Over 30 students from around the world are embarking on their Master of Journalism program at the School of Journalism, Writing, and Media.
The students were welcomed by director Kamal Al-Solaylee, faculty and staff at an orientation morning on September 3, which was buzzing with passion and purpose.
Day one orientation
Photo: Bismah Mughal
Director Kamal Al-Solaylee welcomes the new cohort
Photo: Alfred Hermida
The students are a global group
Photo: Alfred Hermida
The Masters program lasts two years
Photo: Bismah Mughal
Assistant professor Saranaz Barforoush
Photo: Alfred Hermida
Professor Mary Lynn
Photo: Bismah Mughal
Assistant professor Ori Tenenboim
Photo: Alfred Hermida
Students started classes straight away
Photo: Alfred Hermida
Professor Peter Klein
Photo: Alfred Hermida
Associate professor Kathryn Gretsinger
Photo: Bismah Mughal
Professor Alfred Hermida
Photo: Bismah Mughal
Students learn about required courses
Photo: Alfred Hermida
The class of 2026 includes students hailing from countries such as Syria, Turkey, South Sudan, Netherlands, Poland, India, and Pakistan. The cohort also boasts a rich academic and professional background, including degrees in disciplines like English, History, Political Science, Sociology, Filmmaking and more.
The students bring with them a wealth of global experiences and unique perspectives. Among them is Huma Javeed from Pakistan, who has lived and studied in Vermont, Costa Rica, and Spain, and Shae Ashcroft from Thunder Bay, who is passionate about increasing Indigenous and women’s representation in sports.
Others, like Shobana Shanmugasamy from India, who shifted from engineering to journalism, and Henna Mann from Abbotsford, who has a background in documentary filmmaking, illustrate the diverse paths that led them to journalism.
As they start their two-year academic journey, these new students will engage with a curriculum designed to equip them with critical skills and knowledge. Teaching started straight after orientation on Tuesday, with the foundation mandatory course, Integrated Journalism, holding its first class.
