About Us

MILWAUKEE’S STUDENT-ACTIVATED NEWS

Bringing Students’ Passions to Publication.

The UWM Post is a student newspaper independently run by the students of UW-Milwaukee, bringing original news, arts and culture, sports reporting and more to the UWM campus and greater Milwaukee area. 

UWM Post was formally founded with that title in 1956 after the Wisconsin State College – Milwaukee and UW Extension Milwaukee division merged that year to form the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The publication is ultimately descended from the newspapers of both schools and has frequently cited 1915 and 1888 as its founding years.  

Once the largest independent college weekly publication in Wisconsin, the newspaper ended its print run in 2012. The UWM Post is now available online every day at uwmpost.com and on social media. 

How do I get involved? 

The UWM Post wants to bring students’ passions to publication, and we are always accepting new writers/reporters, photographers/videographers, contributors, meteorologists or those skilled in social media. 

This publication is a multi-disciplinary opportunity for students to build a portfolio, gain collaborative experience, network with individuals in the UWM or greater Milwaukee community and share their work. All positions at the UWM Post have flexible time commitments. 

A goal for the UWM Post is to serve as a public sphere for students and the broader community to share news, opinions and artwork. If you have something to say or art to show, the newspaper is here to spread it to the masses.

Student newspapers are important spaces for students to communicate and collaborate, so the UWM Post needs to be an open forum space visible and accessible to the UWM community.

The UWM Post meets on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in Room 344 of the UWM Student Union and virtually via Microsoft Teams. 

There is always an ever-changing document with story ideas and ongoing assignments available if you can’t make it in person or virtually, but still wish to contribute to the UWM Post. 

Email UWM Post at officialuwmpost@gmail.com to get started or reach out to a specific editor via email. 

If you are interested in contributing content, a story idea or any tips, you can submit HERE.

UWM Post Editing Team:

• Ethan Ainley (ejainley@uwm.edu), EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 
• Alex Stahl (agstahl@uwm.edu), NEWS EDITOR 
• Piper Harried (pharried@uwm.edu), ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR 
• Raquel Escobedo (escobe36@uwm.edu), SPORTS EDITOR 
• Jack Laude (jtlaude@uwm.edu), SPORTS EDITOR 
• Charlie Skrade (cnskrade@uwm.edu), MULTIMEDIA EDITOR 
• Mitch Utlaut (mlutlaut@uwm.edu), MULTIMEDIA EDITOR 
• Norah Lom (norahlom@uwm.edu), SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR 
• Layla Czaplewski (czaple28@uwm.edu), SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR 
• Noah Vanells (nvanells@uwm.edu), WEATHER & METEOROLOGY EDITOR  
• Brandon Cheeseman (cheesem4@uwm.edu), WEATHER & METEOROLOGY EDITOR

Follow us:

Instagram: @uwmpost 

Facebook: UWM Post 

X: @theuwmpost 

TikTok: @uwmpost 

YouTube: UWM Post

LinkedIn: The UWM Post 

Roles & Positions 

The following positions and roles are not set in stone, and a UWM Post staff member can transition or float between roles as desired or depending on what is required of the published work.  

Editor 

The role of an editor is crucial to the success of any publication. As an editor, one must fact-check and verify information down to the smallest detail to ensure accuracy. This will sometimes include checking sources cited in the article. An editor reads and digests the text to determine that there is no bias being applied to the article. In accordance with AP Style, editors simplify the language of an article by removing jargon or adjusting sentence length when deemed necessary. Depending on the section or style of an article, the editor improves structure and follows the “Inverted Pyramid” when needed. Other important aspects to editing include focusing the angle, trimming anything that only adds emotion without information and eliminating words or sentences that are redundant.  

Editors at the UWM Post act as multifaceted editors by having to step into all types of editing roles, including copy, content, section and managing editor. 

The editor is the reader’s champion, and a well-edited publication is interesting, easy to read and accurate. This is done through the aforementioned methods of editing stories, and it’s done when an editor pitches newsworthy topics and angles to writers for potential stories. 

An editor must uphold the integrity of the UWM Post by following the publication’s mission and the Code of Ethics/Standards as outlined. 

Important principles of integrity: 

1. Write fair and balanced without bias (bias isn’t present when the piece is NOT written as opinion). 
2. Avoid any slanderous accusations or libelous information. 
3. Consider what is appropriate or tasteful when putting together a story. 

Writer/Reporter 

A writer selects a story pitched by the editorial staff or pitches a story of their own. Once approved by the UWM Post staff and editors, the writer can begin working on their article. Depending on what is required for the story, the writer acts as the reporter and collects information through research, conducting interviews, and/or attending an event. The writer/reporter reaches out to an editorial staff member if a press pass or press release is needed for their story.  

Writers can follow their own beat/interest or be flexible and cover a variety of story topics. In this role, it’s expected that you keep up with updates at the UWM Post by attending meetings or staying in contact with an editor. The reporter can provide videos, images and/or quotes for a social media post, as well as edit together a post if they desire. 

When looking for guidance on a story, writers can reach out to other writers or the specific editor for whom the article’s subject aligns. 

