Section Policies

Issue Backgrounders:

• Analysis and Argumentation: The Issue Backgrounder and SWOT analysis focused on a clear case from the outset. The analysis identified the key aspects of the organization’s current communication channels available on their main website, and the student began to make a case that explains a viable solution to the organization’s weaknesses.
• Length, Structure, and Organization: The Issue Backgrounder and SWOT analysis were developed in a logical, well-structured manner throughout, effectively making a case and backing up key points with logical rigour.
• Research and Comprehension of Materials: The student effectively used the research to develop the SWOT analysis and identify potential opportunities based on the organization’s weaknesses, while using references to the required research sources, but still carrying the weight of the argument in the student’s own words.
• Grammar and APA Style: The writing was very effective and advanced the discussion; the word use, spelling and punctuation were very accurate. An eye for detail and proper use of style are clearly evident.

Research Papers:

• Analysis and Argumentation: The paper focused on a clear argument from the outset. The argument delimited a central problem and made a case that explains a viable solution to the problem.
• Length, Structure, and Organization: The argument was developed in a logical and consistent manner throughout the paper, effectively making a case and backing up key points with logical rigour.
• Research and Comprehension of Materials: Effectively used the research to develop the argument and identify outstanding issues, while using references to the scholarly sources, but still carrying the weight of the argument in the student’s own words.
• Grammar and APA Style: The writing was very effective and advanced the discussion; the word use, spelling and punctuation were very accurate. An eye for detail and proper use of style are clearly evident.

Risk Communication Essays:

• Analysis and Argumentation: The paper focused on a clear argument from the outset. The argument delimited a central problem and made a case that explains a viable solution to the problem.
• Length, Structure, and Organization: The argument was developed in a logical and consistent manner throughout the paper, effectively making a case and backing up key points with logical rigour.
• Research and Comprehension of Materials: Effectively used the research to develop the argument and identify outstanding issues, while using references to the scholarly sources, but still carrying the weight of the argument in the student’s own words.
• Grammar and APA Style: The writing was very effective and advanced the discussion; the word use, spelling and punctuation were very accurate. An eye for detail and proper use of style are clearly evident.

Feature Articles:

• Public Relations Objectives: Objectives are clear and creative – exceeding expectations
• Formatting and APA: Student demonstrates an excellent understanding of proper formatting and layout for this piece of writing. APA citations are error-free.
• Headline and lead: The student demonstrates an excellent understanding of drafting proper headline and lead. Headline and lead are brief, accurate, engaging, and communicates the main idea of the story.
• Organization and flow: student consistently writes in a clear, well-organized, engaging, and concise manner. Writing is consistent with the concepts we have covered in class.
• Quality of sources, quotes and appropriate attribution: Student demonstrates an excellent understanding of broad research, variety of sources, proper quotes and attributions. Exceeds expectations.  
• CP Style, spelling, punctuation and grammar: Student demonstrates excellent knowledge of CP Style, spelling, punctuation and grammar. The assignment is error-free or contains only minor errors.
• Quality of Writing: Student consistently writes in a clear, well-organized engaging, and concise manner. The student demonstrates excellent use of active voice, appropriate and engaging content, short sentences, short paragraphs, appropriate journalistic style. The audience is not left with unanswered questions. Writing is consistent with concepts covered in class.

Peer Review Process:

1. All submitted papers are blinded
2. Each paper is vetted on the following guidelines:
   • Relevance of topic
   • Ability to communicate (grammar and CP Style feature APA academic application*)
3. Three* submissions from each category are chosen through the above blind peer review process
4. The top three* submissions are edited and fact-checked
5. Edited papers are sent back to authors for final approval before publishing.

*Each year the editorial board has the choice to only publish the top submissions that the blind peer review recognizes as representing the best in each category; the editorial board can select to publish fewer than three top submissions for each category if too few submissions are received, or no clear work of merit for high-quality submissions is identified.

Fact-Checking Process

1. Any controversial materials will be heavily vetted for accuracy 
2. All direct quotes are word for word in accordance with APA style
3. Paraphrasing must be in your own words, as per the definition of paraphrasing.
4. Please review the Riddell Learning Centre’s APA citation guide, provided here
   • Be consistent with choosing either 6th or 7th edition.
5. Apply reporter fact-checking responsibilities to the editorial board.