The Faces Behind the Magazine

By Jesse Collin

In a small room tucked in the back corner of the Carolina Coliseum, students are frantically chattering about page designs and color schemes. Throughout the spring semester, 19 juniors, seniors and graduate students came together to produce InterCom, the alumni magazine for the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies. InterCom is designed to keep the college’s family of alumni, faculty and students informed about current events within the college.

The publication design class, taught by Lisa Sisk, functions much like a professional newsroom. Each class session begins with a round table discussion, where students share their progress, opinions and ideas with one another. They have assigned stories, conduct interviews, locate sources, and have strict deadlines. Students are also responsible for the layout, photography and illustrations included in the production of the magazine.
Students regard the responsibility of creating the magazine as a privilege. Throughout the semester, they connect with faculty and alumni, building relationships while learning about the past, present and future of the college.

“In many larger classes you can fade into the background. This class is special because it really makes you reach out and get to know the professors,” said fourth-year public relations major Donnica Smalls. Producing InterCom provides a unique opportunity for students to use a wide variety of skills and gain practical, hands-on experience working as members of a media team.

"I really enjoyed writing something I knew would be published and read," said fourth-year mass communications major Charlotte Bishop. "I love that the class works like a professional organization. Professor Sisk feels more like an editor than an instructor, and this freedom really helped me prepare myself for the business world."
InterCom is now more accessible and convenient than ever. In addition to the print version, InterCom is also available at any time on the web at intercom.sc.edu.