college journalism in Boston

40 Years of FreeP

2010-01-13T09:55:00.001-05:00

BU's The Daily Free Press is celebrating its 40th anniversary of being the school's independent student newspaper this Spring. To commemorate the milestone the paper is publishing a series of articles about "the past, present and future" of the Free Press.

They started with this interesting look into how the Free Press got started in the midst of the Vietnam War:

The Daily Free Press - The Free Press Press looks back on 40 years

Full Circle

2010-01-03T15:24:00.008-05:00

When I first started this blog two years ago (wow, really, it's been that long?!?), I started by surveying the websites of publications from schools in and around Boston. What I found was varying levels of attention given to online publishing - like the Suffolk Journal's abandonment of its site and subsequent ill-conceived relaunch.

This blog was an assignment for a new media journalism course at Northeastern University, and I didn't think anyone besides my professor and my classmates would be reading it. However, I have discovered of the years that the blog has been read by many (14,092 hits since I started counting half through '08), and has had an impact in coverage of certain topics, like No More than Four and the 2008 Presidential Election.

However, never have I been happier to find that this blog has had an impact on the very topic I first sought to cover. Last month, I was contacted by the web editor of The Suffolk Journal via a Facebook message:

Jessica -

I understand that you run the blog 'college journalism in boston' and it was actually one of your posts last year about the Journal's website that actually made me decide to become the new Web Editor and 'gtfo' of College Publisher and onto a WordPress site. In my opinion, our new website is a lot better than the previous efforts. Since we've been off of the internet for the past few months, we're trying to gain most of our readers back.

Anyways, thanks! You were one of the few inspirations that pushed us to finally do this!

http://www.suffolkjournal.net

-Ethan Long

Ethan is right, the new SuffolkJournal.net is infinitely better than its College Publisher predecessor. In fact, I think this website design is one of the best of all the college papers that I follow.

BEFORE:

AFTER:
I love the look of the Wordpress site. The flash components give the site a sleek, modern, youthful feel, which is what any college paper should strive to achieve. The Journal has also implemented several multimedia and social networking elements (twitter: @suffolkjournal, Facebook, Flickr, etc.) that work seamlessly on the site.

I applaud Ethan and the Journal on making this commitment to improving the website. It's an undisputed fact that the future of journalism will be online, and college journalists and editors should be using their school papers to experiment and learn.

I think the best change the Journal made was getting off of College Publisher. I have never seen a College Publisher website that can compare to another host. The Heights, Berkeley Beacon, The Suffolk Voice, Daily Free Press, Huntington News, The Mass Media and The Tufts Daily all use College Publisher, with Tufts and the Suffolk Voice producing the best result. The limitations of CP mean all of these sites look blandly alike and it limits the newspapers ability to establish a unique online identity.

The Harvard Crimson, Harvard Voice, and The Tech all use other hosting services.

Wordpress is a great alternative to CP, used by professional publications like Entertainment Weekly, and available for free on a limited usage. I have set up several Wordpress sites from production companies I have interned for and had nothing but great results.

I never would have imagined when I wrote my first post in January 2008, that the Suffolk Journal would now be a go to example of a good college newspaper website. Maybe some of the other papers I follow will read this post and be inspired by the Journal's transformation and as Ethan said "gtfo" of college publisher - I'm especially looking at you, The Huntington News!

Not buying it Ed

2009-12-10T16:26:00.005-05:00

UPDATE: It was just brought to my attention that this email was not sent out to the student body. Instead it appears to have been sent out to 50 or so select students, many of whom I recognize as student leaders here at Northeastern. I will leave this post up for the remainder of the student body to read.

Northeastern Vice President and Dean of the Office of Student Affairs Ed Klotzbier just sent out a ~~mass~~ e-mail to ~~the Northeastern student body~~ select Northeastern students (full text below) calling for people to relax about the recent four-year program announcement.

"The beauty of this – and what some students seem to be overlooking – is that this is an OPTION, not a requirement, nor a step toward the elimination of the co-op program. This is just something you can choose to do if you want to," writes Ed.

I don't think anyone has missed the point that this is an "OPTION," this is clearly the portrayal Northeastern's PR department has decided will best appeal to angered students, alumni and co-op employers. However, in between the lines is an obvious shift in Northeastern's ideology about co-op. If this announcement wasn't meant to signal a large-scale change well then why would our university president be quoted as saying the four-year option will "spread like wild-fire." Clearly it seems Northeastern wants to make four-years the standard and five-years the option.

It's nice to say that the five-year program is not going to go away, but in reality the negative connotations of spending five years at what may now be considered a "four-year university" will likely dissuade many students from opting for five years. Future students will feel even more pressure to rush and complete their experiential education and their undergraduate requirements with their high school peers at traditional four-year university.

Bottom line is that Northeastern shouldn't even be trying to pander to the traditional four-year model. It has always been an option for interested students to finish their education in four-years, so there was no need to make this announcement if there wasn't a deeper underlying meaning behind it.

And don't even get me started on the idea of online courses while on co-op. Taking advanced-writing (what should be the primary writing and research course that sets up students for their senior thesis projects) while working full-time on co-op is probably the worst educational idea I have heard in my FIVE-years at Northeastern.

Read the full e-mail letter:

Hi friends,

Wanted to reach out because I know there’s been a lot of chatter about Northeastern offering a 4-year option for students that includes 2 co-ops. For some of you, this isn’t news at all – there are plenty of students who are already on this plan – some who are currently here, and some who have already graduated. The beauty of this – and what some students seem to be overlooking – is that this is an OPTION, not a requirement, nor a step toward the elimination of the co-op program. This is just something you can choose to do if you want to. We are and will be a school that prides itself on our signature co-op program. Want to do 2 co-ops? Great. Want to do 3 co-ops? Cool. Not sure if you want to do co-op at all? That’s ok too. In almost every major, it’s not required. But rest assured that we’re not abandoning our roots, or trying to be like any other school.

We’re unique – and we all know that co-op is the number one reason students choose Northeastern. And it will continue to be! The great thing about the co-op program is that it’s FLEXIBLE. It allows those of you who would rather graduate in 4 years to do so. We’re not phasing out the 5 year model – that is still an option that many students will continue to choose. So as students, you are empowered to design a track that best suits you.

I know there’s a lot of misinformation out there in the blogosphere and elsewhere right now. In fact, some media outlets are even reporting this wrong. The fact is. This is really great for all current and future students – you can make your Northeastern experience the best it can be – and you’ll get help along the way, to stay on whichever track you choose.

Got questions or concerns that you need cleared up? Talk to me. Give me a call, shoot me an e*mail or come by my office. I’m happy to talk it over!

That’s it for now,

Ed

E. Edward Klotzbier, J.D.
Vice President and Dean
Office for Student Affairs
104 Ell Hall
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
e.klotzbier@neu.edu
617-373-5434

Well said Huntington News and TGIG!

2009-12-10T16:04:00.002-05:00

The news broke yesterday on Northeastern's decision to put more of a focus on a four-year, two co-op program. Wednesday is the publication day for the student-newspaper the Huntington News and I am sure they were sweating to adjust to this last minute news bomb. However, the paper more than rose to the occasion with its coverage.

Here's the front-page news story, NU announces four-year program

But the real gems are found on the editorial page, in the staff editorial and Mary Ann Georgantopoulos column.

"Let’s imagine for a moment that this is an excellent decision. Aoun and Provost Stephen Director have yet to give a good explanation of why. ... No one has said exactly why becoming a four-year institution makes Northeastern more appealing or how it improves students’ education.

... Students already have the option of graduating in four years and that's the way it should stay. Some programs require five or more years, but that should only add to the quality of the degree. Doesn’t it stand to reason that more time studying and working will better serve students after they graduate?

Unless there’s a real reason, Northeastern, let’s not try to fix what isn’t broken."

- Editorial: Four-year plans raises questions, concerns

"Now I know this is not the first time we’ve heard about this plan. President Joseph Aoun and Co. have made it clear to us that they want to move in a four-year school direction. But why, Joe? Why do you want to make Northeastern just another cookie cutter university?

...Why change the one thing that sets us apart? In my eyes, co-op seems to be working just fine. ...

Northeastern seems to be full of changes lately. Restructuring the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Criminal Justice, cutting the football program, and now this. All I can say is, TGIG – Thank God I’m Graduating."

- Column: Four-years should be optional, not standard

Three cheers Huntington News! This is great, well-written representation of the voice of "real" students demands.

I hope the Northeastern Administration is reading this. I too share the TGIG sentiment and is that really the feeling Northeastern wants to foster with its outgoing classes - the future endowment donors.

My only question is, is there anyone besides President Aoun and his administration that agrees with the decision?

Also read,
Letter to the Editor: Move to four years unnecessary, detrimental

NU wants to make co-op four years

2009-12-09T10:06:00.012-05:00

I've just completed my last course as a college student at Northeastern University, and while I am finishing final projects I can't help but be nostalgic about my five-years as a husky. This is exemplified by the fact that the Northeastern I am leaving feels so different than the Northeastern I entered in Fall 2005.

I was the last honors class in Kennedy Hall, which at the time seemed like the mecca of Freshman residence halls but now looks like a rundown, evil step-child next to West Village F and International Village.

I'm part of the last class to graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences - as division into three new colleges - College of Science, College of Art, Media and Design and College of Social Sciences and Humanities - is (rumor has it) wrecking havoc in the Lake, Holmes, Meserve corridors. Where's communications belong? Why no more College of Criminal Justice? Are these three new colleges still going to be housed in one of the oldest, most dilapidated, convoluted buildings on campus?

And now comes Northeastern's announcement today to alter the 100-year-old co-op program, to allow students to graduate in four-years instead of five.

Northeastern to offer students in co-op program 4-year degrees - The Boston Globe

This "big announcement" is inept for many reasons, one of which being that doing co-op and graduating in four years has always been a possibility. In fact, most of my journalism major friends have gone for the four-and-a-half year option and graduated in December of their senior year. While others like my economics major roommate have been able to get their undergraduate degree, do three co-ops and a one-year Master's program within the five-year time frame.

The thing about the five-year program is that it is tailored to give students the best opportunity to gain 18-months of real work-experience, while still being able to enjoy the full college experience. Three co-ops wasn't right for every student (me included - I opted for a study abroad experience and change in area of study before going on my second and final co-op), but the flexibility of five-years allowed for more possibilities. This was especially true for students who struggled to find a co-op placement and needed the extra time to either get their grades up or reassess their field of choice.

As Northeastern University marks its 100th year of cooperative education, the University has committed to an expansion of its signature academic program by offering a four-year bachelor’s degree with two full co-op experiences. This approach is driven in part by ongoing efforts to provide students with greater choice and flexibility, while maintaining the benefits of co-op and experiential learning. - Northeastern Press Release

This change doesn't eliminate the option of a five-year program, but it does certainly signal a shift in focus.

The co-op director of the University of Cincinnati says it best in the Globe article:

Studies by the school have shown that students experience the most growth in the final six months of 18 months on the job. That is when students have gained enough skills to run independent projects and can really make a difference, he said.

“So the question becomes: If you were to systematically kill that last year, would the employers be that interested anymore, because now the co-op is completely introductory?’’ asked [Kettil] Cedercreutz.

I appreciate Northeastern's attempt to give the students what they "demand," and have seen some good changes during my time here. International Co-op and Study Abroad being a major point of growth. But who is demanding this? Students who want a traditional four-year college experience? Well then they shouldn't be looking at Northeastern - there are a dozen other schools in the Boston area that can offer them that. Northeastern is the only school that can offer the unique five-year experience. This decision seems to be a ploy to bring in more students who have less of an interest in experiential education. This is not what Northeastern is about. The unique experience of this University is the campus' constant medley of working professionals and undergraduate students. Nine out of 10 current students (completely unfounded statistic) will probably tell you they came to Northeastern because of Co-op and all of them knew it was a five-year program. Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the number of applicants only continued to steadily rise in recent years?

This change for the sake of change policy of NU's current administration is not working. It seems to come from a president who hasn't seemed to connect with co-op or what Northeastern is about from the beginning. This announcement really isn't groundbreaking - four-years has always been an option - but if it does indeed signal a shift in the University's ideology than that is something to be concerned about. I worry that in a few years more alumni won't recognize the school they graduated from - and this more than anything else is going to hurt the future of NU's endowment.

Oh and don't forget, Bye Bye Football!

UPDATE: Huntington News has posted a brief article online - Northeastern announces four-year co-op program - Basically just summarizes the Globe article, but the comments are worth a read as always. Looking forward to reading the full story/editorial in tomorrow's edition.

UPDATE TWO: Another thought, I guess BU fans can't chant "Five-year Program" at sporting events anymore. That basically halves their insults. And makes us more like them. Oh no!

Bye-Bye Football

2009-12-03T22:02:00.011-05:00

I know I'm late to the game on this post, but giving Hofstra University's announcement today that they are also cutting their CAA football program today, I figured I could weigh in on Northeastern's announcement last week that after 74 seasons there will be no more football at NU.

I am sad to see football go. I was unaware of the team my first year at Northeastern, but in 2006 a friend in Athletics showed me the fun to be had Saturdays at Parsons Field. For the past several seasons, I waited at Chicken Lou's with 20 or so other fans to take the bus over for games. I lamented that more people didn't show up. I usually watched the games alone, because while I had made some friends hockey and basketball fans, I couldn't convince them to make the short-trip to Parsons.

I understand Northeastern's reasoning behind cutting the program. I feel bad for the players who feel they have been slighted, but when looking at how Boston University cut their program in 1997, it seems Northeastern announced it the best way they could. If they had let it slip earlier it would have tainted the season. If they had announced it later it would have given the guys who want to continue playing ball less time to find a new team. I am annoyed that I sat in the press conference over a year ago when Roby said new recruits would finish out their football careers at Northeastern, but really what else was he supposed to say?

My biggest concern is where that reported $3 million spent on the football program each year is going to end up. My hunch is that it is going to disappear into the black hole of Northeastern bureaucracy, and five-ten years from now we won't be able to point to something and say, "Yeah, we lost football, but we got X." BU has Agganis Arena to point to.

