Dear former student:

As you may know from my e-mail to you in March, I'm on sabbatical this semester to conduct reflective research on the impact of the course "Race and Racism in the News" that I've taught online since 1997. I've identified 285 former students, and you are one of them. Since my last e-mail, I've been in contact with around 40 alumni, but I still need additional feedback. I'm reaching out to you again about participating in an anonymous survey that will ascertain the lasting impact such an online race media course has had on your personal and work environments. I also plan to conduct face-to-face interviews with several interested former students.

I hope to survey a cross section of students from each of the 13 years. Those of you who took the course pre-Blackboard know there were a lot of challenges. Once we started using Blackboard we were presented with a new set of challenges. Among other things, I want to know how these technological changes impacted the course curriculum.

The survey will be short. Also your anonymous feedback will assist in my ongoing practice to update the course work. With your permission, I will acknowledge your contribution in any publications. As a "thank you," all survey participants will be entered into a drawing to win one of two $50 Visa gift cards.

Please confirm your interest in participating in the survey by Friday, April 29, by e-mailing racenews1997@gmail.com. I will contact you with more details. Don't hesitate to e-mail me with any questions or comments. Connect on Facebook by joining the "Race and Racism in the News" group.

Thank you in advance!

Professor Karen M. Turner
Department of Journalism
School of Communications and Theater
609-233-1735

P.S. Whether you participate or not, I always enjoy hearing from former students. Please let me know how and what you're doing.