Recently, the USA Today Collegiate Readership Program was given a four-week test run on ETSU’s campus.
Copies of USA Today and the Johnson City Press were placed at the Culp Center and also Lucille Clement Hall on a daily basis.
Jackie England, spokesperson for USA Today, said that the purpose of the program is to increase students’ readership and cause an upward trend in student awareness and intellect, as they are able to integrate daily news as they gain an understanding of the world and culture around them.
“In light of academic strengths of ETSU students and the diversity of programs at ETSU, the Collegiate Readership Program is a natural fit to supplement the educational environment,” she said.
The program began at Penn State University when Penn State President Graham Spanier decided that students needed to become more aware of current events.
Spanier arranged for newspapers to be sent to all campus residence halls. The program was a success and newspapers became available campuswide. The program has now spread to approximately 230 colleges and universities nationwide.
“The Collegiate Readership Programs promote newspaper readership at all levels including campus newspapers, community newspapers and national newspapers.
Each of these types of publications offer unique and valuable information, and when offered together, students receive the ultimate benefit of diverse and comprehensive information about their world,” said England.
Now that the program has run its trial run, the next course of action must be decided. England said that the funding solution has yet to be finalized.
The Student Government Association has requested $10,000 in their budget to pay for the Collegiate Readership Program to be implemented at ETSU. It is uncertain whether they will receive funding for program.
“We feel that this program will be very beneficial to the students and bring a lot to the campus,” said SGA Vice President Aaron Caton. “I personally feel that this has the potential to be a high point for the SGA after a difficult year.”
The trial placed papers in only two locations, however, England said that there would be more locations if the program becomes permanent.
Students on-campus have mixed feelings about the program. “I think it’s a great idea and the convenience of having these newspapers on campus will compel students to stay up to date on current issues,” said Jewel Franklin.
However, Franklin feels that there is another factor to be considered. “On the other hand, with the budget crisis, I’m not sure if it’s important enough that the SGA allot such a substantial amount of funds for it.”
Robert Fehr also believes that the program might not be the best idea. “I’m not sure it would increase the amount that students read just because it is free. I have passed up numerous free publications because I find that most of their material is not worth reading.
“I read when I want to and of course when I have to, so throwing something else out there for students to read outside of their class loads might not be worth such an investment.”
Some even feel that physical newspapers are unnecessary. “Lots of people get their news from the Internet,” said Kaleb Miller.

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