The School of Communication
at University of Miami
an interview with Luis Herrera, Director of Student Services

Best Four Years (BFY): The School of Communication recently moved into the new $10 million Frances L. Wolfson Building. How has housing the school in one facility improved your ability to educate your students?

Luis: Moving into our new $10 million building has improved the education of our students in many ways. Having all the different majors together has created a synergy between all disciplines enabling students to make life-long contacts that may help them further their profession in later years. Also, they have the advantage of attending all their communication classes under one roof.

The School of Communication at the University of Miami boasts a new facility with state of the art equipment.

Students are offered a broad selection of majors that include: Advertising, Broadcasting, Communication Studies, Journalism, Media Management, Motion Pictures, Photography, and Public Relations.

(BFY): Briefly describe the types of equipment that students are using at the Wolfson building?

Luis: Our building houses several IBM and Macintosh computer labs, an animation studio, Avid editing suites, a broadcasting studio, and various film equipment (ranging from cameras to lights and sound gear), state-of-the-art computers and digital photography labs.

(BFY): Miami is offering a new major in media management. What types of jobs will this prepare students for? How is the curriculum tailored to this degree?

Luis: This is training and knowledge for media professionals. Media Management majors will be prepared to tackle all types of media situations. They will have the knowledge of both motion picture and video management and will become the people who will run the studios.

(BFY): Are there any special requirements for getting involved in your cable TV shows and WVUM-FM radio station?

Luis: Both the cable TV studios and our WVUM radio station are on a volunteer basis. There is a general meeting at the beginning of each semester for students to attend and become involved in our volunteer cable TV and WVUM-FM stations.