Campus Times

Campus Times. The Campus Times is the official, independent student newspaper of the University of California, Riverside (UCR). Published weekly during the academic year, it serves as the primary news source for the campus community, covering university affairs, local Riverside events, and national issues relevant to students. The publication is operated entirely by undergraduate and graduate students, providing practical experience in journalism, editing, photography, and business management.

History

The newspaper was established in 1970, evolving from earlier student publications at UCR. Its founding coincided with a period of significant student activism and expansion of the University of California system. Throughout the decades, it has documented major campus events, including protests, administrative changes, and the growth of academic programs like the Bourns College of Engineering and the School of Medicine. The publication transitioned from a traditional print-focused operation to a multimedia news organization, launching its online presence in the late 1990s alongside other collegiate papers like The Daily Californian and The Stanford Daily.

Organization and operations

The Campus Times is published by the Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASUCR), which provides funding and institutional support while upholding the paper's editorial independence. The staff is led by a student Editor-in-chief and managing editor, overseeing sections such as news, opinions, arts & culture, and sports. Key operational roles include a business manager handling advertising and a multimedia editor coordinating digital content. The editorial board operates from offices within the UCR student union, following a constitution that outlines journalistic standards and procedures similar to those at The New York Times or Los Angeles Times.

Content and coverage

Each issue features campus news, investigative reports, and coverage of UC Riverside Highlanders athletics. The opinions section publishes editorials and letters on topics ranging from UC system policies to national politics. Arts and culture content highlights events at the UC Riverside College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences and local venues like the Riverside Art Museum. Special editions may focus on major events such as Homecoming or commencement. Its digital platform also produces podcasts and video features, mirroring trends at larger outlets like National Public Radio and CNN.

Notable alumni and staff

Former staff members have pursued distinguished careers in media, law, and public service. Alumni include journalists who have worked for The Washington Post, Reuters, and NBC News. Several have become professors at institutions like the University of Southern California and California State University. Others have entered public policy, serving in roles within the California State Legislature and various municipal governments. The paper has served as a training ground for Pulitzer Prize nominees and winners of awards from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Impact and recognition

The Campus Times is a vital forum for campus discourse and has broken stories on issues such as tuition increases, research initiatives at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, and campus safety. It has received numerous awards from the California College Media Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. Its investigative work has influenced administrative decisions and student government elections within ASUCR. The paper's archives provide a valuable historical record for researchers studying the University of California system and student life in Southern California.

Category:Student newspapers published in California Category:University of California, Riverside Category:Publications established in 1970