to prospective employers.