Journalism isn't leaving Suffolk County Community College
While Suffolk County Community College is phasing out its journalism degree program, the college will continue to offer journalism-related courses, a college official writes. Credit: Daniel Brennan
I appreciate Chris R. Vaccaro’s passionate defense of journalism education, and I would like to provide context regarding the decision to discontinue the journalism degree option at Suffolk County Community College [“Save Long Island’s local journalism programs,” Opinion, Jan. 13].
As Vaccaro notes, journalism is vital to our democracy, and we not only recognize but are actively committed to training students in media and communication.
While the journalism degree program is being phased out, the college will continue to offer journalism-related courses, ensuring that students interested in media and communication careers still have access to a broad range of foundational skills, including writing, media production, and digital communication. In fact, students interested in journalism or related fields can still pursue various academic pathways, including communication studies, English, creative writing, and radio and television production.
We also recognize the importance of hands-on experience in journalism education. That’s why all three SCCC campuses operate student-run newspapers, which offer students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. These newspapers provide valuable, practical experience for students interested in writing, editing, photography, and multimedia storytelling, allowing them to develop essential skills.
Additionally, all students currently enrolled in the journalism degree program can complete their degrees within the next two years, and no faculty or staff members have lost positions.
— Irene Rios, Selden
The writer is interim vice president for academic affairs and executive dean at SCCC’s Ammerman campus.
I was appalled that Suffolk County Community College eliminated its journalism program. Journalists take pride in getting the stories correct. Social media is not a reliable source for news. Newspaper people take pride in providing factual, well-researched stories.
Educators need to provide journalism programs. The young population’s democracy may rely on it someday.
— Larry Lamendola, Wantagh
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