STUDENT MEDIA COMMITTEE GOVERNING DOCUMENT

Transcription

1 STUDENT MEDIA COMMITTEE GOVERNING DOCUMENT Preamble The Student Media Committee (SMC) is an administrative advisory committee annually appointed by the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. The role of SMC is to assist each of the recognized student media organizations in its efforts to meet the University community s wish to keep abreast of what is occurring within and without that community, to provide opportunities for media experience in an educational setting, and to offer students business and other educational experiences. This document defines the scope and duties of the SMC in light of this role. It is designed to assist the recognized student media organizations to effectively conduct their business and media responsibilities, to contribute to how students learn to gather and disseminate information Youngstown State University, and to enhance the educational value for student staff members of each organization. Freedom of the Press Students are protected in their exercise of freedom of expression by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the state of Ohio and by past-practice at Youngstown State University. Accordingly, student media staff may report and editorialize about divisive and critical events in the University, community, nation, and world. However, the student media staff must observe the same legal responsibilities imposed upon conventional news media. Thus each of the recognized student media organizations must strive to avoid expressions which: (1) are coarse, vulgar or obscene, according to current legal definitions; (2) are libelous or slanderous. according to current legal definitions. Advisers to Recognized Student Media Each year, chairs of the appropriate departments in accordance with department governance documents appoint faculty and/or staff to serve as adviser(s) to the recognized student media organizations. The adviser has the responsibility to guide students to an understanding of the nature, functions, and ethics of the student media, and to provide instruction that will result in a better media organization. In addition, the adviser should be available to counsel student staff members, provide advice when appropriate, and serve as liaison with the office of the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the Student Media Committee.

2 Leaders and Staff of Recognized Student Media During the spring semester, student staff to each of the recognized student media organizations are appointed for the upcoming year by the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences upon the recommendation of the Student Media Committee. The term of an appointment is typically one academic year. SMC Membership The voting membership of the SMC shall consist of at least two (2) faculty members, at least one (1) student,at least (2) YSU non-faculty employeesand at least two (2) community representatives. A chair will be appointed by the dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences and will be a nonvoting member except in instances of a tie vote. Faculty members interested in membership are solicited each year via portal announcement. Preference is given to faculty having previous experience with student media. However, faculty members currently serving as advisers to recognized student publications may not be appointed. Student members are selected in consultation with Student Government and department chairs. Students serving with Student Government or any of the recognized media organizations may not serve.. Non-faculty staff interested in membership are solicited each year via portal announcement. Preference is given to employees having experience with student media. Community representatives are recommended by media organization advisers or members of the SMC and should be professionally associated with a local media organization. Advisers and one member of each student media organization are invited to the meetings and are expected to participate in discussions of matters related to their media. SMC Meetings The SMC chair shall call meetings as needed, giving due regard to availability of regular members. Committee members unable to attend in person may contribute comments and votes via if they have attended at least one committee meeting. A quorum consists of four voting members 2

3 Any action taken by SMC requires a majority vote of a quorum. In the event of a tie, the chair will vote to break the tie. The SMC chair shall inform advisers and student-media staff of meetings by sending them meeting notices and agenda information. SMC Duties 1. SMC shall have the responsibility to authorize the recognition of student media organizations. Currently there are five recognized student media organizations. The Jambar YO Magazine Jambar.com Penguin Review Rookery Radio 2. The role of the SMC in the selection of staff may vary with each media organization. SMC involvement in staff selection is outlined in the sections of this document relevant to each organization. 3. When requested by a media organization adviser, SMC shall have the power to: reprimand, remove, or suspend from office any editor or subeditor; or withdraw (in whole or in part) a scholarship/stipend from any student staff member. Any action, however, must adhere to the principles of the First Amendment and applicable case law. The Student Press Law Center states: The courts have ruled that if a school creates a student news or information medium and allows students to serve as editors, the First Amendment drastically limits the school s ability to censor. Among the censoring actions the courts have prohibited are confiscating copies of publications, requiring prior review, removing objectional material, limiting circulation, suspending editors and withdrawing or reducing financial support. 4. In order to enhance the educational experiences of members of media organizations staff, the board will be available to provide counsel about past actions. It will provide this counsel in an instructional manner with extreme caution about not violating any First Amendment protections. SMC may regularly review the editorial and financial operations of each of the recognized student media organizations 5. SMC shall develop and maintain procedures and guidelines to be used when exercising the duties articulated above. Procedural Guidelines Nomination of Editors ( Jambar) 1. Editorial positions for the academic year for each recognized student publication are typically considered by the SMC during the preceding spring semester. 2. SMC must recommend an editor in chief of the Jambar early enough to allow sufficient time for the individual to participate in the selection of subeditors. 3. The chair of SMC will inform committee members of the date, time, and location of the meeting at which when candidates for the position of editor in chief of the Jambar will be considered. 4. The SMC shall publicize the editor in chief positions available early in the spring semester. This publicity will include an announcement in The Jambar. 5. Applications of candidates for the position of editor in chief will be made in available to the SMC.. 3

