“To inform, to serve.” These four words run The Setonian newsroom as we strive to publish our finest work, all from a room the size of a walk-in closet in the University Center.
I transferred to SHU in the fall of 2024, nervous about who I’d meet and what new opportunities I’d have.
Before SHU, I attended Temple University in Philadelphia. I spent some time there as a Features staff writer for The Temple News (TTN). I scanned my OwlCard ID to enter the newsroom on my first day, also located in the university’s student center, and was amazed by the resources provided.
I stood in front of rows and rows of Mac desktop computers, printers, a separate space with a TV and a large table designated for pitching stories, meetings with freelancers or other staff members, and a newsroom with plenty of room for all staff members. Not to mention, my role as a staff writer for TTN was paid.
I left TTN with high hopes for my next journey: Seton Hall.
In August 2024, I applied to be The Setonian’s News copy editor. Before even starting at my new school, I already felt at home and accomplished knowing I could be a part of another reputable student publication.
During my interview, I met Rachel Suazo, the editor-in-chief, and Esmeralda Arias, the managing editor. Although I was nervous, the two made me feel comfortable, as if I were talking to girls I had known for years.
Aug. 26, 2024 rolled around, and I had similar newsroom layout expectations for SHU. That day, at 5:30 p.m., I did not find myself scanning into a room full of computers, cubicles, and meeting space, but a closet. A cinderblock-walled room, painted gray, located between the girls' and boys' bathrooms, where before anyone can get a word in, you hear the sound of bathroom gossip or toilets flushing.
On the bright side, my first day at The Setonian was filled with laughter, community, and support. I value my peers and am thankful to be a part of an empowering team. The people who make up this newsroom are incredibly dedicated to their craft and work day and night to publish articles for our university. I am beyond proud to be a part of such a dedicated and supportive team.
However, our laughter and passion tend to be cut short because, other than the bathrooms, we are also next to Campus Ministry. We have received a few complaints from our neighbors that we are being too loud. As a creative staff, this “loudness” comes with our publication. We are excited about our stories and hype each other up daily.
In addition, as a newsroom, we discuss a lot of breaking news. Due to privacy reasons, it would be most appropriate for our newsroom to remain confidential and be in a space where our neighbors cannot listen in.
If The Setonian were placed in a bigger, more professional space where we could express ourselves and maintain confidentiality, this would not be an issue. That way both parties, The Setonian and Campus Ministry, can benefit from this.
Granted, there are some student organizations that don’t have any dedicated space on campus. And yes, the university provides The Setonian with crucial support in many ways, covering everything from awards submission fees to website hosting to the costs of printing our newly launched magazine. This funding comes from the Division of Student Services, which houses The Setonian.
Still, during my transfer orientation, I remember hearing so much about the success of The Setonian. I thought to myself, if SHU praises the newspaper, then why are we in a closet with limited resources? Does our newsroom location speak to how the university truly feels about us? Is this the newsroom we deserve? I think not.
SHU did a great deal to recognize The Setonian’s recent centennial and even held an exhibition at the Walsh Gallery. The university takes pride in having a student newspaper that has been publishing for 100 years, but they have refrained from giving us the resources to continue.
When SHU decided to renovate the University Center in 2021, how come they built a wholly equipped broadcast studio and then stuck The Setonian in an extra small room?
Arguably, as a publication, we are understaffed. And even being understaffed, there are 12 active editorial board members of The Setonian and 10 chairs in the newsroom.
There are two smaller tables placed together that sit along the center of the room, and eight of the 10 chairs are squeezed in to fit. The others are two lounge chairs located against the wall to the right as you walk in.
Other student media, such as SHU TV or WSOU, have large spaces with enough room, desks, proper technology, and resources to help their organization flourish. Not to mention, presumably, more funding.
The Setonian, however, gets a closet.
I find it unfair, especially coming from a previous institution that gave equal amounts of attention and resources to a newspaper.
Students who write for us or the members of the E-Board should be getting realistic newsroom experience that can be taken into the workforce. Without enough space, we are unable to do so. This ultimately hurts our staff because we are unable to perform to our fullest ability.
With a larger and more professional-looking newsroom, e-board members will be able to meet comfortably, allowing less focus on how many of us can squeeze into the newsroom table and more focus on our stories.
Each section of the publication will also be able to meet in person with staff writers, that way there is more of a personal connection and form of communication. Having more room to meet in person with writers will help them grow.
The Setonian can host workshops and open houses to meet the staff and learn more about journalism. In addition, the newsroom may be used as a space to host interviews for stories in a professional environment. This cannot properly be done in a closet in a high-traffic area with minimal privacy.
There are many reasons to be hopeful for improvements, but as of now, The Setonian lacks the resources available to other campus media organizations.
I am writing this statement to the university for there to be acknowledgement of the conditions that The Setonian e-board members endure, and to address these issues.
Correction: The original story inaccurately referred to "the college of communication.” Seton Hall University does not have a college by that name. The correct name is the College of Human Development, Culture and Media (CHDCM). In addition, The Setonian has no formal affiliation with CHDCM and is under the Division of Student Services. The article also stated that the news studio was built “for SHU TV,” which is incorrect. SHU TV is the primary organization that uses the studio; however, the studio is not exclusively for SHU TV. The studio is open to students and other campus organizations for use.
Sofia Kasbo is the assistant editor for The Setonian’s News section. She can be reached at sofia.kasbo@student.shu.edu.
