The College VOICE - Student Newspaper - Policy Manual

2015-2016

STUDENT NEWSPAPER POLICY MANUAL “The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them�

-Thomas Jefferson

Table of Contents Introduction page 6 General Policy pages 6-21

Purpose of The College Voice page 6

Editorial Board pages 6-7

Editorial Board Elections page 7

The Role of Faculty Adviser pages 7-8

Staff Membership pages 8-9 1. Anti-discrimination Clause page 8 2. Eligibility page 8 3. Vacancies page 8 4. Staff Positions page 8 5. Termination page 8 6. Alumni Contributions pages 8-9 7. Compensation page 9

Position Descriptions pages 9-12 Conference Participation page 12 Protocol pages 13-14

1. Code of Ethics page 13

2. Conflict of Interest Guidelines

page 13 3. Dress page 13 4. Petitions page 13 5. Spokesperson page 13 6. Responsiveness pages 13-14 7. Ownership page 14 Coverage pages 14-15 1. Topics page 14 2. Requesting Coverage page 14 3. Complimentary Tickets page 14 4. Participation page 15 Interviewing pages 15-16 1. Accuracy page 15 2. Events page 15 3. Questions page 15 4. Calling at Home page 15

5. E-mail Interviews

page 15 6. Advance Copies page 15 7. Private Meetings page 16 8.

Audio Recorders page 16 2

Names & Identification

pages 16-17 1. Names & Titles pages 16-17 2. Charge or Convicted page 17 3. Suspects page 17 4. Victims page 17

5. Sexual Identity

page 17 Sources and Citations pages 17-18 1. Anonymity page 17

2. On or Off the Record page 17 3. Contact pages 17-18 4. Number page 18 Editing page 18 1. Process page 18 2. References page 18

A. Associated Press Stylebook page 18 B. Sexual Crimes page 18

Layout page 18 1. Lead Stories page 18 2. Positioning page 19 Graphical Elements page 19

Corrections & Retractions page 19 1. Circumstances page 19 2. When to Print page 19 3. Online Version page 19

4. Letter to the Editor Option page 19

Copyrights & Reproductions

page 19

Online Policy page 20 1. General

page 20

2. What is The VOICE Online Edition? page 20

3. Differences from Print Version page 20 4. Special Features page 20 5. Maintenances page 20 6. Links page 20 7. Updates page 20

Complaints pages 20-21

Business & Advertising Policies pages 23+24 Ad Rates page 23 Advertisements page 23 1. Ad Editor page 23 2. Prepayment page 23 3. Rate Adjustment page 23

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4. Materials page 23 5. Rejection page 23 6. Tearsheets page 23 Corrections page 23 1. Make-Goods

page 24 2. Ads page 24 Cancellations page 24 1. Deadlines page 24 2. Refunds page 24 Liability page 24

Copyright page 24

Distribution Requests page 24

The News Department pages 25-27 Seniority page 25

Coverage Issues page 25 1. Bomb Threats page 25

2. Deaths and Suicides page 25 Features page 25 1. Cover Stories and Investigative Reporting page 25

2. News Analyzes and Opinions pages 25-26 3. Editorial Cartoons page 26 Graphic Art page 26

Outside Submissions page 26 1. Acceptance page 26 2. Editing page 26 3. Responding to Authors page 26 4. Contact page 26 Letters to the Editor page 27 1. Acceptance page 27 2. Submission page 27

Photography Policies pages 29-31 Captions page 29 Coverage page 29 1. General

page 29 2. Tip-offs page 29 Credits page 29

page 29

1. Photo Illustrations 4

2. Placement page 29 3. Timeliness pages 29-30 Features page 30

Photo Use page 30 1. Distortion page 30 2. Color & Brightening page 30 3. Duplication page 30

4. Photography of Children page 30 5. Public Photography page 30 6. Currency page 30 Reproductions page 31 1. Reprints page 31 2. Rights page 31

APPENDIX A – Code of Ethics

pages 33-36

• The Code page 33

• Freedom of the Press page 33 • Ethics pages 33-35 • Accuracy & Objectivity page 35 • Fair Play page 36 • Pledge page 36

APPENDIX B – Conflict of Interest Guidelines

pages 37-38

• Outside Activities page 37

• Work for Other Publications page 38 • Whom to Interview page 38

APPENDIX C – The College VOICE Constitution

pages 39-42

APPENDIX D – Relevant Legal Issues

pages 43-45

APPENDIX E – Understanding Open Records

pages 47-49

APPENDIX F – Interacting with Student Media

pages 51-59

page 51 page 52 pages 54-55 page 55 pages 55-56 pages 56-58

• Common Faculty, Staff and Admin Concerns • Fear of Being Misquoted or Misunderstood • Fear of Speaking out of Turn or Getting Facts Wrong • Fear of Drawing Attention to Yourself • Fear of Unprepared or Unprofessional Reporters • Fear of Not Speaking Eloquently

APPENDIX G – The VOICE - A History of Success pages 60-61 5

Introduction

After more than thirty years of oral tradition, in 2008 (and updated regularly thereafter) The College VOICE compiled its operating policies in a single easy to navigate web version. Each year, the VOICE’s policies may be challenged, argued, created and changed in board meetings, elections, debate, newsroom banter and inter-departmental discussions. Changes are ratified by the editorial board after which they are transcribed into this institutional handbook for future College VOICE staffers to use and follow. The Manual, like The College VOICE Constitution, must be reviewed every other year (odd years) during the fall semester to ensure that it is up-to-date. This handbook serves as a newsroom reference book for writers and editors - a concrete list of what to do and what not to do in specific situations. The book also can be a way of introducing new staffers to The College VOICE’s accepted methods and protocol. More than just an internal guide, this Policy Manual has been compiled to provide information about the student newspaper to the community at large. As a result, it is hoped that interactions between students and community members will proceed as smoothly as possible.

General Policies The Purpose of The College VOICE The purpose of The College VOICE, as stated in The College VOICE Constitution, is to publish a student newspaper. The paper is directed primarily at the students, faculty and employees of Mercer County Community College and the residents of its neighboring areas, and contains educational and informational articles not normally or frequently contained in the commercial press, along with a significant amount of news and editorial coverage and general student comments of particular interest to the greater college community. A secondary purpose of this organization is to promote interest in the art of collegiate journalism and to educate and train students at Mercer County Community College in the art of new media.

Editorial Board The Editorial Board (EB) makes all essential institutional decisions for The College VOICE. The EB is made up of the:

m Editor-in-Chief (EIC), and

m Managing Editor (ME) and all other current editors including (but not

limited to:

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m News Editor m Arts Editor

m Opinion Editor m Sports Editor m Copy Editor m Photography Editor m Web Editor m Designer and Layout Editor Note: Any changes to College VOICE policy and protocol must be made by vote of the EB where a simple majority rules and at least three members are present.

Editorial Board Elections

Editorial Board positions are open for election (by all full and active members) whenever there is a vacancy (due to graduation or a EB member stepping down) and at the end of each term.

All full and active staff members who are present at the final official meeting of the semester all eligible to vote in EB elections. Students in good standing who have served on the staff as full (non-probationary) members for at least two issues (print or online) of the paper may run for any EB position during the spring elections (provided they have a GPA of 2.5 of higher and will be carrying 6 or more credits during the semester(s) that they will hold the post).

No one may run for an editorial position who has been removed or been asked to step down from an editorial position in the past due to dereliction of duties. Anyone who has stepped down from a position solely because of a family emergency or emergency work conflict may run again for an editorial position. EB members may elect to stay in office for more than one term if no staffer seeks to run against them for their position and they are otherwise in good standing.

When a staff member or other editor wants to run for an EB position that is currently filled, the person currently holding that position must run again to hold (or not) his or her post. If the College VOICE EB is staffed by fewer than three people (i.e. not enough to take a majority vote), the advisers may select editorial board members, otherwise they may generally aid in recruiting possible members for consideration by the EB. If an editor must step down in mid-semester for any reason (such as falling below the GPA or credit limit, leaving for health reasons, disciplinary action, policy violation etc.) the EIC, in consultation with the rest of the EB and the FA, may unilaterally appoint a new editor for the remainder of the semester.

The Role of Faculty Advisers The Faculty Adviser (FA) and Photography Adviser (PA) along with any advisory assistants are not responsible for the content of The College VOICE. They act as mentors, sounding boards and writing and photography coaches. If The College VOICE EB is staffed by fewer than three people (i.e. not enough to take a majority vote), or there is a change in advisorship, the advisers may select editorial board members; otherwise, they may generally aid in recruiting possible members for consideration by the EB. The adviser(s) must work to train editors, writers, designers and photographers both in specific journalism classes and during the day-to-day operations of the newspaper. The adviser(s) strive

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to instill in College VOICE staffers a sense of what constitutes good writing and good journalism practice and works to increase awareness of the history and legal issues of the press. They may review student writing when asked and, in consultation with the EIC, may work to ensure the students not to put into print any article that may contain libel, inaccuracy, lack of depth in reporting, copyright infringement, or plagiarism.

Staff Membership 1. Anti-discrimination Clause The College VOICE does not discriminate based on age, citizenship, color, disability, gender, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran. The College VOICE actively seeks a diverse staff.

2. Eligibility Any Mercer County Community College student, student attending Mercer through a high school program, or Mercer prison network student who is carrying 6 or more credits while maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher is eligible to become a full and active member of the organization provided they are either enrolled in or have completed CMN 131 - Journalism I or have been accepted to a staff position by the Editorial Board and/or Faculty Adviser. Student attending a bachelors program housed on an MCCC campus are also eligible to be full members provided they meet the GPA requirements, however, their byline must indicate their standing by reading “University Campus Reporter” or “University Campus Senior Reporter.” They are not eligible for editorial board positions.

Students carrying fewer credits or maintaining a GPA lower than 2.5 are eligible to contribute to The VOICE as probationary members. Probationary members may not vote and may not hold editor status. All EB members who do not maintain the minimum grade point average of 2.5 shall be remanded to probationary status and dismissed from their post until the semester grade point average is brought back up to a 2.5 at which point they may run for the position again.