4 6.. Each candidate shall appear in person before the SPC to answer questions concerning candidacy, qualifications, and editorial philosophy. 7. Following the interview process a slate of candidates for editorial positions will be arrived at by the adviser and editor-in-chief. Nomination of Editor(s) (Penguin Review) Each spring, the advisor to the Penguin Review shall submit to the SMC the name(s) of student(s) with appropriate experience to serve as editor for the coming academic year. It is understood that appropriate experience is to include involvement in the production of the current year s Penguin Review. If the name of more than one candidate is submitted, each shall be interviewed by the SMC and a recommendation made to the dean. If the name of only one candidate is submitted, that student s appointment will be recommended to the dean. Responsibilities of Print Advisers Advisers to recognized student publications are a critical link between the student staff and the University. The SMC Governing Document articulates the vital functions of each adviser. In addition, advisers have the following responsibilities: 1. To oversee the editorial operation of the publication. 2. To oversee the financial operation of the publication and serve as signature authority for expenditures. 3. To assist the editor in chief in the preparation of budget information requested by the University. 4. To see that all specific publication procedures or regulations developed by SPC are followed. 5. To advise the editor to postpone publication of any article, photograph, drawing, advertisement, or other material (a) believed to be libelous, (b) known to be inaccurate programs within the University, (c) grossly offensive to prevailing University community standards of taste, or (d) posing a clear threat of disrupting the operation of the University. Editors should be advised to consult Jambar Manual of Policies & Procedures. If this is done over the final objection of the editor, a written statement shall be filed immediately by both the adviser and editor with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Copies of such statements will be distributed to members of SPC for a review by the committee at a meeting called as soon as possible. 6. To serve as a communications link between University offices and the staff of the publication. 7. To supervise and evaluate any YSU employee position affiliated with the organization. Advisers are encouraged to attend and participate in SMC meetings. The SMC chair has responsibility for notifying each adviser of date, time, and place of all meetings. Jambar Operating Procedures The official name of the Youngstown State University student newspaper is The Jambar. The Jambar serves in two capacities: one is as the campus communications medium for students, faculty and staff; and the second is as a learning laboratory for students interested in journalism. The newspaper is 4

5 published twice weekly during the academic year and weekly during the first summer session. The Jambar is funded by means of advertising carried in the newspaper and by an allocation from the University. Staff The Jambar is published by a student staff. The number of paid positions and value of the scholarships/stipends associated with each position will be determined each spring by the SMC. The Jambar staff is appointed annually by the Dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the recommendation of the SMC. During the spring, SMC initiates a process of soliciting candidates for all Jambar positions. Any student having the minimum qualifications (listed below) is eligible to apply. In addition, SMC solicit input from the adviser and outgoing incoming editor of The Jambar prior to before making its final recommendations. The person recommended by SMC to fill the position of editor in-chief provides active input for the subeditor positions. SMC submits its set of recommended staff forthe Jambar to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. General Duties and Qualifications Each staff member receiving a scholarship/stipend has the following general duties: 1. Assist with production on paper nights until The Jambar is completely finished. 2. Post and observe regular office hours. 3. When editor-in-chief or news editor are unavailable, review reporters stories and indicate necessary changes. 4. Write a required number of commentaries per semester. 5. Make sure all stories and commentaries are completed by the deadline set by the Editor. 6. Help train new staff and reporters. 7. Attend critiquing sessions and staff meetings. 8. Write a minimum of one major news or feature story each week. (Advertising Manager is not required to write.) To be eligible for an editorial board position a student must be in good academic standing and enrolled in at least 12 semester hours each semester for the academic year position and six semester hours for the summer positions to be eligible for any of the positions receiving a scholarship/stipend. Each of these positions has regular duties and each has additional qualifications. Experience in desktop publishing and word processing are highly desirable for all positions. 5

