The Wesleyan Argus

The Wesleyan Argus. It is the official, independent student newspaper of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, and one of the oldest continuously published college weeklies in the United States. Founded in 1868, the publication serves as a primary news source for the campus community, covering university affairs, local events, arts, and opinion. The paper operates under the auspices of the Wesleyan Student Assembly and maintains a long tradition of student journalism and editorial independence.

History

The newspaper was established in 1868, making it a contemporary of other historic student publications like The Harvard Crimson and The Yale Daily News. Its early years coincided with the presidency of Cyrus D. Foss and the university's growth in the post-American Civil War era. Throughout the 20th century, *The Argus* documented pivotal moments in campus history, including student activism during the Vietnam War, debates over coeducation, and the university's financial challenges in the 1970s. The paper has weathered periodic controversies over editorial content and funding, consistently asserting its role as an independent critic and chronicler of Wesleyan University.

Content and sections

The print edition is typically published weekly during the academic year and is distributed across campus locations such as Exley Science Center, Olin Memorial Library, and Usdan University Center. Regular sections include News, which covers administration decisions and campus policy; Features, offering in-depth profiles and long-form journalism; and Sports, reporting on Wesleyan Cardinals athletics within the New England Small College Athletic Conference. The Arts & Culture section reviews performances at the Center for the Arts and local exhibits, while the Opinion page features editorials, columns, and letters from students, faculty, and alumni, often engaging with national debates.

Staff and organization

The newspaper is managed entirely by undergraduate students, with editorial leadership including an Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, and section editors for News, Arts, and Sports. Staff reporters and contributors are drawn from across the university's diverse academic departments. The paper's budget is allocated by the Wesleyan Student Assembly, though editorial control remains strictly with the student staff. This structure has fostered a tradition where alumni of *The Argus* often pursue careers at major outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and National Public Radio.

Notable alumni

Numerous distinguished journalists and writers began their careers at the publication. This includes Jodi Kantor, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The New York Times; Alex Witchel, longtime columnist and feature writer for The New York Times Magazine; and Daniel Okrent, first public editor of The New York Times and inventor of fantasy baseball. Other notable figures include author and literary critic Roxane Gay and television writer David Iserson. The paper's alumni network remains actively engaged with the publication and Wesleyan University.

Digital presence and archives

The publication maintains a comprehensive online edition at wesleyanargus.com, featuring daily updates, multimedia content, and expanded coverage. Digital archives of past issues are accessible through the university's Olin Memorial Library and the Special Collections & Archives department, providing a valuable resource for researching the history of Wesleyan University and student life. The paper actively utilizes social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to distribute stories and engage with the broader community in Middletown, Connecticut and beyond.

Category:Student newspapers published in Connecticut Category:Wesleyan University Category:Publications established in 1868