Journalism meets cyberspace at USF
The University of St. Francis becomes part of a new trend in reaching a new Internet audience with its student newspaper, the Encounter.
"There aren't many schools in our area that have online newspapers," said student Jeff Biskupski, the project manager and chief graphic designer of the newly unveiled Encounter Online site.
The online newspaper "will have many of the same features that the print Encounter has, but with a twist. There is so much more you can do," Biskupski said.
The online version will include sections for news, features, sports and editorials. To expand upon the traditional print version, the Encounter Online also features archived back issues, additional stories and photographs not in the print paper, links to local news and entertainment sites, online polls and daily weather forecasts.
Though the online version will not replace the paper-based version of the Encounter, hopes are that it will enhance the readers' newspaper experience. An unlimited access to color and nearly unlimited publication space give both readers and creators a reason to enter the journalistic cyber world, explained Biskupski.
The printed Encounter serves the university community directly by providing a monthly newspaper. The Encounter Online creators hope to serve more of the Joliet community by giving many their first opportunity to access the USF publication, added Biskupski.
Created and maintained by the university's Mass Communication Department, the Encounter Online debuted Dec. 12. To view the site, log on to www.stfrancis.edu/encounteronline.