3. Vacancies New staffers (not EB members) may be admitted by the editor-in-chief (EIC) and/ or Managing Editor (ME). Positions may also be filled by the Faculty Adviser(s) in consultation with the EIC and ME. The College VOICE is an equal opportunity employer, and reserves the right to restrict membership based on an ability to perform the activities related to the organization’s purpose.

4. Staff Positions Staff positions include: junior and senior writers/reporters, photographers and designers. Applications for anticipated vacancies are sought before the end of each academic term and on a rolling basis. Applicants must be interviewed, then receive approval from the EIC in consultation with the FA.

5. Termination 8

Any staff member who graduates is automatically terminated from any full and active position at The College VOICE. Likewise, any student who ceases to maintain the 2.5 GPA and 6 credit minimum course requirement for membership is

automatically remanded to probationary status. A staff member who is deemed to have violated any part of the code or intent of the policies of The College VOICE, as expressed in the Policy Manual or The College VOICE Constitution, may be removed from his or her position by the EIC or by decision of the FA. The EIC and/or The Faculty Adviser may terminate any reporter or EB member found to have violated any part of the code or intent of the policies of The College VOICE or who fails to carry out the duties of his or her post.

6. Alumni Contributors Alumni who seek to continue contributing to The VOICE may do so on an ad hoc basis if approved to do so by the FA and EIC, but alumni may not be compensated or awarded for their work and work of current staff always takes precedence over work of alumni staffers. Alumni contributions are prohibited from being submitted to journalism competitions. From time to time alumni may be asked to assist in gathering data and reporting for longer and more complex stories and may do so if authorized by the current EIC. In such cases the alumna/ us is consider to be working with and on behalf of The VOICE and is bound by all the policies contained in this manual.

Position Descriptions & Duties The Editor in Chief (EIC) Duties include, but are not limited to:

k Reading rough drafts of staff

articles and submitting comments in a timely manner k Encouraging staff reporters to take on ambitious reporting assignments and mentoring them throughout the reporting/ writing process k Providing assignments and feedback to photographers and designers k Reviewing J1 students’ work and selecting which articles are appropriate for inclusion in The VOICE k Leading by example k Writing articles and submitting them on time k Maintaining consistent, strong academic work k Helping to prepare for, plan, coordinate and execute community service and convention events k Selecting final topics for The VOICE issues, helping to edit and lay them out k Uploading The VOICE articles for the online edition in a timely manner k Establishing policies and working to ensure that the processes by which The VOICE issues are created, function effectively k Maintaining constant communication with the FA and with all staffers and EB members k Working with the advisors in a respectful and thoughtful manner to everyone’s mutual benefit 9

k Being receptive to critique and feedback from EB members and the advisers and using it to improve their work

The Managing Editor (ME)

The Managing Editor’s chief responsibilities overlap with those of the EIC but are not identical. They include:

k Acting as the EIC’s chief in getting things done in a timely

manner and helping to maintain communication with all staffers k Line editing final drafts of all articles to make them ready for layout k When there is no other ad manager or newsroom assistant, working to ensure that tearsheets and invoices are mailed in a timely manner and that paperwork is completed on time k When asked to by the EIC or FA, reading rough drafts of staff articles and submitting comments in a timely manner k Encouraging staff reporters to take on ambitious reporting assignments and mentoring them throughout the reporting writing process k Being receptive to critique and feedback from EB members and the advisers and using it to improve their work k Reviewing J1 students’ work and helping the EIC determine which articles are appropriate for inclusion in The VOICE k Leading by example k Writing articles and submitting them on time k Maintaining consistent, strong academic work

Section Editors

Section Editors (including sports, news, a&e, viewpoints) duties include:

k Finding good topics on your beat for junior staffers to cover k Helping reporters figure out whom to interview and prepping

them for interviews

k Mentoring reporters to write articles in the correct journalistic

style for the section

k Writing articles of their own and submitting them in a timely

manner

k Being receptive to critique and feedback from EB members

and the advisors and using it to improve their work

k Voting on policies and working to establish sound policies as

needed

k Leading by example k Maintaining consistent, strong academic work

Copy Editor

Copy Editor duties include: 10

k Being receptive to critique and feedback from EB members

and the advisors and using it to improve their work

k Leading by example k Maintaining consistent, strong academic work

Photo Editor

Photo Editor’s duties include:

k Working with staff photographers to ensure that all stories

have good photos to run with them

k Coordinating with the other EB members to determine what

assignments need to be covered

k Helping photographers get to the right places and take the

right photographs

k Selecting which photos should appear in the print and online

editions of The VOICE

k Completing photography assignments of their own and

submitting them in a timely manner

k Being receptive to critique and feedback from EB members

and the advisors and using it to improve their work

k Voting on policies and working to establish sound policies as

needed

k Leading by example k Maintaining consistent, strong academic work

Layout & Design Editor

Layout and Design Editor’s duties include:

k k k k

k k k k

Layout and Design Editor’s duties include: Designing and executing page layouts on tight deadlines Creating infographics to support articles Working with EB members and staffers to determine what infographics are needed and what page layouts could be enhanced through design Being receptive to critique and feedback from EB members and the advisors and using it to improve their work Voting on policies and working to establish sound policies as needed Leading by example Maintaining consistent, strong academic work

Ad Manager/ Newsroom Assistant Ad Manager/Newsroom Assistant duties include:

k Sending tearsheets and invoices to advertisers in a timely

manner

k Soliciting advertisements k Filling out SGA and other paperwork for events, activities etc. k Supporting all other members of the EB 11

k When possible, writing articles of their own and submitting

them in a timely manner

k Being receptive to critique and feedback from EB members

and the advisors and using it to improve their work

k Voting on policies and working to establish sound policies as

needed

k Leading by example k Maintaining consistent, strong academic work

Staff Writers

Staff writers’ duties include:

Coming up with newsworthy topics on which to report Interviewing, researching and reporting those topics Writing articles and submitting all drafts on deadline Being receptive to critique and feedback from EB members and the advisors and using it to improve their writing k Maintaining consistent, strong academic work k k k k

Conference Participation Each academic year 6-10 of the most ambitious, hard working students from The VOICE staff are invited by the FAs to attend a College Media Association conference that is attended by 1,800+ student journalists from around the country (travel, hotel and registration fees paid). To be invited is a high honor that acknowledges the staffer’s leadership skill, progress in reporting, ability to learn from critique and overall dedication. All non-probationary members of The VOICE staff are eligible to attend conferences. Any student whose GPA has fallen below the mandatory 2.5 level may be disqualified from attending. Conferences offer hundreds of training sessions and opportunities to network with industry professionals. Students who attend are held to the highest moral and ethical standards of comportment and will be ‘sent home if they fail to represent The VOICE with appropriate professionalism.

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Protocol 1. Code of Ethics All College VOICE staff members adhere to The College VOICE Code of Ethics. (Appendix A)

2. Conflict of Interest Guidelines All College VOICE staff members adhere to The College VOICE Conflict of Interest Guidelines. (Appendix B) The EIC has final say in all situations involving possible conflicts of interest.

3. Dress All reporters dress and act professionally at all meetings, games, interviews and other newsworthy events where professional attire is expected.

4. Petitions To preserve objectivity, writers who sign petitions may not cover any subjects related to the petition’s topic. To prevent the appearance or existence of conflict of interest in the assignment and editing of stories, department editors never sign petitions. Managing Board members never sign petitions individually in order to prevent the appearance of any official endorsements by The College VOICE. Actual official endorsements will be carried out in editorials.

5. Spokesperson NO College VOICE staff members may speak for The College VOICE in an official capacity except for the EIC. All other staff members must acknowledge, when speaking in public and associated in any way with The College VOICE, that their views are their own and not those of The College VOICE.

6. Responsiveness Staff members will respond to, or report to the EIC, all requests for information, or queries and concerns of the campus community and the general public.

7. Ownership -

All article submissions made to The College VOICE by students --including editors, full-time staff members, probationary staff members, non-staff contributors, freelancers and alumni contributors-- automatically become property of The VOICE and may be edited and printed as the EB sees fit.

All submissions are final and cannot be withdrawn. Any article, drawing, 13

photo, mulitmedia or layout spread is considered to be submitted if it is presented to the editors for consideration in hard copy, on a computer disc, or via email. No submission is guaranteed to run in the print or online versions of The VOICE. The VOICE retains exclusive rights to submitted work. Any republication must receive proper approval from the EB a note must run with the publication saying: “Originally printed in The College VOICE on {date}. Reprinted by permission.” Unauthorized reprints constitute violations of copyright law and will be pursued as such.

Coverage 1. Topics -

The College VOICE covers as many newsworthy events in the college

community as possible, recognizing that coverage decisions will be based on comparative newsworthiness of story ideas and space and resource constraints. We do not refrain from covering events that already have been covered by a mainstream media outlet in the area.

2. Requesting Coverage -

Any campus or community member who believes they have an topic worthy of newspaper coverage is encouraged to bring it to the attention of the Editorial Board; the easiest way to do so is to e-mail the paper with a description of the event including dates and times along with contact information. The EB will evaluate all ideas brought for its consideration, and, provided there are enough human resources to do so, will assign a reporter to cover any story that is deemed newsworthy.

3. Complimentary Tickets -

As is standard in the journalism industry, when an event planner wants to ensure that a particular event receives coverage in The College VOICE, they should contact The College VOICE in advance to request coverage and should provide complimentary tickets or an entrance pass for press.

The provision of tickets does not ensure a “positive” article. Except in the case of opinion pieces such as reviews and editorials, all articles will be balanced in their coverage without any positive or negative bias whatever. Opinion pieces are the exception and represent only the personal opinion of the reviewer. All opinion pieces are clearly identified as such by appearing on the Op/Ed or Reviews pages of the paper.

4. Participation -

To preserve objectivity, staffers who cover events or groups may not participate in those events or groups. Editors must refrain from editing content relating to groups or events in which they have participated.