6 Jambar Job Descriptions Editor-In-Chief The editor in chief of The Jambar is responsible for the overall product and all members of the editorial staff of the newspaper. The editor in chief is expected to work at least 10 hours on non-production days and until the paper is complete on production days. He or she will handle a wide variety of duties, including: Creating and updating the budget for each edition of The Jambar, including selection and prioritization of articles. Writing or assigning editorials for each edition. These must be completed before production day. Being present in The Jambar from at least 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays during the academic year; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays during the summer. In addition, the editor, must spend at least three hours each day in The Jambar on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. These three hours must be between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Be available to cover breaking news (or assign coverage for breaking news) for thejambar.com. Giving a first and last read to every article, including editing and rewriting when necessary. Writing articles, especially those of an investigative and/or in-depth nature. Working closely with other editors to determine content. Working with design staff to determine story placement. Oversee the advertising process. Speaking to journalism classes to recruit reporters and other new talent. Hiring, training and supervising staff in order to create an effective, cohesive newsroom where individuals are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Establishing deadlines and ensuring they are met. Serving on the editorial board. Addressing reader complaints. Managing Editor The managing editor will serve as the chief of design and will oversee the management of the entire Jambar staff. The managing editor will work closely with the online editor. The editor-in-chief of The Jambar is responsible for the overall product and all members of the editorial staff of the newspaper. The managing editor is expected to work at least 10 hours on non-production days and until the newspaper is complete on production days. The managing editor will serve as the right hand man for the editor-in-chief and will work as the editor-in-chief when he or she is not available. He or she will handle a wide variety of duties including: Creating and updating the art and placement budget for each print edition of The Jambar, including selection and prioritization of articles. Being present in The Jambar all day on Mondays and Wednesdays except for class time during the academic year. In addition, the managing editor must spend at least three hours each day in The Jambar on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. These hours must be between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Developing breaking news stories for web updates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and when necessary Mondays and Wednesdays. At least one fresh story must be posted on the web on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Working closely with the online editor, assistant online editor, news editor, design editors and editor-in-chief to determine content and story placement. Collaborating with the advertising manager to develop page dummies for each edition. Content and copy editing. Proofing pages 6

7 Speaking to journalism classes to recruit news reporters and other talent. Hiring, training and supervising staff in order to create an effective, cohesive newsroom where individuals are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Establishing deadlines and ensuring they are met. Serving on the editorial board. Addressing reader complaints. News Editor The news editor is expected to work at least eight hours on non-production days and until the paper is complete on production days. The news editor will play the leading role in coordinating content decisions for the print and web editions of The Jambar. He or she will report to the editor-in-chief and handle duties including: Reading, editing and, if necessary, rewriting all articles. Working with workshoppers to better their stories if necessary. Working with the editor-in-chief to determine article placement. Staying in close contact with reporters and workshoppers. Assigning articles for both print and web editions. Supervising the assistant news editors. Enforcing deadlines. Writing articles as needed. Assigning photos and art for news pages. Suggesting headlines. Developing work schedules, assuring the news editor, assistant news editors or reporters are on duty for several hours, seven days a week. Serving on the editorial board. Designer/Ads The designer/ads person will play the leading role in coordinating layout decisions for the print editions of The jambar. The design editor is expected to work at least six hours on non-production days and until the paper is complete on production days. The designer/ads person will be responsible for editing all advertising copy. The designer/ads person will be working closely with the advertising manager and will be responsible for designing and sizing ads. The designer/ads person will also work closely with designer/photo editor in assigning art for stories. He or she will report to the editor-in-chief and handle duties including: Designing layout of the front pages and news pages, giving them a consistent, attractive appearance. Working with the editor-in-chief, managing editor and news editor to develop budgets. Supervising and working with assistant design editor on layout of sports, features, opinion and health and science pages. Proofing pages for design errors. Giving final approval of page layout. Being present in The Jambar from at least 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays during the summer. In addition, the designer/ads person must spend at least six additional hours each week in The Jambar on two separate days, preferably Tuedays and Fridays. 7

