At JMU, there are numerous ways to apply classroom knowledge to real-world experiences. Many of these experiences are available on campus at student media organizations and through departments that employ students in communication-related positions.
JMU has official student media groups including: The Breeze, an online and weekly newspaper as well as its broadcast news organization Breeze TV; The Bluestone, the university’s yearbook; WXJM, a radio station featuring independent music and student shows; and Iris, a literary magazine.
The Breeze has been bringing JMU its news since 1922, and now has numerous outlets for informing the community. The organization produces a twice-weekly newspaper, an online news site, a quarterly lifestyles magazine, and numerous specialty publications.
Students can gain experience in writing, editing, designing, photography, videography, and leadership in general. The newspaper and its students have won numerous state, regional and national awards, including a national Pacemaker in 2014, making it one of the best non-daily student papers in the nation. The Breeze is located at 1598 S. Main St.
Breeze TV is the student-run broadcast that covers news in the JMU community and Shenandoah Valley, as well as sports and entertainment. The students handle all the production and the reporting of stories and broadcast a half-hour program every Friday from SMAD's studio in Harrison Hall. Breeze TV has been nominated and won numerous statewide awards for its programs, including its annual election coverage.
Want to get involved? Show up to the Alison Parker studio in the basement of Harrison Hall before the weekly broadcast at 3:30 p.m. each Friday during the fall and spring semesters. Or click here to submit an application.
The Bluestone was first published in 1910 and has been published annually ever since, making it the university’s oldest student media organization. The publication covers each school year and is distributed each April.
Students working on the yearbook write, edit, take photos, and design pages. The yearbook averages 400 pages each year. It has been recognized with numerous national awards, including the Gold Crown and Pacemaker.
Found at 88.7 FM on the radio dial, WXJM has been entertaining and informing JMU since 1990. The station features a lineup of student shows that showcase many genres of independent music. The lineup also includes talk shows of various topics. The station offers leadership positions to students who want experience in programming, business or management. The station is located at 983 Reservoir St. at the corner of Reservoir and Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
Iris Literature and Arts Magazine is a student-run magazine that publishes undergraduate creative work including prose, poetry, art and photography. The staff also holds events including writing workshops and readings. The magazine is published once a semester and submissions can be sent to jmu.irismagazine@gmail.com.
Iris is always seeking students to join the magazine staff. Students can gain experience in editing, writing, graphic design, and producing a print publication."
DogHouse Productions looks to service the JMU community with original student-created films and expand the student body's knowledge and experience with film and film-related media. As a member of JMU's first amateur film production club, you can share the experience of contributing to student-made, independent productions that would service the JMU community. Whether it be something to waste a few minutes on during a study break or a series that grips your soul, we can make it and plan on doing just that.
This organization shares information about the School of Media Arts and Design and helps with outreach, as well as creating SMAD-related merchandise. SMAD students generate ideas through meetings, events, and hands-on activities. To get involved, contact jmusmadclub@gmail.com
Other Opportunities
In addition to the four student-run organizations, several other campus-connected opportunities are available for students wanting to practice their skills.
JMU Communications and Marketing
The communications office hosts several students during each semester. These students assist the office in producing stories for online and print publications. Students can write, take photos and produce videos. Students also assist with social media. Get involved here.
JMU Athletics Communications & Creative Services
The JMU Athletics Communications and Creative Services departments manages the JMU Athletics website, social media accounts and live productions. Opportunities are available in writing, web work, video production, on-air reporting, social media, graphic design and much more! Get involved here.
JMU Libraries Media Production Services
Media Production Services is a department within JMU Libraries that collaborates with JMU faculty and staff to create instructional media for courses, including videos, animations, graphics, and audio recordings. Student employees work as part of a student team with experienced Libraries staff and gain experience in all aspects of production.
The Makery at JMU Libraries
The Makery is the makerspace in JMU Libraries that offers tools, supplies, and guidance for the JMU community to learn, tinker, craft, invent, and discover. Student employees gain experience with a variety of technologies, including audiovisual equipment and software, virtual reality rooms, 3-D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, laser cutters, and more.
WMRA
WMRA is the National Public Radio station covering the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area. Students are sometimes employed to do writing, editing and public-relations work. Contact Al Bartholet at barthoae@jmu.edu.
Madison American Advertising Federation
As JMU's student chapter of the American Advertising Federation(AAF), MAAF is JMU's competing team for the National Student Advertising Competition. MAAF offers hands-on agency experience for students pursuing a career in advertising or marketing. MAAF works year round to create an integrated advertising campaign to be pitched to industry professionals in April. MAAF also invites professional speakers and participate in agency visits around Virginia.
Forbes Center for the Performing Arts
JMU’s Forbes Center often has student positions available in public relations, video work, writing, and more. The center is home to numerous major performances throughout the year. Contact Jen Kulju at kuljuja@jmu.edu.
Madison Marketing Association
MMA is JMU's collegiate chapter of the American Marketing Association. Members further their marketing education through guest speakers, community events, social events, and open forums with JMU faculty and marketing professionals. Founded in 1982, MMA is a non-profit organization that is financially independent from the Marketing Department at JMU. Our mission is to provide opportunities to learn and implement marketing principles in fundraisers, our annual Networking Banquet, and the annual American Marketing Association Collegiate Conference. All majors are welcome!
Association for Women in Sports Media
The Association for Women in Sports Media has the following objectives: to serve as a positive advocate for women in sports media, through support services, networking and national visibility; to mentor and assist young women entering into sports media, through scholarships, internships and contact with experienced members; to serve as a watchdog, promoting fair portrayal of female professionals in sports media, encouraging diversity, positive workplace environments and equal access to opportunities.
Society of Professional Journalists
SPJ is an organization seeking to further our skills in journalism outside the classroom. SPJ holds journalism oriented workshops and events and focus on broadening professional networks with both student and professional journalists in the field.