Creation and development of the student media community at the University: problems, mechanisms and prospects (using the example of the Polymer Media Center of SPbPU)

Abstract

The article addresses the topical issue of the creation and functioning of student media centers within the structure of a modern university. The aim of the study is to analyze the practical experience of forming the «Polymer» media community at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, to identify key problems in managing student activism, and to determine promising development directions. The methodological basis includes a systematic analysis of the organizational structure, observation of internal processes, and evaluation of quantitative indicators of student engagement. As a result, the study presents a model for creating a media center «from below» with the support of the university's press service, describes mechanisms for solving problems of participant motivation, staff turnover, and building internal communications through project activities and informal practices. The role of interaction with external structures, such as the Student Media Center of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, in the professional development of students is shown. It is concluded that the student media center acts not only as a tool for promoting the university but also as an effective hybrid platform for developing soft and professional competencies, contributing to the career start of graduates.