DP Columnist Application

What does it mean to be a columnist?

It means staying informed about campus and local issues, as well as national and international news. It means thinking about the issues that matter to you and to your readers. It means undertaking substantial research. It means participating in the journalistic enterprise. It means writing clearly, effectively and provocatively to demonstrate a point. It means organizing thoughts and arguments into an opinion piece that can be easily followed.

It also means being willing to put the time and effort into doing a good job. As a columnist, you will be expected to produce timely pieces on schedule.

The DP is looking to present a diverse range of opinions on a diverse range of subjects. A successful columnist must draw from his or her unique experiences and insights.

What makes good opinion writing?

A column is a timely and relevant piece of opinion writing. Every good piece presents new information and a carefully thought-out opinion on a topic, even those that seem to be little more than anecdotal. Story telling is great, but only as a tool used to present an argument.

Current campus issues and controversies make for a great column, but so can an interesting or unique take on even the most seemingly mundane of topics.

The best opinion pieces, whether they're on campus, local, national or international events or issues, relate their topic to the relevant community -- Penn and West Philadelphia. If what you are writing about does not tell your reader why it matters to him or her, there's no reason to read it. The best way to find out what we look for in opinion writing is to look through the column archives online.

Columns should be no longer than 740 words.

Who can be a columnist?

Undergraduates, graduate and professional students, faculty, staff and administrators of the University of Pennsylvania, and members of the University and West Philadelphia community are welcome to submit an application. The only qualification is having something to say about Penn and its surrounding community, and a willingness to put in the necessary time and energy.

To download the application, click here. The deadline to apply is August 10th.