Newhouse Summer Immersion in NYC

Course Overview

In this one-week course, students will be introduced to the mass media majors offered at the Newhouse School through immersive experiences with professionals in the world of digital and broadcast journalism; public relations; advertising; music; and photography television, radio, and film. The course will include class sessions, informal discussions, panel talks, and hands-on learning to provide real-world insight into the college majors and possible career paths beyond. Students will have the chance to meet and network with Newhouse alumni and staff and participate in a resume review, as well as learn more about the college application process. 

All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.

Learning Objectives

  • Demonstrate the ability to apply professional written and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work with others.
  • Identify creative and business trends in the communications industry and be able to discuss these trends with your peers and media professionals.
  • Apply news judgment to identify a story’s newsworthiness and angle.
  • Explain orally how media, newsgathering, and storytelling is evolving today.

Course Information

Course Prefix and Number: SCN 144

Format: On Location: Fisher Center, NYC (commuter, only)

Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school junior or senior status – or a 2025 high school graduate. Students must be able to commute to and from the Fisher Center location for class. 

Credit: Noncredit

Grading: Pass/Fail

Cost:

  • Commuter, only: $995

Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.

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Program Information

Summer College – On Location: Experience what college is really like in one of Syracuse University’s homes on the west or east coasts! 

Learn More About
Summer College – On Location

“I had the most amazing time this week networking, exploring the city, learning more about the
communication careers I’m interested in, and meeting new friends and potential future classmates!”

– Ava R., Summer College – On Location, 2023

Course Dates and Details

ProgramCourse DatesLocationClass Time (Eastern Time)Credit/Noncredit
Summer College – On Location1-Week Session:
Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 18, 2024		Fisher Center, New YorkMTWThF;
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.		Noncredit
Class times subject to change.

Course Requirements

Supplies

Students should budget for required textbooks and supplies.

Tentative Schedule

DAY 1: Monday, July 22 — 9:00am-4:00pm

  • 9-9:30am: Welcome Breakfast & Mingling
  • 9:30-10am: What You Need to Know for this Week — Intros, Tour of Fisher Center, Class Expectations
  • 10-11:15am: Storytelling Through Interviewing with Professor Rachel Chang
  • 11:30am-12pm: How to Pitch to Publications & Pitch Yourself with Professor Joanna Nikas (Deputy Style Editor, The Cut at NY Magazine)
  • 12-12:30pm: Story Ideas and Quick Pitches
  • 1:30-2:30pm: Networking Strategies with Michelle Hernández & Professor Rachel Chang
  • 3-4pm: “Music and Dating as a Career” Press Conference with Ilana Dunn (Host & Executive Producer of Seeing Other People)

DAY 2: Tuesday, July 23 — 9:00am-4:00pm

  • 9am-9:30am: Introduction to Journalism and Public Relations
  • 9:30-11am: Social Platforms, Processes & Perspectives & Create a Social Platform with Professor Danielle Noriega
  • 11:30-12:30am: Career Perspectives: Career Pathways from Newhouse with Annemarie Kropf (Producer, Travelzoo)
  • 1:30-2:45pm: Mini Course: Cultural Marketing Strategy with Javier Farfan (Strategist, NFL)
  • 3-4pm: Ins & Outs of Entertainment Journalism with Dana Falcone (Staff Writer, People)

DAY 3: Wednesday, July 24 — 9:00am-4:00pm

  • 9am-9:30am: Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations
  • 9:30-11am: Mini Course: Integrated Agency Life with Joanne Trout (COO, Omnicom)
  • 12-1pm: Public Relations Field Trip: DKC Visit hosted by Newhouse alum Firouz Saghri with Sean Brech and Daniel Beim
  • 2-2:45pm: Discussion: Media Hot Topics with Professor Rachel Chang
  • 3-4pm: Travel Writing: Spotlighting Syracuse with Professor Rachel Chang

DAY 4: Thursday, July 25 — 9:00am-4:00pm

  • 9am-9:30am: Introduction to TRF, Music and Visual Communications
  • 9:30-10:45am: Mini Course: Craft, Culture & Careers with Manashi Mukherjee (Director, Studio and Technical Operations, NBC)
  • 11-12:30pm: Reporting on the Streets of NYC
  • 1:30-2:30pm: What’s Your Story: Personal Essay Writing with Professor Rachel Chang
  • 2:45-4pm: Visual Communications Mini Course: The Power of Visual Communications & Phone Portraits with Wasim Ahmad

DAY 5: Friday, July 26 — 9:00am-4:00pm

  • 9-10am: Introduction & Personal Statements: Peer Critiques
  • 10:15-11am: How to Apply to Newhouse & Trivia with Christina Kinsey (Scholastic Engagement, Newhouse School)
  • 11:30-12:30pm: Newhouse & Newhouse NYC Recent Alumni Panel with:
  • 1:30-2:30pm: Everything You’ve Wanted to Ask About College Life with Current Newhouse Students with:
  • 2:45-3:45pm: Lecture & Discussion: How to Use What You Learned this Week to Excel in College with Professor Rachel Chan

Faculty Bios

Michelle Hernández

Michelle Hernández graduated from the Newhouse School where she majored in advertising with a minor in political science. She began her career as an associate buyer at Hill Holliday/Trilia Media, where she worked across a variety of clients and quickly grew into a media buyer role.

After three years in the industry, her passion for learning and helping others achieve their goals led her to Newhouse NYC, where she now serves as the program manager. In her free time, Michelle enjoys painting, studying new languages, testing out recipes and exploring her neighborhood.

Michelle lives in Brooklyn, but she will always consider Puerto Rico, where she was born and raised, her home.

Click here for additional faculty information.