smallTALKThe smallTALK is <strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s student-run newspaper. The paper is normally produced onceevery two weeks and is distributed at no cost through various newspaper stands on campus. Initial copiesof smallTALK are free. Additional copies are 50 cents.Paid subscription services are available <strong>to</strong> any interested parties. The paper is affiliated with AssociatedCollegiate Press (ACP) and College Media Advisers, Inc. (CMA).smallTALK holds three purposes, and <strong>the</strong>y are:(1) <strong>to</strong> report <strong>the</strong> truth objectively;(2) <strong>to</strong> provide students <strong>the</strong> opportunity <strong>to</strong> learn and gain experience in print media skills ranging fromwriting, editing, layout/design and advertising management;(3) <strong>to</strong> allow freedom of expression and exchange of ideas.In each issue, smallTALK includes, but is not limited <strong>to</strong>, <strong>the</strong> following sections:(1) News: The news section is primarily comprised of student written articles but may sometimes featurearticles by guest writers from staff, faculty, or administration. The articles in this section cover campus,local, and national news that is relevant and pertinent <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong> campus and community.(2) Opinions/Edi<strong>to</strong>rial: The opinions/edi<strong>to</strong>rial section is primarily comprised of student written opinionpieces that may include but are not limited <strong>to</strong> an edi<strong>to</strong>r’s column or a point/counterpoint piece. Thesearticles do not necessarily reflect <strong>the</strong> views and positions of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong> faculty, staff,administration, or even of <strong>the</strong> smallTALK staff. All opinion pieces will be labeled as such. smallTalkalso welcomes letters <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> edi<strong>to</strong>r. All submissions must be typed and must include <strong>the</strong> author’sphone number and first and last name signed and typed. smallTALK reserves <strong>the</strong> right <strong>to</strong> edit allsubmissions for length, style, and standards of good taste.(3) Entertainment: The entertainment section may include student written features, CD reviews, bookreviews, movie reviews, fashion columns, restaurant reviews, or s<strong>to</strong>ries that <strong>the</strong> entertainment edi<strong>to</strong>rfinds fit. The purpose of this section is <strong>to</strong> provide smallTALK readers an alternative <strong>to</strong> hard news.(4) Sports: The sports section is dedicated <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> coverage of all <strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s intercollegiate,club, or intramural athletic teams and may include student written articles on <strong>the</strong> national sportslevel. The smallTALK staff attempts <strong>to</strong> cover all home sporting events.CarillonThe Carillon is <strong>the</strong> student-run yearbook published once a year and typically delivered in <strong>the</strong> fall of <strong>the</strong>following year. Its purpose is <strong>to</strong> present a permanent pic<strong>to</strong>rial and written record of each school year at<strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong>. Copies are available <strong>to</strong> students, faculty, and staff and will be shipped <strong>to</strong> graduatesat no charge. Yearbooks are also available <strong>to</strong> any interested party who is nei<strong>the</strong>r a present student nora present employee of <strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong> for $30.00.The RoarThe Roar is MU’s electronic newsletter produced weekly by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Student</strong> Media direc<strong>to</strong>r. The Roar is alwaysavailable at www.methodist.edu/roar, and a reminder email is sent <strong>to</strong> every student’s <strong>Methodist</strong> emailaccount when <strong>the</strong> site has been updated. To have an item posted on <strong>the</strong> The Roar, such as calendaritems or brief announcements, email <strong>the</strong>roar@methodist.edu.For <strong>the</strong> complete <strong>Student</strong> Media Policy & procedures, please see Appendix A, Page 90.STUDENT PUBLICITY SERVICESThe <strong>University</strong> Relations Office, located in <strong>the</strong> Mallett-Rogers House behind <strong>the</strong> Soccer field, is <strong>the</strong> onlyoffice authorized <strong>to</strong> write and distribute press releases on behalf of <strong>the</strong> <strong>University</strong> (except athletic releases)<strong>to</strong> local, regional, and national news media. The <strong>University</strong>’s Website is maintained within <strong>the</strong> Office of<strong>University</strong> Relations. The Office of <strong>University</strong> Relations approves and places all advertising. Please submitrequests for publicity at least three weeks in advance of <strong>the</strong> news event. For major events or coverage,allow at least six weeks advance notice <strong>to</strong> properly plan and execute a successful marketing plan. Tosubmit a request, call (910) 630-7043 or send an e-mail <strong>to</strong>: universityrelations@methodist.edu.In order for <strong>the</strong> Office of <strong>University</strong> Relations <strong>to</strong> provide accurate information <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> media regardingstudents’ accomplishments, each student or parent is asked <strong>to</strong> complete a <strong>Student</strong> Media InformationForm and submit it <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> direc<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>University</strong> Publications. These forms may be updated as often asnecessary and must be on file for information <strong>to</strong> be released pertaining student accomplishments. Theforms are available during Registration or can be found in <strong>the</strong> Office of <strong>University</strong> Relations or Parents94