8 Copy Editor The copy editor will be responsible for accuracy, style, grammar, punctuation and language usage in the entire newspaper. The copy editor is expected to work at least six hours on non-production days and until the newspaper is complete on production days. His or her duties will include: Reading all articles sent from the news desk. Writing headlines for all articles. Re-writing leads and/or entire stories if needed. Copy editing all proofs. Calling to confirm people who letters to the editor. Serving on the editorial board. Being present in The Jambar from at least noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the summer. In addition, the copy editor must spend at least six additional hours each week in The Jambar on two separate days, preferably Tuesdays and Fridays. Art & Entertainment Editor The A&E editor will be responsible for coordinating coverage of the arts, entertainment and campus life beats and will report to the editor-in-chief, managing editor and/or news editor. The A&E editor is expected to work at least five hours per week on non-production days and until the paper is finished on production days. His or her duties will include: Writing at least two stories per week during the academic year. Reporting, assigning and content editing relevant articles. Designing and laying out the A&E page(s). Assigning photos and art. Proofing the A&E page(s). Sports Editor The sports editor will be responsible for coordinating coverage of the sports beat and will report to the editor-in-chief, managing editor and/or news editor. The sports editor is expected to work at least five hours per week on nonproduction days and until the paper is finished on production days. His or her duties will include: Writing at least two stories per week during the academic year. Reporting, assigning and content editing relevant articles. Designing and laying out the sports page(s). Assigning photos and art. Proofing the sports page(s). Ad Sales The sales manager will be responsible for selling all advertisements for The jambar and directing student employees to assist with that effort. In addition, the sales manager is expected to train and work closely with the ad sales assistant. The sales manager is expected to ensure that sales quotas are being reached. The sales manager is expected to be present in 8

9 The Jambar from at least 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Wednesdays during the academic year; 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays during the summer. In addition, the sales manager must spend at least three hours in The Jambar or on Jambar sales calls on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. His or her duties will include: Supervising, logging and tracking all ads. Selling all advertisements. Directing student assistants with sales calls. Managing one sales associate. Preparing weekly performance reports. Meeting sales goals. Working closely with The Jambar business manager on sales quotas, billing and ad placements. Ensuring that all adds designed by the design editors are copy edited by a copy editor. Working with the business manager to improve ads on the Jambar s website. Designer/Photo Editor The designer/photo editor will play the leading role in developing art for all stories. The designer/photo editor will shoot, edit and/or assign photographs, maintain the art in The Jambar s server and develop concepts for all graphics. The designer/photo editor will also help coordinate layout decisions for the print editions of The Jambar. The designer/photo editor is expected to work at least six hours on non-production days and until the paper is complete on production days. He or she will report to the editor-in-chief and handle duties including: Designing layout of news pages, giving them a consistent, attractive appearance. Working with editor-in-chief, managing editor and news editor to develop budgets. Supervising and working with the assistant design/photographer on layout of sports, features, opinion and health and science pages. Setting design style for newspaper. Proofing pages for design. Giving final approval of page layout. Other duties assigned by editor-in-chief. Being present in The Jambar from at least 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays during the academic year. In addition, the designer/photo editor must spend at least six additional hours each week in The Jambar on two separate days, preferably Tuedays and Fridays. Online Editor The online editor will create, update and maintain the website. The online editor will work closely with the assistant online editor and managing editor to determine content for the web. The online editor will be working closely with Rookery Radio, the student run radio station. The online editor will be responsible for sending Rookery Radio news feeds and other material to ensure a professional partnership. The online editor is expected to work at least four hours on non-production days and until cleared by the editor-in-chief on production days. The online editor will write, edit and produce multimedia packages for broadcast on The Jambar website. The online editor will create and post a minimum of three stories per week to be posted throughout the week. Stories will offer profiles, interviews with key figures and under-reported details of breaking news. His or her responsibilities will include: Designing the website. Assigning of stories for the website. Assigning photos and art for the website. Recruiting stories and reporters from journalism classes. 9

