Colleen Leigh

The strategic plan for the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY aims to reimagine journalism for a changing world. It outlines six key priorities: creating an ambitious curriculum, bridging MA and professional programs, preparing for the AI-enhanced media landscape, modernizing campus facilities, ensuring a thriving financial foundation, and attracting and supporting a robust student body. The plan seeks to equip students with essential skills, protect press freedom, foster leadership with integrity and technological fluency, and includes a goal to become the nation's first tuition-free journalism school by 2027.

The 2017-2020 Strategic Plan for the Student Library and Technology Committee outlines the allocation of approximately $42,000 in student technology fees annually. The plan prioritizes improving the classroom experience through smart classroom technology, supporting library and research center resources, and regularly updating student equipment. Specific areas of focus include upgrading classroom technology in phases, maintaining subscriptions to key research databases (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Factiva, IconFinder, Data Planet), providing equipment and part-time staff support for student use, and allocating funds for new and innovative technologies to keep the curriculum current. A reserve is also maintained for student-driven projects.

The Graduate Student Council (GSC) meetings covered various topics throughout the year. Discussions included town hall planning, capstone reimbursements, career services, student study space needs, club proposals (including the South Asian Journalists Association), end-of-semester party arrangements, budget allocation for different initiatives (including the snack bar), committee updates (curriculum, campus life, technology, etc.), concerns about international student support, facilities issues (vending machines, restrooms), and the process for capstone funding reimbursements. There were also discussions about the upcoming executive vice chancellor's visit, interactions with incoming students, and improving communication with students.

The 2019-2023 Diversity Plan for the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY focuses on enhancing diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the institution. Key goals include recruiting and retaining a diverse student body and faculty, incorporating diversity into the curriculum, fostering a safe and inclusive campus culture, providing support for student success, and actively working to change newsroom culture. The plan outlines specific strategies to achieve these goals, including strengthening relationships with journalism affinity groups, reviewing student evaluation surveys, offering targeted scholarships, implementing diversity training, developing curriculum guidelines, and collaborating with news organizations to promote inclusive hiring practices. The plan aims to create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported.

The 2022-2027 Diversity Plan for the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY focuses on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across admissions, curriculum, hiring, campus culture, and the wider journalism field. The plan outlines goals and action steps to improve DEI in student support, faculty and staff development, curriculum review, and communication and transparency. Specific initiatives include early intervention programs for students, professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, curriculum review with a DEI lens, and improved communication strategies to ensure inclusivity. The plan also highlights existing efforts such as bilingual journalism programs, scholarships, and support for underserved news operations.