The writer/reporter must uphold the integrity of the UWM Post by following the publication’s mission and the Code of Ethics/Standards as outlined. 

Contributor 

A contributor has similar guidelines to those of a writer/reporter, but is often not as prolifically involved with the inner workings of the UWM Post. Some contributors may only publish their stories with the UWM Post once if that’s all they wish to contribute. They often bring a complete story or an in-progress story to request publication or assistance with completing the story. Contributions can also include requests for content to share on UWM Post’s social media or specialized post ideas. A contributor has a flexible role and will contribute many different forms of ideas, stories or content. 

UWM students who contribute to the UWM Post write at their own pace and don’t have to keep up with updates or attend meetings regularly. A contributor may also not be a student and might be someone outside the UW-Milwaukee system. 

Please reach out via the UWM Post’s email if you are interested in contributing, and we can discuss the story or work you wish to publish or have shared via social media. 

A contributor must still uphold the integrity of the UWM Post by following the publication’s mission and the Code of Ethics/Standards as outlined. 

Photographer/Videographer 

A photographer and/or videographer at the UWM Post has the responsibility to photograph or film any stories or events, which are being covered by the UWM Post and require that multimedia element. Other opportunities include photographing or filming people, events or special occasions, which can be used for social media purposes. 

This role can be a singular role where you only film/photograph and edit without writing the story or creating a social media post. However, if the photographer/videographer is interested in writing and scripting, they can act in a dual-role capacity. It’s important to keep track of stories at the UWM Post and envision how a multimedia element can be added to a story or ideate their own projects for publication. Editors or writers may put out calls asking if a photographer/videographer is available to cover a story. 

The photographer/videographer must uphold the integrity of the UWM Post by following the publication’s mission and the Code of Ethics/Standards as outlined. 

Weather & Meteorology 

UWM staff members involved with weather and meteorology will interact with the university’s Atmospheric Sciences department. A meteorologist at the UWM Post’s main objective is to provide accurate and up-to-date weather updates to the university and the greater Milwaukee area. UWM Post meteorologists don’t have to be an Atmospheric Sciences student and can be anyone interested in forecasting weather. 

Other opportunities in this role include writing climate or weather-related stories for publication. Weather-related stories can also include news packages or documentaries. There are opportunities to work with the UWM Post’s social media team to create content such as TikToks and Reels to provide a more personalized delivery of weather forecasts. 

Anyone involved with weather and meteorology must uphold the integrity of the UWM Post by following the publication’s mission and the Code of Ethics/Standards as outlined. 

Social Media 

People in a social media role at the UWM Post often have flexible responsibilities. Opportunities with social media include Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Formerly Twitter), Snapchat, TikTok, Spotify, LinkedIn and YouTube. Special attention and priority are given to Facebook/Instagram and TikTok because of their popularity and audience reach. Everyone who posts on social media or produces content will report to the social media editor. Social media coordinators are encouraged to post on the platform they are most proficient in or are most interested in. 

Posting to the UWM Post’s social media accounts is a multifaceted position, which allows for tasks including copywriting, photographing, filming, interviewing, facilitating and following trends. Other responsibilities include promoting UWM Post stories, increasing audience engagement and creating original content. 

Anyone posting on the UWM Post’s social media must uphold the integrity of the UWM Post by following the publication’s mission and the Code of Ethics/Standards as outlined. 

Editorial Staff Positions: 

The general guidelines for an editing role at the UWM Post: 

• Review and revise articles while paying attention to grammar and spelling. 
• Verify facts stated or sources cited to ensure accuracy. 
• Check for a consistent style that matches the voice of the UWM Post. 
• Collaborate with the writer to improve any aspect of the story when needed. 
• Manage deadlines and communicate effectively with the rest of the UWM Post staff. 

All editors follow the standard code of ethics and general guidelines for an editing role or position at the UWM Post. 

Editor-in-Chief (EIC) 

The Editor-in-Chief oversees all editors, writers and contributors of the UWM Post. EICs handle and facilitate all communication with the UWM Post, including but not limited to press releases, press passes and general inquiries. Larger reporting projects will be managed and organized by the EIC. Articles written by other editors are edited by the EIC, and they fill in with editing help as needed. With the help of other editors, an important role of the EIC is to plan and execute the organization’s meetings, events, funding and recruitment efforts, as well as any other broader perspectives of the UWM Post. 

News Editor 

The News Editor oversees and edits all news stories or projects at the UWM Post. The “news” is considered a broad topic and may overlap with other categories of publication, therefore presenting opportunities for collaboration. However, the News Editor focuses on providing quality local news important for UWM students and the community, which includes but isn’t limited to sub-topics of politics, community meetings, protests, events and public announcements. This editor helps keep track of important University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee meetings and current story topics relevant to the student body. Along with having their finger on the pulse, they pitch hyperlocal story ideas to UWM Poist writers focused on UWM and the greater Milwaukee area news. They need to delegate news stories and projects to different writers, and report to the EIC when needed. 

