The Collegian believes that journalism should do more than spotlight what’s broken. It should also search for what’s working. This year, our newsroom is proud to join the Solutions Journalism Student Media Challenge, partnering with the Solutions Journalism Network to bring meaningful, solutions-focused reporting to our campus.
In this issue we are launching “Beyond the Border,” a reporting project that explores how immigrant and undocumented students rebuild their lives, care for their mental health, and find belonging in a new country.
In January 2025, Delta College reaffirmed its commitment as a sanctuary campus. But what does “sanctuary” truly mean? Does it translate to safety, or is it just a phrase on paper? Through in-depth reporting and student voices, we’ll examine how those promises play out in an era of anti-immigrant rhetoric, policy shifts, and emotional uncertainty.
Our coverage will focus on solutions: the programs, people, and policies helping students heal and thrive. From mental health services and Dreamer-support programs to cultural reconnection and access to resources, we’ll highlight what’s working and where gaps remain.
Mental health is one of the most urgent issues on our campus. According to Delta’s 2023 Campus Climate Survey, nearly half of students expressed concern about their well-being, and many reported difficulty talking about it. Our goal is to bring those conversations into the open, especially for students whose immigration status often silences them.
“Beyond the Border” is about both reporting and listening to stories of fear and hope, of leaving and belonging. It’s about understanding that sanctuary isn’t just a place or a policy, but a promise, a collective effort to make every student feel seen, safe, and whole again.
With the mentorship, resources and training offered through the Solutions Journalism Student Media Challenge, we’re prepared to elevate our work, connect with our community, and contribute to how student newsrooms drive change.
Our Print Publications
Beyond the Border
Beyond the Border is a 12-page special section culminating Collegian’s solutions journalism work. It examined support and services available to the immigrant population at San Joaquin Delta College on campus and beyond.
It was produced by the advanced staff members for Collegian in the 2025-2026 semester under the guidance of Zack Kirk-Newton, Andrea Baltodano, and Levi Goerzen.
Work in Progress
Work in Progress is a project of the Mass Communication/Journalism program at San Joaquin Delta College under the direction of Zack Kirk-Newton, Editor at Large for The Collegian. The project is part of Collegian’s Solutions Journalism Network Student Media Challenge project for the 2025-26.
The topic of mental health was explored within the series. As part of the reporting, Collegian student editors noted a need to dig deeper into mental health as it relates to the college’s most vulnerable populations, including our LGBTQIA+ community.
Our Solutions Coverage
How sanctuary status can protect students
Delta College’s sanctuary policy is aimed at reassuring students and protecting them on campus.
Dreamers center provides wraparound support
At Delta, staff say those barriers can affect whether students stay enrolled or continue on transfer pathways. The college opened the Dreamers Success Center in October 2022 as a centralized hub for legal, academic and personal support.
Editorial: Delta is enriched by immigrants
Immigration is part of Delta’s identity, not an abstract issue to be debated from afar.
Immigrant population benefits county
Data shows how immigrant populations are a boon to San Joaquin County.
ESL Program expands pathways for transfer
Delta College’s English as a Second Language Program has expanded its offerings to help more students navigate college.
S.P.A.R.K promotes equal learning
Campus initiative aims to unify long-siloed support services and programs.
How Delta helps heal your mind
Dreamers’ Success Center, renewed Active Minds club build frameworks to help address students’ mental health concerns and support them in difficult times.
From sanctuary campus to ‘compassionate city’
While not as far-reaching as a sanctuary city declaration, the change in status is aimed at reassuring residents and visitors amid a changing federal landscape.
Finding their way forward
Three Delta College students share their journeys to here, the challenges they have faced, and the solutions they have found at Delta College.
Off-campus resources provide extra support for immigrant students
San Joaquin Delta College has resources for the immigrant population to help in case of a situation with ICE but also legal services and programs to assist with necessities.
Despite resources, immigrant students still face battles
Financial aid is one of the many areas where the immigrant population faces struggles. Campus resources allow students to connect to each other and advocate for their futures.
PROJECT COLLABORATORS