Whether it was sitting in the rain or suffering in an October heat wave. Whether the team blew a first half lead or got a great come from behind win. Whether I sat alone on the uncomfortable metal bleachers or cheered with my friends at the more crowded Homecoming games. I will look back fondly on my Saturdays at Parsons. I wish more students could have taken part in the purity and simplicity of Northeastern football. We still have great sports (my personal favorite has been watching Coach Coen's basketball team over the last four years) and I hope cutting football will help further these programs, especially soccer and volleyball, which have already found recent success and could probably do so much more with some added support.

-----------------------------

The announcement of Northeastern cutting football has been covered nationally from the likes of ESPN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and Boston Herald, and The Metro. But the coverage I was most impressed by was Northeastern's student-run media outlets. As the news leaked out Sunday night and text messages started arriving from friends, I was glad to see the quick response of The Huntington News, WRBB and NUTV.

Here's a round-up of the speedy, thorough coverage that continues today as students, alumni and players seek out more transparency from Northeastern Athletics and Administration.

WRBB, the on-campus radio station, had my favorite coverage with an immediate reaction podcast posted on the website, WRBBSports.com. LISTEN HERE. The tone was appropriately shocked and concerned, but the conversation was informative, insightful and poignant. WRBB has continued their coverage posting to links to all the national coverage on their blog.

I was also impressed with the immediate coverage by NUTV, the online television station. Here's Todd Cormier's Sports Update: Special Report, with footage from the season and AD Peter Roby's press conference. NUTV had additional coverage of student reaction here and here.

Because of the Thanksgiving Break, The Huntington News had the misfortune of not going to print for more than a week and a half after the announcement was made. Instead the student newspaper flexed its new media muscles using twitter (@HuntNewsNU) and the Web site to post news and letters to the editor as they got them.

Athletic Department Cuts Football Program

Players Protest Football's Termination (w/ VIDEO)

Article from today's paper, also:

Editorial: Football cut fiscally smart, but poorly handled

Football: Gridiron chapter closed

Online today covered Hofstra's decision to cut program

New to the blogging scene is Life as Husky, which has been providing a fan prospective of NU sports this fall. Here's his take on cutting football: Northeastern cuts football program

Northwestern Student Journalism records subpoenaed

2009-10-25T12:24:00.003-04:00

NYTIMES - Prosecutors Turn Tables on Student Journalists

Interesting legal battle brewing in Illinois between the student journalists at Northwestern Univerisity, who have been participating in the Medill Innocence Project investigations, and prosecutors from the Cook County state's attorney office.

According to the New York Times article, the students have been gathering witness accounts and evidence in a three-year investigation of Anthony McKinney, who was convicted of fatally shooting a security guard in 1978. The prosecutors "have subpoenaed the grades, grading criteria, class syllabus, expense reports and e-mail messages of the journalism students themselves."

They say they want to look into the methods of the students and questions have been raised about whether students thought they would receive better grades if they got witnesses to provide evidence proving McKinney's innocence. The prosecutors are also claiming the students should be considered an "investigative agency" instead of journalists (State law can protect such things as unpublished notes for journalists).

The University is fighting the requests. Should be really interesting to see how this all plays out.

Twice-a-week no more, Huntington News promises new media focus

2009-10-15T15:01:00.003-04:00

Two years ago, the Northeastern News (now known as the Huntington News) decided to begin publishing twice a week. As an executive board member of the News at the time, this was a decision I did not agree with. I left the News shortly after then and have watched it make the transition as a reader, including the choice to move off-campus and become independent of the University.

While I believe the quality of much of the paper has suffered since the twice-a-week move (The Sports section actually improved given the opportunity for more timely coverage), I am encouraged by the announcement today that the News has decided to go back to publishing once-a-week and put more of a focus on the new media elements of its coverage.

Editor-in-Chief Maggie Cassidy explains the change in an Editor's Note.

"... in an effort to better distribute news to the Northeastern community, The News will print only on Thursdays while placing a renewed focus on online media. We will debut a total redesign of our website, which is currently in the works; develop our Twitter and Facebook pages beyond linking to content published in the print version; and deliver at least one weekly online-only update in which we experiment in video, audio, photo galleries or other new media."

With the added announcement of the start of an investigative team by News Veterans Kate Augusto and Anne Baker, the Huntington News definitely seems to be taking a step in the right direction. I look forward to seeing the new Web site and these new endeavors into online media. This will provide a great space for experimentation and practice to compliment the new Creative Industries minor offered in the NU School of Journalism.

Regulation: Sex-iled

2009-09-29T14:56:00.004-04:00

The Tufts Daily comment boards are exploding over this one:

New rules regulate sexual activity in dormitory rooms

You can also read The Daily Free Press'take here: Staff Edit- Let's not talk about sex.

Free Press news story here.

Swine Flu reaches BU

2009-05-04T15:17:00.002-04:00

The Daily Free Press reports: BU dental resident diagnosed with 'probable' case of swine flu, Boston Public Health Commission says

One student definitely had mumps

2009-04-22T15:27:00.003-04:00

In today's latest update from Northeastern about the Mumps outbreak, it was confirmed that one of the students did definitively have mumps.

Campus Health Alert, updated April 22, 2009 at 9:17 a.m.
University Health and Counseling Services has not reported any additional suspected mumps cases over the past four days. One of the earlier cases has been confirmed by more definitive testing to be mumps. Further test results are still pending on the other cases. Members of the community are reminded to watch for symptoms -- such as swelling of the neck and jaw -- and to check their immunization records.

I guess this sort of justifies the outpouring of alerts last week, at first the tests were negative announcement seemed a bit over the top.

Times a changing for NU J-School

2009-04-21T10:44:00.002-04:00

This letter arrived in my inbox this morning from the head of Northeastern's School of Journalism Stephen Burgard. It seems NU's School of Journalism is getting with the times and going to start offering more focus in the classroom on multimedia and online journalism, long heralded as the future of the industry. These changes are in line with what I wrote about last year, College journalism programs, students’ newspapers fall behind advancing industry: Some see need for a drastic change in curriculum, addition of new media elements throughout coursework

A condensed version of Burgard's letter:

Dear Journalism Students:

The semester is winding to a close and, while the Boston springtime has yet to bloom, many of you are or will be scattering soon. Before that happens, I wanted to take a moment to touch base and bring you up to date on some things.

...

You are hearing a lot nowadays about demands in journalism education because of new technologies and economic changes in our field. We have been doing a lot as a faculty in the past year and a half to address how best to serve your needs in preparation for the new world of journalism, public relations, graduate study or other careers..

Currently we are working to incorporate the best of our program's storied tradition - its sound curriculum in good journalism practice and excellent co-ops and internships - with courses that prepare you for the new digital world. We are looking at the core courses, especially Journalism 2 and Journalism 3, to see where they can or should be adapted. We now also have two new elective courses exclusively designed for students who are well along in our program to learn how to do journalism for new media. These are Prof. Dan Kennedy's Journalism of the Web course and Prof. Liz Matson's Online Journalism course. Both are proving very popular.

I should say that Gladys McKie and Susan Conover have been working with the faculty to update our website and make it more informative and useful. If you haven't visited it recently, have a look at northeastern.edu/journalism, and you can see, for example, something on some of what Prof. Matson's students have been doing.

Additionally, we have been at work with the Creative Industries initiative on a brand new minor for journalism students in interactive media. We are waiting only for final approval from the trustees for Creative Industries' overall program to roll out this minor, and hope we will be able to say more about it very soon. The idea will be to combine the good journalism practices work we currently are doing in our program for the major with new interdisciplinary offerings for students who want to do advanced work in the digital world. Please watch the website for details.

...

Cordially,

Steve

Stephen D. Burgard
Director, School of Journalism

More on MUMPS!

2009-04-16T15:31:00.001-04:00

Also received this email with voice message:

=======Emergency Communication Message from NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY=======

Dear Member of NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Community,

You have been sent a new message through the Connect-ED system.

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Message sent - 4/16/2009
Public Health Advisory

==============================
=====================
Message
===================================================

To listen to the message click the link below. If the link is not clickable, copy and paste it into a web browser:

https://www.blackboardconnected.com/messageboxes/186119/1847187.wav
Four Northeastern students were recently treated by University Health and Counseling Services after exhibiting symptoms consistent with the mumps. All four students have been vaccinated against mumps and, thus far, all lab tests are negative. In each of the four cases, the symptoms have diminished in two to three days. University health records indicate that the vast majority of the Northeastern community has been vaccinated against mumps. If you have not been vaccinated, or if you begin to notice symptoms such as swelling around the neck and jaw, please contact University Health and Counseling Services at 617-373-2772.

We have created the following web page (www.northeastern.edu/emergency) where we will post updates regarding this situation.

UPDATE: According to BostonChannel.com, the outbreak stems from students returning from study abroad in Ireland, where there has been a recent outbreak of the virus.

Beware of MUMPS!

2009-04-16T15:17:00.003-04:00

Just got a text from the NU Alerts system that "4 NU students treated for mumps-like symptoms. Lab tests neg. If you have swelling around neck/jaw, contact UHCS: x2772."

According to Kids Health (Because they explain it in easy to understand terms):

"Mumps is a disease caused by a virus that usually spreads through saliva and can infect many parts of the body, especially the parotid salivary glands. These glands, which produce saliva for the mouth, are found toward the back of each cheek, in the area between the ear and jaw. In cases of mumps, these glands typically swell and become painful.

Because mumps can also involve the brain and its membranes, call the doctor immediately if [you have] any of the following: stiff neck, convulsions (seizures), extreme drowsiness, severe headache, or changes of consciousness. Watch for abdominal pain that can mean involvement of the pancreas in either sex or involvement of the ovaries in girls. In boys, watch for high fever with pain and swelling of the testicles."

Will update if I hear anything further.

BU wins national title, two Huskies join Penguins

2009-04-12T02:52:00.010-04:00

So I know I have been a bad blogger and haven't updated since my last euphoric post about Northeastern hockey. Well as I am sure you know NU's post season run pretty much flickered and died as the Huskies lost in the semifinals of the Hockey East Tournament and then lost to Cornell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and I didn't feel much like writing about it.

However, the BU Terriers made good on their year long No. 1 ranking and won both the Hockey East Championship and then tonight came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat Miami in the NCAA Title game. So our rivals on Commonwealth Ave. are National Champions and let's just say I'm not looking forward to running into any BU fans anytime soon. Although congratulations are in order as BU was truly a forced to be reckoned with all season and the title is, I admit begrudgingly, much deserved. While I was rooting for the underdogs, I was still in awe of BU's two come from behind goals with less than a minute left.

I am sure the Daily Free Press will have much to report on the subject tomorrow. The Boston Globe reports Uncommon wealth: Terriers head home with 5th title after stunning rally.

There has been some good news for the Huskies despite the disappointing losses. Goalie Brad Thiessen was named a Hobey Hat Trick Finalist. Although BU's Matt Gilroy was awarded the Hobey Baker award, Thiessen was named to the first team All-American. Thiessen also signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins and has joined fellow Husky Joe Vitale in Wilkes-Barre Scranton for the Penguins American Hockey League team. Vitale even scored his first professional goal this week!

While I am sure they will be missed at NU, hopefully great things are to come from these former Huskies. Read the Huntington News report: Northeastern goalie goes pro. Also check out this short video interview with Thiessen and Vitale from back in December. I group produced this show for an NU production course.

College basketball and hockey seasons are now both officially over and I am looking forward to throwing myself into the much less stressful summer of MLB.

Congrats 'Hobey Blogger'!

2009-03-19T20:33:00.007-04:00

I would like to extend some congratulations to Northeastern's star goalie (and fellow blogger) Brad Thiessen on earning Hockey East Player of the Year honors tonight. He is the first Husky to earn the award.

In addition, Thiessen, who is also a journalism major and blogs about college hockey at In the Crease with Thiess, was named a Hobey Baker Finalist today. Fan vote counts toward a percentage of the ballot, so show your support and vote online at hobeybaker.com/voting. (BU's Matt Gilroy and Colin Wilson were also named finalists).

Northeastern's Head Coach Greg Cronin was also named coach of the year, and several other NU players were honored.
• Freshman Steve Quailer- Hockey East All-Rookie team.
• Senior Louis Liotti - Hockey East Old Time Hockey Best Defensive
• Captain Joe Vitale - Hockey East Best Defensive Forward
• Senior Ryan Ginand - Second Team All-Star
• Wade MacLeod - Honorable Mention
• Thiessen - ITECH Goaltending Champion, the Three Stars Award, and unanimous First Team All-Star.
Several other players from Boston area schools were also given awards, but I am going to be bias right now because I am so proud of this Northeastern team! Get full details at HockeyEastOnline.com

While the awards have been announced, NU's season is hopefully far from over. The Huskies play in the semifinals of the Hockey East Tournament Friday against UMass-Lowell. The Championship game will be the following night. Huntington News Sports Editor Nate Owen has been following the action on his blog, Huskies on the Prowl.

The No. 5/6 ranked Northeastern should also be a lock for the NCAA Tournament later this month.

P.S. - The title for this post refers to a sign I saw displayed at the quarterfinals this past weekend. It made me chuckle.

BC Heights cuts back print pages in economic hard times

2009-03-17T22:50:00.000-04:00

Although college newspaper's unique niche market have tended to exclude them from the brunt of the downturn in the newspaper trade. These economic hard times are still having an impact.

The BC Heights has decided to reduce its number of pages from 28 to 20 an edition, with two ten-page sections each Monday and Thursday.

Read Editor-In-Chief Alexi Chi's Letter from the Editor - News for further details.

In order to compensate for decreases in ad sales, we have to change the paper in order to ensure that we can continue printing and, above all, maintain the independence that is inseparable from our role as a fair and unbiased campus voice.
...
The Heights editorial board is using these changes as an opportunity to make The Heights a more concise, readable paper, and to expand its online content. Though you may see some changes to our physical product, our editorial and ethical standards, as well as our commitment to the students of Boston College, remain unchanged.

The print world really is suffering (my hometown paper The Seattle Post-Intelligencer printed its last edition today). The future is online and although no one has figured out a way to make a fully profitable, successful Internet version, I hope college papers start focusing more on that front. Being a college paper allows for more room to experiment and go out on a limb to find an online format that works. Hopefully this cutback at The Heights will allow the paper to put more resources into developing the Web site.

