Our Community

The UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media recognizes our leadership role in the University, academia and our professions. We are committed to fostering a school community that welcomes and respects people from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives as we fulfill our teaching, research and service missions among faculty, staff, students and citizens of North Carolina. 

The mission of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media is to prepare students to ignite the public conversation in our state, the nation and the world, and to understand the role of communication in fostering democracy.

Because meaningful and productive public conversation depends on the inclusion of a wide range of perspectives, the school is committed to providing an environment for teaching, learning and research that includes individuals with diverse backgrounds, interests and goals; and that supports intellectual inquiry, dialogue and opportunities for lifelong learning and growth necessary to successfully engage in public conversation in a global marketplace of ideas.

Our commitment is rooted in the knowledge that a strong community with a rich variety of perspectives benefits all faculty, staff, students and alumni who engage with the school’s mission. Among UNC Hussman’s goals and strategies to strengthen community are:

• Create and maintain an environment that promotes civic participation, values understanding of each other’s backgrounds and experiences, and practices inclusion of all individuals.
• Create and maintain a climate that offers equality of opportunities and plurality of thought and that supports the First Amendment’s commitment to the marketplace of ideas.
• Provide classrooms that are and remain accessible to all students and faculty.

ABIDE Committee

The school’s ABIDE (Access, Belonging, Inclusion, Dignity, and Excellence) Committee was reframed in 2024 in compliance with UNC System policy 300.8.5 to focus on student success and employee wellbeing for our entire UNC Hussman school community.

ABIDE is critical in implementing initiatives designed to foster an inclusive learning environment and cultivate student leadership skills. ABIDE collaborates closely with faculty, staff and student organizations to enhance the educational experience for all students and ensure that all students have equitable access to opportunities for engagement and development — and plays a pivotal role in creating a supportive network that empowers all students to thrive both academically and personally.

ABIDE also manages and leads employee wellness, engagement, recognition and professional development initiatives for the school. Through a broad range of programs to foster community, assess and improve workplace culture, and support work-life integration, ABIDE works towards the goal of ensuring that all employees feel valued and empowered.