2008 Woodie Awards
Political Body Makes Major Cutbacks
Issue date: 4/27/05 Section: Editorials
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Student newspapers are important.
That is why recent developments in the Ventura Community College District are disturbing.
In March the VCCD board decided to eliminate two student newspapers: the Ventura College Press and the Oxnard College Campus Observer.
The problem does not end there.
The VCCD has come up with an unjustifiable plan that would force student journalists at Moorpark College to produce one student newspaper to serve all three campuses in their district.
The VCCD is currently facing a $2 million deficit. By cutting these newspapers, the district will save money, board members say.
However, this view is shockingly
Student newspapers are an essential part of college life, especially on commuter campuses. They are not only a forum for discussion, but also a uniting factor for students, administrators, faculty, staff and neighbors in surrounding communities.
The campus newspaper is the voice of the students. Working on a student newspaper is a rewarding experience. Coming up with story ideas, determining who to interview and what to ask, gathering background information, synthesizing facts, and seeking out diverse viewpoint- in effect becoming an expert on a topic on deadline- these talents alone make campus journalists valuable prospects for any field.
The California Newspaper Publishers Association, a group of 500 professional newspaper organizations across California, strongly supports college journalism programs because for their relative cost, student newspapers pay off big. Even students who do not pursue careers in print, broadcast or online media gain skills that will serve them well as they go on to other fields.
So why doesn't the VCCD board understand this concept?
Apparently some of its own members do.
On the day of the vote, Trustee Larry Miller cast the only dissenting vote saying he's not convinced the district's financial situation is as dire as administrators say. When it came time to decide on the fate of two campus newspapers, Trustee Mary Anne Rooney joined Miller.
That is why recent developments in the Ventura Community College District are disturbing.
In March the VCCD board decided to eliminate two student newspapers: the Ventura College Press and the Oxnard College Campus Observer.
The problem does not end there.
The VCCD has come up with an unjustifiable plan that would force student journalists at Moorpark College to produce one student newspaper to serve all three campuses in their district.
The VCCD is currently facing a $2 million deficit. By cutting these newspapers, the district will save money, board members say.
However, this view is shockingly
Student newspapers are an essential part of college life, especially on commuter campuses. They are not only a forum for discussion, but also a uniting factor for students, administrators, faculty, staff and neighbors in surrounding communities.
The campus newspaper is the voice of the students. Working on a student newspaper is a rewarding experience. Coming up with story ideas, determining who to interview and what to ask, gathering background information, synthesizing facts, and seeking out diverse viewpoint- in effect becoming an expert on a topic on deadline- these talents alone make campus journalists valuable prospects for any field.
The California Newspaper Publishers Association, a group of 500 professional newspaper organizations across California, strongly supports college journalism programs because for their relative cost, student newspapers pay off big. Even students who do not pursue careers in print, broadcast or online media gain skills that will serve them well as they go on to other fields.
So why doesn't the VCCD board understand this concept?
Apparently some of its own members do.
On the day of the vote, Trustee Larry Miller cast the only dissenting vote saying he's not convinced the district's financial situation is as dire as administrators say. When it came time to decide on the fate of two campus newspapers, Trustee Mary Anne Rooney joined Miller.