OCTOBER 8, 2025 • VOLUME 96 • ISSUE 6
The official student newspaper of Quinnipiac University since 1929
‘It's not really where we see the future of our department going’
TYLER MIGNAULT/CHRONICLE
Master's of Science in Journalism to see its final graduating class, cites low enrollment By MADELYN DURKEE Staff Writer
Earlier this year students in the 3+1 Journalism program heard a rumor that Quinnipiac University decided to end the journalism graduate program. This comes after School of Communications Dean Nadine Barnett Cosby joined the university in 2024 and reimagined all programs within the School of Communications last year. “At this time, no decision has been made regarding the future of the graduate journalism program,” John Morgan, associate vice president for public relations, wrote in a statement
to The Chronicle. “Any potential changes to academic programs undergo a thorough and deliberate review process through the appropriate university governance channels. Should a decision be made about the program, the program ‘teach out’ plan would allow all students enrolled in the program to complete their degree. The university would also make a formal announcement of any such change.” However, The Chronicle can confirm plans to end the journalism graduate program have been put in motion. The master’s in sport journalism
along with all other communications graduate programs will continue and there are no plans to sunset the Bachelor’s of Journalism. The final decision was made about a week ago when 3+1 and 4+1 senior students and their advisors were notified the program would not continue before the registration period begins. A formal announcement is yet to be made. “It kind of made my stomach drop when I saw the email,” senior in 3+1 journalism undergraduate program Amanda Dronzek said. Those students will be expected to move
to the Master’s in sports journalism and media program or another program within the School of Communications. “Last year we made some major changes to the undergraduate journalism curriculum and the masters in sports journalism curriculum,” Ben Bogardus, professor and chair of the journalism department said. He hopes to use the new curriculum to shape the department into a unique opportunity for stuSee JOURNALISM Page 2
Students and professors reflect on Quinnipiac's switch from Blackboard to Canvas By NATHAN ROJAS Staff Writer
Quinnipiac University began the switch from Blackboard, its previous learning management system (LMS), to Canvas, over the summer of the 2025-26 academic year. This decision was first announced in January of 2025. However this switch has only been part way, with some of Quinnipiac’s schools still using Blackboard. This inconsistency has resulted in some classes being on Canvas and some still on Blackboard, impacting professors and students. While some have found the switch to be a
challenge, many began to favor Canvas. Antoaneta Vanc, public relations and public diplomacy program advisor, has been working with Blackboard since they began working at Quinnipiac in 2009. “It’s been a positive change,” Vanc said. “Canvas is easier to navigate, so organizing class materials and communicating with students feels straightforward” Justin Kile, professor of industrial engineering, echoed Vanc’s sentiment. “Overall, I see Canvas as being a better platform for both students and faculty,” Kile said. Many professors find Canvas’ additional features useful.
“I think Canvas, when it comes down to it, has a little bit more to offer,” Katie Place, professor of public relations said. “It provides more tools and organizational features that are going to benefit us.” Kile agreed with this sentiment. “The interface from the faculty side seems more intuitive and less time consuming,” Kile said. Some of these features include a student’s view, allowing professors to see what students see. Additionally, the “modules” feature has helped professors remain organized. “It’s kind of like a one stop shop each week,” Place said. Unlike Blackboard, Canvas is fully com-
OPINION
ARTS & LIFE
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patible with mobile devices, supporting its own mobile app. Michael Vieth, senior teaching instructor in the department of biological sciences, said, “It is the little things that I do not think about… but it has made the cognitive load a little lighter.” One aspect of the change that has impacted both students and faculty is the learning curve Canvas presents. Many professors have been using Blackboard for their entire career at Quinnipiac. See CANVAS Page 3
SPORTS
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IN THIS ISSUE The Government has shut down, now what?
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