Working with the Student Press. A CASE Issues Paper for Advancement Professionals, No. 27.

A group of senior-level communications professionals who were brought together to discuss strategies for working successfully with student newspapers developed the following recommendations: (1) Some basics: appreciate the educational value of the student newspaper; read the student paper. (2) Establishing a relationship: when editors and reporters begin their terms, explain to them how the university works; encourage student journalists to consider the communications office as a source of direction and information; treat student journalists with respect; plan systematic contact with the student newspaper; understand that student reporters covering important university officials and "celebrities" may become star struck; involve editors and reporters in other aspects of the campus community; assist students to become professional journalists. (3) When something newsworthy occurs on campus: involve student journalists from the beginning; put the event in historical context; suggest related issues and other sources; give student journalists the same access as is given to other reporters and editors; be willing to provide other sides to the story. The group also posed several questions for the future: how to explain to the public the nature of the relationship between the institution and the student newspaper; and how to deal with emerging online issues. The list of participants and contact information is appended. (CH)