Journalism Mentorship Initiative
This seven-part initiative provides professional resources, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences to support student journalists’ growth and professional development.
Expanding Access, Empowering Futures
The Creative Writing Department hopes to expand access to industry resources, mentorship, and collaborative learning opportunities. The expected outcome is that these initiatives will provide essential tools and experiences for student journalists, enhancing their education, bolstering the quality of the Bi-Co News, and providing readiness for careers in journalism.
Components Include:
1. Student Memberships to the Society for Professional Journalists (SPJ)
Objective: Provide the Bi-Co News editorial leaders with SPJ memberships to grant access to professional resources, networking opportunities, and training.
2. Locating a Journalism Mentor/Advisor
With input from the Bi-Co News editors, Erin Arvedlund, a seasoned investigative journalist and current staff writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, was chosen. She brings a wealth of experience in financial and investigative journalism, making her an invaluable resource for BCN. In Spring 2026, Erin will teach Political Journalism: Reporting, Analysis, and Investigation.
Course Description
This course examines the role of journalism in shaping political discourse, public opinion, and governance. Students will analyze how journalists cover elections, policy, and political movements by studying historical and contemporary political reporting. The course will explore ethical considerations, media bias, investigative reporting, and the impact of digital media on political journalism. Students will develop their political reporting skills through news writing, op-eds, and multimedia projects while engaging in discussions on press freedom, misinformation, and the evolving relationship between the media and democracy.
3. Collaboration with a Journalist in the Reading Series
In addition to a public reading, the invited journalist will lead a newsroom-style talk and conversation with members of the Bi-Co News.
4. Student Editors’ Input into Spring 2026 Journalism Offering
Student editors contributed feedback to shape the creation of the Spring 2026 journalism class and broaden existing Fall offerings to include News and Feature Writing.
5. Possible Student Journalism Consortium (Regional)
We are currently exploring the creation of a regional student journalism consortium that would bring together student editors and writers from institutions such as Bryn Mawr College, Brandeis University, and other peer colleges.
6. Developing a Network with Alumnae Journalists
Identify and Engage alumnae journalists to serve as informal mentors, providing career advice and real-world journalism insights.
7. Increasing Student Participation in Journalism
Increase student engagement with the Bi-Co News by incorporating newsroom opportunities into departmental questionnaires and fostering collaboration between writing classes and the Bi-Co News.
Questions?
For more information about this initiative, please contact Dee Matthews, professor and chair of creative writing.