On Nov. 13 from 9 to 11 a.m., the staff of The Collegian is hosting Java with Journalists in the quad. 

The event is a part of Collegian’s work for the Solutions Journalism Network Student Media Challenge. The media staff is inviting students on campus to share their opinions on the newspaper’s current coverage and what they’d like to see being covered in the future. 

“I want students to walk away feeling heard, like their voices actually matter in what we do.” said Andrea Baltodano, Editor in Chief. “The Collegian exists to serve our readers, and that means listening to what students care about, what they’re curious or concerned about, and what stories they want to see told.”

Baltodano emphasized that the work of Collegian is catered towards Delta College students and should reflect their interests.

“I hope they see Java with a Journalist as a space where they can connect with us, share what’s on their minds, and realize that this paper is really for them,” she added.
Zackary Kirk-Newton, another Editor in Chief, described the event as an opportunity to bridge the gap between students and the staff of the paper.

“It’s an opportunity to meet with the community,” he said “And hopefully build trust and lines of communication.” 

Free coffee, hot chocolate, and tea will be offered at the event. Kirk-Newton said that the promise of warm drinks may spark interaction from students. 

We’re providing drinks for any student who stops by, and with any luck that means we’ll be having productive conversations. If they want to talk about something they think we could be doing better, I’d like to hear it from them,” he said.

During Java with Journalists, Collegian will also be providing materials from their media literacy program. The event will be an opportunity for students to get familiar with student media on campus as a whole.

Rain is projected for Thursday. In the event of significant wet weather, the event will relocate to in front of the Digital Media Lab in Shima 146.