A message from the dean during the coronavirus pandemic
Words appear: The Media School. Indiana University.
Jim Shanahan appears in the Beckley Studio.
Lower-thirds: James Shanahan. Dean, The Media School. jes30@iu.edu
Jim Shanahan:
Hi everyone. I’m Jim Shanahan, dean of The Media School, and I’m speaking to you virtually from an empty Franklin Hall, because it’s the closest I can get right now to speaking with you in person.
This semester hasn’t turned out the way we expected. I’m sure that in addition to facing personal challenges, you’re missing campus or mourning lost opportunities, especially those of you who are graduating seniors or faculty who didn’t quite have the chance to say goodbye to students. Those feelings are valid. But I think we all know that the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community matter more than anything else, and the measures taken were very necessary.
The media industry is no stranger to turmoil and uncertainty. Over the past few decades, our students, faculty and alumni have adapted to changing circumstances and unprecedented challenges. It’s time to do it again. And we know that you can.
This will be one of the greatest experiments in the history of the world in the power of media. We will use it to teach, to learn, to be in contact with one another and ultimately make it so that we can all see each other in person again. It’s a great opportunity for all of us in The Media School to do wonderful things. And I hope we make the most of it.
I’d like to speak for a moment directly to our students. As a Media School student, you’ve been taught to be creative, resilient and persistent. So don’t lose sight of your educational goals.
We’re here for you. We want to see you succeed, and we’re available to support you. Faculty have creatively redesigned their courses to ensure you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you would have on campus. Academic advisors and career coaches are offering advising sessions virtually.
I urge you to be there for each other too. Lean on your friends and professors. Stay in touch. Be patient with each other.
To our faculty and staff: Thank you for working under such challenging circumstances to do your best for the students and our school. We are all in this together, and I have already seen many of you go above and beyond in helping each other out.
One day very soon, we’ll be back in Franklin Hall, Radio/TV and all the other locations where we work together. Many of you will be students again next year taking classes and working here in the Beckley Studio or the game design lab or the IDS newsroom. Some of you will be alumni making a homecoming visit on a day off from your job, and faculty and staff will be here to greet you as always.
I know things seem uncertain, but that day will come. The future will arrive, and you’ll be ready for it.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I’ll be right here to help in any way that I can.
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