The School of Journalism sponsors several student organizations, including chapters of national organizations. Our diverse student organizations give aspiring journalists opportunities to learn, create and socialize with fellow students. Additionally, our students gain knowledge about their future profession through hosting guest speakers, social events and hands-on experience.
The officers of these organizations do all of the footwork for bringing in guest speakers; these events are open to the public and university. The organizations also host social events that foster communication with other students who share their specific interests. Meeting times listed below are subject to change. Please check the website listed or contact the advisor for any changes in meeting times or information about upcoming events.
Asian American Journalist Association (AAJA)
The Asian American Journalist Association (AAJA) chapter at UT aims to empower fellow Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students into the medium of journalism/media-oriented careers. This organization dives deep into the discussion of how our unique identities intersect in our daily work as journalists of color while providing a space of community and solidarity. AAJA is open to anyone joining and is not exclusive to just Journalism majors!
Contact: Hillary Ma mahil0711@utexas.edu
Instagram: @ut_aaja
Twitter: @ut_aaja
Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/ut-aaja/shared_invite/zt-rl71tw50-R7KOO1R_C32Zzz0U3sRWxA
Journalism Graduate Student Council (JGSC)
The Journalism Graduate Student Council (JGSC) is the official representative body for Journalism and Media graduate students. JGSC addresses issues that are important to its constituents, not only as students but also as teaching assistants, research assistants, and assistant instructors. The objectives of JGSC are to represent the views of Journalism graduate students to the University community and the community at large; to facilitate graduate student communication and interaction; to gather and disseminate information pertinent to Journalism graduate students; and to conduct activities that promote the general welfare of Journalism graduate students.
Chair: Joao Vicente Seno Ozawa j.ozawa@utexas.edu
Kappa Tau Alpha (KTA)
Kappa Tau Alpha (KTA) is a college honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication. Membership must be earned through excellence in academic work at one of the colleges and universities that have chapters. Selection for membership is a mark of highest distinction and honor. Membership is by invitation only.
National Press Photographers Association at UT, student chapter
The National Press Photographers Association was founded in 1946 to be a voice for news photographers. Today the NPPA is the principal professional organization representing staff and freelance visual journalists. NPPA supports professional training and development of photographers and videographers hosting conferences, workshops, and contests. The organization advocates for the legal rights of visual journalists--upholding First Amendment access, copyright, access and credentialing and legal cases that affect the ability to record events and issues of public interest.
Membership in the umbrella student organization—the HornsLinked NPPA student organization at UT is open without cost to any UT enrolled students and staff who have an interest in visual storytelling and documentary photography or videography and wish to develop their storytelling skills in a collaborative group setting. In addition, students aspiring to careers in visual storytelling in news or documentary are eligible to enroll as dues-paying members of the student chapter of the NPPA. All such members receive a monthly copy of News Photographer magazine, The Best of Photojournalism Yearbook and access to the Job Information Bank, information about internships, opportunities for mentorship by professional members, and discounts on all NPPA programs as well as eligibility to enter all NPPA contests.
Faculty Advising: Donna De Cesare, co-advisors Eli Reed, Nuri Valbona
Email: NPPAatUT@gmail.com
ORANGE Magazine
ORANGE, UT's student magazine, gives students a hands-on approach to magazine publication. Created during the 1990s with the help of a past journalism lecturer, ORANGE Magazine is today a student-run platform which has expanded to include other forms of art, design and expression. Through our digital content, they aim to engage students at the University of Texas at Austin and the surrounding community to proudly recognize their local roots. They amplify diverse student experiences and intersectional thinking, with a focus on social justice and reform.
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), Austin Chapter
The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. The organization is the nation's largest and most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.
Joining the SPJ Austin Student Chapter gives students opportunities to deepen their journalistic knowledge outside of the classroom, connect with professionals in the industry, and attend various events. The SPJ Austin Student Chapter is a Registered Student Organization at the University of Texas at Austin. For more information about the national organization, visit www.spj.org.
UT National Association of Black Journalists (UT-NABJ)
UT-NABJ works to promote diversity in the media and strengthen ties among black journalists. Meetings consist of guests who are media professionals, events and workshops dedicated to building strong journalistic and career skills, visits from career recruiters and tours of local newspapers, TV and radio stations and other professional media spaces. UT-NABJ also provides members with internship, fellowship and job opportunities, as well as scholarship opportunities. Past and present members have built a network of talented, young journalists dedicated to their craft and to helping the next person behind them be successful. This organization is open to students of all majors and all backgrounds.
UT National Association of Hispanic Journalists (UTHJ)
UTHJ aims to organize and provide mutual support for Hispanic student journalists and those interested in Hispanic issues in English, Spanish and bilingual media. Members participate in a mentorship program with communication professionals, internships, multimedia workshops, professional development and have the opportunity of publishing their work on UTHJ's website. UTHJ organizes fundraising activities to send members to the National Association of Hispanic Journalist convention during the summer, a weeklong opportunity of journalistic workshops and networking with the field's most influential journalists.