La Gente

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need experience in editorial writing?

  No, we welcome all students to apply regardless of experience! We ask all prospective writing applicants to submit a piece(s) that reflect their own voice and their strengths as a writer. This can be in the form of journalistic pieces and/or academic writing. We ask you primarily focus on these formats because as a publication, we cannot only produce artistic media. If you have questions regarding the materials you will be posting, please let us know via our email/social media platforms. All submissions must be of the applicant and we will not accept AI-modified work. 

• What is your AI Policy?

  La Gente Newsmagazine has a zero tolerance AI Policy. This includes all writing, research, visuals (illustration/graphics/photography/design/layout), editing, and other aspects of the publishing process. By applying, you agree to follow this policy of anti-AI use, and violations may result in instant removal, up to the discretion of the Editorial Board. All prospective applicants should be able to provide proof of originality of their own work at request. 

• How often does La Gente meet?

  The general body meets once a week on Tuesdays from 6-7pm (varies on quarter/exam season) to discuss organizational updates and to provide opportunities for sections to collaborate on their work. Additionally, the newsmagazine organizes community and social events throughout the quarter that we encourage the general body to participate in. For interns, we expect them to attend a minimum of seven meetings and to communicate at least 24 hours in advance if they cannot attend a meeting. 

• What are the expectations for interns?

  Broadly, here’s our expectations for our interns (in-depth explanations are posted on the respective application portals):

  1. They must attend a minimum of 7 meeting each quarter.

  2. They must participate in one community-based event.

  3. They are not allowed to use AI during the publishing process.

  4. They must communication 24 hours in advance if they cannot attend meetings or social/community-based events.

  5. They must be inclusive of all backgrounds and foster a safe environment for all community members.

  Moreover, all interns must attend the assigned Student Media Trainings beginning week 3-4. Failure to attend the assigned Student Media workshops will result in the intern being dismissed from the internship. NO EDITOR can override this or make exceptions.

• What if I am interested in applying but cannot make Student Media Trainings?

  They are mandatory and we ask all applicants to have those weekends open. If you are unable to attend, we highly encourage you to (re)apply winter quarter. We only recruit Fall and Winter quarters so please plan accordingly. 

• How many hours am I expected to participate a week?

  Ideally 2-5 hours per week. The publishing process varies between the content produced amongst writing/visual/video sections, but all staff members must complete work between 1.5-2 weeks of approved pitch. Additionally, participating in socials/reporting/interviewing/community events are part of the expected hours devoted to the publication. As always, if issues arise we are happy to work with staff to ensure their work is produced. 

• What if I’m interested in Radio/Marketing sections?

  These positions are considered internal sections. Although we cannot externally recruit, you are encouraged to apply to our Writing/Visuals/Video sections and let us know if the sections are of interest to you via the additional info section/interview. Student Media states that once accepted into a section, you are expected to contribute to that assigned section (EX: if you’re a writer who wants to join radio, you are still expected to do 2 articles a quarter). For those interested in our internal sections, we advise prospective applicants to be aware of the additional workload of our internal sections alongside side their assigned section. Interns cannot apply to internal sections until after they have completed their internship and have spent a minimum of one quarter working with their section/publication. This is to ensure interns are prepared for their currrent/future workloads. 

• Can I write for La Gente’s print issues?

  Unfortunately, interns are not allowed to write for La Gente’s print issue. However, once an intern has completed their requirements they can contribute for the following print issue. All general body members of La Gente are granted the opportunity to pitch for our print issues, and if approved, create an article that is featured on the physical print issue.

• What is the typical publishing process?

  All staff members are expected to produce two pieces of media for the publication. For interns, we will encourage you to pitch the week you enter (week 3) and anticipate you publish week 6. Your second piece will be due by week 10. Due to the quick pace of the publishing schedule, we’d like your published work out soon, but we give interns extra time to acclimate to deadlines/expectations.

  Here is the publishing procces:

  1. You will submit a pitch to the quarterly pitch form. You are also required to submit visual and marketing forms to document requests for visuals/social media posts. We request everyone to have a mockup/brief introduction/draft to their piece to help them explain their pitch and prevent writers/artist’s block when producing work. Once approved, you are given 1.5 (visuals/video)-2 (writers) weeks to publish your work. Please be aware if your pitch during when a deadline is approaching midterms/finals week, it is your responsibility to get your work out. It’s important to communicate with your staff ahead of time to ensure everyone can attend to your work.

  2. You will be placed in a group chat with the following editors: Assigned Content Editor, Copy Editor, Visuals Editor.

     1. We create group chats to keep everyone involved in the process and that any supplemental materials (marketing/visuals) are done on time. It is incredibly important to respond and be transparent on when you can address edits.

     2. With Content and Copy, you are required to go through 2 rounds of edits (content/copy edit, you address edits and the cycle resumes once more). If an editor feels you need you rewrite your work, you must be willing to cooperate to ensure work adheres to our publications Mission Statement/AP Style Guide.

  3. Then your article will go to the assigned ME and EIC.

     1. As stated, we have the discretion to do a minimum of 2 rounds of edits. It’s helpful to ensure your article is polished by the point it reaches us.

     2. It is imporant that by then, your social media content/visual is ready. Without these, we can not properly upload pieces to the website nor to our socials (AKA your piece will be delayed).

  4. Once with the EIC, they will collect all the materials and post. Posts are typically done at 12pm PST, but may differ depending on urgency of the article/topics.

Open positions(none right now)