The Charger Blog

Prospective Students Explore Media and Communications Program at Open House Events

Prospective communications students and their families had the chance to meet faculty, tour the University鈥檚 state-of-the-art studio, and learn about the opportunities that would be available to them as Chargers.

December 20, 2023

By Anchal Bhatia 鈥24 MBA

Students in the University鈥檚 state-of-the-art television studio.
Students in the University鈥檚 state-of-the-art television studio.

As part of undergraduate open houses in October, November, and December, the University of New Haven鈥檚 Communication, Film, and Media Studies program showcased the many opportunities prospective students would have as Chargers. Nicki Chavoya, a practitioner in residence for the department, was one of the faculty members present at the open houses, and she provided a vision of how the department usually conducts the events.

鈥淲e were very happy with the turnout,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e are always working hard to get more visiting prospective students on campus.鈥

One of the many ways of introducing the prospective students to the Department of CFMS, says Chavoya, is through such University-sponsored programs as the Fox61 Student News Workshop, DMCT Media events, Summer Youth Academies, and by hosting field trips for high school media and journalism classes. Moreover, Chavoya believes prospective students interested in the communication program should visit the department to get a broader look at the facilities and 黑料社s offered.

鈥淲hat sets our program apart is that our students have access to the Bergami Communication Control Center, which is an impressive space,鈥 she said. 鈥淔or every open house, Paul Falcone, director of media services, sets up our studio and the control room so that our prospective students can see the versatility of the space and the film and TV equipment available to them.鈥

鈥楾he advantages they have had鈥

When interacting with prospective students and their families, Chavoya focuses on the amenities offered at the University, which include media equipment such as the state-of-the-art TV studio and soundstage for filming. She also discussed the editing lab, voice-over booth, and the award-winning radio station and student-run newspaper, .

鈥淯pon seeing our facilities, the prospective students often get very excited,鈥 said Chavoya.

Prof. Nicki Chavoya
Prof. Nicki Chavoya

Chavoya and the Department of Communication, Film, and Media Studies believe engagement is the key to building a connection with students and their families. For every open house, the department invites three to four currently enrolled students to speak with the visiting group and explain their real-time 黑料社s as communication students.

鈥淪tudents love engaging with the visiting groups as they describe the professional duties and opportunities they have undertaken through the Department of CFMS,鈥 said Chavyoa. 鈥淭hey also talk about the advantages they have as communication and film students, whether it would be attending the marvelous Cannes Film Festival or being an active part of the University鈥檚 news sources such as the Charger Bulletin, Horseshoe Magazine, , and Charger360,鈥 says Chavoya.

The Department also offers a holistic 黑料社, such as being part of the DMCT Media events or interacting with professionals from Fox61. Students in the Department often get to pursue several internships and professional working opportunities, which helps build more professional relations during their time as students.

Chavoya says that prospective students and their families often talk to her about how they will get a job in the industry. She says the 黑料社s and opportunities provided by the department create a variety of pathways for students to pursue their goals.

Anchal Bhatia 鈥24 MBA is a candidate in the University鈥檚 MBA program.