Programs Office in Chris’ House. They can also be obtained by sending an e-mail <strong>to</strong>: universityrelations@methodist.edu. News releases regarding <strong>the</strong> accomplishments of student athletes are handled by <strong>the</strong>Sports Information Direc<strong>to</strong>r, who can be reached at 630-7172. <strong>Student</strong> clubs and organizations may obtaina copy of <strong>the</strong> Identity Standards Manual from <strong>the</strong> Office of <strong>University</strong> Relations <strong>to</strong> learn more about <strong>the</strong><strong>University</strong>’s policies regarding use of logos, printing, and o<strong>the</strong>r marketing guidelines.POSTAL SERVICESA postal service window, located in <strong>the</strong> Lion’s Den, is open for operation Monday through Friday from8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Mail delivery <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong> Branch is distributed and available in <strong>the</strong> individual mailboxesafter 12:30 p.m.All residence hall students are assigned mailboxes during <strong>the</strong> registration period. Mailboxes are notassigned <strong>to</strong> commuting students.Exterior collection boxes are located at <strong>the</strong> north end of <strong>the</strong> Berns <strong>Student</strong> Center. Collection time is2:00 pm. Monday through Friday.Resident students should check <strong>the</strong>ir boxes daily. Boxes are <strong>to</strong>o small for use as s<strong>to</strong>rage areas.STUDENT STORE SERVICESThe Books<strong>to</strong>re is located in <strong>the</strong> north end of <strong>the</strong> Berns <strong>Student</strong> Center. New and used textbooks can bepurchased by book slip, cash, check, or credit card (except AMEX). All book slips must be issued andapproved by <strong>the</strong> Business Office at <strong>the</strong> beginning of each semester or term. The Books<strong>to</strong>re also carriesschool supplies, MU clothing, greeting cards, gift items, gift certificates, and provides fax services for aminimal fee. Normal hours of operation are 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday. The s<strong>to</strong>re is alsoopen during all Saturday home football games from 11:00 am -3:00 pm.Hours are extended <strong>the</strong> first week of Fall and Spring registration.<strong>Student</strong> S<strong>to</strong>re Return Policy1. Supplies: notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, etc. are NOT returnable.2. Non-book items can be EXCHANGED only, with receipt and in original condition within 15 days of purchase.3. Computer products and electronic items can only be returned if defective.4. Book returns are as follows:A. Books can only be returned during <strong>the</strong> same semester that <strong>the</strong>y are purchased; do not purchasebooks <strong>to</strong>o early.B. Items removed from <strong>the</strong>ir shrink wrap will be discounted by 10%.C. Books returned BEFORE <strong>the</strong> drop/add must be in <strong>the</strong> same condition as purchased and beaccompanied by a receipt.D. Books returned AFTER <strong>the</strong> drop/add must be in <strong>the</strong> same condition as purchased andaccompanied by a receipt and a completed drop/add slip.5. All Checks and Credit Cards MUST be in your name. If you’re going <strong>to</strong> use checks or credit cardsof a parent or spouse you MUST have authorization prior <strong>to</strong> using <strong>the</strong>m.REMEMBER!! No Receipt - No Return or Exchange.SAVE YOUR RECEIPT!USE OF CAMPUS FACILITIESThe <strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong> campus is <strong>the</strong> site of many civic and church programs throughout <strong>the</strong> yearwith over 70,000 visi<strong>to</strong>rs. The courtesy and cooperation of students is greatly appreciated in making<strong>the</strong> guests feel welcome.<strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong> has a <strong>University</strong> Calendar that lists every official event on campus. This calendar islocated on MUNet and is under <strong>the</strong> rubric of “On Campus Event Calendar.” Checking this calendar dailywill keep you informed about events and activities occurring at <strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong>. Follow <strong>the</strong> listedprocedures <strong>to</strong> reserve dates on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> <strong>University</strong> Calendar and secure facilities <strong>to</strong> support yourprograms. Plan in advance in order <strong>to</strong> avoid any unnecessary schedule or facility conflicts.Note: All student proposed projects/programs/club meetings must first be cleared with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Student</strong>Development and Services Office. When approval has been obtained <strong>the</strong> student will <strong>the</strong>n secure a sitethrough <strong>the</strong> Church and <strong>University</strong> Relations Office’s following procedures:• <strong>Student</strong>s who wish <strong>to</strong> reserve a facility or date on <strong>the</strong> <strong>University</strong> Calendar must request <strong>the</strong> dateand venue through MUNet’s “On Campus Event Planner.”95