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Interviews 1. Accuracy -

Reporters must always attempt to verify the accuracy of their quotes and information after or during an interview or by e-mail.

2. Events -

When covering large scale events such as fund-raisers, galas and performances, reporters will make every effort to interview the organizers ahead of time to get ample background information. When reporters attend events they are expected to arrive at least five minutes early and stay for the entire event in order to ensure thorough reporting. They will attempt to avoid inconveniencing event participants and will not disrupt any formal proceedings. They may, however, talk to all participants as opportunities arise during the course of any event. Set interview times and places are made only for talking one-on-one with event coordinators or school administrators, faculty, staff or trustees.

3. Questions -

Reporters will supply a list of questions to any interview subject ahead of time if requested, but additional questions may be added during the interview process. Reporters’ questions are aimed solely at recording the truth in its entirety. Questions should be polite whenever possible, but may be pointed or firm if necessary.

4. Calling at Home -

Reporters will not call sources at home or late at night unless there is an emergency or they are invited to do so.

5. Email Interviews -

Time constraints sometimes require that interviews be conducted via e-mail correspondence, but this method must be used only as a last resort.

Face-to-face interviews are always preferable. Phone interviews are also preferable. When conducing an interview via e-mail, the reporter must make it clear that the responses made will be “on the record” and may be quoted for the article. E-mail interviews must be identified as such using the phrase “In an e-mail interview [person’s name] said” before any quote or paraphrase given in the text.

6. Advance Copies -

Advance copies of articles are NEVER sent to interview subjects or College administrators for their approval under any circumstances. However, all interview subjects may request that an editor or senior writer accompany any junior reporter on an interview. Furthermore, interview subjects

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may call or e-mail the editor-in-chief to go over any direct quotes or paraphrases that may appear in the article to ensure accuracy. Note: the reporter must also check facts with the interview subject; if the subject believe this has not occurred, or additional information has come to light, the subject may contact the EIC and ask that the article not appear in print until fact checking has been completed.

The EIC’s response will depend largely on print deadlines.

7. Private Meetings -

Reporters use the phrase “in an interview with The College VOICE” when describing interviews with prominent figures who have met or spoken privately with College VOICE reporters and/or editors. Reporters may use the phrase “in an exclusive interview with The College VOICE” when The College VOICE is the only member of the media interviewing that figure.

8. Audio recorders -

Reporters may use audio recorders in addition to taking hand-written notes during interviews, but will always ask the subject(s) for permission to record before doing so.

Names & Identification 1. Names & Titles -

When individuals are identified for the first time in an article, their professional title should be given followed by their first and last name (for example: Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Diane Campbell). All names and titles must be double checked by reporters. When students are interviewed, their title is given as their year at Mercer followed by their major (for example: sophomore Liberal Arts major, Jorge SandersRamirez). When Mercer County or other local residents are interviewed they are identified by name and residence location (for example: Sgt. Andrew Atkins of West Windsor Township).

2. Charged or Convicted -

To provide stories that are fully informative, the names of suspects identified by the police or those charged with crimes are printed. Persons who have been convicted also will be named.

3. Suspects -

For safety reasons, suspects at large are identified in news stories by all known characteristics, including race. Stories will refer to a suspect’s charges as “alleged” until guilt is determined by the appropriate court of law.

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4. Victims -

To avoid further public injury, the victims of assaults are not named, unless they are public figures.

5. Sexual Identity -

Transgendered individuals will be referred to by the pronoun of their choice.

Sources & Citations 1. Anonymity -

Reporters can quote sources without naming them in their stories only if they know the sources’ names, and the sources offer firsthand knowledge of an event or conversation which could not be obtained elsewhere.

Sources who offer information cannot be quoted if they refuse to give their true identities to The College VOICE and cannot offer a sufficient explanation why they do not want their names to appear in the paper.

Sources who make legitimate requests that their names not be used and offer important information will be cited anonymously. Their true identities will not be revealed to the outside community. Reporting based on anonymous sources has the potential to undermine credibility and should be rare. An anonymous source must be cleared by the EIC.

2. On or Off the Record -

Any information a source gives while speaking “on the record” can be cited or used in a news story. Information gathered from sources who explicitly say all or part of an interview is “off the record” cannot be attributed to that source. A reporter may, however, use the off the-record information when speaking to other sources without identifying the initial source. If those other sources confirm or give the same information as the initial source while speaking on the record, that information can then be used or cited in the story.

3. Contact -

If a reporter repeatedly calls and leaves messages for a source without successfully making contact before deadline time, the reporter may indicate that the source “could not be reached for comment.” When a source is provided an opportunity to respond, but does not do so, the reporter will indicate this by saying “refused to comment.”

4. Number -

Reporters must cite at least two sources in every news story. The only exception is a story that involves a subject only one source can discuss.

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Editing 1. Process -

Every article appearing in The College VOICE must undergo a lengthy editing process intended to prevent all mistakes in grammar, accuracy and omission. All pieces, including those appearing in the opinion section are edited by at least two editors including the editor-in-chief for style and content. The story may also be read and critiqued by the faculty advisers at any point. Any story deemed potentially sensitive or libelous may be withheld from publication by either an editor or the Faculty Adviser(s). The EIC is responsible for all matters of taste, libel and any other potential legal issues, but may elect to convene the EB to vote on whether to run a particularly sensitive story. The faculty adviser(s) may review student writing and, in consultation with the EIC, will work to ensure that any article not fit for publication for reasons of libel, inaccuracy, lack of depth in reporting, or plagiarism is not printed. These are the only reasons an adviser may interfere with the content choices of the VOICE’s EIC and other editors.

2. References a. AP Stylebook - The College VOICE follows the Associated

Press Stylebook in all references to race, ethnicity, sexual

orientation and national origin. Such language reflects that

conventionally considered most accurate, unbiased and

representative. b. Sexual Crimes - In cases of sexual crimes, the word “rape” is

always used when appropriate; “Sexual assault” is used to

define all forms of sexual crimes other than rape. The policy

matches the police department’s policy for description of sexual

crimes.

Layout 1. Lead Stories -

The lead story always is placed on the top, left-hand corner of the page the area that tends to attract the human eye’s attention first.

2. Positioning -

Positions of stories on each page are determined by the editors based on the stories’ newsworthiness and appeal. More important stories are positioned above less newsworthy stories.

Graphical Elements 18

All graphics express the artist’s own interpretation of the column or article he or she is illustrating and may not editorialize. The exception to this rule is made for editorial cartoons which are clearly identified as such.

Correction & Retractions 1. Circumstances -

Corrections will be printed when The College VOICE has made a significant spelling, typographical, reporting or editing error.

2. When to Print -

The College VOICE will print all verified corrections, retractions and clarifications as soon as possible. Such corrections, retractions and clarifications will include the headline of the original story, its date of publication and the correct information. Corrections, retractions and clarifications are approved by the editor-in-chief. If a question of accuracy is raised, The VOICE is obliged to look into it with speed and diligence, but The VOICE will not correct, retract or apologize for stories that are verifiably accurate.

3. Online Edition -

In addition to posting all clarifications, corrections and retractions online, The College VOICE edits the original story on the Web site to be as accurate as possible. If an article must be retracted, it is immediately removed from the online edition.

4. Retractions -

The VOICE will issue a retraction if presented with credible and verifiable information indicating that the findings or facts reported are wholly unreliable or inaccurate as a result of misconduct or honest error.

Retractions are not made when stories are verifiably accurate or when a correction will suffice.

Copyrights & Reproduction All material featured in The College VOICE or The College VOICE Online Edition is copyrighted and the exclusive property of The College VOICE. No portion of these publications may be copied or reproduced without the express written permission of the EIC. The EIC will consult with the staff member producing the work before permission to reprint or otherwise copy a piece is given.

Online Policy 1. General -

The College VOICE Online Edition follows all general policies except where otherwise noted.

2. What is it? -

The College VOICE Online Edition is The College VOICE’s Web site. Most

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student-produced portions of the print version appear in the online version. Courtesy photographs appear as well. No Associated Press or syndicated stories, graphical elements or photos appear online.

3. Difference from Print Version -

Elements in The College VOICE Online Edition may be different from those in the print version. Stories, headline and captions are not cut for space considerations.

4. Special Features -

In addition, The College VOICE Online Edition may carry special features that do not occur in the print edition. These may include convergence media enhancements such as audio, video and extended slide shows.

5. Maintenance -

The College VOICE Online Edition may be assembled and maintained by an online manager or webmaster, but the final authority over all content on The College VOICE Online Edition rests with the EIC.

6. Links -

The College VOICE Online Edition also features links to several external Web sites such as other online publications for the benefit of its users. The College VOICE is not responsible for the content of any Web sites linked from The College VOICE Online Edition.

7. Updates -

The College VOICE Online Edition will be updated as often as possible, particularly when there is breaking news.

Complaints

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At first, complaints about the behavior of a member of The College VOICE staff or about the content of an article should be made in writing to the Faculty Adviser within one month of any incident or the publication date.

The complainant must clearly identify him or herself and provide contact information if a response is anticipated.

The FA in consultation with the PA and any other assisting advisers will consider the complaint and reply in writing within seven working days, provided the complaint is lodged by an individual or group with a direct interest.

If the complainant is unhappy with the Faculty Adviser’s response and course of action, they may ask the Dean of Students of Mercer County Community College to call a meeting of The College VOICE Editorial Board and Faculty Advisers to consider their complaint.

If no amicable settlement can be reached, the Dean of Students --in conjunction with any other administrators she deems appropriate-- will

convene within fourteen working days of having received the complaint.

In conjunction with the Faculty Adviser she may advocate for whatever remedy is most efficient for remediating the problem, providing it does not involve any financial penalty nor the removal from office of the Faculty Advisers, nor cause any First Amendment or other legal violation.

Where First Amendment issues are at stake, the Dean of Students is encouraged to seek counsel from the Student Press Law Center before issuing a decision.

