Professor Mena is one of my favorite professors at UCSB so far. A 2 hour class can be boring, but Professor Mena makes it intriguing, fun, and gives you time to work on your project in class. He is very kind, understanding, personable, and willing to help. He really appreciates when students ask him questions. I highly recommend taking Writ 50!

Super interesting class with an amazing professor! Interesting, short readings every week and there are a few straightforward essays that don't take very long and are graded relatively easily. Professor Mena gives great feedback and is always willing to talk to help you with whatever you need, and I'd definitely recommend!

-Very reasonable and nice professor who graded very leniently with not a lot of work. -Does have an accent, and teaching style can be an acquired taste. Probably explains most of, if any, negative reviews here. -There are a good amount of group assignments and group participation during class. Make sure to participate, he'll notice.

Experienced professor who is knowledgable and passionate about journalism, constantly working to ensure his students' success. All the assignments are clearly meant to strengthen your abilities as a writer/journalist (no busywork). Always willing to help via email or office hours. The material I've learned has been extremely valuable. 10/10 prof!

Never take Mena. It was absolutely impossible to try and understand this guy. He just isn't a good teacher. Way too much meaningless talk, a very disorganized and convoluted grader. AVOID!

I don't write any ratemyprofessors reviews, but Professor Paul Mena is a blessing. Super flexible with deadlines, very fast to respond to emails, and is really passionate about digital journalism. Class was a mix of Zoom and in-person. I barely went to class but his grading was 3 easy assignments, alongside some discussions and hw, all online