The University of Arkansas – Monticello acts as legal publisher for UAM student publications. As representatives of Arkansas, the Board of Trustees retains the final local authority for policy matters regarding this newspaper. 

   The University and Board of Trustees realize that student publications comprise an ongoing, living experiment in professional journalism. As such, student publications strive to operate in an independent manner free of unwanted influence or censorship. Student publications will also strive to act responsibly within the constraints of the First Amendment, and will acknowledge and correct inevitable errors in a straightforward, professional manner.

   The School of Arts & Humanities will absorb expenses accrued from the operation of this newspaper. Title to all real and personal property of Student Publications is vested in and subject to the control of the School of Arts & Humanities.

   The Dean of the School of Arts & Humanities appoints a staff adviser, typically a faculty member in the Journalism department. The adviser provides professional advice, counsel and criticism to the student publication's staff. The Student Publications' Committee handles questions of funding and operation not handled by the adviser, including staff appeals.

   The following chart attempts to explain the hierarchy of Student Publications. This should be used by staff reporters to determine to whom they will report.

DEAN, SCHOOL OF ARTS & HUMANITIES

Mark Spencer

MCB 112

spencer@uamont.edu

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ADVISER

Ronald Sitton

Wells 110

sitton@uamont.edu

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Susan Pruitt

Wells 106

thevoice@uamont.edu

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MANAGING EDITOR/NEWS EDITOR
 Linna Jones

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SECTION EDITORS AND TECHNICAL EDITOR

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STAFF WRITERS/REPORTERS

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STUDENTS/FACULTY/STAFF/UAM COMMUNITY WISHING TO CONTRIBUTE

ADVISER’S ROLE

   The adviser shall advise. Student journalists will not be expected to be accomplished in their chosen field. Therefore, a professional will provide assistance, advice, counsel and criticism in the day-to-day operation of the newspaper. To perform the job adequately, he/she must access to student work at all times, and the student must have access to his/her services. 

   While students publish the final copy of each edition to the UAM community, the adviser shall provide further comment in hopes of keeping mistakes to a minimum. 

   In the event of a dispute between the editorial staff and the adviser regarding an article the adviser deems libelous or legally dangerous, the Dean of the School of Arts & Humanities should be consulted and then a legal expert if needed. If no clear decision is reached between the editorial staff and university personnel, the article will be dropped.  

   If problems arise between members of the editorial staff concerning story coverage, the adviser should serve as a mediator. His/her decision should be final unless appealed to the Dean of the School of Arts & Humanities.

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