Come August, journalism students will have another reason to be familiar with their college besides grades.
The University Athletic Association is partnering with the College of Journalism and Communications by moving its GatorVision facility into Weimer Hall.
The new facility will include editing and office spaces that could offer the college's broadcasting students work experience and resume fillers, said Jerry Wetzel, director of electronic media for UAA.
GatorVision, the radio and television arm of the athletic department, produces TV shows, oversees GatorZone.com and streams live sports-related events online.
"It creates synergy between the UAA and the college, which is going to be a positive move for getting students involved in sports broadcasting," Wetzel said.
GatorVision had been looking for a better office space and learning environment for a number of years, Wetzel said, before considering Weimer Hall.
"It just made sense," he said.
GatorVision will focus on the introduction of high-definition, non-linear and tapeless technologies into the new space so students are better able to keep up with the industry.
"This collaboration dramatically enhances our ability to deliver high quality multimedia productions for Gator athletics, while also serving as a significant educational opportunity for University of Florida students," said Jeremy Foley, director of athletics, in a press release.
UAA will staff office spaces and editing areas where Wetzel said mass communication students can learn about editing, reporting and creating broadcast stories, which can be used for building their resumes.
UAA will foot the $450,000-bill to cover integration and move-in, set to be complete by Aug. 15, although Wetzel is unsure when it will be open for use.
"It depends on when we get the furniture in," he said.