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Business & Advertising Policies Ad Rates Rate cards are updated regularly and posted online at mcccvoice.org/ adrates. Download complete rate card PDF online.

Advertisements 1. Ad Editor -

The advertising editor (or the editorial board if there is no current advertising editor) decides the placement of all display advertisements in The College VOICE. The student reporters’ work always takes precedence over advertisements.

2. Prepayment -

Prepayment of an advertisement does not guarantee publication, because all advertising is subject to review by the advertising manager and the Editorial Board. The Editorial Board reserves the right to refuse any advertisement, including inserts, or to label any ad that does not identify its sponsor clearly as “Paid Advertisement.�

3. Rate Adjustment -

The College VOICE reserves the right to adjust advertising rates with 30 days notice.

4. Materials -

The College VOICE is not responsible for materials submitted for use in ad production unless given prior instructions for return when submitted.

5. Rejection -

The College VOICE reserves the right to reject ads for reasons of taste, suitability for its readership, or if there are significant concerns about the business practices of the advertising entity. In all such cases the matter must be settled by a majority vote by the Editorial Board.

6. Tearsheets -

Along with invoices, The College VOICE will send tearsheets to advertisers to confirm that an ad has appeared in print so long as a request for tearsheets is made in advance of publication.

Corrections for Advertising 1. Make-Goods -

Adjustments for material errors or omissions will be made at the

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discretion of the advertising manager. No adjustments will be made unless the error or omission is reported to the advertising manager within two weeks of the ad’s publication. Liability for adjustments is limited to the cost of the advertisement. The College VOICE is not liable for printer error.

2. Ads -

Any changes in copy must be submitted in writing prior to the advertising deadline.

Ad Cancellations 1. Deadlines All cancellations must be made prior to the advertising deadline.

2. Refunds -

Advertisers who pull an advertisement after the deadline will be charged the full cost of the ad. There is no refund for canceled classified ads.

Ads and Liability The advertiser assumes all liability for any ad it places in The College VOICE and agrees to hold The College VOICE and its agents harmless for the content of all advertising authorized for publication, including any photograph, likeness, name, logo, trademark, representation or any other material the advertiser provides. Responsibility for libel is joint and several between The College VOICE and the advertiser.

Copyright By placing an ad The College VOICE, advertisers are purchasing space and circulation only. All artwork and typesetting produced by The College VOICE becomes the newspaper’s property and cannot be used by the advertiser in other publications without written permission from The College VOICE. Distribution Requests - Any local business or institution that would like The College VOICE distributed at their venue should contact the paper directly. The VOICE seeks to ensure access to the paper to our community.

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The News Department Seniority

All new reporters begin at the status of junior reporter (labeled “Reporter” in their byline). If a reporter continues to write for The College VOICE for two semesters, he or she is automatically promoted to the rank of senior reporter (labeled “Senior Reporter” in their byline). In certain exceptional cases, an EIC may decide that a writer has gained enough experience to become a senior reporter; the EIC has the authority to make such promotions regardless of the number of semesters the reporter has served. Senior reporters are assigned more complex stories and given more latitude to select their own story ideas.

Coverage Issues 1. Bomb Threats -

Unlike professional newspapers in large, unenclosed communities, The College VOICE considers bomb threats in the college community newsworthy and reports on them.

2. Deaths and Suicides -

Provided there are enough reporters to do so, The College VOICE covers all deaths of members of the College community, even when the cause of death is suicide. In cases of suicide, the Society of Professional Journalists ethical principle of “minimizing harm” guides all coverage. Editors take special care in positioning stories, graphics and hotline information appropriately, and work diligently to ensure the focus of the story is the community, on mental health needs and resources and not on individual families’ trauma.

Features 1. Cover Stories and Investigative Reporting -

The front page and news pages often include investigative and longer form journalism. The VOICE has come to be known for this type of work which is the result, in part, of the monthly rather than daily or weekly production schedule that allows for more indepth and group work. These stories always are made to look distinct and recognizable as features.

2. News Analyses and Opinions A story that examines a news event or

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issue from an interpretive or critical angle must be labeled as a “News Analysis” or “Op/Ed.” These analyses generally rely on informed sources and unbiased data to illustrate a viewpoint on an issue or event.

3. Editorial Cartoons -

Any editorial cartoon reflects only the opinion of the cartoonist, not that of the EB. Syndicated cartoons are intended for entertainment only.

Graphic Art Graphical elements are assigned to columns at the EIC’s discretion.

Outside Submissions 1. Acceptance -

Submissions critical of The College VOICE are considered along with all other submissions and have the same chance of being printed as any other submissions. See Protocol section for information on ownership.

2. Editing

Outside submissions always are subject to editing for grammar, brevity and elements of The College VOICE’s style guide. Submissions longer than 400 words will be edited for length unless they are over 650 words in length and give in depth treatment to a certain topic, in which case they will be considered for publication as “guest viewpoints,” or given in relation to an election, to prevent partisans for one side going unanswered.

3. Responding to Authors -

Outside submissions that respond to all material on the opinion page and to opinion pieces on other pages (e.g. reviews, perspectives, sports columns) must name The College VOICE writer. All other responses will not mention the writer.

4. Contact -

The appropriate editor always calls an author whose submission will require substantial editing or cutting. If time permits, the author is offered the opportunity to make changes himself. Editors make an effort to contact all letter writers to confirm their identity and to let them know when their submissions are scheduled to appear.

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Letters to the Editor and Website Comments 1. Acceptance -

Priority is always given to letters and comments fewer than 400 words.

Hate speech, speech which may incite violence, and speech that disparages or attempt to intimidate any person or group will not be accepted. Letters must include the author’s name, email address, accurate telephone number, school, year and title. Website comments must include the author’s name and email. As a condition to posting the comment, the author may be required to verify their identity.

2. Submission -

Letters to the editor and web comments can be submitted by anyone student, faculty members, staff members, administrators, College affiliates, Mercer residents, etc. Unsigned letters are never printed. College VOICE staffers cannot submit letters to the editor.

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Photography Policies Captions Except in the case of stock photos no photos are never run without a caption identifying the main group, person or people featured in the photo. Unless the photo size does not permit, students are identified with their name, and title if applicable; faculty members are identified with name and title; all others are identified with name and place of residence.

Coverage 1. General -

Staff photographers will generally be assigned to beats and paired with staff writers in so far as possible, but their beat assignment may shift from issue to issue.

2. Tip-offs -

Photographers generally cover events on the basis of departmental assignments. When The VOICE receives phone tip-offs, however, the editors use their discretion in sending photographers to cover the event.

Credits 1. Photo Illustrations -

Posed pictures will be labeled in the credit as “Photo Illustration” and are used for graphical artwork to present the general concept of a story.

Except for photo illustrations and portraits, all photographs are candid shots.

2. Placement -

Except in the case of stock photos, credits always appear in small capital letters at the lower right-hand corner of the photograph unless the photograph is smaller than two inches.

3. Timeliness -

Photos taken within a week of publication or from the most recent relevant event are credited with the photographer’s name. Photos more than a week old or earlier are credited with the photographer’s name or College VOICE File Photo. Sports photos of a different game than described in the 29

article are credited with the photographer’s name or “College VOICE File Photo.”

Features Photo essays, collections of photos presented to illustrate a theme, occasionally appear. They may also appear on The College VOICE Online Edition.

Photo Use 1. Distortion -

All published photos are accurate representations of reality. Photo techniques that distort the image will be identified in the caption (e.g. multiple exposure or use of a wide-angle lens). Ideally, published photos will be in focus, exposed well and free of glaring scratches or imperfections.

2. Color & Brightening -

Because newsprint darkens photos, photos may be color balanced in Photoshop prior to placement.

3. Duplication -

The same photo will never be published twice except in cases of small mug shots or file photos.

4. Photography of Children Under 16 -

Requests of parents who ask that their child photograph not be taken or used are honored, provided the child is under 16 years of age and not in a public place. Children over age 16, but not yet 18, can give (or not) their own permission.

5. Public Photography -

When a person is in a public space (including a public community college campus) reporters may take photographs of them and run them in print as the law permits. VOICE photographers will not interrupt classes in progress to take photos or in any other way cause a classroom distraction.

VOICE photographers may photograph security officers at any time provided their picture taking does not interfere with the security officer’s ability to carry out his or her regular duties.

6. Currency -

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Whenever possible, photos should be taken as close to the day the paper is assembled as possible. It is always preferable to take and publish recent photos rather than older photos. Old or file photos are used only when it is otherwise impossible or inconvenient to use a more recent photo, or if a current high-quality photo cannot be obtained. The most recent and most relevant photo will be printed.

Reproduction 1. Reprints -

The College VOICE may send digital copies of pictures to other publications as a professional courtesy subject to the permission of the EIC. The publication is authorized to publish the picture only once with credit to both the photographer and The College VOICE. At the photographer’s discretion, staff members may send digital copies of pictures to individuals for their personal use.

2. Rights -

All photo submissions made to The College VOICE by students --including editors, full-time staff members, probationary staff members, non-staff contributors, freelancers and alumni contributors-- automatically become property of The VOICE and may be edited and printed as the EB sees fit.

All submissions are final and cannot be withdrawn. Any article, drawing, photo, convergence media or layout spread is considered to be submitted if it is presented to the editors for consideration in hard copy, on a computer disc, or via email. No submission is guaranteed to run in the print or online versions of The VOICE. The VOICE retains exclusive rights to submitted work for six months. Students who wish to submit the same work to other publications must wait 6 months from the date of submission to The VOICE before doing so.

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Appendix A - Code of Ethics The Code

The College VOICE believes the duty of an independent student newspaper is to act as a carrier of information and a forum for discussion for the College community.

