Department head says adding communications secures jobs for students

The University of Regina, on its 50th anniversary, announced its journalism program was returning from being put on hold for one year in September 2022, primarily because of dwindling enrolment.

The university’s journalism program was first introduced in 1980 titled as “Bachelor of Journalism and Communication” which was later changed to “Bachelor of Journalism.” The reason behind it being the curriculum only included journalism-oriented classes and most of the faculty involved were journalism specialists.

“We had reduced faculty and reduced enrolment because of the pandemic there was no easy way to restore it and that’s why we agreed with faculty of arts to pause enrolment and take a year for a complete redesign of the program,” said the department head for journalism school at University of Regina, Gennadiy Chernov.

During the late 2000s, on average 25 students were enrolled in the program. Students were unable to declare journalism as their major until 3rd year because their first couple years included the pre-requisites classes for the advanced classes.

Chernov joined the team in 2006 and pitched the idea of adding the communications element to program. However, most of the team then disagreed as the previous design was working great.

“They thought why fix something that is not broken,” said Chernov.

Gradually the enrolment numbers declined as parents showed concern about the uncertainty of employment for their children even after pursuing a degree.

After pandemic circumstances for journalism became worse. Many faculty members lost their jobs as university was in a tough spot where finances were concerned.

Many changes were implemented in the new program. Biggest one of them was an addition of Communications element. Flexibility was another component that required attention. It was instituted by making seven classes mandatory instead of 10. Finally keeping ties with other programs were crucial too, hence, revised program requires students to take certain classes under the banner of INCA program (Indigenous Communications Arts).

“I had my mind made up about what I’ve wanted to do since I was about 12 years old and had my eyes on this program for a long time and they have a new aspect of it as well to broaden the horizons of what can be achieved with the degree which excites me,” said Dalyn Chuckry, a second year Journalism student.

Certain intermediate classes have been dropped but their content is now comprised in introductory and advanced classes. Classes like photojournalism and magazine writing have been removed. But with right resources those classes can be brought back in the future.
Classes like Mass Communication Theory and Practice are new addition which works around the broader framework of communications in different areas.

“I honestly do not know how many from my graduating class stayed in the journalism industry. I think many have them have moved into communications and are working in that industry now,” said Sabeen Ahmad who is a Journalism School alumnus. Ahmad works at CTV as Weather and Community Anchor and is also an in-game host for Saskatchewan Roughrider football inc.

The program also includes a semester that would be wholly dedicated to paid internships. By the year 2026, 15-20 students would be ready for internships.

“In the future certain numbers of communications internships would be included too so that our students are prepared to work in both areas right away,” said Chernov.

Thirty-four students have now declared Journalism, Media and communications as their major.