HARTFORD, Conn. - In conjunction with the Basketball Tip-Off on Wednesday, October 28, America East Commissioner Patrick Nero and Associate Commissioner of Compliance Brian Barrio led a student media forum at the Connecticut State Capitol.

Dedicated to developing champions in not only athletics, but also in academics and leadership, the America East Conference covered travel expenses for student media from member schools to attend the Basketball Tip-Off.

During the day, students from both print and digital media got to experience media day, interview coaches and attend a special forum. Nero and Barrio led a discussion during the forum on issues concerning collegiate athletics on a national and conference level. Topics ranged from the impact of the fiscal crisis on college athletics to the image and brand of America East. Members of the student media also discussed issues surrounding new media, including the role of campus reporters in the Internet age.