WE BELIEVE the duty of student journalists, as agents of independent student newspapers and as American journalists, is to serve the truth. WE BELIEVE student newspapers contribute to public enlightenment, acting on their Constitutional freedom to learn and report the facts and seeking truth as a part of the College community’s right to know the truth. WE BELIEVE those responsibilities carry obligations requiring student journalists to perform with intelligence, objectivity, accuracy and fairness. To these ends, we declare acceptance of the standards of practice here set forth:

Responsibility

Serving the College community’s right to know the truth concerning events of public importance and interest is the unifying mission of any independent student newspaper. The motive behind gathering and distributing accurate news and enlightened opinion is to serve the general welfare of the College community. Student journalists who use their status as representatives of that community for selfish or other unworthy motives violate a trust without which independent student journalism cannot operate.

The First Amendment

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Ethics

m Student journalists must be free of obligation to any interest

m Gifts, favors, free travel, special treatment or privileges can

m Use of a position with The College VOICE to gain personal

m Staff members are not permitted to use information not yet 33

other than the college community’s right to know the truth.

compromise the integrity of student journalists. Nothing of value should be accepted in exchange for special coverage, free advertising or endorsements. advantage or to make inquiries for any other purpose than work for The College VOICE is strictly prohibited.

made available to the public for personal gain.

m Staff members may not use College VOICE equipment,

m Staff members may not threaten sources or promise favorable

m Staff members must fully disclose their identity to all sources.

m Staff members must ask sources before recording

m Staff members must obey the law.

m Involvement in student politics, holding student government

supplies, services, resources, or other materials owned, purchased, or designated as property of The College VOICE for any purpose other than work for The College VOICE. coverage or money in exchange for information.

[All VOICE staffers carry VOICE issued press passes when they are reporting and gathering information. If you are uncertain if someone is a VOICE staffer, ask to see his or her press pass.] conversations.

office and service in college organizations should be avoided if it compromises the integrity of student journalists. Student journalists should conduct their personal lives as college students in a way that protects them from conflict of interest.

m The VOICE, its reporters and advisers may not receive awards

m So-called press releases from government or private sources,

m Student journalists will seek news that serves the college

m They will make constant efforts to assure that the college

from any MCCC campus group or organization in recognition of its coverage if such an award might create a real or perceived conflict of interest.

student organizations or college officials should not be published without substantiation of their claims and evaluation of their news value. community’s interest, despite the obstacles.

community’s business in conducted in public and those public records are open to public inspection.

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m Student journalists acknowledge the ethic of protecting

confidential sources of information.

m Any staffer who is found to have committed an academic

integrity violation will be dismissed from The College VOICE

and not permitted to return.

m Plagiarism is an ultimate violation of trust and credibility with

our readership and will not be tolerated at The College

VOICE. Any and all material taken from another source must

be appropriately cited and attributed, including:

a. Information from press releases

b. Little-known facts from authoritative sources

c. Unique stylistic traits, devices or wording

d. Both widely available news and news not widely

available obtained from other sources

e. Information from another media outlet’s exclusive story

or scoop

f. Information obtained through the efforts of another

party or source

Accuracy and Objectivity Just as good faith with the public is the foundation of all worthy journalism, so is good faith with the College community the basis of all worthy student journalism.

Truth is the ultimate goal.

Objectivity in reporting the news is another goal, which serves as the mark of an experienced professional. It is a standard of performance toward which we strive. We honor those who achieve it.

There is no excuse for inaccuracies or lack of thoroughness and reporters should make every attempt to get a story right, correct it if it appears to be wrong, and note corrections.

Headlines should be fully warranted by the contents of the articles they accompany. Graphic elements should depict an event’s happenings accurately. Photographs should never be altered for any reason except for brightening when printing on newsprint.

News reports should be free of opinion or bias and represent all sides of an issue.

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Partisanship in editorial comment, which knowingly departs from the truth, is unacceptable.

Student journalists recognize their responsibility to offer informed analysis, comment and editorial opinion on public events and issues in the College community.

News analyses, reviews, opinion columns and perspectives pieces should be labeled as such, so as not to mislead.

Fair Play Student journalists at all times will show respect for the dignity, privacy, rights and well-being of people encountered in the course of gathering and presenting news.

The student newspaper should not communicate unofficial charges affecting reputation or moral character without giving the accused a chance to reply.

The student newspaper must guard against invading a person’s legal right to privacy.

The student newspaper should not pander to morbid curiosity about details of vice and crime. It is the duty of the student newspaper to make prompt and complete correction of its errors.

Student journalists should be accountable to the College community for their reports and the College community should be encouraged to voice its grievances against the student newspaper. Open dialog with our readers should be fostered.

Pledge The College VOICE will make every attempt possible to prevent violations of these standards, and will encourage their observance by all members. Adherence to this code of ethics is intended to preserve the bond of mutual trust and respect between The College VOICE and the Mercer County Community College community.

NOTE: Portions of this code of ethics, as well as the following conflict of interest guidelines,

were adapted from the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists: Sigma Delta Chi, the New York Times “Ethical Journalism: Code of Conduct for the News and Editorial Departments,” and “Second Takes,” a product of the Oregonian Publishing Company.

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Appendix B - Conflict of Interest Guidelines This newspaper is committed to avoiding conflict of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest whenever and wherever possible. On a general level, this means we, as staff members, make every reasonable effort to be free of obligation to news sources and special interest groups.

Although collegiate journalism sometimes deviates from mainstream newspaper work, we strive for the highest level of professionalism. There are particulars associated with collegiate journalism that require more specific guidelines. Certain restrictions are more binding than others. Staff members who sense they may be in a potentially conflicting situation are expected to discuss the circumstance with the editor-in-chief immediately.

Decisions are made in correspondence with the following guidelines:

Outside Activities Staffers at all levels should not cover or write about events in which they play official roles or organizations in which they are members. (Examples: Members of any student group cannot write about that student group.

Members of a sports team cannot write about that sport.)

Reporters should not be affiliated with the SGA in any capacity.

If reporters or photographers acquire or intend to acquire leadership roles within other organizations (such as PTK or NJSTARS) who advocate positions on college or other policy, they must inform the EB. Editorial columnists may not argue for organizations in which they are members.

Any appearance of bias will not be tolerated in restaurant reviews, fashion columns, music and movie reviews/previews, and any other feature story regarding College events or groups, particularly upcoming events. The strictest care must be taken to avoid conflicts of interest in these areas, and to avoid even the appearance of “advertising� or in any other way promoting one event and/or group over another, even if actual participation in the group or event has not occurred. All ideas for these stories should be generated in-house, and suggestions for story ideas from outside sources must be thoroughly scrutinized by the appropriate editor before a balanced decision is made on coverage choices.

Freelance writers and photographers and guest columnists appearing in The College VOICE are also bound to these rules.

Work for Other Publications

Freelance work for media organizations outside the College community is permissible as long as it does not interfere with responsibilities to The 37

College VOICE and is not completed with information or resources made available to the staffer through his or her work for The College VOICE. If freelance work becomes frequent (more than once a month, for example), staff members should discuss the work and any potential conflicts of interest with the EIC.

Whom to Interview, Photograph:

Reporters and photographers should not interview, quote or photograph other College VOICE staff members, family members, apartment-mates, roommates or friends, unless explicit permission is granted by the editorin-chief. Requests of parents who ask that their child’s photograph not be taken or used are honored provided the child is under 16 years of age and in a private rather than public space. Social media is consider a public space. When a person is in a public space (including a public community college campus) reporters may take photographs of them and run them in print as the law permits. VOICE photographers will not interrupt classes in progress to take photos or in any other way cause a classroom distraction. VOICE photographers may photograph security officers at any time provided their picture taking does not interfere with the security officer’s ability to carry out his or her regular duties.

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Appendix C - The College VOICE Constitution Article I – Name The name of the newspaper shall be The College VOICE. Article II – Purpose The purpose of The College VOICE is to publish a student newspaper.

The paper is directed primarily at the students, faculty and employees of Mercer County Community College and the residents of its neighboring areas, and contains educational and informational articles not normally or frequently contained in the commercial press, along with a significant amount of news and editorial coverage and general student comments of particular interest to the greater college community. A secondary purpose of this organization is to promote interest in the art of daily collegiate journalism and to educate and train students at Mercer County Community College in the art of print and new media journalism.

Article III – Principles Truth is our ultimate goal.

Objectivity in reporting the news is another goal. News reports should be free of opinion or bias and represent all sides of an issue. The content of The College VOICE should never intentionally or knowingly mislead.

Student reporters, who are gaining experience and skills, must be guided by the Faculty Adviser. When errors occur they must be discussed and analyzed to ensure improvement and movement toward the ideals of journalism.

Article IV – Membership Anti-discrimination Clause The College VOICE does not discriminate based on age, citizenship, color, disability, gender, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran. The College VOICE actively seeks a diverse staff.

Eligibility - Any Mercer County Community College student

carrying 6 or more credits while maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or

higher is eligible to become a full and active member of the

organization provided they are either enrolled in or have

completed CMN 131 - Journalism I or have been accepted to

a staff position by the Editorial Board and/or Faculty Adviser.

Students carrying fewer credits or maintaining a GPA lower than

2.5 are eligible to contribute to the VOICE as probationary members.

Vacancies -When staff positions become vacant new staffers

may be admitted by the EIC and/or ME. Positions may also be

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filled by the Faculty Adviser(s) in consultation with the EIC and ME. The College VOICE is an equal opportunity entity, and

reserves the right to restrict membership based on an ability to

perform the activities related to the organization’s purpose.

Staff Positions – Staff positions include: k Editor-in-Chief (EIC) k Managing Editor (ME) k Photo Editor k Webmaster k Design/Layout Editor k Copy Editor k Viewpoints Editor k Arts & Entertainment Editor Other section editors and junior and senior writers/reporters and photographers. Applications for anticipated vacancies are sought before the end of each academic term and on a rolling basis. Applicants must receive approval from the EIC in consultation with the FA. Article V – Officers The Editorial Board (EB) is made up of the following individuals:

==> The editor-in-chief

==> The managing editor

==> The Sports Editor

==> The Arts & Entertainment Editor

==> The Layout & Design Editor

==> The Photo Editor

==> The Viewpoints Editor

==> The Online Editor/Webmaster

==> The Ad Manager Other editorial positions may be added when necessary as determined by the EIC in consultation with the FA. Article VI – Responsibilities The responsibilities of the editor-in-chief and section editors are many.

