Truth, accuracy, fairness and context will serve as the guiding principles for DePaul University’s new Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence. Beginning in April 2016, investigative political reporter Carol Marin and her producer, Don Moseley, will join DePaul as faculty in the College of Communication and co-directors of the new center.
Serving as a bridge between the academic and professional worlds, the center will provide students with further opportunities to gain real-world experience from experts in the field.
“DePaul has an opportunity to shape the next generation of journalists and media professionals with the highest standards of ethics and quality,” said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., president of DePaul University. “We are thrilled that the Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence will be led by two journalists who embody the ethical commitments we hope to teach.”
Working in close collaboration with DePaul’s journalism program, the center will be located on the 11th floor of the Richard M. and Maggie C. Daley Building in the College of Communication at 14 E. Jackson Blvd.
“As lifelong journalists, we love our work,” Marin said. “And we believe, as St. Vincent de Paul taught, that there is a mission in all that we do. In this case, the mission of this new center focuses on journalism practiced with integrity and excellence.”
Starting in the fall of 2016, the center will offer an investigative reporting course every quarter, taught by Marin and Moseley. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to investigative projects that will be shared across a range of media platforms.
“Beyond the nuts and bolts of learning to be a reporter, the center will focus on the ‘whys’ of journalism and the responsibilities of being a journalist,” Moseley said.
The College of Communication provides students with the latest tools and best practices in journalism; public relations and advertising; health communication; media studies; radio; television and film; relational, group and organizational communication; and culture and communication. With the heart of Chicago’s media market just steps away from the college, communication students learn in real-world settings through internships and service work.
“The center not only will further connect DePaul’s journalism program to the city of Chicago, it also will enhance real-world learning opportunities for our students,” DePaul Provost Marten denBoer said. “Carol Marin and Don Moseley will add to the great work already being done in the College of Communication.”
In addition to classes, activities in the new center will include an annual summit on journalism integrity and guest speakers. An advisory board comprised of DePaul faculty and external experts also will address how to promote journalism integrity.
“In the age of new media, promoting journalism integrity holds even greater importance than it did in the past,” said Salma Ghanem, dean of the College of Communication. “The Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence will be a terrific resource for our students, and we are honored to host it.”
While the center is a new addition to the College of Communication, Marin and Moseley have been working with students at the university since 2003 when they launched the DePaul Documentary Project. More than 50 DePaul students have interned with the team, working on broadcast and print projects. Many of those interns have gone on to work for such outlets as the Los Angeles Times, CNN, ESPN and NBC 5 Chicago. The DePaul Documentary Project will now become part of the new center.
“This new role allows us to keep mentoring our former interns, already working in the news business, while challenging new students to consider the ramifications of what they will face as young journalists,” Moseley said.
An investigative reporting team since 1980, Marin is the NBC 5 Chicago political editor, and Moseley is a producer. Marin also is a WTTW “Chicago Tonight” contributor. Recognition for their work includes two George Foster Peabody awards, two duPont-Columbia awards and two national Emmys. Both will continue their work in the journalism field while serving as faculty at DePaul.
“We are thrilled to expand our role with DePaul's great students, excellent faculty and staff,” Marin said. “It is an honor.”