Jimmy Eat World, Guster headline NU Springfest

2009-03-17T22:49:00.002-04:00

Sorry, I'm a bit late in posting this.

So after the promise of "one of the biggest shows Matthews has ever seen," CUP's announcement this week leaves a bit to be desired in my opinion. I am glad they tried to go for more of a rock vibe this year, but I won't be going out of my way to get to this spring concert. At least it's not Ben Folds. Read more info here:

Huntington News - CUP plans rockin' show

In addition to Guster and Jimmy Eat World, DJ Diplo will play in between acts.

Northeastern's Springfest lineup to be announced soon

2009-03-12T20:21:00.004-04:00

The Huntington News unveiled Northeastern's Springfest superhero theme for this year's week of activities and with it a tease of a rock line-up for this year's concert.

"Students will have to wait just a little longer to find out who’s performing at the final concert. It will begin at 7 p.m. April 4 and will feature two co-headlining acts and a DJ spinning tunes before and in between sets. CUP will release more details about the performers in a future issue of The News.

“Students can expect to get their minds blown [by the concert],” said Nani Stoick, a junior and Springfest concert chair. “The past two years have been rap – everybody was ready for rock. This is going to be one of the biggest shows Matthews has ever seen.”"

Superheros sent to rescue Springfest

Will update when the announcement is made.

Tufts' Big News?

2009-03-10T20:52:00.005-04:00

The Tufts Daily Twitter says the paper has some big commencement news to announce tomorrow. Will update what the big story is tomorrow, but work may get in the way. So if you find out first come back here and comment please!

It will be on the Tufts Daily Web site.

UPDATE: So it seems the big news is that Deval Patrick will be this year's commencement speaker. Read the story here.

The Tufts Daily editorial board, Editorial | Patrick the right choice for Class of 2009 , says Patrick was a "relevant" choice, but the students don't seem too enthusiastic.

Ben Folds Concert No. 3

2009-03-08T00:30:00.004-05:00

Evidently I spoke to soon about Tufts not having Ben Folds as another spring concert. Evidently the school also has a Jumbo Jam show in the Spring, which will indeed be featuring Ben Folds this year, in addition to the Ludacris headlining show.

The Tufts Daily had this article, Ben Folds to play this year’s Jumbo Jam show, about the March 24 Tufts' students-only concert.

Ben Folds must really be raking in the dough from Boston area colleges this year, he is going to be all around. As previously reported, Folds will be playing the spring concerts of MIT and Boston College.

Maybe it has something to do with the "University A Cappella" album he is releasing of college A Cappella groups singing his songs?

Luda headlines Tufts' Spring concert

2009-03-05T23:07:00.002-05:00

In another spring college concert announcement, The Tufts Daily reports that Ludacris will headline this year's concert.
Ludacris confirmed to headline Spring Fling

At least it's not another Ben Folds concert.

Ludacris got good reviews as the headliner for Northeastern's SpringFest Concert last year, a move that mended the bad blood from the cancellation of a Ludacris concert after the 2004 Super Bowl riots.

Beacon apologizes for 'inappropriate' Hitler remarks

2009-03-05T14:58:00.004-05:00

The Beacon apologizes for last week's Ross editorial

Emerson's The Berkeley Beacon issued an apology today for it's remarks comparing Michael Ross' keeping tabs on college students living arrangements to "Gestapo-like" acts.

The Beacon was blasted in local media outlets like The Weekly Dig and Universal Hub as well as on this blog for the reference. Calling it over-the-top and insensitive considering Ross' father was a Holocaust survivor.

The editorial states The Beacon was unaware of Ross's family history and should have done their research.

"The suffering of Ross' father is well-known in the Boston community. We should have done our research, but we did not.

Similarly, our tone and language in the editorial were hyperbolic and flippant. Ross does not plan to round up Boston's college students and put them in concentration camps, nor does he plan on tattooing us for identification by "Gestapo-like" guards. That was sarcasm and exaggeration that, in the fervor of argument, went too far.

While we still strongly disagree with the councilor's plans, our failure to acknowledge-or Google or research on his Web site-his family history with the Holocaust caused some rightful outrage towards The Beacon and, in that editorial, undermined our argument against the ordinance.
...
We regret especially that our mistake obscured honest and open debate of an important issue to college students in the Emerson and Boston communities.

I am proud of the way The Beacon handled this mistake. The editorial was certainly out of line, but I think this was a valuable learning experience for the paper. Making mistakes is a natural part of the journalism profession, especially for the "journalists-in-training" at college papers. It's important to own one's mistakes and move on. The Beacon didn't back down from its stance against the "No more than four" law , and hopefully now the conversation can return to the issue at hand.

The paper also had this news article detailing the reaction the editorial warranted last week - Ross, blogs slam Beacon on editorial - News

Ross' letter to the editor was also published - Beacon editorial in poor taste, ignored crucial facts

New blogging endeavor

2009-03-02T22:06:00.002-05:00

Being away from Boston makes it hard to keep up on this blog. I still intend to, infrequently, keep my eye on the college newspaper scene in Beantown. I will pick back up more once I am in Boston full time.

However, to satisfy my blogging needs I have begun writing reviews and tips as one novice in NYC to hopefully help out others. It's just a collection of what I've learned since moving to the Big Apple and a place to post fun and CHEAP eateries, venues, and other random ways of entertaining oneself. Please send it some love and check it out.

A (poor) Novice's guide to NYC - www.NoviceInNYC.blogspot.com

With it is also a new twitter handle - NoviceinNYC - follow me!

No more than four equated to Hitler's Warsaw

2009-02-27T10:50:00.006-05:00

Emerson College's student paper The Berkeley Beacon published a powerful editorial earlier this week lambasting Boston City Councilor Michael Ross for his unyielding support of the "No more than four" law, which prohibits more than four college students to live together in off-campus housing options. The editorial was in response to this article that describes Ross' latest request for colleges to report on off-campus students living in 'more than four' situations.

Ross doesn't want you to live with your Friends - Editorial

While I agree the editorial is something that needs to be said and that if college students find this injustice discriminatory they should stand up together to try and get it reversed. But, despite being a little late (The zoning commission approved the limit last March), the editorial also chose to compare this restriction with Hitler's persecution of the Jewish people during the Holocaust.

If the council president is serious about his cap on coed cohabitation, history provides a number of examples from effective tyrants. For instance, forget forcing colleges to report off-campus students' addresses. Hitler had Warsaw's Jews wear armbands for easy identification by the SS. Tattoos were effective, too. Perhaps college students could wear armbands with a symbol like John Belushi or a Bud Light can to distinguish them from the upright, non-university citizens of Boston.

Besides the gross over dramatization of the issue, this comparison is especially upsetting considering Ross' own family's history with the Holocaust.

According to his Web site, "Mike [Ross] is a first-generation American. His father, Stephan Ross, survived 10 concentration camps during the Holocaust, and was rescued by American soldiers at Dachau."

Perhaps the writers at the Berkeley were unaware of this connection, perhaps they were well aware and were trying to go for this gut punch.

The Beacon even seems to backpedal on its own assertions at then end stating,

"For the record, Mike Ross isn't really a fascist. He's a pandering politician trying to score easy points by using government to pick on a defenseless group of people often blamed for problems they didn't cause. He's not a fascist, he's just a Boston City Councilor."

Well, if he's not a fascist than why are the Hitler references even used? I understand that college students are passionate and angry when it comes to this law. And I agree that it is an unfair, marginalization of student's rights as well as an incompetent, nearly unenforceable law that will likely cause more trouble than help.

I also disagree with Michael Ross on many, many issues and agree that his vendetta against college students has always seemed to be a political move to endear him to the older generation of reliable voters.

But in order to fight this law, college students need to show that we are responsible, equal citizens who deserve to be treated fairly in all areas of life including our housing situations. Using throw-away references to Hitler does not help us in this fight. It will only turn more against us and shows the ignorance of our youth.

(Thanks to DK for bringing this to my attention).

An Opinion of Twitter

2009-02-27T10:49:00.001-05:00

Tweeting from darkness into light - Opinion - The Berkeley Beacon discusses Twitter.

Baseball begins

2009-02-25T18:36:00.005-05:00

The first Spring Training games began today for the Red Sox, who opened up against the Boston College Eagles.

The Sox, with starting pitcher Josh Beckett, defeated BC 7-1, but really what did we expect. Read The Globe's coverage.

The Eagles started their season last weekend with a four-game sweep of Stetson, The Heights reports: Baseball season opens with a sweep

Northeastern also started their season tonight and are currently down 4-1 in the fourth inning to Eckerd College in Sarasota, Fla.

In other baseball news, tickets for the Baseball Beanpot at Fenway Park have gone on sale. Find out more about it here.

Photo Credit/me - David Ortiz in batting practice from a 2008 game vs the Seattle Mariners.

Tale of Dining Hall woes

2009-02-18T19:07:00.000-05:00

Two campus publications broke news of dining hall dilemmas this week. Over at Suffolk it seems the dining halls are having issues passing recent health inspections and MIT is dealing with a leaked report that recommends some drastic changes to dining hall plans.

The Suffolk Voice - Suffolk Dining Hall Failed September and January Health Inspections - The dining hall has since passed two subsequent inspections, but evidently there is a longer history of failed inspections.

The Tech reports that a consulting company for MIT determined that the school should enhance its dining offers with things like mandatory meal plans, all-you-can-eat dining halls, and longer hours. The big fuss isn't as much about what the report recommends, but the fact that the report wasn't made immediately available to students. The Tech had these two stories initially:

• Leaked Dining Report Suggests Massive Dining Reforms, Mandatory Meal Plans

• Dining Report Was Kept Under Wraps; UA To Discuss

The story has since exploded for the paper with these stories appearing yesterday:
• Leaked Dining Proposal Prompts Student Response
• UA Calls for Dissolution of Blue Ribbon Dining Committee
• Overall Reaction Mixed, But Vocal Segment Opposes Meal Plan
• Possible Meal Plans Proposed by Leaked Drafts - Graphic about meal plan rates
• Editorial: Meal Plan Not What Students Ordered - End conclusion, say no to proposed dining plans

Another Spring concert with Ben Folds

2009-02-16T22:48:00.002-05:00

Ben Folds must really like Boston in the spring time. Folds will be headlining another campus concert, this time for MIT.

MIT's The Tech announced the news, but hasn't yet announced any other opening acts:

Ben Folds to Perform for Spring Weekend

As previously reported, Folds will also headline the Boston College concert, sharing the stage with Lupe Fiasco.

Come back for more information about the concert line-ups at other area schools.

Gossip site no more

2009-02-16T22:45:00.003-05:00

The Gossip Web site that had college students anonymously dishing about their classmates is no more. The site caused controversy and debate about freedom of speech and anonymous slander, but it was a lack of funding eventually that led to it's down fall.

Tufts Daily has the full report:
Popular site Juicy Campus squeezed off of the Internet

Why they twitter

2009-02-10T13:46:00.002-05:00

The Tufts Daily's New Media editor posted an interesting piece today about the thought process behind the paper's recent foray into live-blogging.

The news, 140 characters at a time: Why we live-blog

Matt Skibinski equals a live blog, or in this specific case Twitter, to a way of publishing the reporter's notebook instantaneously and letting the readers decide what bits of information are important or not.

"It's not for everyone -- many, many readers would prefer to see a finished article than read the disjointed, non-linear narrative of a live-blog -- but it's just another way that we seek to enrich our coverage and bring you the best news possible," he writes.

The most recent example Matt shares is his twittering of Tony Blair's visit to Tufts.

I for one am a fan of the live-blog/twitter for appropriate occasions, like awards shows (where I often turn to EW.com) or sporting events (I was following NESN and the Huntington News live Beanpot coverage last night). I have also been known to live-blog the occasional American Idol episode or some other event that interests me. I think it is a great way to share updated information, opinion and analysis. Most times I'll still wait to read the carefully crafted story, but sometimes you just want to information now.

I think the Tony Blair coverage was a great way for The Daily to allow non-attendees to follow what was happening. There may only be a handful of interested readers, but the energy needed to communicate with them is so small that what's the harm. It could only increase readership.

I'm glad to see college publications embracing and explaining their justifications for this new media way of instant communication.

Beanpots over, time to move on

2009-02-10T13:04:00.004-05:00

After sleeping on it, I have moved past the loss last night. Boston University is a great team, but so is Northeastern. These two are at top of the pile and someone had to lose last night.

As NU Goalie Brad Thiessen wrote on his blog:

"Now it’s time to put the Beanpot behind us and look ahead, we are still in first place and for me coming in first place over the course of a full 27 games would mean more than winning 2 games in February."

However, before I completely move on to focus on the rest of the season, here's a recap of the Beanpot finals coverage.

Daily Free Press - ‘We’ve got the Beanpot’ - Pretty much sums it up. BU has their 29th Beanpot title.

Huntington News - Nothing. (I know the paper doesn't publish until Thursday, but they seriously couldn't get a Beanpot report online before then?)

Boston Globe - Terriers are best in show- BU outclasses Huskies in a dog-beat-dog Beanpot - Outclasses seems to be the wrong word choice. The Huskies were beat, yes, but outclassed?

- This is nice score but not ultimate goal - John Powers acknowledges while it was good for BU to win, this is not the end of the road.

- Keeping it short, sweet - BU's Warsofsky killed NU's hopes

Boston Herald - BU makes short work of 29th Beanpot crown - Jackpot by Terrier PK unit

- Dramatic turn earns special spot in annals - More fodder about short-handed goals.

NU falls to BU in Beanpot, again

2009-02-09T23:49:00.005-05:00

Too bummed to write much tonight. Will give the coverage round-up tomorrow, but as it says above Northeastern lost 5-2 to the No. 1 Boston University Terriers. The game started off great but after the Huskies went down 3-2 in the 2nd period they just seemed to lose all momentum. It was a deflated team that gave up two short-handed goals in the 3rd, so ugly.

Read full story here.

