In a move to enhance campus journalism and foster inclusivity, Over The Edge (OTE), UNBC’s student newspaper, is proposing a historic partnership with graduate students and the Northern BC Graduate Student Society (NBCGSS). This potential collaboration hinges on a referendum vote scheduled for January 2024. Here’s everything you need to know:
What is Over The Edge?
Over The Edge is UNBC’s student-run newspaper, covering campus news, student research, and community stories. Our mission:
- Serve the UNBC community and beyond by covering stories that matter
- Run by students, for students—dedicated to amplifying student voices
- Offer paid opportunities for writers and photographers
- Provide hands-on experience in journalism and leadership
Why Now? The current Situation
Currently, Over The Edge relies on fees paid by undergraduate students ($11.93 per semester), though we cover stories for all students, including graduates. Graduate students, starting on September 2025, can only contribute on a volunteer basis, without full voting rights, board representation, or compensation for their work. This is the only fair way we could come up with because it was not fair that the funds are entirely coming from undergrads and graduate students can be getting the e same opportunities without any sort of contribution.
Why We Need Change
We believe in fairness and inclusivity. Graduate students deserve compensation for their contributions, just like undergraduates. Your research and perspectives add value to our paper and deserve a dedicated platform. Graduate voices would make Over The Edge stronger and more representative of the entire UNBC student body.
What Would Graduate Students Gain?
If the referendum passes, graduate students could:
- Get paid for articles and photos
- Gain representation on our leadership board
- Help decide which stories we cover
- Receive journalism training and share your research with a wider audience
- Build a professional portfolio
The Cost and Value
The proposed fee would be $11.93 per semester, identical to the current undergraduate contribution. This small investment unlocks access to all paid opportunities, practical skills in journalism, and the chance to earn back the fee by contributing just one article.
Real Impact
A “Yes” vote would allow us to:
- Better cover graduate research
- Bridge the undergraduate and graduate communities
- Bring diverse perspectives forward
- Create career-building opportunities
- Build a stronger, more unified campus voice
What’s Next?
Here’s how you can stay involved:
- Look for voting information in January 2024
- Attend info sessions to learn more (dates coming soon)
- Reach out with questions at ote@unbc.ca—we want to hear from you!
- Vote in January and make your voice heard
The Choice: A YES or NO Vote
If the majority votes “No,” graduate students will remain volunteer contributors without compensation, limited board participation, and restricted voting rights. However, if the majority votes “Yes,” graduate students will have paid writing and photography opportunities, equal board representation, full voting rights, professional development access, and leadership positions available.
Remember: This is your chance to make Over The Edge a true representation of all students at UNBC. Your vote in January will shape the future of campus journalism—let’s build it together.
