What's Happening?
The Fordham Ram, the official journal of record for Fordham University since 1918, is emphasizing the significant role it plays in the university community and the opportunities it offers to students. The publication, which has been in continuous operation
for 108 years, highlights that it provides students with valuable skills in research, reporting, copy editing, publishing, and writing, applicable across various fields. The Ram operates both in print and online, with new issues published every Wednesday. It stresses that its success relies not only on its dedicated staff but also on its readers and the broader Fordham community, whom it serves through its reporting. The publication encourages all undergraduate students to contribute, regardless of prior journalism experience, offering roles from contributing writer to section editor, and also invites involvement in digital, business, photography, and copy teams.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is important as it underscores the enduring value of student journalism in fostering an informed and engaged university community. For students, involvement with The Fordham Ram offers a practical platform to develop critical thinking, communication, and ethical reporting skills, which are highly transferable to professional careers. It also provides a space for students to exercise freedom of speech and contribute to meaningful discourse on campus and beyond. For Fordham University, a robust student newspaper like The Ram serves as a vital channel for disseminating news, opinions, and cultural insights, thereby enriching the intellectual and social environment. It also acts as a historical record, documenting the evolution of the university and its community over more than a century. By encouraging broad participation, The Ram helps cultivate a diverse range of voices and perspectives within its reporting.
What's Next?
The Fordham Ram will continue its efforts to recruit and engage students across various disciplines. Interested undergraduates are encouraged to contact section editors or directors for specific teams (multimedia, business, copy) to learn more about contributing. The publication will hold regular meetings, including Sunday budget meetings and Tuesday production meetings, for its staff. New contributors can start as contributing writers with minimal commitment, gradually moving to staff writer or section editor roles based on their interest and dedication. The ongoing call for involvement suggests a continuous cycle of recruitment and training, ensuring the newspaper remains a dynamic and student-led entity. The Ram will also likely continue to adapt its content and platforms to meet the evolving needs and interests of the Fordham community.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond its immediate function as a news source, The Fordham Ram represents a significant institution for civic engagement and democratic practice within the university setting. By providing a platform for 'honest and unbiased reporting' and allowing students to 'voice their opinions,' it cultivates a sense of responsibility and active citizenship among its participants. This experience can be foundational for students who may pursue careers in journalism, law, public service, or any field requiring rigorous analysis and clear communication. The emphasis on community and 'family' within The Ram's team also highlights the social capital and mentorship opportunities available, fostering a supportive environment for learning and growth. The publication's long history further positions it as a guardian of institutional memory and a continuous voice for student perspectives, influencing university culture and policy over generations.
