The online publication must be accessible through common Internet Web browsers during the months of September and October, when the sites will be judged. The site must be produced and maintained primarily by students. Awards will be based on design, ease of navigation, writing and editing, graphics and interactivity. Sites will be judged by non-ACP staff members knowledgeable about design, journalism and interactive media. The Story of the Year competition, co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, recognizes initiative and original reporting of a situation, problem or issue affecting students.
Judges look for entries which show leadership, quality writing, sensitivity and fairness.
Entries in the Reporter of the Year competition consist of a reporter's three best single news or feature stories published in a college newspaper during the competition year. The competition is co-sponsored by Tribune Media Services. The awards are co-sponsored by the National Press Photographers Association. The Design of the Year competition, honoring visual excellence in the college press, is co-sponsored by Adobe Systems. All ACP yearbook and magazine members are eligible to compete in their respective national Pacemaker competitions- if they submit an entry.