Have you ever wanted to join a club that gets you involved in the community and out of your comfort zone? Or one where you can gain experience in writing and communication, make fast friends and have a great time? If so, then the University Times is for you!
The University Times is a newspaper UMPI students write and produce for the students, staff and community to read. It is available both online and on paper.
Dr. Jacqui Lowman is the advisor of the University Times. When asked about what brings the club together, she said, “The students take their mission of covering the campus and informing it seriously. Things happen on campus that people need to know about. They have this passion that it’s important to go talk to these people. The students want everyone’s story to be told. They want to tell UMPI’s story.” Lowman has been advising this club for nine years now, but it has been running for at least 30.
The University Times is a great way for students of all majors to get experience in writing and social skills. “You get to meet people in your major and other majors that are still interested,” Monica Hewitt said. “It’s a light-hearted atmosphere, and everyone gets along.” Hewitt, a professional communication and journalism major, has been a member of the U Times for three years.
Lydia Tilley, a science major at UMPI, said, “With this club, there’s a lot of leeway with choosing your story. You get to write about what you like to write about.” Tilley joined the U Times last semester.
Some students join the University Times because of their major, while others decide to join because it looks fun. Tong Liu, vice president of the University Times, said, “I joined because I am a journalism major. But I stayed because I have a good time.”
Students who join the University Times gain useful experience in many areas of writing. They also get to meet new people and learn about the many events that happen on campus. So what are you waiting for? Members of the University Times meet once a week on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. in Pullen Hall, room 116, and they are always eager to see new faces.
