S200: Best News Story

For timely, accurate and well-sourced reporting on news events or issues relevant to campus or community life. Judges will consider clarity, credibility, news value and originality. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or a URL to where the story was originally published.

S201: Best Feature Story

For compelling, narrative-driven storytelling that captures the human experience behind an issue, trend or moment. Stories may be personality-driven or issue-based. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or a URL to where the story was originally published.

S202: Best Investigative Reporting

For in-depth reporting that uncovers new information, exposes wrongdoing or sheds light on underreported issues. Entries should reflect original research and strong sourcing. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

S203: Best Opinion or Editorial Writing

For persuasive commentary or editorials that take a clear position on an issue and are supported by logic, evidence and voice. Individual columns or staff-written editorials are eligible. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

• S203a: Best Op-Ed
• S203b: Best Essay
• S203c: Best Editorial

S204: Best Profile

For well-developed, insightful profiles that offer a deeper understanding of a person's life, role or influence. Entries should go beyond surface-level reporting to reveal character and context. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

S300: Best Audio or Radio - Single Episode

For outstanding journalism presented through audio formats, including podcasts, radio news reports or broadcast segments. Work produced for digital platforms or social media is also eligible. Judges will evaluate journalistic value, clarity, structure, vocal delivery and production quality. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original single episode or the URL link to where the content was originally published.

S301: Best Regular Radio Show or Podcast

For outstanding journalism presented through audio formats, including podcasts, radio news reports or broadcast segments. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original episodes or the URL link to where the content was originally published. Submissions include 3 episodes for judges to evaluate the overall substance of the show.

S302: Best Video Story or TV Segment

For impactful journalism presented through video formats, including campus television reports, documentary-style features or digital-first stories. Submissions produced for social media platforms (e.g., YouTube, Instagram, TikTok) are welcome, provided they meet journalistic standards. Judges will consider storytelling, reporting, visuals, pacing and production. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

S303: Best Multimedia or Digital Storytelling

For stories that combine text, visuals, audio or interactivity into a cohesive and innovative digital presentation. Entries should reflect an intentional use of multiple formats to enhance impact. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

S401: Best News Photo

For a single powerful image that captures a breaking or newsworthy event on or off campus. Judges will consider composition, impact and journalistic relevance. An entry consists of a JPG containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

S402: Best Feature Photo

For a single photo that tells a story through emotion, character or atmosphere. This may include portraits, lifestyle images or artistic representations of campus life. An entry consists of a JPG containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

S500: Best Website

For overall excellence in digital publishing. Judges will consider design, usability, navigation, content quality, audience engagement and the effective presentation of journalism across the site. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

S501: Best Student News Organization

This category honors overall excellence in a student-run news organization, whether in print, digital, broadcast or hybrid format. Judges will consider the journalistic quality, editorial consistency, design, audience engagement and alignment with its stated mission. Entries should reflect the organization's leadership, voice and impact on campus or in the wider community. An entry consists of a PDF file containing the original story or the URL link to where the story was originally published.

S502: Student Journalist of the Year

This category recognizes the skill of the writer covering a topic. Judges critique the quality and conciseness of the work as well as the writer's ability to convey the message. Photos, charts and illustrations entries are not considered. Entry can be a single story or series of any subject matter covering a group, trend or event of general interest. Community service, volunteerism and personality profiles work well in this category. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL where the content may be viewed by judges.