STATEMENT REGARDING STUDENT TRAVEL:

While the possibility of negative health consequences resulting from COVID-19 infection remains low for the vast majority of people, I am suspending all planned college-sponsored travel involving students.

There are a number of important factors contributing to this decision. In some cases, organizations students are slated to visit have self-quarantined and are no longer accepting visitors. In other cases, students or Murrow College will be unable to successfully seek reimbursement for money spent on trips if we wait to cancel them and travel becomes restricted. In all cases, Murrow College faculty and staff have an overriding desire to take extra precautions to protect student health.

I apologize for the timing and stark nature of this message. I know many students and faculty have put significant time into preparing for these trips, and these opportunities represent unique learning environments for students. We will do what we can to provide other learning opportunities for students scheduled for travel at this time.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the cancellation of your travel arrangements, please contact the faculty advisor dedicated to your trip:

I appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this uncertain time.  As a reminder, any student, faculty or staff member who travels for personal reasons to any country on the CDC’s level 3 warning list must self-isolate and stay away from campus for two weeks after returning to the U.S. Please remain in close contact with your professors if you do undertake such travel.

Thank you,

Bruce Pinkleton, Ph.D.
Dean
Edward R. Murrow College of Communication

POSTPONEMENT OF THE 45TH MURROW SYMPOSIUM:

In response to the growing concerns around COVID-19, including non-essential travel restrictions facing many of our honorees, speakers and guests, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the 45th Murrow Symposium, including the Lifetime Achievement Award keynote with Lester Holt, the Hall of Achievement induction ceremony, career fair, showcase and speaker sessions.

This decision was not made lightly. We prioritize the health and safety of everyone who creates, supports and participates in this annual event.

The Murrow Symposium offers our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater community a unique opportunity to connect, network and share in our vision for the future of communication education and practice.

We recognize that the Murrow Symposium serves as a launch pad for our career-oriented students, offers crucial networking opportunities to our graduating seniors, and provides a platform for the university and surrounding community to hear from some of the most important leaders in journalism, advertising, and public relations.

We are overwhelmed by the positive response to this year’s lineup, from the Lester Holt keynote to over 30 sessions of panels and workshops, from our career fair to the new Creative and Scholarly Showcase. We

intend to deliver aspects of this industry-leading content in the near future as we are committed to offering these connections, resources and experiences to the Murrow College community.

The Murrow Symposium Committee will share additional details of our plans for the Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Hall of Achievement ceremony, career coaching, faculty showcase and speaker engagements in the coming weeks. Sign up here to have event updates emailed to you directly.

In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and understanding.