Typically the editors work together to determine what topics will be covered in each issue of the newspaper. Each editor is responsible for generating topics for his or her own section and assigning them to staff writers in cooperation with the Faculty Adviser. The editors work together to make sure that all key campus and local events are covered by the paper and that every issue of the paper features a balanced variety of articles on topics of interest to their audience.

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Editors also literally edit the articles that are submitted by their staff writers. Editors decide which articles are good enough to appear in print, and which are not. The editor-in-chief can refuse to run any article that

she feels is unfit. Final responsibility for the content of the paper rests with the editor-in-chief. The managing editor is second in command and stands in for the editor-in-chief when he or she is not able to govern. Editors also write the headlines for all articles. Finally, they work to organize special issues, they put together community service events, they nominate writers and photographers for recognition, and they have input into how funds are directed.

Article VII – Termination Any staff member who graduates is automatically terminated from any full and active position at The College VOICE. Likewise, any student who ceases to maintain the 2.5 GPA and 6 credit minimum course requirement for membership is automatically remanded to probationary status. A staff member who is deemed to have flagrantly violated any part of the code or intent of the policies of The College VOICE, as expressed in the Policy Manual or The College VOICE Constitution, may be removed from his or her position by a majority vote of the Editorial Board or by decision of the FA. The Faculty Adviser may terminate any reporter or editor found to have violated any part of the code or intent of the policies of The College VOICE or who consistently fails to carry out the duties of his or her post. Alumni who seek to continue contributing to The VOICE may do so on an ad hoc basis if approved to do so by the FA and EB, but alumni may not be compensated or awarded for their work and work of current staff always takes precedence over work of alumni contributors.

Alumni contributions are prohibited from being submitted to journalism competitions.

Article VIII – Compensation The EIC and ME are compensated in tuition remission for 6 credits or half of their total course load (which ever is less). Changes to compensation will be posted as soon as they are available.

Article IX – Meeting Procedures Meetings of The College VOICE Editorial Board occur not less than once a week during the each academic term. After initial discussion, any business requiring a majority vote is conducted. Voting will be postponed if a simple majority of active staff members is not present. Voting may be conducted by a show of hands or an anonymous ballot vote if requested.

Article X – Miscellaneous When the rules and policies of this organization, the content of its Constitution, or the actions of its members conflict with College regulations, the latter shall prevail.

Originally established and ratified by: Editor-in-chief: Alex Hough Date: 4/18/2008 Reratified by Editor-in-Chief Susana Sanchez Date: 8/31/2008 Reratified by Editor-in-Chief David Hoyt Date 8/31/2009

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Reratified by Editor-in-Chief Sara Gatling 1/15/2010 Reratified by Editor-in-Chief Kelly Smith 9/20/2010 Reratified by Editor-in-Chief Jason Pomerantz 12/13/2010 Reratified by Editor-in-Chief Anna Bosted 5/11/2011 Reratified by Editor-in-Chief Laura Pollack 12/13/2011 Reratified by Editor-in-Chief Dan Povio 12/13/2012 Reratified by Editor-in-Chief Mariana Braz 9/18/2013 Reratified by Editor-in-Chief Stephen Harrison 1/23/2014 Reratified by Editor-in-Chief Jamie Strickland 3/28/2015 Š Copyright 2015 The College VOICE: Mercer County Community College 1200 Edinburg Rd West Windsor, NJ 08550

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Appendix D - Relevant Legal Issues First Amendment The right to a free press, one not subject to censorship by any branch of the government (including public colleges), and with the express purpose of curbing the excesses of power is protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. It reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Fifth Amendment Due process ensures procedures --state, federal and contractual-- must be followed when any person is sanctioned. The Fifth Amendment reads: “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”

Tinker and Hazelwood (not laws, but legal precedents) Tinker and Hazelwood are the two most significant cases of student First Amendment rights to ever be decided by the US Supreme Court.

Tinker v. Des Moines School District (1969) was when students were suspended from high school for wearing armbands to protest the Vietnam War. The students sued, arguing that their freedom of speech rights were violated. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the students. The decision famously noted that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech at the schoolhouse gate.”

In 1988 the case of Hazelwood School District v. Kulhmeier reduced, to some extent, the broad rights preserved by Tinker. In Hazelwood a high school journalism class created a final edition of its school paper, the principle censored two stories --one on teen pregnancy, another on divorce- saying they were unfair and inappropriate. The students sued, claiming their rights were violated. In this case, unlike Tinker, the Supreme Court said that, the high school principal is acting in place of the parents (in loco parentis) and therefore, in the case of minors, has the right to censor the paper if there is a valid educational reason to do so. The decision indicated that when the publication (student paper) was an extra curricular activity (as opposed to a class project) then students enjoy somewhat greater freedom than they would for an in-class activity.

For public college journalists, the Tinker standard prevails because college students do not fall within the scope of Hazelwood. Private colleges, 43

however, are NOT bound by these same laws as they are not public (federally funded) entities. So, if you want to write an article on how often students masturbate and publish it in The College VOICE, we may get hate mail, but if someone tried to pull the story or sue us, we’d win. If you wanted to write the same story and publish it in the newspaper at Catholic College of St. Mary, they could pull the story and/or fire you from your position at the paper.

FERPA – Also known as the Buckley Amendment – 1974 – revised 2x – The regulations provide that educational agencies and institutions that receive funding under a program administered by the U. S. Department of Education must provide students with access to their education records, an opportunity to seek to have the records amended, and some control over the disclosure of information from the records. With several exceptions, schools must have a student’s consent prior to the disclosure of education records. Examples of situations affected by FERPA include school employees divulging information to anyone other than the student about the student’s grades or behavior, and school work posted on a bulletin board with a grade.

FOIA – Freedom of Information Act This act allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the United States Government. The Act defines agency records subject to disclosure, outlines mandatory disclosure procedures and grants nine exemptions to the statute.

Sunshine Laws – Your state’s open public records and meetings laws. In NJ it’s OPRA – the Open Public Records act. Allows you access to records of all state level governmental institutions.

A physical record includes: “any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, micro-film, data-processed or image-processed document, and information stored or maintained electronically or by sound recording.” A record is considered to have a government purpose when it has been “made, maintained, kept on file or been received in the course of official business.”

Documents available under OPRA include, but are not limited to: institutional data, meeting minutes, policies and handbooks, official memos, salary information, contracts, attendance sheets, crime logs and statistics (must be made available under the Clery Act).

Clery Act – The Clery Act requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses. Compliance is monitored by the United States Department of Education, which can impose civil penalties, up to $27,500 per violation, against institutions for each infraction and can suspend institutions from participating in federal student financial aid programs.

The law is named for Jeanne Clery, a 19-year-old Lehigh University freshman who was raped and murdered by another Lehigh student in her campus residence hall in 1986.

The Clery Act, signed in 1990, was originally known as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act.

44 NOTE: Other legal cases you should know: Dickey, Morse v. Frederick, Hosty.

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Appendix E - Understanding Open Records WHAT IS OPRA?

OPRA is the Open Public Records Act, the Sunshine Law of New Jersey. It is the law the requires governmental institutions in the state to provide transparency and make their operations and information available to the public.

YOU CAN MAKE INFORMAL REQUESTS

If necessary, you can make formal written requests for OPRA-able information and you will likely have to do so to get police reports and the like, but many governmental offices are asked for documents all the time (many are already online) and will give them to you without you having to fill out a form. Build your relationships with people who do office work, because they can make your life a lot easier.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO USE THEIR FORM

In the Citizens’ Guide to OPRA it clearly states that you are not obliged to use any office’s own specific form for written requests. If you want to, that is fine, but any written request will work, so long as it contains all the key parts: your contact info, exactly what you are requesting.

YOU MUST GET STARTED EARLY

Although technically governmental agencies are required to reply to your OPRA request within one week (seven days starting the day AFTER the request is received) of the time you submitted it. However, they can reply denying your request (usually because you sent it to the wrong office), asking for more information, or indicating they will be delayed because the documents you are requesting are in storage or not readily available. They may also ask for more time if you need a very large quantity of documents.

The whole process may take as long as a month. To meet deadlines you MUST start the process early: figure out what documents you need, submit it to the right office (call to make sure!), phrase it correctly, and follow up frequently.

ASK FOR PDFs

In most cases it is both faster and cheaper to get pdf copies of documents sent to you via email than having to mess with paper documents (especially since you may face a copying fee for paper documents).

CAN I BE CHARGED FOR RECORDS?

Yes. But they cannot OVER charge you. On Sept. 10, 2010 Gov. Christie signed legislation that changed OPRA’s provision at NJSA 47:1A-5.b: “[a] copy or copes of government record may be purchased by any person upon payment of the fee prescribed by law or regulation. Except as otherwise provided by law or regulation, the fee assessed for the publication of a government record embodied in the form of printed matter, shall be $0.05 per letter size page or smaller, and $0.07 per legal size page or larger. If a public agency can demonstrate that its actual costs

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for duplication exceed the foregoing rates, the publica agency shall be permitted to charge the actual cost of duplicating the record...Access to electronic records and non-printed materials shall be provided free of charge...” If you are asked to cough up a fee, let the VOICE adviser know and she will ensure it is an accurate fee and provide the funds needed.

REDACTING MAY SOMETIMES OCCUR

When you are asking for documents with sensitive information such as social security numbers or anything that could breach Homeland Security laws or jeopardize law enforcement can be redacted or have just the sensitive info blacked out. This is both good and bad. They can over redact or cover stuff up, but you have far more ability to get hold of otherwise sensitive information.

