Journalists, student and professional, are prohibited from covering events in which they are involved or have inside knowledge about for the newspaper.
While it is understandable that student journalists may not be able to separate themselves from a story entirely, The Collegian makes every effort to avoid conflicts of interest. You may pitch a story about a topic you are directly involved in, but you may not cover it. It is a violation of journalistic integrity to suggest changes, unless for accuracy, to a story to make someone or something more or less flattering.
This policy applies to everyone affiliated with The Collegian, from reporters to editors to the paper’s administration.
When in doubt, check with the editor-in-chief or the adviser.
Examples
You are a member of the ASDC, which has announced a project to convert one of the lounges on campus into a food pantry for Delta students. This is part of an effort to ease hunger on campus, especially among low-income students. You may NOT write about this.
One of your parents works in Goleman Library, which has recently experienced a rash of book thefts. A campus police investigation is underway. You may NOT write about this.
The Collegian is planning a story about grading processes on campus. You are employed as a reader for a teacher and have direct information about how grading in that division works. You may NOT write about this.
You are enrolled in a class on campus, and in the middle of lecturing the professor faints and paramedics are called. You may cover this story — merely being enrolled in a class is not a close enough relation.
Decisions about conflict of interest are also up to the editor-in-chief’s discretion. If the editor believes something may appear to pose a conflict, it should be avoided.