Purpose
Spring Arbor University’s The Pulse is a student-led news publication that strives to expand the community’s worldview, provide a platform for discussion and give voice to our peers.
Content
The editors reserve the right to make any and all decisions and editorial changes on newspaper content (with final decisions belonging to the editor-in-chief). Story tips from the community are welcome, but coverage is not guaranteed. The Pulse staff reserves the right to define article parameters based off of timeliness, relevance and significance.
Timeliness
Potential stories for The Pulse’s print issue must be within a week of publication. Online stories must be immediate.
Relevance
Potential stories must relate to students, faculty or staff on campus. Even national events such as politics and holidays must have a connection on campus.
Significance
The editors reserve the right to distinguish between important topics the community would benefit from reading.
Staff involved in a certain organization or event will not write the article about it to avoid bias.
Online
The Pulse website (thesaupulse.com) is maintained by The Pulse staff and all content posted is objective, unless specifically labeled “Opinion,” “Op-Ed” or “Editorial.” Opinions mentioned in those stories are reflections of the writer and not of The Pulse staff. Format will follow the The Pulse Style Guide. Anyone wishing to repost an article must have permission from the Editor-in-Chief and must mention the article first appeared on thesaupulse.com
Accepted articles/article ideas:
- Extended versions of print articles
- Media-focused stories
- Events where the timeline does not fall within the printing schedule
- Op-ed’s, columns, etc.
- Entertainment articles following pop culture
Pitching Stories
All story tips promoting upcoming or recurring events will be directed to our advertising team. (See Advertising)
When pitching story ideas to The Pulse, there must be an angle for the story, something that sets it apart or special.
Questions that must be answered:
- Why should campus care?
- Why should we care NOW?
- Is it new?
- Is it unusual?
- Is there a human interest angle?
- Is there a trend?
Story Screening
The Pulse staff is not allowed to screen any stories before an article is published without permission from the Editor-in-Chief.
Editorials
All editorials are from the perspective of the writer and in no way reflects the opinions of The Pulse.
Columnists and Cartoonists
The content of columns is presumed to be the opinion of the columnists and not necessarily that of the editors. The content of the cartoons is also presumed to be the opinions of the cartoonists and not necessarily that of the editors. While the editors respect the rights of the columnists and cartoonists to express their opinions, the editors will apply to the columns and cartoons the same editorial standards applied to other parts of the newspaper. Letters to the editor are the proper vehicles for occasional expressions of opinion; a regular column or cartoon is a privileged forum available to those willing to commit themselves.
*Taken from The Gustavian Weekly
Bylines
All articles and photographs will carry a byline.
Errors
All factual errors brought to the attention of The Pulse staff will be corrected in the following issue. All corrections for any particular section will be printed on Page 2 of the newspaper.
Advertising
Content
The Pulse reserves the right to decline advertising in order to protect readers from fraudulent claims, maintain a high level of journalistic integrity and adhere to college guidelines and The Pulse’s Editorial Policy. With this in mind, The Pulse does not accept advertising which, in its view: degrades either sex; contains attacks of a sexist, racist, personal or religious nature; makes exaggerated or deceptive offers; is of unusual layout size; or, may be confused with regular news material in appearance. The Pulse will not accept advertisements for: term paper or research services, personal ads involving dating, political campaigns supporting or endorsing a particular candidate. The Pulse will reject the inclusion of advertisements that do not adhere to Spring Arbor University’s Community Standards, located in the Student Handbook [PDF] The Pulse may decline other ads at its discretion.
On-campus organizations/clubs looking to promote an event will be directed to place an advertisement unless the Pulse staff determines the event meets content guidelines for timeliness, relevance and significance. Contact The Pulse Business Manager for more information.
Time
Notifications must be received before 5:00 p.m. on the Sunday before the desired publication date. Cancellations must also be received by this time.
Payment
The Pulse reserves the right to stop publishing ads for advertisers who have past due accounts.
If an ad order for a series of discounted consecutive ads is canceled after any number of ads has already been printed, the price for the printed ads reverts to the flat rate.
Legal Responsibility
By placing an ad, the advertiser agrees to take full legal responsibility for the advertisement and to indemnify and hold harmless The Pulse and Spring Arbor University from any claims, lawsuits, judgments, legal fees and costs that it may incur on account of the advertisement or in enforcing this agreement.