In the grand scheme of things this loss doesn't matter. Northeastern is still on top of Hockey East and if they can pick themselves back up they are on the road to the Hockey East Tournament, although if we can't find a way to beat BU that road will likely stop before the NCAAs.

It's Beanpot Finals time

2009-02-09T12:13:00.007-05:00

The NU Huskies take on the BU Terriers in what is sure to be a dog fight tonight at TD Banknorth for the 57th annual Beanpot Championship. Boston University still sits atop the latest national rankings with Northeastern at No. 3. (The Huskies are still two-points ahead in Hockey East).

I'd give my right arm to be at the game tonight, but I will have to settle for a screening event in New York City.

To get you ready, here's a round-up of college and local coverage -

The Daily Free Press - Terriers and Huskies battle for Beanpot title - No surprise that BU is trying to underplay NU's underdog status.

Huntington News - Column: Seize the moment Husky fans - Column letting fans know they should enjoy this moment.

Herald - Best in showdown: Northeastern University, Boston University are no dogs

ESPN - Beanpot tourney is more than it seems - A good outsider perspective that acknowledges that while the tournament might not typically mean much outside Boston, this year could prove to be different.

The Heights - Hockey teams prepare for second round of the 'Pot A focus on the fate of the BC Hockey as Men's competes in the consolation game while the women's team fights for the trophy.

Tufts Daily - Beanpot Tournament | Hockey East showdown looms in tournament - Sums up the tourney well, even though this school isn't represented.

"Northeastern is a hungry team looking to prove that last year's surprising performance in Hockey East was not a fluke, and it is looking to avenge a tough 3-0 loss to the Terriers earlier this season.

With a little luck on the side of the Huskies, they will get all that and a nice, shiny trophy on Monday night. The Terriers hope that having history on their side will provide the boost they need to grab their 29th win and first place in Hockey East."

In the blog world -
Huntington News Sports Editor Nate will be live blogging the game here: Huskies on the prowl

Star Husky Goalie Brad Thiessen is also keeping a blog, In the Crease with Thiess, as part of Dan Kennedy's journalism class (the same one that first inspired this here blog).

Check out Matt Wertz at Paradise

2009-02-05T23:21:00.005-05:00

I just saw Matt Wertz with opener The Alternate Routes at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. It was a great concert for a great price.

If you are up for some good folky rock, definitely check them out at the Paradise Rock Club Friday night in Boston.

Matt Wertz and Alternate Routes' Tim Warren.

Breaking News from BU - Police search for alleged armed suspect on campus

2009-02-04T16:29:00.004-05:00

The Daily Free Press just sent out this report or a "suspicious and potentially armed man" that has caused BPD to search the College of Arts and Sciences around noon today.

Police respond to report of potentially armed suspect in CAS

A BU Emergency Alert sent at 12:49 p.m. informed the BU community of police activity in the area of 705 Commonwealth Ave. Another alert reached students at 1:24 p.m., stating that although the activity had concluded, BUPD presence would remain in the area.

The search was inconclusive and came about because a student witness reported a suspicious man in possession of an ammunition clip.

BU, NU win, setting up an epic Beanpot showdown

2009-02-03T11:17:00.007-05:00

The two nationally-ranked top dogs, Northeastern and Boston University, will battle for the Beanpot Championship next week. If things work out this coming week it could be a battle of the No.1 and No.2 teams in the country.

BU snuck by a surprisingly fierce Harvard team to make it to the finals. Northeastern had a more solid win, defeating the BC Eagles 6-1.

Photo from NU's homecoming matchup against BC in November.

Here's what the schools had to say about last night's game -

Daily Free Press - Terriers dodge Crimson bullet
• FADEM: Does the Beanpot matter? - Final conclusion: yes.

The Crimson - Top Dogs Down Crimson by Goal
• Notebook - Boston University Power Play Too Much For Harvard to Handle in Beanpot Loss
• Women's Beanpot preview - Harvard Seeks Bragging Rights in Beanpot

Neither the BC Heights nor the Huntington News have published anything about the game (Both likely will Thursday for their next issue).

The News did live blog during the games and has some analysis and play-by-play here: Huskies on the prowl

Boston Globe - Staying on the upswing, NU routs BC

- Top-ranked BU is one better than Harvard
Boston Herald - A close shave for Boston University to avoid 5 o’clock shadow
- Northeastern Huskies jump on Boston College, advance to final

It's Beanpot time

2009-02-02T09:32:00.008-05:00

The 57th Annual Beanpot starts tonight. (For those of you who aren't aware, the Beanpot is a yearly hockey tournament between four Boston area schools: Harvard, Boston College, Boston University and Northeastern University). Northeastern hasn't won the title in over a decade, but now as they sit atop Hockey East and are ranked 3rd nationally, there are higher expectations for the Huskies to take the whole thing.

It will be a tough road though. They take on No. 11 Boston College tonight at 8 p.m. (With BU and Harvard at 5 p.m.) and if they win will likely have to face the No.2 Terriers in the Championship next week.

Here's a round-up of the coverage from the four Beanpot schools as well as a brief look at what the professionals are saying.

NU's Huntington News will be live blogging the tournament from TD Banknorth tonight.
• Hockey drops game before Beanpot - Some lackluster pre-tournament coverage.
•Women's Hockey: Team realizes importance of Beanpot tournament

BC Heights:
• Stretch run begins tonight against NU - BC is looking at this game as a stepping stone to throwing Northeastern off the Hockey East throne.
• Beanpot traditions transcend the scoreboard - Column acknowledging that this year it really could be anyone's game.
• Spilling the beans on the ladies' Beanpot - Also reminding us that there is a ladies Beanpot taking place and the No. 5 Eagles are looking to take that title too.

BU's Daily Free Press:
•Ice Dogs look to avoid another first-round Beanpot letdown - The headline says it all.

Harvard Crimson:
•Harvard set to compete in historic tournament - Looking to jump start a poor first half of the season as the momentum begins to shift for the Crimson.

(Will check back in with the post-game coverage later this week.)

Boston Globe - Hounded by failures, could this be NU's year?
- BC looking for a running start
- Harvard hopeful of improvement
- Shaughnessy's Column - Will these dogs have their day?
Boston Herald - It’s business time for Beanpot teams
- Boston University of concern to Harvard

Storm strikes

2009-01-28T13:16:00.002-05:00

Beware falling icicles. A Suffolk student was injured when ice fell and cut her.

Suffolk Journal - Student injured by falling ice chunk - News

And I thought the NYC pigeons were something to worry about.

NU issues weather alert for tomorrow

2009-01-27T15:47:00.001-05:00

Stay warm and safe everyone in Boston!

Dear Member of NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Community,

You have been sent a new message through the Connect-ED system.

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Message sent - 1/27/2009
Winter Storm Alert

===================================================
Message
===================================================

The greater Boston area is expecting a daytime snow storm tomorrow that could result in accumulations in excess of 6 inches. We strongly encourage members of our community -- students, faculty and staff -- to take public transportation to campus. As many will remember from previous storms of this kind, a significant daytime snow storm can result in gridlock for many streets throughout the city.

Should weather conditions warrant any changes in the schedule or cancellations at some point in the day, the University will inform the community by way of the appropriate channels, including the University homepage, online portals, as well as by email, voice mail, and text message.

Spring concerts upon us

2009-01-26T08:07:00.003-05:00

The BC Heights announced the line up for Boston College's annual spring concert: Lupe Fiasco and Ben Folds headline, an odd pairing aimed to appeal to a wider array of students' music tastes.

UGBC announces spring concert

The Heights also wrote this editorial seeking out solutions to problems that have plagued many a spring concert at many a school: security, ticketing, and a lack of dance space. UGBC must follow choice with attention to details

This is just the first of a series of announcements that are sure to come from other schools like Boston University and Northeastern University, which also host large-scale concerts in the Spring semester. These $200,000+ concerts tend to be the programming highlight of the year for many schools.

BU is seeking student input on the acts for this year through a facebook page, although by this point it is probably pretty much decided.

Inaugural coverage

2009-01-22T15:12:00.010-05:00

Apologies for the long delay, but I am long-distance blogging as I have moved to NYC for a six-month internship. Still keeping my eye on the college journalism scene in Boston.

BC Heights followed along with a group of BC students who traveled down to Washington D.C. for the inauguration - Students flock to the capitol

Similarily, BU's Daily Free Press had this story, BU flocks to D.C.

They also wrote a staff editorial to President Obama listing the main concerns on many college students' minds, like the cost of college and the poor job market. - Staff Edit: Dear President Obama.

Harvard Crimson - Obama Inaugurated as 44th President of the United States
Nice front page design:

The Huntington News blogged the inauguration with a staffer in D.C.

Also had these stories -
- Students join to witness history
- Obama keeps students hopeful for economy
The News also seems to have start the new year off with a streamlined design. It's simple and clean (maybe a bit too much so), but overall it looks nice. I like the new photos of the day feature, but think it would be better if more predominantly displayed.

The Suffolk Journal - Obama Sworn In As 44th President
Also wrote a staff editorial reflecting on the inaugural events.

The Tech - Big, Hopeful Crowds Gather to Watch Obama’s Inauguration
Here's the front page as well as inside photo spread:

As per usual The Tufts Daily went above and beyond in its coverage, starting with this feature story - Tufts students, both past and present, attend inauguration
Video | Scenes from Obama's inauguration
- Speech gets high marks
- Historic day draws crowds
- Ted Kennedy rushed to hospital during luncheon
- Inauguration | By the numbers

Editorials:
- An appeal for life
- An appeal for choice
- Editorial | Millions worldwide hang hopes on Obama

BPD issues warning about cab dangers

2008-12-17T19:35:00.004-05:00

(Found via Bostonist) Evidently the incident last week where a Northeastern Student was kidnapped by an off-duty taxi driver and sexually assaulted was just the latest in a recent rash of cab related assaults.

The Boston Police Department released this community alert today.
BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE
SEXUAL AND INDECENT ASSAULT INCIDENTS
Officers Remind Community Members to Be Vigilant and Aware of Surroundings

The Boston Police Department has identified recent incidents which involve allegations of sexual and indecent assaults committed by taxi, livery and gypsy cab drivers.

The five incidents listed in the alert are not believed to be related. I mapped the location of the incidents below:

View Larger Map

BPD Issues this list of tips:

TIPS FOR ENSURING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY

• If you are in fear or feel in danger dial 911 immediately.
• Avoid walking or travelling alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
• Consume alcohol responsibly and stay in the company of friends.
• Do not accept rides from out-of-town cabs or individuals in personal vehicles.
• Do not sit in the front seat of a taxi.
• Do not accept a ride locally for anything except a Boston Licensed Taxi. They all say “BOSTON LIC. TAXI” on both rear fenders.
• Make note of the taxi medallion number. It is located on both front fenders, the rear of the taxi and written on the rate card in the back of the taxi.
• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas.
• Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
• Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Don’t become distracted by the use of cell phones or headphones.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use it to signal residents that you need assistance. Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are other ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help.
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Call ahead to your destination to alert them that you’re on your way. Make sure that you’re expected at a certain time, so people will know to look for you in the event you fail to arrive at the designated time.
• Don’t assume, "IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME."

If you have a complaint regarding a taxi, contact 617-536-TAXI or email Taxi.bpd@cityofboston.gov.

This seems to be a really important issue and, while I understand that many of the college publications have gone on recess for winter break, with more and more students taking cabs to get to the airport or elsewhere around the holiday season I think awareness needs to be spread about this danger.

The Giving Factory

2008-12-15T00:59:00.003-05:00

I created this short-documentary about Cradles to Crayons, a non-profit organization in Quincy that helps children in Massachusetts from low-income or poor families, for a documentary production course at Northeastern this semester.

The video looses a bit of quality when streamed online, but I wanted to share the finished product and spread the word about this excellent organization.

Please enjoy and any feedback would be appreciated.

Speedo-clad Santas take to the streets

2008-12-13T20:39:00.006-05:00

And you thought the tree lighting ceremony was festive? These people clearly understand the importance of the holidays!

This is my fourth Christmas in Boston and my first time seeing the Santa Speedo Run. It was fun to watch and raised money for a great cause, Cradles to Crayons.

Cradles to Crayons is an organization I have a special affinity for. I have been working this semester on creating a short documentary about the non-profit factory where kids work to help other kids. I will be publishing the documentary, titled "The Giving Factory," here on this blog in the coming weeks, so be sure to look out for it!

Twitter experiment

2008-12-12T02:29:00.001-05:00

I am jumping on the bandwagon and trying to see if Twitter would be a good tool for this blog. So if you are interested in such things you can follow me here.

Public Health Commission bans tobacco sales on campus

2008-12-12T00:59:00.004-05:00

The Daily Free Press just e-mailed out this breaking story: BPHC bans campus tobacco sales: Cigar, hookah bars given 10 years to shut down

According to the article, campus convenience stores will have to stop selling tobacco in 60 days.

BUToday posted this poll asking for opinion on the decision:

The DFP covered the proposed ban extensively in September:
'If I didn't buy them here, I'd buy them somewhere else' Students express mixed reactions about possible ban of tobacco sales on campus
Boston U. Responds To Proposed Tobacco Ban

Recently, tobacco has been in the Free Press for other reasons as BU's School of Medicine came under fire Monday and was pressured to eliminate tobacco funding from its medical research. Tobacco funding slammed
This staff editorial, STAFF EDIT: Tobacco always a conflict, addressed the issue.

The Free Press revealed in March that Tobacco grants funded BU cancer research.

More Info:
UniversalHub provides this link to the official press release.

AP Report: Boston commission votes to ban cigar, hookah bars
Boston Herald: Cigar bars get break But Hub drugstores, colleges can’t sell tobacco

Heights looks to revamp site

2008-12-11T23:19:00.003-05:00

Anyone interested in designing a college newspaper Web site should check out this post by The Heights.

Getting to know the people behind the Suffolk Voice

2008-12-11T22:46:00.004-05:00

I just saw this feature that the Suffolk Voice has been running for the past month. The series of Q and A's with the paper's six editors is a great way for readers to see the faces behind the writing.

Editor-in-chief Manny Veiga tells readers about some upcoming projects with video partner WSUB.

