The Newsgathering class consists of mock press conferences and interviews, and practice writing. Students are told to find an organization about which they wish to write, such as the Board of Visitors, the City Council or local courts, to attend their meetings and to write coverage in a news style. Students are not asked to submit the stories for publication. Grades are based on students success in adhering to news principles. Students in the News Writing class get credit for bringing in stories, which they must submit to a publication.
Students receive their grade before their work is submitted.
They always tell the interviewees that they are writing for possible publication. SW explained that writing for publication is essential for several reasons. It is more challenging to the reporter, as people are not so willing to talk if they know their words may be published. Students cannot get jobs in journalism without samples of their published work, and they need experience working with an editor. SW heard about the problem and suggested it as a topic to a student, discussing potential sources for interview.