University Daily Kansan and Kansan.com

Jayhawk Journalists

Much has changed in the 110-year history of the Kansan, but the main goals remain the same: inform and entertain the campus community while allowing journalism students to apply skills learned in the classroom and hone them in a real-world media environment. The Kansan is fertile learning ground for all J-School students, whether they are on the news or strategic communication track. Scores of graduates who work at leading newspapers, magazines, and broadcast outlets point to the Kansan as an invaluable training experience.

Awards and honors: In the years since it first hit the stands, the Kansan has consistently ranked as one of the best college newspapers in the country and has a history of winning prestigious awards. Recent awards and honors include:

Best All-Around Non-daily Student Newspaper (SPJ Mark of Excellence): 2020
General News Reporting, Rylie Koester (SPJ Mark of Excellence): 2020
Hearst Enterprise Reporting, 7th, Nicole Asbury (Hearst Journalism Awards): 2019
Hearst Enterprise Reporting, 12th, Corey Minkoff (Hearst Journalism Awards): 2019
Online Pacemaker for Best College Media Website (Associated Collegiate Press): 2018
Great Plains Student Newspaper of the Year (Great Plains Journalism Awards): 2018
Best In-Depth Reporting (Region 7 Mark of Excellence, Society of Professional Journalists): 2018
Best Breaking News Reporting (Region 7 Mark of Excellence, Society of Professional Journalists): 2018
Hearst News Features, 16th (Hearst Journalism Awards): 2016
Best Sports Story (Associated Collegiate Press): 2016
Four-Year Public University Newspaper Gold Medalist (Kansas Collegiate Media): 2016
Best Advertising Manager; Best Sales Strategy for a Special Section; Best Digital Sales Increase; Best Online Self-Promotion Ad; Best Online Display Ad; Best Special Section (College Media Business and Advertising Managers): 2016
Best Sports Game Story (College Media Association): 2015-2016
Best Brochure/Rate Card: (Associated Collegiate Press): 2014, 2016
Online Pacemaker (Associated Collegiate Press): 2007-2013
Best College Newspaper (College Media Business & Advertising Managers): 2011-2013
Best Ad Staff (College Media Business & Advertising Managers): 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013

On-the-job experience: Nothing prepares you better for the career you want than learning on the job in college. The Kansan functions as any other professional, real-world news outlet. It has a digital-first strategy: On a 24-hour news cycle, student editors and reporters are constantly updating Kansan.com with as-it-happens news and sports. The staff is focused on in-depth investigative, features, sports and commentary and advertising.

FAQs for prospective students

What kinds of jobs are available on the Kansan?

The Kansan hires news and strategic communications students for a wide range of positions: reporters, sales reps, editors, business managers, digital media managers, photographers, etc.

How can I apply?

Watch for fliers around the J-School at the beginning of the semester, which is the best time to apply, but you can inquire about working on the Kansan anytime.

Will I get paid?

Some positions are paid positions, others count for class credit, and some are on a volunteer basis.

Will working at the Kansan take up a lot of my time?

That depends on the position. Many positions are time consuming, but former staffers will tell you that time spent working on the Kansan is well worth the experience gained.

How can I read the Kansan?

Read the Kansan online at Kansan.com.

How can I get more information about working at the Kansan?

Contact Kansan advisor Rob Karwath at rkarwath@ku.edu.

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University Daily Kansan and Kansan.com

Jayhawk Journalists

FAQs for prospective students