"As our readers may have noticed, we've started integrating video content as part of our weekly issues, including a video op-ed. Our readers can look forward to seeing that expanded on in the near future."

Co-managing editors, Krystle Vermes and Brett Boisvert, are both getting ready to graduate.

Vermes shares some of her interests:

"I'm a sports fanatic, and more specifically, a huge Tennessee Titans fan. I'm thrilled that they're 9-0 at the moment. When I'm not keeping up with sports, I like to read, do crosswords, and stay current with the news via NPR. "

While Boisvert shares what he wants from his last college semester:

"Over the next four months I am looking forward to, among other things, the Voice continue to mature and grow, my income tax return and graduating. I am not looking forward to buying a new set of text books or looking for a job."

Sports editor Jimmy Toscano talks about the move from assistant to full-fledged editor:

"It's been pretty smooth. I was assistant sports editor last year so I knew what was expected of me. I enjoy editing articles for the most part. It helps me become a better writer as well."

News Editor Mary Kathryn Kwasnik also comments on adjusting to her tough position:

"It's definitely been kind of a toughie. News isn't exactly my forte, and I was previously photo editor, which didn't actually involve delegating tasks and editing very much. Adjusting to news was definitely an adjustment, but nothing too terrifying."

A&E Editor Tony DePasquale gives a list of his Top Fives:

Favorite Films:

1)High Fidelity
2)Dumb and Dumber
3)The Motorcycle Diaries
4)Reservoir Dogs
5)A Clockwork Orange

The feature was a great way to give some credit to the hard-working students who put out the publication every week. I think these little profiles would make a great permanent feature for all future Voice editors.

Final fall thoughts from DFP's editor-in-chief

2008-12-11T21:50:00.005-05:00

Andrew FitzGerald, the Daily Free Press' editor-in-chief wrote this end-of-the-year column, Final Word, today.

FitzGerald paints a picture of what time at the DFP newsroom is like and promises change for the future along with an insight into some of the pressing questions the newspaper will be persuing.

... Still, change we must. Our student-run publisher is working to update and enrich a website that will ultimately become a destination for all things BU, following the sink-or-swim realities of the news industry. We will make both editions — print and online — more interactive by reaching out to students though on-campus events. Our content will also likely change to reflect the attention span of a 21st century readership.

One thing we will not change, however, is our independence. For 38 years, the Free Press has covered each controversy that sweeps BU with the voice of the students who write for it. We ask questions. What will the next four years on Beacon Hill and in Washington mean for students? What is the administration doing to make student life more convenient and BU education more valuable? Why do BU executives make so much money during an economic downturn? Stay tuned.

NU Student 'kidnapped'

2008-12-09T19:18:00.001-05:00

The Huntington News had this web exclusive story, WEB UPDATE: Student kidnapped, rescued early Sunday - News, about a female NU student who was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a cab driver in an unmarked green Ford Windstar.

I will be interested to see the full story in the paper Thursday.

WHDH had this: Cab driver accused of kidnapping, raping woman

COM Tower's removal leaves some nostalgic

2008-12-01T12:06:00.006-05:00

Evidently the recent removal of the COM radio tower from BU's campus is causing distress, according to this Daily Free Press report:

Sparks Fly Over Weekend Removal of COM Radio Tower

This DFP Column also address the tower's removal, Why stop with the COM radio tower?

As well as this staff editorial: STAFF EDIT: The wrong signal

This Saturday, the half-century-old radio tower perched atop the College of Communication will be dismantled and removed, effectively altering the Boston University skyline of lower Commonwealth Avenue. The now vestigial tower, which hasn’t been used since the 1950s, is being removed as a symbolic gesture of COM’s move into what Dean Tom Fiedler calls “new media.” But this superficial gesture is useless because the tower –– though inactive –– is a piece of BU history and the least of COM’s unattractive physical blemishes.

So should an inactive, giant piece of metal be left on top of a building for the sake of posterity?

Photo courtesy supercuddlypanda under a Creative Commons license.

BC Students discover blogging

2008-12-01T12:02:00.003-05:00

The Heights had this odd feature story about this new phenomenon called blogging that seems to be taking BC's campus by storm:

Honest to blog - Features

Suffolk, BU presidents lead with highest salaries

2008-11-20T00:13:00.006-05:00

The Chronicle of Higher Education released its annual report on the total compensation of collegiate presidents for the past year, and the findings have some students alarmed.

2006-2007 Total Compensation

• Suffolk University - $2,800,461
• Boston University - $901,692
• MIT - $808,698
• Northeastern University - $625,283 (for former president) + $589,663 (for current president) = $1,214,946 (total)
• Tufts University - $572,571
• Emerson College - $451,359
• UMass-Boston - $318,300*

* Only public institution.

The Chronicle and Boston Globe are reporting that Suffolk students are unhappy with their president topping the list of presidential salaries.

The Chronicle - Suffolk President's Pay Angers Some

The Globe - Leader's pay rankles at Suffolk University

Higher education specialists said the scope of the compensation was nearly unprecedented, even if - as school officials contend - the salary was just a one-time boost designed to compensate for below-average compensation in the past.

"Two million is just out of whack, I don't care if he had been underpaid for 30 or 40 years," said Richard Vedder, who directs the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. "Why should a university receive a tax deduction to fund a $2 million payout to its president?"

The Suffolk Voice ran this article, Suffolk Presidents' Pay Package Tops in the Nation, But With a Catch, but surprisingly didn't include any student reaction.

Suffolk President David Sargent's compensation is still less than what Northeastern paid Former President Richard Freeland in the 2005-2006 year. Freeland was compensated $2,887,785, most of which was part of a retirement package. Freeland stepped down in August 2006, which I guess would explain the $625,283 paid to him in 2006-2007.

Interestingly, when The Globe covered Freeland's high pay last year the tone was drastically more positive; Northeastern president tops pay list.

But several specialists on college presidents' contracts and compensation said yesterday that the top ranking was misleading because it reflected a decade of deferred benefits paid out in a lump sum.
more stories like this

"It looks like a bonanza, but it's something that has been negotiated and earned over the years," said Sheldon Steinbach, a higher-education lawyer and former general counsel for the American Council on Education. "It's not a parting gift."

Doesn't seem that any of the other college papers have yet reported on the salaries, will update as they do.

DFP: Twitter, Facebook led to Obama Win

2008-11-20T00:01:00.001-05:00

New Media Help Win Election

The Heights updates on student hit by train

2008-11-18T11:13:00.001-05:00

Boston College Student Injured on B Line - News

The Heights story reveals that the student apparently crossed the tracks outside of designated pedestrian crossing. The MBTA is referring to him as a "trespasser."

"Joe Pesaturo, spokesman for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, said that Cordo was not crossing the tracks at a designated pedestrian crossing. "Sounding the trolley's horn, the operator attempted unsuccessfully to get the trespasser's attention," he said.
...
In a separate interview conducted with WCVB, Pesaturo said the incident happened in an area closed to pedestrians.

"There are Jersey barriers at that end. He obviously walked around those. We do have designated crossing areas for pedestrians, which we encourage people to use because, you can see what happens when you don't use one of the designated crossing areas," Pesaturo said."

Watch out for that train

2008-11-17T23:10:00.001-05:00

Several media outlets reported that a Boston College student wearing headphones was hit by a Green Line Trolley this morning.

The Boston Globe reports, T: Student wearing earphones hit by Green Line trolley.

According to the article the student, identified as 21-year-old Michael J. Cordo of Sudbury,"suffered serious head injuries and facial lacerations and was taken to Brigham and Women's Hospital."

The incident occurred on the B-Line, where service was interrupted until mid-afternoon.

The comment boards at the Globe have lit up as people share their stories of near T misses and argue about who is to blame.

I have my own tale of near disaster with an E-Line train, but mine happened to be as part of an Apple 24-hour film contest and is documented in the below video that ironically looks at the perils of living life trapped by headphones.

No news about this incident yet posted by The Heights or any other college newspapers as far as I can find. Will update more as information becomes available. According to the reports, the incident is under investigation.

New multimedia effort at Suffolk Voice

2008-11-16T22:23:00.003-05:00

The Suffolk Voice announced last week that it is beginning a new partnership with WSUB, a on-campus broadcasting group. Together The Voice and WSUB will create a project called Suffolk Reports, according to the article: WSUB and the Voice collaborate, form Suffolk Reports - News.

The first video on the political views of student Matt Chamberlin was published Oct. 28. Watch it below:

The two-minute videos will be released weekly in order to expand "Suffolk staff and students' access to news via the web."

"Sound editing, graphics, and color correcting are just some of the things that go into making each video a top quality WSUB production. The group uses Final Cut Pro, Motion and Live Type to piece it all together and prepare it for the Voice every week."

There are also plans to release a long-form news video called Suffolk Perspectives in future months. The article cited many statistics on the growing industry of online journalism and this seems to be a good step for The Voice into the multimedia realm.

The videos will be available on Tuesdays via the Suffolk Voices section, and the article says the first edition of Suffolk Perspectives will be released before winter break.

A tour of The Huntington newsroom

2008-11-09T02:42:00.004-05:00

Amara Grautski, Inside Editor of the Huntington News, has created this video tour of the new newsroom on Huntington Avenue.

The video was made as a part of Dan Kennedy's web journalism class teaching students how to make simple, low-end video projects with their digital cameras and their computer's free editing software.

This video is a nice inside look at the daily operation of an independently run student publication and there is probably a pretty complimentary setting at any of the newspapers surveyed for this blog.

Just wanted to share the video, as it captures the environment in which so many students spend so many hours working to put together these papers.

Huntington/Heights election coverage

2008-11-06T15:05:00.005-05:00

The trouble with being a weekly or biweekly newspaper like the Huntington News or BC's The Heights is that when big news like a presidential election happens they often have to write the story a few days later and try to put a fresh spin on old news.

Both papers released issues today with varying results.

The Huntington News focused on the student celebration, which represented the college viewpoint and told a story that not every other paper had already touched upon.

A party for the history books

The photos were what really made this story, and I really wish the paper would start making some slideshows or something to show off more.

Two very similar columns also commented on the election night atmosphere:
All Hail: An election night to remember
Column: Youth vote drawn from unlikely sources

I must say though with the fuss about the youth vote I was a little disappointed to not see any photos or interviews with students at the polls. I know it would have been a day later, but this was probably the first presidential election voting opportunity for many college students and that is a story that I would have been interested to read.

Over at The Heights the lead story was a rather straight-forward rehashing of Obama's victory.
- America Votes for Change
I would expect that most of the students at BC would have already been aware of the information in the first half of the article. The second half had some good commentary from sources on how the win happened and what it means for Obama to have won, which is what should have been the focus of this day two story.

The analysis, however, was a really thorough and engaging look back at the whole ordeal: News Analysis: The 'How' and 'What now' of the 2008 election
Also,
Election Central: With Obama's victory, the work begins now
Election Central: As Americans, we must all now move forward
Politically Speaking: Speaking of victory

I was pleased to see that the Staff Editorial, surprisingly, decided to focus on a local political issue.
'Joint' consideration in wake of Question 2

UPDATE: Berkeley Beacon also has coverage:

They had the students at the polls story that I was looking for! - Long lines, excitement at the polls
Also covered the celebration:
OBAMA WINS, BOSTON REJOICES
With a SLIDESHOW!!!!!

Opinion- Recounting election night - Three Beacon staff members share their experience of election night.

Video of Tufts Celebrations

2008-11-06T01:28:00.003-05:00

The Tufts Daily has video from the celebration of Obama's victory on campus.

Video | At impromptu revelry, chants of ‘Yes we can’ fill quad

OBAMA WINS PRESIDENCY

Community comes together in campus center

Editorial | Yes, we really can

Editorial | Passing the baton

Suffolk Journal had this coverage yesterday:
'OUR VICTORY'

Campaigning within the arts world: past and present

Europeans Prefer Obama

Opinion - The challenge of change - we made the wrong choice

Free Press election coverage

2008-11-05T12:48:00.004-05:00

The Daily Free Press has some great election day coverage this morning.

The lede story, Mr. Precedent, describes the celebration on campus after Obama was elected.

Also - GOP has low hopes for Obama

- Income tax upheld; pot penalties cut

- BU Republicans mourn result

- Democrats no longer blue�

- Smooth polling

- Column RILEY: Game over

The fervor spills into the streets

2008-11-04T23:59:00.008-05:00

A friend of mine on Huntington Avenue just reported to me that a spontaneous parade of at least 500 people just spilled out on Huntington as revelers marched down the street cheering on Barack Obama's victory.

"It was the most surreal thing I have seen," said Dan Soszynski, a junior history major at Northeastern. "It was incredibly surreal."

Soszynski said the crowd, many of whom were wearing Northeastern University gear, seemed to have come together at random and no one was quite sure of where exactly they were headed. It was just a huge group of incredibly happy people, he said.

"I hope his presidency lives up to the hype and fervor that has been created because people are very, very excited at least in the Northeastern community," Soszynski said.

Unfortunately no pictures yet of the gathering, but a couple of local news affiliates were at the scene and I will see if they have anything on it later.

Update: Channel 5 has this: Boston Students Pour Into Streets: Peaceful Celebration Of Obama Victory

Update II: Uncut video of the students is on TheBostonChannel.com here.

Update III: Mom shares another image of the crazy celebration in Seattle. Evidently they too have also taken to the streets. This photo was taken at Broadway and Pike on Capitol Hill.

Tufts announces Obama

2008-11-04T23:32:00.003-05:00

Thus far, out of the papers I survey, Tufts Daily is the only other publication to join The Crimson in announcing Obama's victory.

The Harvard Crimson responds

2008-11-04T23:11:00.002-05:00

The Crimson has provided this response to my question of their early announcement of Obama's victory:

"Once Barack Obama won the state of Ohio, it became mathematically impossible for him to lose the presidency barring some incredibly unlikely event such as his losing California or Oregon. We understand that other media agencies did not want to call the race before all voters had had a chance to cast their votes -- particularly because there are important ballot initiatives and down-ticket races in several western states -- and that is appropriate decision given their national audience. But given that our readership is concentrated in Massachusetts and the clear news value in reporting that Senator Obama had effectively won the presidency, we thought it was the right decision to go ahead and call the race."

