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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q. How much time will this program take? A. The program will take a minimum of 12 months but could stretch to15 months depending on how long it takes to complete a project. The majority of time will be spent formulating and implementing a project at the candidate’s workplace. Formal classes at Columbia will take three five-day sessions and one off-site weekend with a peer group between the first and second sessions. The first week will start on January 7, 2008; followed by a weekend in June, 2007 with the final week of classes in the fall. Q. How much time will the business advisor be able to devote are deeply experienced in performance-driven change as well as the design of the program. Their role is to provide guidance to participants as they work to identify and then achieve performance at their respective workplaces. The advisors are not consultants. Their time is limited to about two days total per month. And, so it is critical that all participants take the best possible advantage of this resource.
Q. I am concerned about privacy issues surrounding my project. Fellows bring to the program, to minimize these concerns (e.g. by placing Fellows with potential privacy concerns in separate advisor groups.) In addition, we expect that many of the performance challenges will be less about competitive trade secrets than about supporting the Fellows as they each implement performance and change in their respective organizations.
Q. How much time do you expect that carrying out a project will performance challenges are squarely at the top of the agenda of what they and their organizations ought to be doing regardless of participation in this program. Put differently, no one will succeed if the challenges undertaken are not at the heart of what matters to their news organization. No one does the hard work of performance-driven change if it is a ‘nice to Q. Will I be able to contact my advisor or the program’s executive director for advice even if I have used up my period of allotted “advice” time? A. The Executive Director will work with both the advisors and the participants throughout. Our goal is that all participants succeed. We take that goal very seriously. Are there limits to the time we can devote? Yes. But, as said, as long as participants are doing whatever they can to succeed, we will as well. If our time commitments and budget are too constrained, we’ll work with participants to find the best solution possible.
Q. What happens if during the course of the year, my company pulls program. And, we encourage participants to work directly with their superiors, peers and others -- both before and early on in the program – to select a performance challenge and gain the necessary commitments to avoid this. Having said that, we will of course do whatever we can to make the participant’s experience a success.
Q. What will a typical day at Columbia be like? A. Formal classes will start at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Breakfast will beavailable from 8 a.m. in the event that you would like some discussion time with your peers prior to classes. Lunch from noon to 1 will be free time on most days. On at least two nights we will offer a dinner program, featuring a topic speaker, panel discussion or roundtable on an important aspect of the current state of journalism in our society. You will be free to use the school’s facilities and labs for assignments and group work. You will be furnished with security cards that will allow you into the labs on a 24/7 basis.
Q. Will I be in classes at night? A. Most evening activities will be devoted to working jointly on assignments,group discussions or dinner lectures or panels.
Q. What do I need to bring? A. A laptop is recommended. You should bring samples of your newsorganization’s work to share with other participants. During the year, you will be expected to share your project achievements with your colleagues. We will furnish all materials, including books that you will be required to read.
Q. Do I have to attend all the sessions at Columbia? A. Yes. There will be no way to make up the work you miss during classes so itis essential that you and your company commit to this time.
Q. How must I pay for the program? A. Once you have been accepted, your company should send a $5,000 depositthrough a check, made payable to Columbia University care of: Program Coordinator, Columbia Journalism School, 2950 Broadway, Room 702A New York, New York, 10027 The remaining $15,000 must be paid prior to or at registration.
Q. What is the dress code? A. Generally, dress will be casual. If we designate a field trip or special dinner,then it’s business attire. You should be as comfortable as possible.
Q. Where will I stay? A. We will arrange hotel stays. We would prefer that everyone stay at thesame hotel. Generally, you will be booked at a hotel in the Upper West Side for easy access to Columbia. The program will pay your room fee and taxes only.
Q. How do I get to school? A. If you are taking the subway from downtown, take the 1 line uptown to116th Street station. You will be in front of the university’s main gates once you exit. The Journalism School is located to the right just as you walk through the gates of the university. Follow the pathway to the end of the building and turn right and right again. Entrance is inside the campus behind the statue of Thomas Jefferson. If you prefer to take the bus, walk onto Broadway and catch an uptown bus. Cabs are also abundantly available on all city streets. Q. How can I be reached at the school? A. Messages, packages or faxes may be sent during the class day to theJournalism School, 2950 Broadway, Suite 702A, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10027. Contact is Laura Reizman, program coordinator, at 212-854-7650 or lr2259@columbia.edu. The fax is 212-854-5082. Please notify her by email if you will be expecting any correspondence. Q. Can you accommodate special needs and meals? A. Yes. You will be sent a form for your needs and we will do our bestto meet them. Q. Will I be able to enjoy New York City? A. The course work will be strenuous, including many evening activities.If you would like to come in early or stay later, let us know so we can inform the hotel that you will be paying for additional nights on your own. Q. How should I prepare for this program? A. You should establish a clear working relationship with your superiors andcolleagues so that they understand the nature of this program and the teamwork that will be expected of them to execute your specific project. You will need to read all of the advance materials we send you because there will be little time to catch up with those assignments once classes begin. You must inform your home office not to disturb you when you are in class. This is going to be an intense program so we insist that all Blackberries, cell phones or any other connection with the office be turned off during your class time with us. While you are here, you must stay focused on the work you will need; to accomplish to have a successful experience. In the case of an emergency, please inform colleagues and family to contact you through our program coordinator Laura Reizman at 212-854-7650. Q. What is the mix of participants? A. The program is designed to solve problems and deal with media issuesacross a multiple of platforms, including the business side. Since the industry is moving to a multi-media business model on many fronts, we believe that the mix of participants, perceptions, knowledge and sizes across industry roles will be beneficial for everyone. Q. Who may I speak with about my project idea? A. If you would like to speak about project ideas or other specifics about theprogram’s design, email program executive director Doug Smith at douglasksmith@optonline.net Q. Who may I speak with about the logistics of the program? A. Please contact Laura Reizman, program coordinator,at lr2259@columbia.edu, or at 212-854-7650. Contact Information: |
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