Students

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.