As I said earlier, I am still so surprised that the decision has come so soon. I was really expecting a much longer night ahead of us all.

It sounds like The Crimson's reasoning behind declaring early is totally valid. At first, I think it was just so surprising to see the declaration when everything else I was reading/watching was still "to close to call."

Also, The New York Times has this headline currently:

Well I guess they were only a little early...

2008-11-04T23:02:00.000-05:00

I guess the Crimson was only about an hour ahead of the curve. I must say I wasn't expecting a decision so early, but according to all the major networks BARACK OBAMA will be the 44th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

New York Times isn't quite ready to project it yet:

The Boston Globe is:

Some truly inspired coverage

2008-11-04T22:56:00.000-05:00

The Tufts Daily is really hitting it out of the ballpark with their election day coverage. This paper has really been impressing me this year with it's high quality student journalism.

Since 5:40 p.m. The Trail Blog has been giving several updates following the days events.

Obama Wins???

2008-11-04T22:36:00.001-05:00

According to The Harvard Crimson, Sen. Barack Obama has already won the presidential election.

OBAMA WINS HISTORIC VICTORY

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election tonight, sweeping past Republican candidate Senator John McCain on a wave of calls for change from voters across the country.

Obama’s wins in Ohio and New Mexico, announced by NBC News and CNN, made it virtually impossible for McCain to win the 270 votes needed for a majority in the Electoral College.

In order to win, McCain would have to win every state west of the Mississippi River and either California, Oregon, or Washington, three west-coast states that have traditionally been solidly Democratic.

The Crimson must have some kind of intelligence that none of the major newspapers or networks, because as of 9:40 p.m. tonight they have declared this an Obama victory.

Considering the polls haven't even closed in the western half of the nation this seems completely premature. Not sure what the Crimson was trying to prove by jumping the gun on this story.

UPDATE: I emailed the Crimson's writer to try and get a comment as to why they decided to post this declaration so early. We'll see if they respond.

The Long Wait

2008-11-04T22:09:00.000-05:00

As I flip between the endless election coverage on the all the networks, my head is starting to spin a bit.

My mother however is in Seattle, where the polls are still open. She has shared this photo with me of some Obama supporters in the city.

I sent my ballot off to Washington several days ago.

Also, forgot to mention earlier, but check out NUTV's coverage of the election here.

Election Day has finally arrived

2008-11-04T09:59:00.001-05:00

After so many months of campaigning, we should know who the next president of the United States is going to be tonight (barring any unforeseen circumstances or voting recounts of course).

To commemorate this day, here's a round-up of the recent election coverage at the college level.

The Tufts Daily:
The Daily has started a new radio broadcast to cover election day. - Tufts Daily Radio - Election Episode
• Semester-long push leaves Tufts Dems riding high
• After tough cycle, Republicans await tonight’s results
• Voters’ guide to Massachusetts ballot questions
• On the trail in N.H. with the Dems

BC Heights:
•ELECTION HAS GLOBAL SCOPE, STUDENTS SAY
•QUESTION 2 COULD CHANGE DIMENSIONS OF MATRIX
• EVALUATING THE ELECTION - Super long editorial recapping the entirety of the election.
The Heights is also making a plea for students to turn in election day photos.

Call for Photos: The Heights invites students to submit photos taken of reactions to the announcement of the results of the 2008 presidential election tomorrow night for a photo collage.
Photos can be submitted to news@bcheights.com.

The Harvard Crimson:
The Crimson has a special election section on the Web site, Election 2008.
They have also set up an open comment board for students to comment about today's events: OPEN THREAD: Discuss Today's Presidential Election
• Pundits Predict Obama Victory
• Annotations: On November 4 - Editors thoughts on election day.

The Tech:
• $900K Donated by MIT Employees in 2008 Election Cycle

The Daily Free Press:
• World awaits U.S. results
• STAFF EDIT: The future of elections?
• STAFF EDIT: Yes on Question 3

The Huntington News:
• NU political groups clash during debate
• Editorial: On Election Day voting is priority over classes
• NU student makes activism, education priorities

The Suffolk Journal:
• Decision 2008: Barack Obama's change vs. John McCain's reform

The Suffolk Voice:
• Your Vote Counts: Cheat-Sheet for the Ballot Questions - This a pretty thorough look at the questions on the Mass. ballot.

The Berkeley Beacon:
• Campaigns pitch to college-age set: Obama, McCain push the youth vote, contact students in election's final days
• Emerson donors favor Dems, Obama
• Election Day set to be flurry of activity
• Mass. Senate race challenges Kerry
• Editorial - This election is a special one, so make it count

college journalism in pennsylvania

2008-10-27T16:38:00.000-04:00

While Red Sox Nation has gone into hibernation for the winter, my hometown of Philadelphia is alive and excited as the Phillies play to win the World Series tonight.

In addition to the Phillies Game 3 Win Saturday, Penn State Football also experienced an exhilarating win that lead to rioting on the college campus, a sight, I am sure we in Boston are all too familiar with.

I thought the PSU student-run newspaper, The Daily Collegian, did a really great job covering the riots and wanted to share this example of quality coverage.

The main news story - Fans flood streets after game victory

The reaction piece - Reactions flare over spraying

A slightly edited video news piece - Video: Crowds gather on Beaver Ave.

Video of student reaction - Video: Police called in to Beaver Canyon

Photo Gallery: Students gather on Beaver Ave. after win against OSU

Overall, just a great example of multimedia coverage by a college publication.

Alleged NU stabber banned from campus

2008-10-23T12:48:00.000-04:00

The Huntington News ran this story, Accused NU student barred from campus - News, updating the recent stabbing incident on Westland Avenue.

D.A. Press Release on Stabbing incident

2008-10-21T16:29:00.000-04:00

The Suffolk County District Attorney's office posted this press release on the results of the arraignment.

$100k BAIL FOR MAN CHARGED IN WESTLAND AVE. STABBINGS

Oct. 20, 2008
A South End man was held on $100,000 cash bail today following his arraignment for allegedly stabbing an acquaintance and another man on Westland Avenue early yesterday morning, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley announced.
ZACHARY WINSTON (D.O.B. 8/13/89) was held on $50,000 for each of two charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon – one for stabbing a 19-year-old man four times in the chest and legs and the other for stabbing an apparent friend, as well.
...
Winston was ordered to stay away from the victims, undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, and check in weekly with the Department of Probation throughout the pendency of his case. He will return to the Boston Municipal Court on Nov. 25.

Jon Stewart gives NU Shout Out

2008-10-21T11:06:00.000-04:00

As promised, Jon Stewart mentioned Northeastern's defeat of Boston College in hockey in the opening moments of last night's Daily Show. Check out the clip below:

He specifically addressed the F--- You Sarah Palin comment below:

Weekend Stabbing on Westland Ave.

2008-10-20T23:53:00.000-04:00

The Huntington News reported the stabbing of two Northeastern students during an altercation on Westland Avenue early Sunday morning.

In case you, like me, were unable to decipher the poorly written article, 2 Students Stabbed in Fight, here's a brief run down of what happened.

According to BPDNews.com:
• At about 3:25am officers arrived at 24 Westland Ave. responding to calls of a stabbing.

• "Officers located a male victim suffering from what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. The victim was immediately transported to the Boston Medical Center where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries."

(The Huntington News alleges that the victim is NU sophomore Matthew Sanford, although this has not been confirmed by any official sources.)
"Lewis Ehrlich, a member of the men's soccer team, confirmed that teammate and sophomore Matthew Sanford was involved in an incident early yesterday morning and was in the hospital yesterday. Ehrlich said the team held a meeting last night about it."

• "Officers arrested Suspect #1, Zachary Winston, 19, of Roxbury and charged him with Assault & Battery By Means of a Dangerous Weapon (knife). Suspect #2, who was not charged, was transported to the Boston Medical Center where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries."
(Suspect #2 was confirmed by the Huntington News to be NU Student Ryan Wilson. According to The News' article, he is no longer considered a suspect.)

Adam Gaffin at Universal Hub updates the situation with this information:
• Winston held in lieu of $100,00 bail -

"Winston pleaded innocent in Boston Municipal Court today to charges he stabbed two other Northeastern students early Sunday, the Suffolk County DA's office says.

Winston was ordered held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

According to prosecutors and police, he stabbed another Northeastern student four times in the chest and legs around 3:30 a.m. at 24 Westland Ave.

He is also charged with stabbing an acquaintance of his. Police found both at Winston's apartment at 650 Columbus Ave.. According to the Suffolk County DA's office, police found "large amounts of blood" in the apartment, along with the knife Winston allegedly used."

Still no confirmation on if the victim is definitely Stanford. Will update with the official word.

Jon Stewart at NU

2008-10-17T23:58:00.002-04:00

Comedian and Daily Show host Jon Stewart gave a thoroughly enjoyable stand-up routine at Northeastern University's Matthews Arena Friday night.

Stewart entertained the packed crowd of over 5,000 students, alumni and parents by talking about the current presidential election, the antics of his two children, and the over-zealous focus on the gay marriage debate.

Some great quotes from the evening:

• On needing an unintelligent president: "We got swept up by the Macarena. We don't know what the fuck we're doing. We're idiots. Why do we want the president to be like us?

• "People keep saying are we ready for a black president? Barack Obama, maybe. Mr. T, no."

• On Sarah Palin: "... Today again, she was talking to a small town, and she said that small towns she really likes going to because that's the pro-America part of the country. And I just want to say to her, just very quickly, Fuck You."

The most entertaining aspect of the night was Stewart's spontaneous interaction with the ASL interpreter.

"What? Do you think you can blow a dude?" Stewart repeated while filming the interpreter's translation on his iPhone. He also asked to learn how to sign several other expletives.

The event was part of Northeastern's Homecoming Weekend and was presented by CUP, RSA, SGA, SAA, Homecoming Committee, the Office of Alumni Relations, and the Office for Student Affairs.

Thus far, only the Boston Globe has this small item about the event.

UPDATE: Read the Huntington-News' review of the show: NU Spends Evening With 'Daily' host (Beware odd online formatting).

Coverage of presidential proportions

2008-10-07T22:34:00.000-04:00

The college media is not exempt from covering one of the biggest political showdowns in history and as the second presidential debate comes to an end I wanted to round-up some of the good and not so good coverage of the presidential elections from around the area.

The Berkeley Beacon:
• The Beacon makes a November endorsement - This editorial which doesn't actually pick either candidate is beautifully written and I admire its sentiment. It's funny, it's poignant and a definite must read.

The Tufts Daily has been trying to making the coverage relevant to a college audience. Most students aren't looking to their college papers to find the hard hitting news of the campaign trail, and The Daily was able to deliver some items geared toward the nuances of being a college-age voter.

• Voting in college not as easy as it seems - Opinion piece
• Panel debates role, importance of campaign commercials in 2008 presidential race
• Tufts students to conduct Election Day exit polls

The Suffolk Journal jumped on this story about a controversial flyer circling around the Suffolk campus: College Republicans come under fire with 'racist' flyer. The questions raised refer to freedom of speech and whether the flyer, while some have called it distasteful, should this warrant it being taken down? Interesting debate has popped up on the comment boards.
Also:
• 2008 Presidential Election Update - None of this information is sourced and seems completely unnecessary, there are so many other sources providing the same info. This is editorial, not news.
• Prof. explains Republican campaigning techniques

The Suffolk Voice:
• Vice Presidential Candidates Head to Head - Like The Journal, none of the information of this round-up of facts is sourced and I don't see the point of rehashing this information. Although this comparison is at least thorough.

The Tech:
• McCain, Obama Policy Advisors Debate Future of U.S. Energy
• MIT E-Voting Project To Analyze Experience Of Voters in Election

The Huntington News:
• NU Democrats aim to win swing states
• Democrats take residence hall promotion by storm
• Student groups should take residence halls by 'storm' - An editorial that didn't really say anything.

New season, new Web site designs

2008-10-07T21:36:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting, the typical fall work overload has hit. But I have now found some time to do some Internet strolling and have some interesting items to share.

First, I should point out that the ~~Northeastern~~ Huntington News has put the new Web site online. Like the newspaper, the only real difference is the masthead.

A few other of the local college papers have also undergone some Web site revamps:

The Daily Free Press has gone all white and red, with a new, lighter design. I think the look would be a lot cleaner if the ads weren't such a hodgepodge and if items like the "featured stories" box were at the top of the page instead of buried at the bottom. The design doesn't really seem to be for the better, but its not worse either. As the poll on the Web site shows, reaction to the new design is about 50-50.

The Harvard Voice has also undergone a drastic Web site redux. I don't really love the tabloid style home page, and I wonder why The Voice decided to do such an extreme revamp when it hasn't even established itself for a full year yet.

There are some positive aspects to the change, including the nicely designed VoiceTV page. I'm also a fan of the focus on large, vivid photographs that appear throughout the Web site, however; at times I think this can lead to a cluttered and confusing design that makes it hard to navigate around. I also miss the option of viewing the print version of the paper. (It may still be there, but I couldn't find it on the site).

Update: The Suffolk Journal Web site hasn't changed much, but they do have a new masthead, which I am actually quite fond of. It's simple, but I like it.

NY Times lets student editors weigh in on debate

2008-09-27T00:29:00.000-04:00

I found this link while reading the NY Times coverage of the first presidential debate tonight and was glad to see the voice of student newspapers around the country given a platform for sharing their views.

Debate Watch: Student View.

The students, who are all editors from newspapers around the country, were given the chance to basically live blog the debate on the Times' political blog, The Caucus. The most interesting facet was that each of the students appeared to be sitting in a debate watch party on their campus and were able to share immediate reaction from the people in attendance.

You can read profiles of the participants here, and while they come from a wide array of places (Waco, Texas; Spokane, Wash.; Gainesville, Fla.) there was no representation from New England let alone Boston.

Here's just a sampling of some of the fodder discussed during and after the debate:

To be honest, I think we might see a much stronger reaction from our students once candidates debate domestic issues. The overriding concern here, especially for seniors is: How does this economic crisis impact my ability to get a job after I graduate and my ability to pay back student loans?
- Daniel Petty, University of Richmond, Va. at 11:35 p.m.

