<p>I'm interested in publications, mainly newspapers.
How is the paper at WashU (Student Life)? How involved are freshmen/underclassmen in the process right away? How is the quality/standard and who gets involved?</p>
<p>Well, I write for Studlife, so I may be biased. But as a transfer, I can say the quality of the paper is far better here than at my old school. Personally, I think there is plenty of room for improvement in the paper, especially in Forum (the editorial section). And there is a definite liberal slant. But it is printed thrice-weekly, and those in charge tend to be very supportive of their writers. To date, I've not had a single piece censored.</p>
<p>While you aren't likely to become an editor right away, they are always open to submissions, and are usually willing to add new regular writers. I've seen a number of freshmen contribute. </p>
<p>As for other publications, there is the WashU Political Review and the Washington Witness. The former is a political magazine running longer articles (1800-2500 words usually). They have a couple of truly excellent writers, but a bunch of unimpressive filler too. The Witness used to be the main conservative publication on campus, but ceased operations a couple of years ago. It will be returning in the Spring, and is run by the Conservative Leadership Association, who these days are probably best known for bringing Dr. Daniel Pipes to campus last month. </p>
<p>Those are the main publications. But there are somewhat smaller, more specialized ones like The Record (less relevant campus news) and Eleven (music magazine).</p>
<p>Oh, good! I didn't expect to become an editor right away, haha--that would be the mark of a bad/desperate paper IMO.
Thrice weekly! Yay! I'm loving this school more and more.</p>