First Online Student Publication Debuts at EMCC
E-zine offers new venue to express opinions, share thoughts and build community
Estrella Mountain Community College’s first online student news magazine, The Lion’s Perspective, made its debut this spring.
The notion of a campus magazine has been germinating for about 10 years. When Title V funds allowed the concept to become a reality, The Lion's Perspective emerged, assisted by many faculty and under the guidance of Shannon Manuelito, Student Engagement Coordinator of Title V, and the leadership of Jonathan Robles, Director of Title V.
Directing the operations are journalism faculty member Selina Schuh, who serves as editor-in-chief, and English faculty member Kathleen Iudicello, Division Chair of Arts and Composition. Student intern Manny (Manuel) Guerrero and other student journalists do the writing, editing and publishing.
Like Mariposa, EMCC’s literary review, which showcases students' creative writing and artwork, The Lion's Perspective is a venue in which students can express their opinions and explore college life. But Mariposa is a print publication, whereas Schuh and Iudicello suggested the “e-zine” (web-based magazine) format for The Lion’s Perspective because it is consistent with the trend to online journalism and also fits budgetary constraints.
Initial plans call for it to be published only once per semester, and it is written the semester prior, in the journalism classes. Thus the focus is on broad, general campus topics, instead of "breaking news." The new venue gives students an opportunity to connect with their classmates and college. Articles feature campus events, promote interesting programs that otherwise might not be well known, or highlight individuals who are positive role models.
Showcasing the students’ writing, ideas and thoughts also helps broaden perspectives, build community, enhance learning and encourage academic success, supporting EMCC’s commitment to being a learner-centered institution. “The Lion’s Perspective is a new way to do that,” said Robles. “It engages students and offers them new opportunities for growth and mentorship.”
“The project model is especially exciting because we implemented a magazine on a campus that does not have a formal journalism department,” said Robles. “To be able to do that is pretty innovative.” He credited Schuh and Iudicello for developing the magazine's structure and implementation process, the students for writing the articles and members of the editorial board, who helped choose the content that would be featured.
Participants are enthusiastic, and some are interested in pursuing journalism as a career. Guerrero is aiming for a BA in Mass Communications from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at ASU. “It’s a trade that I have practiced and it has grown on me,” he said. “I did it for four years while I was in the Marine Corps and I really enjoyed the experience.” After he graduates, he wants to be writing in some capacity, particularly sports.
Shashi DeHaan viewed The Lion’s Perspective as a means to develop her knowledge and experience the news publishing process. One article she wrote was accepted and another was an extra-credit project. She recently began freelance writing for a news magazine, and has applied to graduate schools. “I love to write, and I plan to use the skills I learned in this class,” she said. “I am most interested in advocacy and hope to use my writing skills in my career.”
While the student journalists say the planning and editing process has been challenging, they enjoyed participating and the opportunity to learn from each other. “It’s pretty significant knowing that I was part of developing the first issue, from planning, to writing, to the launch,” said Guerrero. “Seeing my article published give me a great feeling.”
Guerrero believes students will embrace The Lion’s Perspective. “They can really feel like it’s theirs, because it truly is; it is for them and about them,” he said. “I think that will motivate students to write, and to share what they want others to know about.”
Schuh said the initial goal is to give students a voice within the framework that’s been created. “Then in the future, we would like to involve more students from other disciplines,” she said. “Feedback from the community will shape its future evolution.”
The college celebrated its 20th anniversary just two years ago, and is expanding, along with the rest of the West Valley. “EMCC is growing, so the more word we can put out the better,” said Guerrero.
For more information: http://lionsperspective.com/ .
Title V Program Grant
The Lion’s Perspective is part of a five-year, $2.8 million Title V Program Grant awarded by the United States Department of Education to EMCC in September 2008. Title V grants are awarded only to Hispanic-serving institutions with a student population that is at least 25 percent Hispanic. Of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges, Estrella Mountain Community College, Phoenix College and Gateway Community College are the first to receive the grant.