10 Other duties assigned by the editor-in-chief and design editors. Updating the website on a daily basis. Assistant News Editor The assistant news editor will report to the news editor. The assistant news editor is expected to work at least five hours on non-production days and until cleared by the news editor on production days. His or her responsibilities will include: Reading and editing all news stories. Assisting the news editor in attending meetings. Enforcing deadlines. Writing hammer heads and cutlines. Suggesting headlines. Writing at least two stories per week during the academic year. Being present in The Jambar on Mondays and Wednesdays as requested and scheduled and an additional five hours on two separate days, preferably Tuesdays and Fridays. Assistant Copy Editor The assistant copy editor will be responsible for accuracy, style, grammar, punctuation and language usage in the entire newspaper. The copy editor is expected to work at least three hours on non-production days and until cleared by the editor-in-chief and/or copy editor on production days. His or her duties will include: Reading all articles sent from the news desk. Writing headlines for all articles. Re-writing leads and/or entire stories if needed. Copy editing all proofs. Calling to confirm people who letters to the editor. Being present in The Jambar from at least noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the summer. In addition, the copy editor must spend at least six additional hours each week in The Jambar on two separate days, preferably Tuesdays and Fridays. Ad Sales Assistant The ad sales assistant will be responsible for selling all advertisements for The jambar. The ad sales assistant is expected to spend at least three hours in The Jambar on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the academic year and at least 10 hours per week on Jambar sales calls. His or duties will include: Supervising, logging and tracking all ads. Selling all advertisements. Assisting the sales manager with weekly performance reports. Meeting sales goals. Working closely with The Jambar sales and business managers on sales quotas. Ensuring all ads designed by the design editors is copy edited by a copy editor. 10

11 Assistant Online Editor The assistant online editor will assist the online editor to create, update and maintain the website. The assistant online editor will be working closely with Rookery Radio, the student run radio station. The assistant online editor will be responsible for sending Rookery Radio news feeds and other material to ensure a professional partnership. The assistant online editor is expected to work at least two hours on non-production days and until cleared by the editor-in-chief on production days. The assistant online editor will write, edit and produce multimedia packages for broadcast on The Jambar website. The assistant online editor will create and post a minimum of one story per week to be posted throughout the week. Stories will offer profiles, interviews with key figures and under-reported details of breaking news. His or her responsibilities will include: Reading and editing stories that are budgeted to go online. Recruiting stories and reporters from journalism classes. Other duties assigned by the editor-in-chief and design editors. Updating the website on a daily basis. Assistant Designer/Photographer The assistant designer/photographer will play the leading role in developing art for all stories. The assistant designer/photographer will work closely with all design editors and the beat reporter for the health and science section to determine page layout and dummies. The assistant designer/photo editor will shoot and edit photographs, maintain the art in The Jambar s server and develop concepts for all graphics. The designer/photo editor is expected to work at least three hours on non-production days and until the paper is complete on production days. He or she will report to the editor-in-chief and handle duties including: Designing layout of news pages, giving them a consistent, attractive appearance. Working with editor-in-chief, managing editor and news editor to develop budgets. Setting design style for newspaper. Proofing pages for design. Other duties assigned by editor-in-chief. Being present in The Jambar from at least 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays during the academic year. In addition, the designer/photo editor must spend at least three additional hours each week in The Jambar on two separate days, preferably Tuesdays and Fridays. General Assignment Reporters GARs will receive assignments from the news editor, assistant news editors, arts and entertainment editors, sports editor and/or editor-in-chief. GARs are expected to work at least five hours per week as assigned by editors. GARs will write at least one story per week (for the first two weeks of each semester GARs will write at least two stories each week). His or her duties will include: Covering assigned beats. Keeping office shifts as assigned by editors. 11

12 Beat Reporters The beat reporter will be responsible for reporting and writing stories on his or her beat (A&E, Sports, News, etc). The beat reporter will be working closely with the design editors and will suggest design ideas for coverage. His or her responsibilities will include: Covering assigned beats. Keeping office shifts as assigned by editors. Columnist The columnist will be responsible for writing one column and blog post per week during the academic year. The blog will be designed by the online editor. The columnist will be working closely with the editor-in-chief, managing editor and online editor to determine column and blog ideas. The columnist will be paid a.1 stipend or 10% of tuition. His or responsibilities will include: Writing one column and blog post per week during the academic year. Reporting to the editor-in-chief, managing editor and/or online editor to ensure complete communication. Have his or her column/blog ideas ready five weeks in advance (EXAMPLE: For the first summer meeting, the columnist should come with his or her first five columns and blog post ideas. Once the fifth week arrives, he or she should have their next five ideas ready.) Keeping office shifts as assigned by editors. 12