The power of a news medium stands or falls on the breadth of its news gathering and Cursor believes that student editors can make a significant contribution in that respect. “There is so much happening at our university that it is not always possible for a Cursor reporter to be present,” says editor-in-chief Han Konings. “Choices have to be made and consequently we sometimes can't avoid missing events that we would have liked to have reported. Student editors could help us out.”

Student involvement in Cursor is currently limited. There is a pool of columnists and for the past six months three student video-reporters have been active on a fairly regular basis. They work with the editorial team to decide what is needed and then make a short film. “In 2018 we want to expand our options," says Konings. "We are looking for enthusiastic people of all nationalities who are keen to write mood-capturing pieces, news items or an academic article. Although writing experience would be nice, it isn't essential because our editors will train the student editors, show them how to hold interviews and work up their notes. We'll also give feedback on their work and can offer a financial remuneration, the amount depending on how much the student does. What we do ask is the right attitude: motivated and eager to learn.”

Konings also expects that student editors will come up with their own ideas for articles. “We ask them to be committed, that means attending the fortnightly editorial meetings, actively contributing, and working to journalistic standards and values. They'll also need to stick to the deadlines.”

Are you interested? Send a short letter of motivation and your contact details to cursor@remove-this.tue.nl. If you have any questions, please contact the editorial team.