What students are saying about the Collegiate Readership Program:

 

CORNELL UNIVERSITY:

 

The Readership Program is about more than just "free newspapers." It is about having the news readily available and encouraging students to open their eyes. Having a newspaper siting on the table in a hall or on the chair next to him in the student lounge means a student is more likely to actually read it. There is no substitute for widespread availablity of newspapers on a college campus, and the Readership Program has been a phenomenal resource for Cornell’s students.

 

- Josh Bronstein ‘05/Past VP for Finance, Student Assembly/Cornell University

 

 

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE:

 

As I reflect on the Student Assembly’s greatest accomplishments from last year, the first thing that comes to mind is our collaboration with USA TODAY on instituting The Collegiate Readership Program. With all that is going on in the world today, it is critical that students stay informed on current events, and this program has contributed tremendously to campus discourse.When I was first contacted by a representative from The Collegiate Readership Program last November, I was a bit hesitant. It sounded like there would be a number of logistical hurdles, and I wasn’t sure we could finance it. USA TODAY worked closely with the Student Assembly to overcome concerns, and by April, students could pick up newspapers at four major dining locations on campus. All three choices of newspapers were avidly consumed, and every morning USA TODAY collected and recycled leftover newspapers. The Student Assembly email account was flooded by students praising the newspapers as "the best thing the SA has ever done." Surveys were conducted before and after the trial, and the results clearly showed a dramatic increase in newspaper readership among students. An overwhelming majority of students supported school funding to continue the program next year. I would recommend The Collegiate Readership Program to any college or university. Whether the issue at hand is war in Iraq , a political race or a major sports championship, this program will educate the student body. As Student Body President, I feel that this is one of the best things our student government has done.

 

- Jason Marton/past Student Body President/Dartmouth College

 

 

PENN STATE:

 

As a freshman at PSU, I quickly learned that if I neglected the news, I was out of the loop. It was a time in our lives (my peers and mine) in which local and world issues were beginning to have more of an affect on us, and this showed through many of our breakfast and lunchtime conversations. If I was to participate in these, I had to know what was going on. So, although my composition class would often require me to pick up one of the four free newspapers available, these assignments were secondary in reasons to page through the freshly-inked pages of daily news. Henceforth, reading news has become a habit for me, one that has helped me to develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to further my life experiences."

 

- Catherine E. Carlson/Teaching Assistant – English Department/Gannon University

 

 

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA:

 

"We live in a rapidly changing world. To keep up with these changing times while facilitating civic responsibility, it is imperative that our students have convenient and affordable access to quality regional and national publications. The College Readership Program provides just that.Our Readership Program at The University of Nebraska has quickly become one of the most popular projects in our campus’ recent history. I strongly urge you to consider making your campus part of The Collegiate Readership Program.

 

- Ryan Wilkins/past President, Association of Students/University of Nebraska

 

Below are comments collected from the "Getting the News Readership Survey," conducted on college and university campuses nationwide.

  • "I think putting newspapers in the residence halls is a wonderful idea."
  • "I love getting the newspaper. It is a great addition to my education."
  • "Newspapers in residence halls are an excellent idea for students to grow academically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. The process should be continued."
  • "I think this Readership Program has been great. It would be very beneficial to continue this program for students."
  • "I enjoy the access to the papers; it is so very convenient."
  • "This is a really good idea – I’ve read the paper everyday since they started putting them in the residence halls. Don’t stop."
  • "Having the paper available was a wonderful addition to dorm life. Everyday at lunch, I would grab a paper and flip through it as my friends and I ate, discussing whatever caught our attention. Thanks for providing this stimulating opportunity."
  • "Many of the students have to read the newspaper for their classes, so if newspapers were made readily available in the dorms, there would be a better chance that students would actually do their homework and read the paper."
  • "I have enjoyed having access to newspapers. This has increased my awareness 100%."
  • "I think that it’s great that you have newspapers available in my residence hall. Thanks."
  • "This is a good resource for students to know what is going on in the world outside of campus."
  • "Great idea! I like reading newspapers, but I can’t afford to spend 50 cents to a dollar a day."
  • "I love the newspaper program. I get one every day and so does everyone else I know."
  • "Thank you for the chance to try The Collegiate Readership Program. I’ve been reading the paper each day now!"

Watch video of students discussing the benefits of The Collegiate Readership Program