News Pitch #1

Has Cougar spirit fallen due to 3 consecutive loses?

Background Information
In 2007-2008, Cougars went 5-6. Washington State Cougars are now 0-3. They've lost to Oklahoma State (39-13), California State (66-3) and Baylor (45-17). The loss to Cal State was the worst loss in WSU Football history since a 55-0 loss to UCLA in 1955. Washington State had won seven straight openers at Martin Stadium and 14 or their past 16. Disappointed fans left Martin Stadium in waves after disappointing plays made by both the offense and defense. Washington State Cougars are set to play Portland State, Oregon and UCLA. New head coach Paul Wulff calls this season a, "rebuilding year" in a recently released WSU news release.

Summary/Explanation
Sports have always been a Washington State University tradition. This is especially true when talking about Cougar Football. Washington State Cougar fans are known for the noise, but this season, we’re known for the letdown. For a school that has always united around football season, are students disappointed? And if they are, what does this mean for upcoming games? Are the boys in Crimson and white going to have a fan base to play for?

Possible Sources
1. Student Opinions
2. Football Players
3. Coach Wulff's WSU news release

Identification of Media Outlet
A student publication, much like the Daily Evergreen.

The effect of President Floyd’s hiring freeze and strict budget plan on Students.

Background Information
Governor Christine Gregoire's plan for saving $90 billion from the state budget. In an August 4 memo, Gregoire ordered Washington agencies and colleges to freeze hiring and reduce costs on travel and equipment. President Elson S. Floyd instituted a slowdown in administrative and professional hiring by the university in late April. Since the announcement, President Floyd has limited WSU’s staff recruitment efforts and has focused only on hiring employees deemed essential to university operations. In midst of hiring freeze, President Floyd gets a salary increase of $125,000/year.

Summary/Explanation
As a student that has been searching for a job on campus since the beginning of the semester, the hiring freeze has proven difficult in finding a job. When discussing this with other students, I have found that their work schedules have been limited as a direct result of the hiring freeze. Because of the hiring freeze, are students suffering? Especially those who are depending on part-time jobs to supplement financial aid and student loans? Couldn’t the recent raise given to President Floyd be of better use in providing funds for student employment on campus?

Possible Sources
1. Student Opinions
2. Teacher/Employer Opinions
3. Career Services
4. President Floyd's WSU news releases

Identification of Media Outlet
A student publication, much like the Daily Evergreen.

Is in-class participation important for student success?

Background Information
In almost all classes on campus, in-class participation is measured and somehow calculated into a student’s final grade. Whether this is attendance or meaningful additions to in-class discussions, participation is still considered.

Summary/Explanation
Students pay for their education, shouldn’t it be up to the individual student on how they should spend their money? Why should students be penalized for not participating? It is often argued that active participation enhances student success but is this really true?

Possible Sources
1. Student opinions
2. Teacher opinions
3. Student Advising and Learning Center
4. The Division of Student Affairs, Equity and Diversity

Identification of Media Outlet
A student publication, much like the Daily Evergreen.