Whether it’s liberalism, conservatism, activism, culture or hard news, students at the University are offered a wealth of campus media — besides the Emerald — to suit their needs.
Aside from a variety of material that most any student can relate to, campus publications offer an opportunity for aspiring writers and journalists to gain practical experience. Publications are often hiring, and freelance work is commonly available.
For students concerned about environmental and sociological issues, look no further than the Student Insurgent. According to the Insurgent’s mission statement, the magazine “seek(s) to provide a forum for those working towards a society free from oppression based on class, gender, sexual orientation, race, species and free from threat of ecological collapse.”
Further to the right is the Oregon Commentator, a “conservative journal of opinion” that serves as the conservative voice on campus. Students may be attracted to the Commentator’s mix of humor with political and campus issues.
Commentator publisher Bret Jacobson said the magazine has a national reputation for investigative journalism.
“We take a lot of pride in the fact that the student government takes seriously what we write about their inane actions while the average student loves us as a good read and a great laugh,” Jacobson said.
For students who want a more local and culture focus than the Insurgent or Commentator, the Oregon Voice may be the way to go. The Voice, which consists of contributors and freelance writers, often covers general interest topics and news.
Voice publisher Kat Ortland said each issue features news stories, local entertainment, humor and reviews.
“The Voice is what you’d call a ‘general interest’ magazine,” she said. “It doesn’t have a specific political angle or intellectual goal, it just aims to give a satisfying and entertaining read.”
Students concerned with women’s issues may be interested in the Siren, published by the Women’s Center. According to the mission statement, the Siren “advocate(s) for the best educational and working environment for the women at the University of Oregon.” The newsletter deals with campus events of interest to women, as well as more serious issues such as rape and abortion.
Flux is an award-winning magazine published annually by the journalism school. Flux, which was founded in 1993, is produced by the J410 Magazine Production class each spring. Members of the staff get hands-on experience and credit for publishing the magazine, and readers can see what the journalism school’s magazine sequence is all about.