Augustana University’s The Mirror is made up of a staff of 10 students and serves as an information source and platform for student voices. For some, it is the only way they know what is happening on campus. While The Mirror staff’s passion for journalism drives them, these students deserve greater compensation for their tireless efforts.

While one might assume the life of a student journalist primarily entails writing articles, the reality is far more demanding. Staff members are expected to attend events, conduct interviews, discover story ideas, design pages, deliver papers, manage contributing writers, upload to the website and more.

The commitment demanded of The Mirror’s staff exceeds that of many extracurricular activities. Most members invest a significant portion of their time, dedicating anywhere from 5 to 20 hours a week to the creation of the newspaper.

Most on-campus jobs at Augustana University pay around $10-12 an hour. However, The Mirror pays only around $50 a week for a section editor. This compensation hardly reflects the hours of work, dedication and responsibility that these section editors take on. Fair compensation for student journalists should not only be a reflection of their commitment but also a recognition of the value they bring to the university.

While these students gain experience and skills through their involvement in the newspaper, it is essential to recognize that their work transcends the boundaries of a typical extracurricular activity. They are not merely students pursuing a hobby; they are student journalists providing a vital service to the campus community.

There are many challenges that these writers face. One such challenge is acquiring reliable sources for articles. The staff of The Mirror face difficulties in getting responses from students, professors, and admin on campus, making the already demanding process of gathering news even more time-consuming.

Another responsibility often overlooked is the staff’s role in picking up the pieces when contributing writers fall through. This is not uncommon in the world of student journalism, where academic responsibilities and other commitments may take precedence. When these contributors are unable to meet their deadlines, the core staff of The Mirror shoulders the burden, making sure that the article is still written on time and with the highest quality.

Ensuring that the paper is delivered on time frequently requires late nights for the staff. A significant portion of The Mirror’s production process occurs during press nights, which can extend until 3:00 a.m. or later. These nights are grueling and require immense dedication. The staff’s commitment to delivering a high-quality newspaper often means sacrificing precious sleep and personal time.

Good journalism is contingent on having a motivated and skilled team of writers, editors, photographers and designers. While passion for the craft is a powerful motivator, adequate compensation provides an additional incentive for students.

Raising the pay would attract talented writers who may be more likely to join the newspaper staff when they see that their contributions are rewarded. A larger financial incentive can help alleviate some of the financial burdens that come with being a college student, making it feasible for more individuals to participate in The Mirror. This, in turn, benefits the entire campus community by ensuring they receive accurate, informative and engaging news coverage.

One may claim that the university lacks the funds to adequately compensate these students. However, according to Augustana’s 2021-2022 Annual Report, the university generated a revenue of $93.5 million over the past year, with total expenses amounting to only $61 million, resulting in $32.5 million left over.

To pay the minimum wage of $10 an hour to all 10 staff members of The Mirror would only cost upwards of $40 thousand a year, depending on the number of hours these students contribute. While this is a small price to the university, it would be monumental to the students. This would enable some students to focus on their studies without the need for a second job, allowing them to dedicate more time and attention to their journalistic endeavors.

Augustana University needs to acknowledge the significance of The Mirror and adequately pay its dedicated student journalists, aligning their compensation more closely with the demanding nature of their roles. By implementing fair pay, the university can help lighten the burden of its student journalists.