Prospective Students Explore Media and Communications Program at Open House Events

As part of undergraduate open houses in October, November, and December, the University of New Haven’s Communication, Film, and Media Studies program showcased the many opportunities prospective students would have as Chargers. Nicki Chavoya, a practitioner in residence for the department, was one of the faculty members present at the open houses, and she provided a vision of how the department usually conducts the events.

“We were very happy with the turnout,” she said. “We are always working hard to get more visiting prospective students on campus.”

One of the many ways of introducing the prospective students to the Department of CFMS, says Chavoya, is through such University-sponsored programs as the Fox61 Student News Workshop, DMCT Media events, Summer Youth Academies, and by hosting field trips for high school media and journalism classes. Moreover, Chavoya believes prospective students interested in the communication program should visit the department to get a broader look at the facilities and experiences offered.

“What sets our program apart is that our students have access to the Bergami Communication Control Center, which is an impressive space,” she said. “For every open house, Paul Falcone, director of media services, sets up our studio and the control room so that our prospective students can see the versatility of the space and the film and TV equipment available to them.”

‘The advantages they have had’

When interacting with prospective students and their families, Chavoya focuses on the amenities offered at the University, which include media equipment such as the state-of-the-art TV studio and soundstage for filming. She also discussed the editing lab, voice-over booth, and the award-winning radio station and student-run newspaper, The Charger Bulletin.

“Upon seeing our facilities, the prospective students often get very excited,” said Chavoya.

Chavoya and the Department of Communication, Film, and Media Studies believe engagement is the key to building a connection with students and their families. For every open house, the department invites three to four currently enrolled students to speak with the visiting group and explain their real-time experiences as communication students.

“Students love engaging with the visiting groups as they describe the professional duties and opportunities they have undertaken through the Department of CFMS,” said Chavyoa. “They also talk about the advantages they have as communication and film students, whether it would be attending the marvelous Cannes Film Festival or being an active part of the University’s news sources such as the Charger Bulletin, Horseshoe Magazine, WNHU, and Charger360,” says Chavoya.

The Department also offers a holistic experience, such as being part of the DMCT Media events or interacting with professionals from Fox61. Students in the Department often get to pursue several internships and professional working opportunities, which helps build more professional relations during their time as students.

Chavoya says that prospective students and their families often talk to her about how they will get a job in the industry. She says the experiences and opportunities provided by the department create a variety of pathways for students to pursue their goals.

Anchal Bhatia ’24 MBA is a candidate in the University’s MBA program.