FORMS AVAILABLE AT

Download a printable copy at: www.mcccvoice.org/model_opra_request.doc Download the Citizens Guide to OPRA at: www.mcccvoice.org/OPRA_citizens_guide.pdf

WHAT CAN BE ACCESSED WITH OPRA? NJ’s Open Public Records Act allows all citizens access to records of all STATE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES. A physical record includes: “any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, micro-film, dataprocessed or image-processed document, and information stored or maintained electronically or by sound recording.”

A record is considered to have a government purpose when it has been “made, maintained, kept on file or been received in the course of official business.”

Documents available under OPRA include, but are not limited to: institutional data, meeting minutes, policies and handbooks, official memos, salary information, contracts, attendance sheets, crime logs and statistics (must be made available under the Clery Act).

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OPRA

Sample VOICE OPRA request form THE COLLEGE VOICE

OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS ACT REQUEST Mercer County Community College Student Center Rm. 120, PO Box B, Trenton, NJ 08690 [STUDENT EMAIL GOES HERE]

Important Notice The last page of this form contains important information related to your rights concerning government records. Please read it carefully.

Requestor Information – Please Print First Name

Payment Information MI

Last Name

Maximum Authorization Cost $

10

E-mail Address Mailing Address City

1200 Edinburg Rd. – Student Center Room 120

West Windsor

Telephone Preferred Delivery:

State

609-570-3594 Pick X US Mail Up

NJ

Zip

08550

FAX On-Site Inspect

Fax ________ E-mail ___X____

Under penalty of N.J.S.A. 2C:28-3, I certify that I HAVE / HAVE NOT been convicted of any indictable offense under the laws of New Jersey, any other state, or the United States.

Signature

Fees:

Letter size pages - $0.05 per page Legal size pages - $0.07 per page Other materials (CD, DVD, etc) – actual cost of material Delivery: Delivery / postage fees additional depending upon delivery type.

Extras:

Special service charge dependent upon request.

Date

Pursuant to the state open records law, N.J. Stat. Ann. Secs. 47:1-1 to 47:1A-13 , I write to request access to and a copy of [DESCRIBE YOUR REQUESTED IN DETAIL HERE] WRITE YOUR REQUEST HERE – BE SPECIFIC I prefer that copies of these documents be sent electronically, to reduce any copying expenses, but should hard copies be the only reasonable method of preparation I agree to pay any copying fees of not more than $10. This figure has been determined using the formula specified under NJSA 22A: 4-1a.

As provided by the open records laws, I will expect your response within seven (7) business days. See N.J. Stat. Ann. Sec. 47:1A-5(i).

If you choose to deny this request, please provide a written explanation for the denial including a reference to the specific statutory exemption(s) upon which you rely.

Please be advised that I am prepared to pursue whatever legal remedy necessary to obtain access to the requested records. I would note that violation of the open records law can result in the award of reasonable attorney fees. See N.J. Stat. Ann. Sec. 47:1A-6. Additionally, willful violation of the open records law is punishable by fines of up to $5,000. See Sec. 47:1A-11(a).

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Est. Document Cost Est. Delivery Cost Est. Extras Cost Total Est. Cost Deposit Amount

AGENCY USE ONLY

AGENCY USE ONLY

Estimated Balance

Deposit Date

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Appendix F - Interacting with Student Media

Developing a culture of mutual respect between student media and college employees requires effort and understanding on both sides. There is no reason for administrators to go into a defensive crouch whenever they see student reporters coming, nor any reason for reporters to assume administrators do not want to assist them. It is far easier to build trust if both sides are well informed about how to interact. With that in mind, we have compiled information intended for college administrators to help them in their dealings with student media.

Common Faculty, Staff and Administrator Concerns Many college administrators, faculty and staff find it intimidating to interact with student media. They often cite concerns including:

k I am concerned that students will misunderstand or misquote me, and despite the fact that it was not my error, my superiors will hold me accountable k I am concerned that I will speak out of turn or say something I shouldn’t have, and it will land me in trouble k I am concerned that speaking up may make it look like I am trying to draw attention to myself k I am concerned that students will come unprepared or behave unprofessionally and it will waste my time k I am concerned that I will not speak eloquently, and that even if I am quoted correctly, I may come across as uninformed or foolish

All of these are perfectly legitimate concerns. Nevertheless, as a member of an educational institution you have a duty to help students learn, you have a right to speak your mind, and, in many cases, you and the college can benefit from student media coverage by providing important information or needed perspective on topics of concern to the community.

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Though it may take some time to get comfortable talking to student reporters, with a bit of information, it can be much easier and less daunting. Let us address the typical concerns, one by one.

Fear of Being Misquoted or Misunderstood The burden of getting facts and quotes right is on the student reporter. News advisers and journalism instructors are obliged to work tirelessly to ensure students know how to get their facts straight and report in a fair and balanced way. Nevertheless, students are learning on the job. Starting on the first day of the semester they are required to begin covering newsworthy stories. Fortunately, there are fail-safes put into place to help prevent reporting errors.

Student reporters and media advisers are just as concerned as you are about getting the facts wrong. No aspiring journalist wants to have to run corrections, retract stories, or burn bridges with their contacts because they got a story wrong. As a result, there is a process in place to help reduce errors.

Fail-safes

1. Research First

2. Recording

3. Fact Checking Sheets

4. Editing Process

Only about 30% of the articles that student reporters write ever get

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All Journalism 1 and 2 students, as well as VOICE staffers are instructed on how to do their research and learn as much about a topic as possible before heading out to do interviews. Senior staff and advisers work with junior staffers to vet questions prior to interviews as a means of preventing students showing up unprepared.

Student reporters at Mercer are encouraged to digitally record all of their interviews either using audio recorders built into their smart phones, or borrowing one of the digital recorders available to staffers for this purpose. Under New Jersey law, student reporter must identify themselves as members of the press and seek permission before recording. Faculty, administrators and staff are encouraged to allow recording as this is one way that editors can help ascertain if a quote has been given correctly.

Student reporters are required to sign and submit a fact checking worksheet to accompany every article they write for The College VOICE. See sample at right. Advisers, instructors and editors work to impress upon all reporters the ethical necessity of careful, deliberate fact checking. These sheets are saved, should any questions about a reporter’s work arise.

Fact Checking Worksheet Getting the facts right is a matter of journalistic ethics and integrity as well as a legal necessity.

NEVER submit work that contains facts you cannot or have not gathered yourself and verified.

Directions: After you have written an article draft with which you are satisfied, your next step is to check all your facts. In order to do this, you must have saved all documents you used (or bookmarked websites), and after interviewing people on the record, made sure you had their contact information so you could get back to them to check your facts and quotes as needed.

When you have completed all the steps below, sign and date this document on the line provided.

STEP 1 – Check names and spellings p Go through your document and review all names of people, places and other proper nouns. Check the spelling against original documents and online directories. If needed, call any person you talked to back, and check that his or her name is spelled correctly. If you doublechecked during your interviews, that is sufficient. Get into the habit of checking the spelling of names as you are reporting.

STEP 2 – Check numbers and statistics p Identify all numbers, percentages, dates and statistics mentioned in your article. Then, go through them one at a time and check them against documents, websites and personal interviews.

If you cannot find the same number (or date or time or percentage) given by MORE THAN ONE source then you cannot use it in your article. If an individual gave you a number (date etc.) during an interview, call him or her back and ask if there is a document that contains that information or if there is another person who can verify.

STEP 3 – Check quotes p Find all quotes used in your article. Verify that the person quoted is identified correctly, and that he or she was aware of being interviewed on the record by a reporter. During the interview you should have checked the quotes as you went along, and, when possible, digitally recorded the meeting as well. Check your notes and recordings to ensure all quotes are accurate.

If your are not sure, call the person back and double check that you have reported their comments correctly.

STEP 4 – Check for and remove bias p Read through your article and check to see if there are any words you’ve used that may show bias or a slanted position (this does not include reviews or opinions). Check for inadequate representation of any perspective and add reporting to correct. Remove bias and present a fair and balanced perspective. If you wrote a review or opinion column, which contains your opinion, make sure you provided adequate facts to support your position.

By signing below I _____________________ certify that I have completed a thorough check of all facts contained in my article, that every aspect of my article is true, accurate and substantiated and all information has been correctly attributed to the best of my ability.

Signed: _____________________________ Date: _____________________ 53

published in The College VOICE. Editors routinely “spike” stories that appear unbalanced or under reported. They are particularly hesitant to run stories where quotes from upper level administrators are used and where no audio recordings exist so that quotes can be verified. Every article goes through a drafting process, where students receive feedback from peer editors and faculty advisers. Then final drafts are line edited by the EIC and/or ME. The final person to read each article is the copy editor. By the time an article appears in print, it has been read over and checked by no fewer than five people.

Fear of Speaking Out of Turn or Getting Things Wrong No one wants to be the person who gives out inaccurate information to student media, which can cause many people to feel hesitant about speaking at all. Here is how to guard against such problems.

First, understand that student reporters may be interviewing either to get specific information, or, in many cases, just to get your take on an issue and render your informed opinion as a member of the campus community.

1. Ask What Type of Info is Needed

When a reporter contacts you to set up an interview, ask if he or she is coming

specifically to get your perspective and opinion on a topic, or if they are seeking

specific factual information. In many cases they many be seeking both, but you can

make them aware ahead of time if you are only able to render one or the other.

Opinions

Though you are under no obligation to render an opinion, you are always

allowed to give your opinion to the press under the First Amendment

to the Constitution. No College employee can ever be punished for

speaking to students to offer their perspective on a matter of concern. In

fact, sharing one’s views allows you to add to the public discourse and

debates that concern the community. Hearing multiple perspectives

creates a informed and collegial dialog that is crucial to the mission of higher education.

Facts

In many cases a student reporter may ask you for factual information. If

you only have partial knowledge of a topic, indicate that and then try to

connect the reporter to whomever would have the complete information they seek.

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2. Ask for the Key Questions

Reporters will have some prepared questions for their interviews. They will always be adding follow up questions during an interview, but you can certainly ask to see their basic questions ahead of time so that you can figure out if you are the right person for them to talk to. They may still want your opinion on a topic, but you can let them know if they need to get the facts somewhere else.

