Reviews of professor Betsy O'Donovan

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Professor O'D is an all-around great person and fun to have in class. She's always willing to schedule meetings to talk about stories or class progress. Feature writing has been one of the toughest classes I have taken; however, by the end of it, I've learned so much and I feel more equipped to write features.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
No attendance but there's a quiz in almost every class. Lots of chances to get points but hard grader.

Rating: 1.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Nothing was ever explained you just had to figure out how reporting and submitting stories worked on you own. And for a professor in a field that's all about precise language, Betsy sure knows how to talk a lot and say very little. The level of disorganization was so stressful. This class was so terrible it made me consider changing my major.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
The Front is hard but extremely rewarding. I enjoyed it more as an editor, but Betsy is supportive and insightful no matter what role you're in. The key is to not get behind, double-check your work and ask for help whenever you need it. You can get through The Front and have a good time, but you've got to put the work in.

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Whether you're taking The Front as a reporter or an editor you can expect to work hard throughout the quarter. Being an editor was less stressful than reporting , and Betsy was equally supportive/engaging. If you stay on top of your work, ask good questions and get engaged in class you'll survive this class. Slacking off really isn't an option!

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Betsy is scarily intimidating at first, but that's only because she seriously knows her stuff. She's really dedicated to her students and the work they do so she is an excellent resource for all journalism classes. The class is basically a quarter long group project, so stay on top of your work and communicate if you're having problems.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Betsy is one of my favorite professors in Western's journalism department. Feature writing was challenging but fun. Lots of reading and deadlines approach fast, but as long as you stay on task and start sourcing ASAP you will do fine. The first four stories are graded based on a complete/incomplete basis. Betsy is willing to work with students!

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Betsy is the absolute best. Hard-working, accessible, kind and funny, she's training people to be the most skilled journalists they can be. Her hard work shows. You'll work hard in her classes, but will learn SO much.

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 5.0/5
The Front throws you into real reporting in a way that is stressful but ultimately essential for building your skills as a journalist. Betsy listens to her students and genuinely wants you to succeed and grow, but you NEED to put real effort into this class. 3 pitches and 1 story due per week and a cover letter midterm + resume final.