Although this crowd doesn’t naturally want to like McCain, they are certainly listening attentively to his speech on Russia. It’s sort of like how a frat guy decides which girl he wants in his study group: the one who is fun to watch, or the one who understands the issue.
- Ellis Smith, University of West Georgia, Carrollton at 10:28 p.m.

It seems the fine line between McCain and Obama’s ideas of under what conditions they should meet with world leaders has caused the audience I’m with to stop paying as close attention to the debate.
- Kellyn Moran, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 10:26 p.m.

Obama’s critique of John McCain’s support of the war caused the first real outburst here. Students are asking: If the
war has been so “successful” and “victorious” why are we still fighting it?
- Genny McLaren - California State University, Chico 9:55 p.m.

More Amethyst talk, The Mass Media starts up again

2008-09-14T23:28:00.000-04:00

There has been much more fodder published about the Amethyst Initiative. I am glad at least the college papers are not letting this topic die.

In The Berkley Beacon's Lifestyle section, published Thursday, there were two articles covering the initiative. The most interesting aspect of the article, Petition aims to lower drinking age to 18 - Lifestyle, is the revelation that Emerson College President Jacqueline Liebergott intends to sign the Amethyst pledge. The article quotes her:

“I think the amount of drinking on the Emerson campus is similar to the amount of drinking on most urban campuses,” she said. “Handling alcohol appropriately is an issue across the country. I think people will drink more responsibly [with a lower drinking age].”

The article is really well-sourced and well-written, and combined with the accompanying sidebar, Thinking before drinking: the statistics on deaths related to alcohol - Lifestyle, the section takes a really thorough look at the subject.

The BC Heights gives the school's academics a chance to share their views on the Amethyst debate: Academics sound off on the merits of the Amethyst Initiative - News. It would have been nice to hear from an academic who had a definitive opinion on whether lowering the drinking age was the right or the wrong thing to do; without that what we have are two professors who say they are unsure of its effect because America's history related to alcohol proves that people will find a way to drink no matter the law.

The Heights also ties the typical back-to-school alcohol violation crackdown to the current debate on lowering the drinking age, Authorities crack down on campus drinking culture, 'alcoholidays' - News.

______________________________________

I also wanted to note that The Mass Media has started publishing for the semester and I am pleased to see the slideshows returning to the Web site.

Students in Action - Slideshows

2008-2001= 5 years?

2008-09-14T13:07:00.000-04:00

Taking time out from my typical Boston-centric coverage to bring your attention to this front page from a The East Carolinian college newspaper. Just a further example of why copy editors are so important, at every level of newspaper publication. This front page is not only grievously wrong, but potentially harmful.

(Found via College Rag)

I admire the Carolinian's efforts to cover this major national remembrance day, but this was a huge blunder. The argument on the comment boards say that it has been five years since the start of the Iraq War, but I don't think you can really argue that this front page isn't directly referencing the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Not to mention the fact that 9/11 has no direct correlation to the War in Iraq.

Thanks for DK for bringing this to my attention. I will let you know if/how The East Carolinian addresses this error.

DFP: Congressional bill to make college more 'accessible, affordable'

2008-09-12T10:27:00.000-04:00

Video from Committee on Education and Labor

The Daily Free Press had this well-written article, Congress requests tuition info, in today's paper highlighting the recent College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008, signed into law last month, that is designed to increase the transparency behind the rising cost of higher education.

The new act would hold schools accountable for college costs by requiring colleges with the largest tuition increases to report the reasons for the increases to the U.S. Department of Education, according to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

The Free Press also ran an editorial, STAFF EDIT: Educated aid, praising the law.

The revised Higher Ed Act comes at a time that may prove economically crucial for the average American family. The annual price of attending Boston University (including room, board, and fees) has increased $12,078 since five years ago, according to the Office of Admissions' website. Students and families are feeling the pressure build each year as tuition increases.

And though the administration has stated the increases in tuition are necessary to maintain university function, we hope the Higher Ed Act can help the university to move into more efficient and sustainable operations.

The Committee on Education and Labor Web site has more extensive information about the Act, including this video (embedded below) of Chairman George Miller discussing the act's purpose.

Chronicle says college newspapers are 'financially sound'

2008-09-11T21:59:00.000-04:00

Despite the major financial setbacks facing much of the commercial newspaper industry, college newspapers are still cruising along fine, according to this article in the Chronicle of Higher Education today, Student Newspapers Escape Most Financial Problems of Larger Dailies. (Found via Poynter Online)

Student newspapers are not entirely immune to the changes in readership and advertising spending that have severely cut into the profits of much of the newspaper industry. In the past month, two prominent independent student publications—The Daily Californian at the University of California at Berkeley and The Daily Orange at Syracuse University—have announced that financial difficulties will force them to cut print publication from five days a week to four (The Chronicle, August 25).

But the financial outlook of most student publications is fundamentally sound, say more than a dozen student editors, publishers, and advertising managers across the country. As a result, most student newspapers have managed to avoid the large-scale cutbacks often found among their mainstream counterparts.

Even independent student newspapers, [like the Huntington News] which depend on advertising revenue and typically do not receive any financial assistance from the universities they cover, are generally in good shape. They are often aided by a constant influx of students who are willing to write stories, take photographs, and sell advertisements for little or no pay.

Overall, this is not ground breaking news. We've known for awhile now that college newspapers fall into that category of 'niche' publications that will likely continue to prosper as long as there is a demand for them. However, it is nice to be reassured that future journalism students will still have the opportunity to learn and develop their skills in the newsrooms of college newspapers around the country.

What's in a name?

2008-09-11T16:18:00.001-04:00

The Turley vans were out and about as the first complete issue of The Huntington News hit the streets this morning. Although the News has undergone some major behind-the-scenes changes (by cutting ties to the University, changing its name from The Northeastern News and moving offices), the paper seems to still be the same as it ever was. It seems thus far the banner on the top of the newspaper is the only obvious indication of the News' big decision to become independent.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I think I had figured the change would also have led to the opportunity for a redesign and a fresh start. I can't say I'm necessarily disappointed; I liked the Northeastern News and am glad to see that the Huntington News, "the independent student newspaper of the Northeastern community," is still operating business as usual.

Overall this first issue of the Fall is fairly strong, with a front page covering Professor Michael Dukakis' presidential election talk, the annual convocation ceremony, Northeastern's low scoring on the Forbes.com college rankings list, and the new study abroad program in Cuba.

The lead story, "Questions mark departure," was a follow-up to the recent unexpected resignation of College of Arts and Sciences Dean Jim Stellar. Marred by the use of e-mail interviews and an anonymous source, the article is on the right track in looking further into Dean Stellar's sudden departure, but it could have been a lot more succinct and clear.

The Inside (arts and entertainment), Sports and City Pulse sections are strong as ever; and I was pleased to see that the topics of the Amethyst Initiative, U.S. college presidents debate drinking age, and Boston's 'No more than four' law,"Is 'No More Than 4' enforceable?", were touched upon in this issue.

There are more steps that need to be taken to finalize the transition from The Northeastern to The Huntington News. Mainly the new Web site, Huntington-news.com, is not yet up and running; and the newspaper boxes around campus could use a signage update as well.

The e-mail edition included this letter from the editor, which I think would have been helpful to also have included on the Web site and in the print edition. I have copy and pasted it below:

Letter from the editor: We hope you enjoy this issue of the Huntington News, the independent student newspaper of the Northeastern community.

Thank you for bearing with us as we continue to transfer our materials from www.nu-news.com to our new URL, www.huntington-news.com, which will be launched during the next few days. At that time, www.nu-news.com will automatically redirect to www.huntington-news.com. Likewise, our current e-mail addresses will forward to our new e-maill addresses ending in @huntington-news.com. (For example, sports@nu-news.com will forward to sports@huntington-news.com.) A full list of e-mails will be available at the new site.

We will continue to publish Mondays and Thursdays during the fall and spring semesters, and Wednesdays during the summer semester.

Thanks again for your continued support. Questions can be directed to Editor-in-chief Kate Augusto at editor@nu-news.com or Managing Editor Maggie Cassidy at managing@nu-news.com.

Back to School Roundup

2008-09-06T22:54:00.000-04:00

Boston is abuzz once again with the pitter-patter of college students moving back to campus as Tropical Storm Hanna welcomes them in with a nice, wet downpour. The college newspaper presses around the city have also been put back to good use as the first issues of the new year hit the streets.

The biggest news at Northeastern by far is the resignation of Jim Stellar, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. I'm sure this comes as a hard hit to the college with classes starting in just a couple of days. I for one always had good interactions with Stellar and hope his resignation is for his own good and not because of something else. Hopefully more details to come as the reason for his resignation is made clear. (The NU LiveJournal community has already started speculating about his departure.) A message from Dean Stellar still posted on the college Web site still reads:

It is wonderful to be dean of a college with its head in the clouds as a rigorous top academic institution, but at the same time with its feet on the ground as a real citizen of Boston and the world outside our campus.

The ~~Northeastern~~ Huntington News has the traditional back-to-school guide "BostonNU" out on stands, but an ad inside the paper says regular publishing won't begin until Sept. 11. Besides the banner, the BostonNU guide looks the same as previous years (besides the blue ~~penguin~~ husky) and The News continues to publish online at www.NU-News.com.

Over at BU, the students are torn between helping the environment and just simply wanting a tray to stack their food on. The Daily Free Press had this story, Dining halls will remain trayless, and corresponding staff editorial, STAFF EDIT: Challenges to green eating. I guess those $100 textbooks will now serve another function. There's one consolation at BU for the trayless cafeteria goers: Dorms now offer condoms.

The big news over at BC is that the fall concert on Sept. 12 will be featuring The Roots. The BC Heights reports, UGBC 'ROOTS' FOR FALL CONCERT.

The Tufts Daily is reporting on yet more shake-ups to the student senate, as three seniors resigned from the Tufts Community Union over the summer, Sykes, two others resign from TCU Senate. The Hill, a blog covering up-to-date "news from the Tufts Campus and beyond," has been keeping up on this story and announced yesterday that those seats had been filled. The blog looks to have just started in August and hopefully it will be a good addition to the Web site.

The Harvard Crimson's Web site has been active with updates throughout the summer, but daily printing won't resume until Sept. 15. The most interesting item currently is the Opinion section's "Summer Postcards" with personal accounts of various summer escapades from around the world.

The Harvard Voice has been pretty stagnate this summer aside from this Project ACWA (Project Access to Clean Water for Agyemanti) blog, which has been chronicling the experiences of the Harvard College Black Men's Forum as Sangu and Darryl participate in the project. Click here for Day 1 or here to browse the many entries.

The Berkley Beacon, The Suffolk Journal, The Suffolk Voice, and The Mass Media have all yet to begin publishing for the Fall.

To Drink or Not to Drink: Is 18 too young?

2008-08-23T04:38:00.000-04:00

The news broke this week about the newly created Amethyst Initiative, a coalition of University leaders who plan to discuss and "rethink" the drinking age.

Thus far 129 presidents and chancellors of colleges and universities across the United States have signed the Initiative's statement, including President Jack M. Wilson, University of Massachusetts System, Chancellor Robert C. Holub, University of Massachusetts--Amherst and President Lawrence S. Bacow, Tufts University.

Below is an excerpt from the statement posted on the Initiative's Web site, www.amethystinitiative.org.

Twenty-one is not working

A culture of dangerous, clandestine “binge-drinking”—often conducted off-campus—has developed.

Alcohol education that mandates abstinence as the only legal option has not resulted in significant constructive behavioral change among our students.

Adults under 21 are deemed capable of voting, signing contracts, serving on juries and enlisting in the military, but are told they are not mature enough to have a beer.

By choosing to use fake IDs, students make ethical compromises that erode respect for the law.

The Boston Globe ran this article, College presidents seek debate on drinking age, Aug. 18.

The debate hasn't even formally begun, but already the various media reports and criticism from organizations like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) have led to a lot of discussion. The New York Times ran this article, 2 Withdraw From Petition to Rethink Drinking Age, Aug. 21.

More information about this issue can also be found at Choose Responsibility, a non-profit organization founded in 2007 to " to stimulate informed and dispassionate public discussion about the presence of alcohol in American culture and to consider policies that will effectively empower young adults age 18 to 20 to make mature decisions about the place of alcohol in their own lives." They are keeping this blog as away to update about new developments.

As someone less than a month away from my 21st birthday who just spent the past five weeks in a country where the drinking age is 18, I am really intrigued to see formal talks taking place about this topic.

I will be following as this debate progresses throughout the upcoming school year and hopefully more local college publications will jump on covering this topic.

Absence makes the blogger grow fonder

2008-08-23T03:59:00.000-04:00

Apologies for the lack of updates these past few weeks. I have just returned from a whirlwind communications studies tour through Australia with one of Northeastern's Dialogue of Civilizations programs. To read more about that trip and to see photos click here for my personal blog. I return to Boston and will begin updating more frequently in September, but for now I just wanted to comment on this new talk about lowering the drinking age.

A Voice at NU?

2008-07-08T02:51:00.000-04:00

Watching this video from The Harvard Voice today has me wondering, with the recent announcement to end the Northeastern News, will a multimedia experiment like The Voice find a place at Northeastern? Are the students at Northeastern going to want an "on-campus" newspaper? With the "Huntington News" beginning, who will be left to compete with the non-profit corporation? Should there be competition?

Any thoughts?

So Long NU News

2008-07-02T16:26:00.001-04:00

The Northeastern News is no longer. Starting in September Northeastern's 82-year-old on-campus publication will officially become a nonprofit corporation and be completely independent of the University. It will also undertake a new name, "The Huntington News."

The article announcing the news today, The News goes independent, was necessarily positive and sourced Boston Globe Pulitzer Prize-winning professor Walter Robinson and NU VP of Student Affairs Ed Klotzbier as being in favor of the change.

"The main focus of the coverage of the newspaper … is the university itself and the administration of the university," Robinson said. "The important thing for the university and for The News and for journalism is that it be independent of any control by the people that you're covering."

Ed Klotzbier, vice president of student affairs, said he believes The News' move from being a student group to a nonprofit corporation is an evolutionary process that shows the entrepreneurial spirit that Northeastern looks to instill in its students.

