You go to your editor because you're confused about how to best approach an upcoming story. Instead of providing guidance about the story's frame or talking you through possible sources, the editor says they aren't sure who you should interview and asks your opinion. They also say they're uncertain if the story is worth writing, ending the … [Read more...]
How to Recruit When There’s No One on Campus
College media staffs have been tasked with reporting critical health and safety information since last spring when COVID-19 sent students nationwide to virtual classes. At the same time, student editors found themselves working with smaller staffs as students tried to figure out how to do coursework online and adjust to their altered living … [Read more...]
Take a Course with Prof KRG
I've met a lot of students during my almost two decades of college media advising. I've spoken to you at conventions, trained you at your universities or remotely and hosted you on my former Twitter chat. Through the years a lot of you have said you would love to take a class with me. Sadly, there were always a couple of roadblocks in the way. … [Read more...]
My ‘rules’ for conduct with students
A couple of things seem certain when it comes to the question of how student media advisers should engage with their students. First, every adviser's "rules" are slightly different. Second, we all think we're doing it right. I made these observations after following a discussion among my adviser peers regarding how to interact professionally … [Read more...]
Why I No Longer Work at the University I Used to Love
I didn’t really start to cry until I thought about Dru. I was pulling books off of the shelf, separating what was personally mine and what belonged to the position, when I said Dru’s name and started sobbing. It’s not only the girl herself. It’s all of the students she represents. Students who I love. Students whose rights I think it’s my calling … [Read more...]
Traits to look for in potential staffers
There is a single phrase I love hearing from students. When these words leave a student's mouth, I just want to jump over my desk and hug them. And I am not a hugger. I love it when a student says "I just love to write." The phrase indicates to me that the student and I have found the right fit. We were meant to work together. Despite how … [Read more...]
Why I’m Canceling #EditorTherapy Chat After Three Years
I've come to a painful decision. I'm in a place where I'm trying to hang onto something that no longer serves you the way it used to and something I've come to dread. After three years of pretty much weekly online discussions, I'm canceling #EditorTherapy chat. If you don't know what #EditorTherapy chat is, then I'm sure you don't care about … [Read more...]