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College of San Mateo Cuts Journalism Program

The popular program is being cut following a decision by the administration to cancel its fall journalism classes

Journalism students at the College of San Mateo are in for a nasty surprise as the popular program, led by Professor Ed Remitz, is being cut.

The program emphasizes practical journalism skills, with many of its students working for the San Matean, a publication released twice per month.

California’s Community Colleges have undergone significant budget cutbacks in recent years due to declining funds from the state government.

San Mateo County Spokesperson Marshall Wilson released the following statement on behalf of the San Francisco Peninsula Press Club:

"The College of San Mateo has run an excellent journalism program for many years and it is extremely unfortunate that classes were canceled. Journalism teaches students to ask tough questions and to dig into important issues. Journalism also teaches students the craft of writing, an extremely important skill in this information age. All public institutions are facing difficult decisions due to budget constraints.

On behalf of the San Francisco Peninsula Press Club, I have asked to meet with officials from the College of San Mateo to discuss the reasons for canceling the journalism classes and to offer our assistance in reviving the journalism program or continuing journalism education at CSM and the publication of The San Matean as a club activity."

The Office of the President at the College of San Mateo could not be reached for comment on this story.

Peter Carey August 17, 2012 at 11:31 am
Not a good sign.
Lionel Emde August 17, 2012 at 12:02 pm
Yeah, you wouldn't want young reporters-to-be to start learning critical thinking skills - they might start reporting on the college district's board meetings!
Gary Graham August 17, 2012 at 01:15 pm
College of San Mateo should reinstate their journalism class. We are assaulted daily with all sorts of claims on topics from politics to health and our first line of defense in sorting out the truth is often a good, unbiased report in a local newspaper,tv, or radio station. A good, current example of reporting would be the Soledad O'Brien interview with John Sununu on CNN.
Jamie White (Editor) August 17, 2012 at 02:51 pm
To cut an entire program like this, especially where Ed Remitz and his students have turned out such outstanding work through the years is terrible. I can see having to cut a class here and there but an entire program - not just because it's journalism, but a whole program where people are learning vital career and life skills?! I really hope CSM reconsiders.
Harry E. Smith August 17, 2012 at 11:55 pm
Wow, the journalism students and their newspaper are honored just this past November, and just like that--it's all gone. Maybe we need to remove some ignorant administrators, and with their salaries, re-instate the program. Journalism is just as important to a free press society as all the other career programs offered at our JCs. Get with what's right school board/administration!!!!!
Phyllis McArthur August 17, 2012 at 11:57 pm
I'm very disapointed, it (was) a great program, yet now it's gone.
Rick Eymer August 18, 2012 at 03:56 am
The College of San Mateo journalism department was where I found my calling. I covered student government there when it meant something and we hosted congressional, state senate and assemblymen candidates. There was huge involvement from all the students at the time, and many vibrant discussions taking place in the cafeteria. I also covered my first sporting event while at CSM, which turned into a career. Funny how things come full circle. It is a shame a great program like this has to be cut.
Mary McLinden August 19, 2012 at 05:24 pm
Sad... at a time when we need to be improving students' writing skills, a program like this has to be cut.
Andrew Peceimer August 19, 2012 at 05:41 pm
WAKE UP PEOPLE...You need to follow the money....adminstrators and teachers salaries with benefits and skyhigh penisions equals the youner generations not having the same opportunities. It is not the 1% that is hurting us, it is the public employees union contracts.
Lionel Emde August 19, 2012 at 07:50 pm
"Funny how things come full circle. It is a shame a great program like this has to be cut."
It's a choice by the administration, not necessarily a "has to be..." If the priority was training journalists, and critical thinkers, the program wouldn't be cut.
Justin August 19, 2012 at 10:44 pm
Andrew--you forgot to blame police and firefighters as well!
Andrew Peceimer August 20, 2012 at 12:03 am
Justin, sounds like you checked the penisons and salaries...LOL
Andrew Peceimer August 20, 2012 at 12:06 am
Who needs Journalism classes when we have a new track and field?
Justin August 20, 2012 at 12:10 am
LOL Yeah I figure why stop at administrators and teachers. Fire and Police can retire at 50 years old. I haven't met any 50 year old retired teachers.
Andrew Peceimer August 20, 2012 at 12:20 am
Justin,
Check out the following website to understand why the public retirment system is unstainable. http://www.sacbee.com/2011/06/26/3727843/six-figure-pensions-soar-for-california.html
Andrew Peceimer August 20, 2012 at 12:23 am
Justin,
Check out the following website to understand why the public retirement system is unsustainable. http://www.sacbee.com/2011/06/26/3727843/six-figure-pensions-soar-for-california.html
Do Nothing School Admin August 20, 2012 at 12:41 am
Obama's fault. Impeach him!

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Marc Gottlieb June 2, 2013 at 03:53 pm
PS: Ideally, everybody will be able to sign up at the college website. But I have to acknowledgeRead More that some of the language may not be perfectly as clear as we'd like, especially if this is your first enrollment. So, if you need any assistance (or maybe aren't computer-savvy) the very nice Registrar Office people can assist you on 650/574-6165. Just tell them you want to sign up for Summer semester, Real Estate Practice 110 class, Course Reference number 54642 and that you'd like to complete the enrollment today. You'll like the class once we get you in! Thank you!
Marc Gottlieb June 2, 2013 at 06:25 pm
PS: Ideally, everybody will be able to sign up at the college website. But I have to acknowledgeRead More that some of the language may not be perfectly as clear as we'd like, especially if this is your first enrollment. So, if you need any assistance (or maybe aren't computer-savvy) the very nice Registrar Office people can assist you on 650/574-6165. Just tell them you want to sign up for Summer semester, Real Estate Practice 110 class, Course Reference number 54642 and that you'd like to complete the enrollment today. You'll like the class... and CSM... once we get you in! ALL WELCOME! Thank you!
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