frequently asked questions - World Journalism Institute

Theological Questions:
Q: Is there a theological litmus test at the World Journalism Institute?
A: There is no theological litmus test or template set for the students or the teachers. While the administration of WJI is Reformed and would look to historic Presbyterianism for its theological understanding, the teachers and students represent all the perspectives of historic, orthodox Christianity.

Q: Are students from all Christian denominations and traditions welcome at the World Journalism Institute?
A: Yes. All that is required on the statement of faith portion of the course/workshop application is a brief written profession of faith in Jesus Christ as one's lord and savior.

Political Question:
Q: Is there a political litmus test at the World Journalism Institute?
A: There is no political litmus test or template set for the students or the teachers. While the administration of WJI is conservative in its politics and would embrace smaller government, strong foreign defense and biblical virtues in one's personal life, the teachers and students are not examined as to what their political philosophy is. There is, however, the expectation that all teachers will embrace a biblical view of personal and professional ethics.

Admission Questions:
Q: May high school students attend the institute college level journalism courses?
A: High school students may not attend the institute college-level courses.

Q: May non-college age people attend the Institute college-level journalism courses?
A: The answer is a very qualified "yes," in that from time to time non-college age students are admitted into the courses. However, priority is given to matriculating college students and immediate college graduates.

Scholarship Question:
Q: Are scholarships available for accepted students?
A: The current student fee for the college-level journalism courses is $500. That fee includes housing, lunches, snacks, breakfasts in the New York course, some dinners, books, tuition and post-class evaluation. Since the $500 covers only a fraction of the cost of the course, there is no scholarship aid beyond that amount given to each accepted student.

Fees:
Q: When is the $500 fee due?
A: The $500 fee is due no later than the orientation meeting before the class component begins.

Q: How may I pay the $500 fee?
A: The fee can be paid either by check, by credit card or by PayPal on the Institute web site.

Q: What is covered by the $500 fee?
A: The $500 fee is basically an application fee because the courses cost so much more. The fee covers many books, teacher salaries, housing, lunches, breakfasts, snacks, some dinners and post-class reporting evaluations. Additionally, each student admitted into a WJI courses is eligible to compete for a paid internship in a mainstream newspaper.

Class dress:
Q: What is the appropriate dress for the institute classes?
A: Professional-casual attire is required for class attendance. Students dressed inappropriately will be asked to leave campus and change to appropriate attire. A professional-casual look is characterized by these items of clothing:
Men: shirts, including polo shirts, with collar, and dress or casual dress pants. Ties, jackets or sweaters when needed or desired. For the closing dinner, men should wear coat and tie.
Women: dresses and skirts of appropriate length (close to knee); slacks or dress pants.

Auditing:
Q: May the WJI courses be audited?
A: No

Class attendence:
Q: May a student miss classes if there is a scheduling conflict?
A: The student may miss one day out of three weeks and still be enrolled in the course. If the student misses more than one day, that student may be asked to leave the course.

Preparation and Homework:
Q: What is the policy about class lateness?
A: The student is expected to be in class, ready to go when the class begins. Because of the tightness of the class schedule, classes will begin promptly on time.

Q: What is the basic level of instruction during the courses?
A: The teachers are told by the administration that they should assign and evaluate reporting and writing assignments as close to the newsroom practice as they can. Thus, expectations are high and grading can be tough.

Q: Should one major in journalism in college?
A: We suggest one major in a more cognitive subject, such as history, philosophy, economics, political science, English - you get the point. Then take a couple of journalism courses and write for the student newspaper like crazy. The point is that you need to know something before you can write about something. Develope a core of knowledge while in college by taking substantial courses and then take every opportunity to write for the student newspaper. If you want to specialize in journalism, we suggest you wait until graduate school (if you need to go to graduate school). Use your undergraduate years to broaden and deepen your understanding of the world around you.