Current view of SXU’s TV Studio The Xavierite
Do you know where the Student Media Center is located on Saint Xavier’s campus? If you asked every student on campus that question, a handful of them could tell you where it is. The news of a television studio being created in the Student Media Center has turned some heads, especially for the Xavierite Editorial Board.
Earlier this semester, a project was set in motion. Saint Xavier is funding the production of a television studio. The closest thing to a television studio that this school offers is the CDAT. Although it is more of a use for more formal productions like newscasts, some items and props in there are more creative than anything. We think that this is an opportunity for Art and Communication majors to shine.
“I am aware of SXU’s [Communication] and Art departments’ own plenty of technology to give a hands-on experience to students. It helps those who want to go into the production business,” explained a member of the editorial board..
SXU is more oriented toward majors that fall under nursing, business, education, and science. The board agrees that majors like Art and Communication get left behind because of how high the demand is for the other majors, meaning they get less funding. With this project, the students who want to pursue entertainment through production will have the ability to get the practice they need. With the major of film production not being available anymore, SXU needs this.
The Student Media Center is located at the very back of campus, which is why most students do not know of its existence. Aside from Human Resources and Public Safety, there’s not a lot that brings people to the back half of campus. Ever since the news of this project, many highly expected that it will bring people back to the back half of campus.
“I believe that a [television studio] would be a magnet…it’s worth every moment of the exploration of tech,” mentioned a board member..
A few questions raised our minds: Who is allowed access to the studio, and should anyone be allowed to use something like this?
Another editorial board member shared, “I think anyone who is in or shows genuine interest in joining student media should have access to the TV Studio.”The one main issue with letting anyone use it is monitoring and managing the space. There should be some sort of system that allows everyone to use it, yet be manageable. Things like these should be private to an extent because you don’t want something too accessible. Speaking of which, there are many cameras, props, computers, and other expensive equipment in the studio. You wouldn’t want something to get stolen.
There should be a certain time frame where the studio is open and when it closes, just like every other building on campus aside from the dorms. On top of that, it should be accessed by keycard for safety reasons. Another solution to ensure the studio isn’t being hogged by someone, there should be something where people can reserve times to use the studio.
“Something like a sheet for students to write down when they would like to use the space. By doing this, it will protect students as well as the technology,” stated a board member.
The Xavierite is located within the Student Media Center, students are a part of the Xavierite, and WXAV students see the production of this on a semi-daily basis. These students have conversed about this project and seen the progression from a lecture room renovated to where it is now. Most of the students are eager to utilize their creative minds and use the studio.
One board member added, “I could see myself using the TV Studio…I don’t know how to use the technology well, but I would like to play around with it and learn more about how to use it.”The way that this studio can teach and influence makes this project even more beneficial and worth the money. It is good to see SXU using its money to benefit students’ education and experience, especially for student media.
“Since student media isn’t heavily funded by the university. I see no problem with a TV Studio being funded,” explained a board member.
In all, this TV Studio is exactly what not only the Student Media Center needed but also the student body. The benefits of teaching students how to use video production/editing technology are vital, and it’s a fun thing to play with.