Member of the Month

At the end of September, we'll able to choose our first Member of the Month! SPJ officers will select this member based on our new point system. Members earn points by attending meetings, helping out at events, etc. The Member of the Month will be featured here. Stay tuned to see if it's you!

The Next Meeting

Our first meeting will be held early on in fall semester. Look out for our posters! We'll be tabling before the meeting. Look forward to seeing you there!

Our Chapter

SPJ members participate in a mock protest to promote the First Amendment Free Food Festival held annually.

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation's most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. The University of Florida chapter provides opportunities to student members to further their knowledge of the journalism world in order to enhance their professional careers. Meeting topics can range from ethics and media law to multimedia skills and resume workshops. UF SPJ also offers social events that allow networking with other students and professionals in the field of journalism. The chapter also focuses on helping the surrounding community through service projects and fundraisers. We were recently named the Outstanding Campus Chapter of the Year for 2009. A big thanks to everyone who made this possible!

UF spokesman Steve Orlando speaking at an SPJ meeting.

Why You Should Join

SPJ is composed of many prominent members in the journalism community and is the nation's premier networking organization for journalists. Among other great benefits, SPJ offers scholarships, grants, an internship and job listing and a legal defense fund for journalists who need legal representation in the courses of their careers. SPJ gives its members a well-rounded understanding of the world of journalism and is a great complement to any student's journalism education. On a local level, our chapter makes sure to line up several speakers who are not only knowledgeable about various journalism topics, but are also experienced in the field and have a wealth of advice to offer. SPJ members playing a special SPJ-version of poker at our Ethics Hold'em event. We’re also active in trying to promote journalistic values and informing the people about their rights. Members get to know each other through our many club events, and we also offer socials throughout the year. Joining SPJ allows you to learn all about journalism and make friends along the way.

Our Mission

The Society of Professional Journalists is dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty. SPJ lobbies politicians and the government in the interests of the nation's press and empowers you the opportunity to truly make a difference in the journalism community.