Applied Journalism Grading Criteria

Applied Journalism – The Pioneer Student Newspaper – Grading Criteria

The key focus in Applied Journalism is on producing a quality product with solid content (articles, photos, design) reflecting well on all staff members, the college, and the community in general. Although, this is a credit class, a level of professionalism is critical, since the student newspaper is online and viewable to the general public now and in the future.

Grading Criteria:


A – Students earning an A will attend meetings, complete assignments on time with few or no edits. Photos will be sized appropriately. Extra duties (providing real value to the group) will be completed and on a regular basis. The provided grade sheet will be initialed throughout the semester with all data logged and updated on a regular basis.

B – B students will attend meetings and meet most deadlines with minor edits. Again, photos will be sized correctly. Extra duties will be completed and during the assigned time periods. The provided grade sheet will be initialed throughout the semester with all data logged and updated on a regular basis.

C – Students attending most meetings and making most deadlines are in the C range. Content may require some editing but should be proofed at a minimum. In this range, there may be some photo sizing issues, but students are expected to get extra help with technical issues. An incomplete grade sheet or one that is filled out right at the end of the semester falls in this range. It’s simply hard to remember everything, and the lack of documentation is a problem.

D – Anyone attending some meeting and contributing some content could fall in this grade range. There are no guarantees. Contributions and grade sheets will be reviewed. Minimal attendance and meeting some deadlines with quality materials could result in a passing grade, but a little extra effort will push most students into the higher grade ranges.

F – If you don’t attend meetings and do not meet class requirements and deadlines, expect to see an F at the end. The newspaper is a team effort. If you do not pull your share, then you let down all team members. If time management is a problem, then drop the class. You are always welcome to sign up at a later time when your schedule is more flexible. Don’t just leave your peers hanging. See your advisor and drop if you can’t keep up the work load.

Extra Notes:

Articles and photos are not specifically graded. Feedback is provided. The goal is to have all materials at a high level of quality. If you make a genuine effort, respond to feedback, and get extra help as needed, then you are on solid ground in terms of the class. This does NOT mean that you ride on another staff member’s coattails. The editors are willing to help, but they are not expected to do your work for you.

Attendance at class meetings is important. Some class meeting may last only 15 minutes or so, but the time allows for planning and assigning. Meetings are also a good place to toss out new ideas and are ideal for networking on campus. The time slot may result in some schedule conflicts. Contact your editor BEFORE the class and get a waiver if needed. Make a note on your grade sheet and get the excused absence initialed. If you don’t clear missed classes ahead of time and do the documentation, there will be a 5 point penalty per class missed after one free class over the semester.