What "Coffee With the Dean" looks like at Merrill

Students attending “Coffee With The Dean.” (Kate DeBlasis/UMD Philip Merrill College of Journalism.)

Journalism students attended “Coffee With The Dean” to talk with newly appointed Dean, Rafael Lorente, in Knight Hall on Nov. 7.

Lorente was named dean Apr. 20, 2023. He said he wants students to know they can talk to him, which led to his decision to set time aside for “Coffee With The Dean.”

Lorente set a relaxed vibe for students with coffee, tea and an assortment of pastries. He said there was no agenda for the event because he just wanted to talk with students. The dean displayed frequent smiles and was open to whatever students had to say.

“I want ‘Coffee With The Dean’ to be as informal and comfortable as possible,” said Lorente.

Daryl Perry, a senior journalism major and creative writing minor, petitioned for more photography classes and more professionals to learn from. Lorente replied that the administration is working to build more photography classes into the capstone as not many students want to take them.

Perry reflected on his appreciation of feature writing classes and advocated for the addition of more entertainment classes.

“I want this to be purposeful, so we have to make sure we have equipped staff members to do this,” Lorente said.

Lorente stated his plan is to utilize more entertainment in current courses until the department has the staff to add additional entertainment courses.

Joel Lev-Tov, a senior journalism major and Jewish studies minor, said they needed more guidance on how to cover trauma. They are a multimedia editor for Stories Beneath the Shell and a freelance writer. Lev-Tov covered the suicide that took place on campus a few weeks ago and said they did not know how to approach people on the subject initially.

Lorente took note of this request and said he would work on incorporating this training into the curriculum.

Lorente recommended that students utilize the data skills courses offered currently in the curriculum to ensure they become well rounded journalists. 

“Without revealing too much, I can say we have some really interesting AI proposals coming to help make us better.”

Lorente recognized society and journalism specifically are changing at high speeds, partially because of technological changes. He wants his students’ skill sets to be broad as a result of how much the world is changing.

“When the world changes, you adjust,” Lorente said.

Lorente wants to make himself more present by hosting “Coffee With The Dean” every two weeks next semester. He also said they are going to relaunch the dean’s advisory council next semester.

Lorente  hosted an ice cream social last week to get to know students and students to know their staff. He said he wants students to know professors outside of the ones that have taught them.

The dean concluded with an invitation for students to talk to him whenever without any hesitation even after they graduate.

Students can attend the next “Coffee With The Dean” on Dec. 6 in the Gaylord Library at 3:30 p.m.