An A&M-Commerce student started an independent publication just under two weeks ago in an effort to give students a new avenue of communication on campus.
Political Science major Coby Marcum created the publication as a group on Facebook, which was initially called “The Student Voice,” though the organization has since been renamed “Our Student Voice.”
Since its inception, Marcum has not only maintained the Facebook page, but also started a website at Ourstudentvoice.com where articles, video, a forum and poetry are available to viewers.
Editor of The East TexanCaleb Slinkard said he is glad that Marcum started the publication.
“It can definitely fill a niche in today’s world of expanding social media,” he said. “Anybody who promotes student interaction, regardless of the medium, I support.”
Vice President of Student Access and Success Mary Hendrix said she also likes that there are multiple ways for students to get their voices heard.
“The more opportunity the better,” she said.
Slinkard elaborated on the difference between the two publications and why having both is a plus for A&M-Commerce.
“The East Texan and Our Student Voice fundamentally serve two different roles,” he said. “The East Texan is staffed by journalism students trained in a specific writing style. We are a news gathering and news disseminating organization. Our Student Voice is more of a forum for students to express their opinions.”
Student Government Association President Taylor Fore said he is also in favor of having multiple publications on campus.
“Any way for students to reach out and work with SGA or other organizations is a good thing,” he said.
Although Our Student Voice covers the campus of A&M-Commerce, it is not a recognized organization. Hendrix said if Our Student Voice wanted to become recognized, Marcum would have to follow the procedure in place for any organization.
Fore said he hopes Marcum will consider going this direction.
“I feel like if they want to truly represent students they should go through that process,” he said.
Despite the differences between the two publications, Slinkard said he hopes that the organizations can trade information.
“I’d like to believe if there is a major news event on campus that Coby would like to share and vice-versa,” he said.
Though there is currently no structure for the two publications to work together, Slinkard views Our Student Voice as a potentially valuable resource for uncovering news.
“It is an interesting place to go and find stories,” he said. “Our Student Voice makes our job at The East Texan a little easier.”
Marcum said he had no comment on the creation of his publication.