A little after noon, tables and refreshments were set up in the Meeman Journalism Building lobby as the Journalism Department set up for its open house.
“The main thing for open house is today is to get students who wouldn’t normally have access to this building, to get them talking to people who are working in the field, get them talking to people who are studying Journalism,” said senior Taylor Smith, 21.
Smith, the managing editor for The Daily Helmsman, the campus newspaper, was there is a liaison for the paper. At her table, there was candy, an application to be on the next year’s newspaper staff and an example of how editing a paper works. Visitors to her table, especially ones showing interest in becoming members of the newspaper staff were welcomed and given specific instructions for applying.
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) had a display for their organization as well, with pamphlets available to take home. Ashley Deering, the organization's Treasurer, was there to greet students and inform them of all the perks of becoming a member.
SPJ gives their members a better understanding of the laws and their first amendment rights, which Deering said most knew members do not know.
As soon as students walked into the Meeman lobby through the front doors, Dr. David Arant, professor and Chair for the department, was sitting at the Department of Journalism table. This general table, whose main audience was non journalism students, informed them about the department.
The lobby was decorated with Memphis blue and white balloons and a splash of Halloween.
And what’s a campus event without t-shirts? The Public Relations Student Society of America was selling “Memphis Journalism” shirts for $15 each.