Sonoma State Star

The Star Staff

Sonoma State STAR Job Descriptions
Other staff positions are hired by the Editor-in-Chief and are for one semester. All positions perform under the guidance of the Editor-in-Chief, the Faculty Advisor to the STAR and the Communication Studies Department. These may include, but are not limited to:

Managing Editor: oversees entire production schedule for the STAR, ensuring that any and all deadlines are met. Reads and edits all copy received from section editors; makes changes in format, spelling, punctuation and grammar; edits for accuracy, attribution and libel in consultation with the appropriate editor, the editor-in-chief and, if necessary, the faculty advisor.

News Editor: keeps abreast of all issues, events, policy and news regarding SSU. Assigns news stories on a weekly basis during class time. Receives news stories from reporters on deadline and edits for style, format, spelling, punctuation, grammar, accuracy, attribution and libel.

Is available to meet with reporters who seek help with stories and angles; calls reporters to ask questions regarding accuracy and attribution; maintains a
professional relationship with campus community; practices ethical and responsible journalism.

Designs assigned pages on dummy sheets, indicating the placement of articles, photographs, graphs, sidebars, etc. and suggests headlines and photo captions.

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In consultation with the editor-in-chief, selects articles and photos for front page of the STAR.

Opinion Page Editor: reads all Letters to the Editor and, in consultation with the editor-in-chief, selects letters for each issue. Edits letters for spelling,
grammar, punctuation, style, length and libel. Solicits and edits guest opinion pieces from the campus community with an eye toward an open and
diverse dialogue on issues of interest to readers. Selects graphics and cartoons and designs assigned pages on dummy sheets.

Arts & Entertainment Editor: keeps abreast of all events related to A&E both on campus and in the nearby community. Solicits information from various on-campus entities for stories ideas and inclusion in the A&E weekly calendar of events. Sources of information may include Associated Students Productions, Theatre Arts Department, Music Department, Person Theatre, Sonoma
Film Institute, etc.

Assigns A&E articles and reviews on a weekly basis during class time. Receives articles from reporters on deadline and edits for style, format, spelling, punctuation, grammar, accuracy, attribution and libel.

Designs assigned pages on dummy sheets, indicating the placement of articles, photographs, graphs, sidebars, etc. and suggests headlines and photo captions.

Sports Editor: keeps abreast of all news regarding SSU sports, Recreational Sports, Outdoor Pursuits, sports-related clubs, etc. Assigns writers and
photographers in class each week to cover games. Receives articles and edits for style, format, accuracy, attribution, etc.

Designs assigned pages on dummy sheets, noting placement of articles, photographs, charts, calendars, etc. Suggests headlines and photo captions.

Maintains a professional relationship with campus community; practices ethical and responsible journalism.

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Feature Articles Editor: develops ideas for lengthier articles of interest to the campus community. Assigns stories to writers and photographers; edits for style, format, content, spelling, punctuation and accuracy; designs assigned page(s) on dummy sheet; selects accompanying artwork/graphics, charts, sidebars, etc.

Copy Editor: receives all articles from section editors in a timely manner. Edits for STAR style, which is based on the Associated Press Style Book and
summarized in the STAR Desk Book. Checks spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, acronyms, numerals, titles, etc. Enters changes on
computer. Consults with appropriate editor, managing editor or editor-in-chief should questions arise.

Photo Editor: assigns all photo work in class or by e-mail or voice mail; develops photos and obtains half-tones; provides photo credit; sizes and crops photos; maintains a photo morgue; keeps track of film
supplies; maintains camera equipment and is responsible for checking out cameras to students.

Calendar Editor: Solicits calendars and items from all campus entities. Develops a system for computer entry of information and copy editing for style and accuracy. Does page layout, including sizing of calendar and choice of graphics.

Proofreader: is responsible for reading every single thing in the newspaper after the pages have been pasted up on the flats. Checks for continuity of style
and format, including fonts, headlines, subheads, standing heads, captions, photo credits, teasers, jumps, spacing, etc. Also checks for spelling,
punctuation, grammar, etc. In short, the proofreader is the last line of defense against any and all errors before the pages are sent to the printers.

Distribution Manager: Each week the newspaper must be delivered to many on-campus sites, as well as various locations in Cotati, Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa. The Distribution Manager comes up with a list of all key
sites at SSU for delivering the papers. This may include the Student Union, the cafeteria, the library, Stevenson lounge, the dorms, all major hallways, etc.

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