Student Publications

Mission

Student Publications is committed to promoting student learning, development and success. Students prepare for future careers by contributing to campus publications and creating engaging content that meets the SFA community’s need for information and provides a forum for discussion of relevant issues. The department also strives to foster an engaged and connected Lumberjack experience that supports student belonging and well-being.

Publications

Our department supports two independent, student-run publications, which have kept the university community informed and recorded its unique history for more than a century. The Pine Log is SFA’s online student newspaper, providing university and local news and sports coverage as well as opinions on current issues. The Stone Fort is the university’s traditional, hard-cover yearbook. Produced annually since 1924, the yearbook records and helps preserve SFA history and traditions for future generations. 

Guiding documents for Student Publications include:

• Student Publications Manual (reviewed, edited and adopted annually by student staff)
• HOP policy 04-123 
• Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics 
• College Media Association Code of Ethics 

Career Preparation 

Students in all majors, including distance learners and incoming transfer students, are welcome and encouraged to apply to get involved with Student Publications. Student staff members receive valuable, real-world experience in newswriting, photojournalism, graphic design, news video, web and social media, advertising, and related fields. Many of our alumni have gone on to exciting and rewarding careers in print and broadcast journalism, sports media, photography, marketing, public relations, and more.  

Scholarship Opportunities 

The university awards multiple scholarships each year to deserving students who work on our student publications. Some are tied to particular staff positions, while others can be awarded to any qualifying student staff member. To be eligible, students must complete SFA’s general scholarship application by the deadline. Anyone interested in supporting Student Publications scholarships with a donation is encouraged to contact the SFA Office of Development. 

Awards and Competition 

Our students and publications consistently win top awards and scholarships from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the oldest and one of the most respected state collegiate press associations in the country. The Student Publications department sponsors up to a dozen students to attend the annual TIPA conference and on-site competition each academic year. 

Student Publications Advisory Committee 

The Student Publications Advisory Committee, appointment by the vice president of student affairs, serves as an advisory body to student publications. The committee recommends editorial policy and provides advice in the appointment of The Pine Log and Stone Fort editors-in-chief. The committee comprises nine members, including student representatives, and meets at least once per calendar year. In addition, the committee: 

• Fosters and preserves the American tradition of free expression 
• Acts as an appeals body on editorial, advertising and business contracts related to student publications 
• Requires compliance with applicable laws in areas such as libel, obscenity, privacy, and false and misleading advertising