YCP Communication & Writing

09/10/2026

“I would tell you a good bucket list item for me right now, truly, is coming in here, doing this work, doing it because this is my alma mater; I care about it. This might be my way to contribute and start a pipeline of students that I have, who do exceptionally well–who are deserving of opportunities in newsrooms. Perhaps I can create that pipeline, and they’ll find a love for it like I did,” James Tully said.

Former Mass Communications undergraduate, James Tully, has had an active career since his time at York College.

From Harrisburg to Florida, and back to York, Tully has won a local news Emmy for best anchor and is nominated again this year for a story that he worked on with his photographer, Nick Waldner, about “the train collector.”

Outside of work, Tully enjoys skydiving (he has gone twice), roller coasters, and was even lucky enough to fly with the Blue Angels–a highly skilled group of pilots who do stunts and tricks all around the country. The Blue Angels even “ruined roller coasters” for Tully.

When looking back at his undergraduate classes, he remarks that “I know what I needed to know, and I know what I did not.” In other words, Tully is aware of what the college taught him that was essential to his career, and knows what he can add to help students be successful in the industry.

09/08/2026

Over the summer, Dr. Zerbe published "Empirical Writing Assessment and the Identity Crisis in Science" in Composition Studies, a highly regarded journal in Rhetoric and Composition (often called Writing Studies).

This article focuses on the assessment of student writing. A process involving what students are able to learn and their proficiency in writing rather than a grade that may also involve attendance, participation, etc.

“As an empirical process, writing assessment follows the scientific method. It is the subject of a lot of research. My main area of research is the rhetoric of science and medicine, but I also have a lot of experience with assessment, most of which comes from my three stints as the FCO coordinator (which Dr. Peck is doing currently). This article combines these two areas: assessment and the rhetoric of science. My main argument is that assessment researchers and practitioners are not up to speed on major discussions and developments in the sciences that potentially have enormous consequences for how science is perceived and practiced. Specifically, some scientists are questioning the validity and reliability of a lot of scientific research. I call these discussions and developments an "identity crisis."’ -Dr. Zerbe

09/03/2026

Seeing some familiar faces in the Writing Center this year!

Meet our writing tutors! We can help at any stage of the writing process—from understanding the assignment and brainstorming ideas to revising, grammar, and citation help.

✨ Our goal is to help you build confidence and achieve success in your writing, whether you’re working on a short response or a major project.

Connect with our Writing Tutors through WConline. Simply navigate to the schedule you need—Drop-Off Essay Review or Writing Tutoring (In Person & Google Meets)—to check availability and book your appointment.

Left to right: Lara, Fernando, Angelina, Ashley, Autumn, Ariana, Ashlynn, Elena, Alexis, and Maia!

09/02/2026

Congratulations to Marcos (Mass Communication major) on being a finalist for College Broadcasters, Inc (CBI) with their video poem titled “Far From Home.”

This year’s competition featured over 940 submissions across 41 categories. The winner will be announced in October. Wish Marcos some luck! 🍀

08/28/2026

Check out what Professional Writing major Maddie French has been up to in York, England!

08/18/2026

Marcos Repolle (Film & Media Arts '25) Reflects on Creative Growth as Powder Mill Foundation Arts Fellowship Concludes

As his time as the York College Powder Mill Foundation Arts Fellow draws to a close, filmmaker Marcos Repolle ‘25 is preparing to hand off the torch to the next fellow. Designed to bridge the gap between graduation and a professional creative career, the Powder Mill Foundation Arts Fellowship provides York College graduates with the space, time, and resources needed to expand their portfolios while actively engaging with the local creative community.

Read the entire story here: https://www.ycp.edu/news/marcos-repolle-reflects-creative-growth-powder-mill-foundation-arts-fellowship-concludes

08/13/2026

Congratulations to our students and faculty in the Mass Communication and Film and Media Arts programs on receiving three Broadcast Educator Association Awards!

08/05/2026

Collaboration in Motion: What’s Next for The Uninvited Guests?

When you hear “invasive species in York County”, what comes to mind?

While your first thought may have been an insect, like the spotted lanternfly or the marmorated stinkbug, there are actually 140 species of invasive plants in Pennsylvania alone. Despite looking like common flora, many of these invasive plant species are incredibly harmful to the natural environment. “Some of these invasive species can be quite aggressive, and they are displacing natural habitats,” explained Professor AnaLu MacVean (Environmental Horticulture) in her short documentary The Uninvited Guests. “The public needs to know.”

Created alongside Professor Emily Rund (Film and Media Arts), the film aimed to educate the general public about many invasive plant species found in York County. Following its premiere at the Celebration of Collaboration event on April 16th, 2026, we’re reconnecting with Professors MacVean and Rund to reflect on The Uninvited Guests. We take a look back at the film’s creation, its future, and the unique cross-disciplinary partnership that brought together 20 students from two very different programs.

You can read the entire article here: https://www.ycp.edu/news/collaboration-motion-whats-next-uninvited-guests

You can watch the documentary here: https://youtu.be/Or3kaXzHPm8?si=jwPS-eFMGURmezoE

08/04/2026

Come celebrate 50 years of WVYC York College of PA with us!

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, October 3, 2026 • 6-8:00 p.m.
Let's celebrate 50 years of WVYC York College of PA
Alumni Hall, West Campus Community Center
York College of Pennsylvania

07/02/2026

YCongratulations to Professor Emily Rund's and her Mass Communication students on their short documentary "The Uninvited Guests"

This film was created through interdisciplinary collaboration between
Professor AnaLu MacVean's Environmental Horticulture Plant Taxonomy class & Emily Rund's Documentary Filmmaking class

You can watch it on the department's Youtube channel here:

This film was created through interdisciplinary collaboration betwe...