"I think this move by the [Northeastern] News to go independent is a great example of experiential learning," Klotzbier said. "It's the caliber of today's Northeastern student. I would have to say I'm impressed and proud."

As a former News Editor of the paper, I can't say I'm surprised by this announcement. When Ricky Thompson was elected editor-in-chief last year this was something he started by changing the paper from publishing once to twice a week.

We won't know until all is said and done, but the success of the paper could really go either way. I'm concerned that the quality of the paper may suffer, and I wonder if The News will just lose some of the college audience and likely not gain much of the community readers. I heard complaints from friends and classmates who lost interest in the paper during the twice-a-week change. For many NU students the paper has always just been something that held the "Crime Log" and the Sudoku.

In a Letter-to-the-Editor, Ricky Thompson and Ed Klotzbier assures the student body that the change is only in the name.

Accomplishing this next step will be a credit to the legacy that Northeastern has developed in fostering an experiential education for its students. Producing a student newspaper remains one of the best experiences in journalism, advertising and business available in a college setting. As an independent corporation, The Huntington News will be a model for integrating classroom learning with real-world experience, central to the university's mission since 1898.

Besides the new name, you won't notice any major differences with your newspaper when the first issue is published in September. It will still be available at all the same spots on campus, and the coverage will still focus on the same topics relevant to Northeastern.

The article pointed out that Boston College, Boston University and Harvard already have independent, student-run publications, but the key difference there is that the school is still in the name and at the top of the coverage.

I'm also concerned about how the paper will maintain a staff. If the paper isn't a student group are freshman going to feel welcome? The News office is full of about a hundred new reporters every September for the first meeting of the year, but is it going to be too much to ask the new students to seek out the new office at 295 Huntington Ave.

As well all know these are tough, dangerous times for the newspaper industry, but college papers have continued to strive because they have a built in audience and a built in advertising base. The industry is heading towards more and more multimedia oriented coverage (a place where The Northeastern News has always been behind) and this may be something needed to help the independent Huntington News flourish, yet there was no mention of the Web site in the article.

I wish this new endeavor the best of luck; I'd love to see an independent newspaper succeed. Although it will be strange to be in the student center and not see an office where I spent so many hours these past years, hopefully The News' presence will only increase on-campus overall.

I will continue to update on the new changes that are sure to arrive, I'm expecting they will soon have news about a Web site as well as a complete paper redesign. The summer is always a hard time to find staff with so many students off-campus, but I'm sure the students at The Huntington News will be working overtime for the big unveiling in September.

NU SGA changes, a band-aid on a broken bone

2008-06-18T12:44:00.000-04:00

It looks like all the drama that came forth during Northeastern's student government presidential elections this spring has resulted in some changes to how the SGA will operate going forward.

The Northeastern News is reporting, New Rules in Town, the SGA has abolished the Rules Committee to give the task of running elections to the Senate Nominations and Elections Committee, which means that no one is quite sure who will undertake the other tasks that the Rules Committee used to handle. If it all sounds a bit convoluted that's because it is and the article certainly doesn't help clarify.

Following a contentious election season, the Student Government Association (SGA) voted last week to eliminate its Rules Committee, the body formerly charged with tasks including running elections, legislative oversight and parliamentary procedure, SGA president-elect Rob Ranley said.

SGA voted last Monday to create the Senate Nominations and Elections Committee (SNEC) to head the direct presidential elections process.

In addition to running the direct elections, the Rules Committee was also the "the oversight and advisory body for the legislation, parliamentary procedure, and the history and traditions of the Association," according to SGA's constitution. SNEC will focus only on elections, leaving the Rules Committee's other responsibilities in undetermined hands.

"The idea behind [SNEC's creation] is really that there needs to be a committee that's focused on making the elections successful and not have to worry about all the other stuff," Ranley said.

I don't really see this change having much effect when the SGA has to somehow inspire the student body to care and vote for the SGA president in nine months.

The News ran a pretty positive editorial, calling the change "admirable" and blaming the internal drama of the Rules Committee for dismal voter turnout.

It's a move that's being praised by some within SGA who say the Rules Committee overstepped its bounds far too often. These proponents are right, and the decision should be lauded for getting rid of a committee whose actions helped damage the credibilty of the election process.
...
As of now, SGA members have theorized these responsibilities will be absorbed to e-board members, and the parliamentarian, who will also chair the new Nominations and Elections Committee. However, it's important that SGA not throw these tasks aside. Allowing an independent body from e-board to review legislation only increases the transparency that politicians should always try to achieve.

It's too early to tell if the new SGA e-board will repeat the missteps of adminstrations past. But with the decision to cut a committee that did more harm than good, at least it seems to be heading in the right direction.

I'd challenge that the poor elections was not just the fault of one committee, but rather the SGA as a whole. Advertising and promotion was beyond dismal, the rotation of candidates did not inspire much confidence in the process and there didn't seem to be any real change or progression for the future promised by anyone.

Calling the members of SGA "politicians" just exemplifies one of the biggest issues that I see with the Association. The SGA shouldn't be made up of or run by wannabe "politicians," but rather by regular students who want to advocate for change and protect students' rights on campus. There seems to be too much focus on the titles and the gloss of politics, instead of what the Association is at its core: a sounding board for student complaints and a go between with administration to try to find a solution for said complaints.

DFP coverage of Sen. Kennedy, Higher Ed Act

2008-06-17T04:38:00.000-04:00

Despite being on Summer hiatus, The Daily Free Press continues to update its Web site with the occasional news story. I found this article, Without Kennedy, Higher Ed. Act moves on, from June 11 to be rather informative.

The story details what's next for the renewal of the Higher Education Act now that one of its major supporters Sen. Edward Kennedy is unable to champion the act in the Senate while he is receiving treatment for a brain tumor.

Sen. Kennedy appointed Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., to champion the cause.

I'm glad to see the Free Press has found a way to report on Sen. Kennedy's cancer diagnosis with a story that has strong relevance to a college audience.

Rowling's commencement address

2008-06-06T04:38:00.000-04:00

As I reported several months ago, J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, gave the commencement address at Harvard Thursday. Although I was not one of the people who allegedly paid more than $100 to attend the commencement, I was pleased to watch the speech through the Harvard Magazine Web site.

The magazine covered Rowling's 20-minute speech, The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination, including streaming audio, video and a full transcript.

On this wonderful day when we are gathered together to celebrate your academic success, I have decided to talk to you about the benefits of failure. And as you stand on the threshold of what is sometimes called ‘real life’, I want to extol the crucial importance of imagination.

My bias towards Rowling may skew my opinion, but as a someone who grew up reading Rowling's books and sat through a commencement address this year at Northeastern by someone I can no longer recall (a Google search reveals it was SEC Chairman Christopher Cox), I don't think you could ask for a better speaker or speech.

The Harvard Crimson had previously reported mixed feelings from students about Rowling as the speaker.

For many, Rowling may lack the gravitas of past years’ speakers, who include Microsoft founder Bill Gates, former United Nations leader Kofi Annan, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

But it would be myopic to downplay Rowling’s “extraordinary” impact, Tatar said, even if it is one different from that of political or economic figures who typically speak at Commencement.

“Just because she’s not doing the nitty-gritty of the economy or politics doesn’t mean that she’s not bringing something to the table that’s very powerful,” the former dean for the humanities said.

The Boston Globe has this coverage, Author of magical tales urges Harvard grads to imagine a better world.

The Boston Herald has Rowling puts a spell on Harvard.

Thus far it doesn't appear that the Harvard Voice or the Crimson has yet posted coverage to their Web sites. However, the Crimson Web site has undergone a dramatic revamp for the special Commencement issue.

Sox Nation in Seattle

2008-05-29T02:18:00.000-04:00

I had to come to Seattle, but I finally got to see a Red Sox game this season. Despite a disappointing 1-0 loss, Red Sox Nation was in full force at Safeco Field Wednesday.

Shake up at NU media board

2008-05-25T02:36:00.000-04:00

This story about the resignation of Northeastern University's Media Board advisor has me a little worried.
Media advisor resigns amidst prior review talks - Northeastern News

Media board advisor Sandra Miller has resigned from her position, leaving some students questioning the fate of media at Northeastern.
...

[Chris McGill, director of student activities, leadership and scholarship, which oversees student media] said prior review was not in the future for publications at Northeastern.

"I do want to assure you that prior review will not happen," McGill said.

Student media members worry they will have to submit their publications for approval before publication, essentially taking away their ability for an open and free press.

"Because of little things that we've been hearing all over campus, I can't say that I don't think it will never happen," Springer said. "I don't know how the university could encourage us to be good journalists but force us to submit our writing in advance or to have them preview our issue beforehand."

As a current member of one Northeastern media group and a former executive board member of another, hearing the words "prior review" tossed around is definitely something to be aware of and concerned about. I have heard mixed feelings about the current structure of the NU media board in the past, but at least free speech (with perhaps a mild censure on unnecessary foul language) was pretty secure.

I've heard that something similar happened at Suffolk a few years back, where students got pretty upset about the administration having too heavy a hand in the student newspaper, but I am really unclear about any details or if there is any truth behind it.

Anyone have any stories or examples of this kind of thing happening at other colleges?

Profiles of Rebecca Payne

2008-05-24T15:48:00.001-04:00

Some more recent information has been released through news reports about the more personal side of who Rebecca Payne was, and I just wanted to share the stories.

Slain student was quick to lend a hand - The Boston Globe

Friends mourn slain Northeastern student
- The Boston Herald

Also the Northeastern News had this update about the black van that BPD reported looking for, UPDATE: Student reports being followed by van on night of shooting

NU president responds to student death

2008-05-21T19:41:00.000-04:00

This announcement was emailed out today about the murder of Northeastern student, Rebecca Payne.

https://www.nticonnected.com/messageboxes/186119/1207498.wav

I am profoundly saddened by the tragic death of one of Northeastern’s own, student Rebecca Payne, a senior in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences.

Those among us who knew her best — students, faculty and staff — say Becca was dedicated to her studies, excited about her successful and challenging co-op jobs, and passionate about causes dear to her heart. Becca was president of the Athletic Training Club, served on the Dean’s Council, was involved with the Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry and other spiritual initiatives on campus, and gloried in working with children at a summer camp.

Becca epitomized all that is best about Northeastern University students. Having her taken so suddenly leaves a hole that will never be filled for her parents, Nicholas and Virginia, and her family and friends, as well as our entire university community.

A tragedy like this, suddenly and without explanation, that takes the life of one of our brightest young lights brings us unfathomable grief. For now, we turn to each other to draw strength and comfort, to remind ourselves how precious life is, and to send our most heartfelt prayers to Becca’s loved ones.

Joseph E. Aoun,
President, Northeastern University

The Northeastern News had these two stories this morning:
NU student shot to death on Hill

UPDATE: University acknowledges student's death

Herald Confirms, Northeastern student found murdered

2008-05-21T02:05:00.000-04:00

UPDATE: The woman found dead in a Mission Hill apartment this morning was confirmed to be a Northeastern student, according to the Boston Herald (Northeastern student found slain in Mission Hill apartment).

A 22-year-old Northeastern University student was found murdered in her Mission Hill apartment yesterday morning, shot in both legs and in the chest, police and a source said.

Investigators still are trying to determine whether Rebecca Payne of Connecticut was randomly targeted and robbed, or knew her assailant, a police source said.

Deputy Superintendent Thomas Lee said the woman’s body was discovered about 6:50 a.m. by the manager of the apartment building at 170 Parker Hill Ave. A source said her door had been left open.

(Posted two hours ago).

Still nothing from the Northeastern News.

My deepest condolences to friends and family.

View Larger Map

Incident on Mission Hill - NU Warning

2008-05-20T14:25:00.001-04:00

I received this warning in my email less than an hour ago and wanted to pass it along. The victim may have been a student at Northeastern, but news reports have not yet confirmed this. Hopefully more information will be coming soon.

https://www.nticonnected.com/messageboxes/186119/1205187.wav
Northeastern’s Office of Public Safety has been informed of an investigation into the death of a young woman on Mission Hill this morning. The Boston Police Department is currently on scene and few details are available. It appears that a number of Northeastern students live in the building where the death took place.

Public Safety is prepared to assist the Boston Police as needed. We will provide further details and updates on the University website as information becomes available.

If you know of any students in need of assistance please refer them to we_care@neu.edu

Murder eyed in death of woman in Mission Hill apartment - Boston Herald

Police investigate woman's death in Mission Hill - Boston Globe

BostonChannel.com has this video.

It does not appear that any college newspapers have yet picked up on this story.

What readers want at Tufts Daily

2008-05-19T20:50:00.000-04:00

Despite the increased attention given to newspapers' advances in multimedia, the readers at the Tufts Daily still value quality writing over flashy audio and video features or more blogs. The Daily is hosting a nonscientific poll on its main page asking readers what changes they would like to see at the paper next year.

The poll is still up, which means voting and results will likely change; however I've posted the current results below. At this time, 35 percent of voters said they would prefer improved writing/reporting, followed by 18 percent desiring to see blogs and then 10 percent to audio and video features as well as 10 percent to more international news coverage.

The effects of nonracism

2008-05-19T20:40:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to share this beautifully-written personal essay written by Alejandro Gac-Artigas for the Harvard Voice.

La Vida At Our College: Reflections Of A Harvard Other

(excerpt below)

I should find comfort in the fact, or assumption rather, that Harvard is a nonracist, multiculturalist place. And yet I wonder, what does nonracism really amount to? Where do we gain by avoiding the language of race? We certainly avoid a lot of difficult situations. We avoid confrontation and discomfort, self-criticism and introspection. Harvard can boast its plethora of organizations and we can all enjoy our vibrant entertainment during those times and spaces that have been designated as appropriate.

As a Latino undergraduate I have been offered many venues to affirm my identity, and as a member of the larger population I have learned the colorblind, nonracist vocabulary appropriate for discussing these issues. But where must I go to be antiracist? Where do I go to denounce racism itself, to fight the structures that create and shape the very idea of race? Where can I join others who share this conviction, and how do I convince my peers that ignoring my race does nothing to change its relevance in society?