3. Allow Recording

4. Go “Off the Record” As Needed

5. Ask to Review Quotes Afterward

For everyone’s sake it is a good idea to allow your interview to be recorded.

It means students who can’t write down every word you said fast enough can review the transcript to be sure they have it right. It means editors can check quotes if they are concerned that a reporter may not have gotten it right. It means that you can challenge a quote that appears in print if you feel you were misquoted, and there is a record to check against. Finally, advisers and senior staff will sit down with junior reporters to review these recordings and use them to improve their interviewing skills for the future. In a few cases an administrator has accused reporters of getting the facts wrong, rather than taking responsibility for giving out inaccurate information. Student reporters are all the more diligent about recording interviews for precisely this reason.

If you are being asked a variety of questions and in some cases you feel comfortable answering, but others you don’t, during the interview itself you can indicate that you want to respond “off the record.” This means that the student cannot quote any portion of your “off the record” comments. Students still appreciate the information as it may direct them to ask other important questions to other people they are interviewing. You can make the call on a question by question basis, right on the spot.

After an interview you may NOT ask to review a student’s article before it goes into print. This is a violation of the student reporter’s right not to face any possibility or pressure of censorship. However, you can certainly ask the student to supply you with a list of the specific quotes from you that he or she is intending to use in their article. This gives you a chance to clarify or correct any information before an article goes to press.

Fear of Drawing Attention to Yourself No one wants to look like they are trying to make themselves the center of attention, or that they think their point of view is more relevant or important than anyone else’s. The good news is that simply speaking to a reporter does not mean you are drawing attention to yourself. Student reporters are required to seek perspectives from as many quarters as possible, to ensure balanced reporting, so your voice should never be presented in a vacuum. Yours is one voice among many. If, however, students ask you to speak on topic after topic, you may want to direct them to someone else to broaden their horizons and so your voice doesn’t become more prominent than you intend.

Fear of Unprepared and Unprofessional Student Reporters Student journalists are learning on the job. Advisors, journalism instructors and editors are working diligently to train reporters and instill professionalism, but there are always those who will arrive to an interview unprepared. No matter how much you want to help, it is not 55

your obligation to endure sloppy reporting, particularly when it is clear that these are the sort of reporters most apt to get quotes and information wrong. Here’s how to handle the problem, should it arise:

1. Ask for an Editor to Come With a Junior Reporter If even the process of setting up the interview with a student indicated to you that something was amiss about his or her level of preparation, you may head trouble off at the pass by contacting the Editor in Chief (EIC) and asking that an actual editor or senior staffer accompany the junior reporter. These requests are taken seriously. Having a more seasoned reporter along, one who has a stake in getting it right and maintaining good relationships with faculty and staff, guards against your time being wasted.

2. Limit your Time Give an unprepared reporter exactly 5 minutes of your time and no more. Tell them you have other matters to attend to, and that will be that. Naturally you do have other matters to attend to, and when it is obvious that your efforts to aid the student press are going to be in vain, you should not endure the distraction.

Fear of Not Speaking Eloquently College employees are seldom given any instruction or tools for how to handle questions from reporters --student or otherwise-- and many are concerned that even at their best they will not be as well spoken as they would like. Here are some tips and strategies for saying what you mean to say.

1. Practice

If you will have to speak in to the press frequently, and you don’t have much

experience with it, it may be worth it to take a public speaking class at MCCC. As

staff, you can do this at no cost. However, this is a 10 or 15 week commitment you

simply may not be willing or able to make.

The best alternative to get some practice is to volunteer to come to

a Journalism class or College VOICE weekly meeting, and let students practice

their interviewing skills with you. Not only do you get to see their process of

learning in action, you get to meet staffers, make a connection with instructors,

demonstrate your interest in communicating to the press effectively, and have

the experience of being interviewed when the stakes are low.

Few staffers ever take this opportunity, but it is well worth the 50 minutes

you put in. Establishing a connection with VOICE staff lets them know you take them

and their work seriously, so when the time comes and you have to be interviewed

for an article, you know there is already mutual respect. They will be extra

motivated to ensure they get your quotes right. They are more apt to check in with

you, unprompted, to follow up on loose ends and seek clarification.

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2. Get Help from the Pros You can always ask to sit in when a colleague, whom you believe to be well spoken, is interviewed by the press. This gives you a chance to observe what works.

But if this isn’t a possibility, the next best way to watch how a pro handles an

interview is to go online. Visit YouTube to see the best and worst of politicians, diplomats and even celebrities being interviewed by experts like Terry Gross, James Lipton, Rachel Maddow, Barbara Walters and Oprah. Watch what the pros do and get some ideas for your own interviews.

3. Do a Dry Run or Two or Three Before the reporter arrives, give yourself a head start. Think about the kinds of questions a reporter might ask you about the topic, then think of how you would answer. In the peace and quiet of your car on the way to work, or in the shower, or at dinner with a patient family member, try out your answers until you have ones you feel good about. Practice again. Give your answers to your potted plant, to your potted plant, to an imaginary Oprah sitting on your living room sofa. These tactics may seem goofy, but they can take the pressure off and allow you to build your confidence.

4. Other Tips k Sit in a relaxed and comfortable space. k Bring a notebook with ideas for what you want to say, so you can refer to it if you get lost. k Have a bottle of water, so you can stop and take a sip when you need to pause and think before answering. k Remember, you don’t have to know everything. It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure,” or “I can look that up and get back to you.” k Bear in mind that student reporters are probably more nervous than you are, and that, at the end of the day, everyone wants to do their job well. They are on your side. k Do not be afraid to go back and rephrase something. You can always say, “I’m sorry, let me go back and say that again.” Student reporters know to use the latter quote, rather than the flub. k If you get lost, you can always ask a reporter to remind you what you were saying or what the previous question was.

5. Follow Up

If things went well, try to remember what you did and what it was that worked.

If you feel like you were misquoted, or you didn’t come off as well as you hoped in an interview, try to figure out what happened. If the error lies with the reporter, write a letter to the editor to explain how The VOICE got it wrong. Editors understand that they are ethically bound to run corrections and retractions and that their duty to their readers it to always be trying to improve and get stories right. They welcome feedback and letters to the editor (following the guidelines found on page 27 of this manual.

If, however, the error was your own, figure out where you went wrong so you can prevent the problem in the future without swearing off interviews altogether. Did you get nervous and bumble through questions? Were you the wrong person for the reporter to talk to, so you gave incomplete or incorrect information? Would it help to go do a practice interview or two with the reporters so you are better prepared in the future? If you are planning to advance in your field, you will inevitably be doing more interviews in the future, so it’s worth it 57

to get in the habit and get good at it, particularly when you can help fulfill the college’s mission of education by working to train the reporters of tomorrow.

6. Do Not Take it Personally

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Student reporters are not trying to corner you or make the college look bad. Their job is to provide fair and balanced reporting and to give their readers as much accurate, timely and newsworthy information as possible. Sometimes situations at the College don’t go well, and students will report on that, but they don’t actually enjoy “digging up dirt” or “reporting bad news.” If you look at the 50 most recent front pages of The College VOICE (available online at www mcccvoice.org/about/pdf archives/) you will see as many stories about “good” things going on at Mercer as stories about problems or areas of student concern.

In any case, bringing concerns to light and allowing open discussion shows that the college is committed to constant evaluation from within and without and seeking steady improvement. No one can find fault in that.

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Appendix G - The College VOICE A History of Success The College VOICE - By the numbers 2008- 2014 VOICE staffers between 2008 and 2014 who graduated on time or left to enter the full-time work force.

100% (98% transfer, 2% workforce)

Percent of VOICE staffers who worked 83% 20+ hours per week at outside employment (this number has not dipped below 75% while attending MCCC full time between since 2008) 2008 and 2014 VOICE staffers receiving need-based finan- 97% cial aid to attend MCCC as of fall 2014 (this number has remained at or near 100% since 2008) Percent of VOICE staffers between 2008 95% and 2014 who, upon transfer, have re(15% received full scholarships) ceived substantial (more than 50%) scholarships from their transfer institutions Number of state, regional and national 87 journalism awards won by VOICE staffers 2008-2009 = 6 between 2008 and 2014 2009-2010 = 15 2010-2011 = 24 2012-2013 = 23 2013-2014 = 19 k 2nd place in the nation for 2-year colleges 2010 k 4th place nationally for 2013. k New Jersey Press Association #1 for General Excellence 2011, 2012, 2014. k 45% of the awards received were in in national competitions against both two and four year colleges. k Received highest national awards in photography, investigative reporting, and feature writing competing against the likes of Tufts, Harvard, Syracuse and Ball State for 2014. k Every year since 2008, received awards in all three areas of student journalism, photography, writing and design.

Percent of VOICE staffers who received at least one state, regional or national award for their work on the paper between 2008 and 2014.

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90%

VOICE staffers between 2008 and 2014 who graduated on time or left to enter the full-time work force.

100% (98% transfer, 2% workforce)

Colleges and Universities VOICE editors transferred to between 2008 and 2014:

Columbia University (1) Stanford University (1) University of Michigan (1) Savannah College of Art and Design (1) University of Connecticut (1) Emerson College (1) University of San Diego (1) Hampshire College (1) Hofstra (1) Baruch College - CUNY (1) Temple University (1) Rutgers (14) TCNJ (4) University of the Arts (5) Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1) Rider University (2) Rowan University (3) Montclair University (3) The New School (1) Rowan (1) William Paterson (3) Ramapo College of New Jersey (3) Places where former VOICE staffers have The New York Times received employment or paid internship in USA Today new media fields between 2008 and 2014: United Nations News Service NBC News 10 - Philadelphia NBC News - San Diego Mashable.com PopBreak.com Princeton Packet Indiana Gazette Number of declared New Media majors 2011 - 11 increase over four years. New Media is a 2012 - 18 degree program Michael Dalton and Holly 2013 - 35 Johnson developed using a mini-grant in 2014 - 52 2011.

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