School of Communications > Journalism Program> Organizations

Organizations

Society of Professional Journalists
PRSSA
Kappa Tau Alpha
Journalism Alumni Association

Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)

All students are invited to join the student chapter of SPJ, active on campus since 1970. The national SPJ, works to protect and to expand First Amendment press freedoms and the public's- right-to-know; to stimulate high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism; and to improve the cultural diversity of newsrooms so that a broader spectrum of society is reflected in news coverage.

In 1985, 1988, 1992, 1994, SPJ-UHM Chapter was honored as the "Chapter of the Year" in the four-state Western region. In 1987 and 1995, it won the award for "Best Freedom of Information Programs" in the 14 states of District D. In 1989 and 1992, it received Executive Director's Awards. And in 1989 and 1992, it won the "National Campus Chapter of the Year" award.

Members of SPJ receive The Quill, a national monthly magazine that covers issues in contemporary journalism.

PRSSA

The campus chapter of PRSSA, chartered in 1979, receives strong support from the Honolulu professional chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. All students interested in public relations are eligible for membership.

Among activities, the UHM chapter has produced student handbooks for the Manoa campus, a historical calendar for the University and helped organize the department's annual Journalism Day competition for high school students.

In 1981, the chapter received the PRSSA's national award for university service; in 1982, it was named the outstanding student organization on campus; in 1990, the chapter won the Outstanding PRSA/PRSSA Relationship award, and in 1993, UHM's chapter won the South Pacific District's outstanding community service award.

Kappa Tau Alpha

Seniors with grade point averages in the upper 10 percent among journalism majors are considered by the faculty for election to the campus chapter of Kappa Tau Alpha, the national academic honor society for journalism students.

The society was founded at the University of Missouri in 1910 and it has chapters at more than 60 mainland universities.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa student chapter of Kappa Tau Alpha was established in 1978 with a charter membership.

Journalism Alumni Association

The department seeks to maintain close contact with its alumni and, wherever possible, to assist them with their careers.

Alumni receive the department's newsletter, and along with students, may use the department's placement service. Every journalism graduate automatically becomes a member of the association. Graduating seniors are asked to register with the department's secretary.

UHM Journalism Alumni Association, formed in 1984, is working with faculty and staff to further develop relations between the department and its graduates. The association and the department jointly publish an alumni newsletter and sponsor special events. Journalism Alumni Prizes, funded by alumni contributions were established in 1984. These annual prizes for journalism majors are awarded by a joint alumni/faculty committee.