Sports Editor 

The Sports Editor oversees and edits all sports stories or projects at the UWM Post. This editor will track all University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee games and coordinate to have as many covered or attended as possible. The Sports Editor will pitch not only games to cover but also feature and topical stories relating to sports in the greater Milwaukee area. It’s important as sports editor to build a relationship with the team’s players, coaches and PR to be able to coordinate press accreditation or interviews where necessary. They need to delegate sports stories and projects to different writers and report to the EIC when needed. 

Arts & Culture Editor 

The Arts & Culture Editor oversees and edits all sports stories or projects at the UWM Post. This editor is tasked with keeping track of upcoming events, shows or festivals associated with arts and culture at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and in the greater Milwaukee area. Another important role of the Arts & Culture Editor is to pitch different story ideas revolving around the arts and culture, such as, but not limited to, features, reviews, breakdowns, analysis, columns or creative projects. This editor must have a general understanding and appreciation for the arts scene of UWM and the city of Milwaukee. Another unique role of this editor is curating creative projects for the UWM Post to publish, such as, but not limited to, fiction stories, poetry, films, paintings, photography and multimedia art. The Arts & Culture Editor should work on building special connections with UWM art students, local artists and PR professionals to be able to coordinate press accreditation or curate work. They need to delegate arts & culture stories and projects to different writers, and report to the EIC when needed. 

Social Media Editor 

The Social Media Editor oversees all social media and audience/community engagement with the UWM Post. The social media platforms that the UWM Post is active on include Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Formerly Twitter), Snapchat, TikTok, Spotify, LinkedIn and YouTube. Special attention and priority are given to Facebook/Instagram and TikTok because of their popularity and audience reach. This editor will share and promote all the UWM Post stories and projects. They pitch social media post ideas to other UWM Post members, as well as encourage ways to get social media content while reporting a story. The Social Media Editor plans and executes social media posts that don’t always have to connect with a specific published story, for the purpose of growing the UWM Post’s audience reach. However, the content posted on UWM Post’s social media should follow the mission and policies of the publication, as well as be relevant to the target audience. This editor has the duty of responding to social media comments and direct messages. They need to delegate posting responsibilities or platform control to different members of the social media team or to the EIC when needed. 

Multimedia Editor 

The Multimedia Editor oversees and edits all multimedia stories or projects at the UWM Post. This role often collaborates with other editors, depending on the category of the story or project. An important task for the Multimedia Editor is to lead the production of the UWM Post’s “UWM Bulletin Podcast” from scripting to recording and editing. This editor observes other story ideas and decides if there is an opportunity to expand the story into a multimedia project. The Multimedia Editor pitches their own multimedia story ideas to UWM Post writers and editors. Another role of this editor is to curate and help the social media team run the UWM Post’s YouTube channel. The Multimedia editor utilizes video and image editing software, as well as operates special equipment, often in their role. They need to delegate multimedia stories and projects to different writers or editors, and report to the EIC when needed. 

Meteorology Editor 

The Meteorology Editor oversees and edits all aspects of the weather forecasts at the UWM Post. This editor works within the Atmospheric Science Department with faculty at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. They help to coordinate who will do the forecasts on each day and ensure that quality, accurate data is published. Alongside forecasting, this editor pitches weather or climate-related stories to the UWM Post. They, alongside their team of meteorologists, help produce social media and multimedia content in collaboration with those respective teams. They need to delegate weather forecasts and meteorology-related stories, projects or posts to different writers and forecasters, and report to the EIC when needed.

Code of Ethics & Standards 

First and foremost, UWM Post follows the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. This publication also follows AP Style standards, as well as the news values and principles of the Associated Press.  

The UWM Post’s mission is to provide accurate, valuable and engaging information and content that has artistic or cultural merit for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and its greater community by ethically and meticulously covering topics relevant to the publication’s audience. 

In the pursuit of truth and the delivery of important stories, the UWM Post embraces diversity, equality and the inclusion of all viewpoints. The UWM Post pledges to expose instances of discrimination or censorship, as well as operate with an open mind. This publication understands the power that the pen and the words it writes hold in society, which means an important goal of the UWM Post is to represent all its readers. 

Reach out to the UWM Post via email (officialuwmpost@gmail.com) if you have a concern that the code of ethics has been breached or an aspect of a story doesn’t follow AP Style standards and needs revision. 

Direct any instance of inaccurate information or derogatory language, as well as any revision request, to the UWM Post email.

Artificial Intelligence Policy 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be used to generate publishable stories or imagery for the UWM Post. AI is not a replacement for journalists, storytellers or creators of any kind. The UWM Post must be accountable for the accuracy and fairness of information that is published.  

Even though the UWM Post discourages the use of AI whenever possible, it’s understood that this is a technology journalists must learn to co-exist with, as it isn’t going anywhere. 

Therefore, if AI is used by any editor, writer, contributor or anyone else associated with the UWM Post, it must be mindfully used and follow three important principles. 

1. It is only to be used as a tool in the service of collecting information for the story, uncovering truth or increasing the speed of getting out a quality story, all without compromising important journalistic fact-checking processes or being used to generate content. 
2. It must always be used under human guidance and control with several reviews, so that the UWM Post staff can ensure its ethical use and accurate output. 
3. If someone at the UWM Post decides to use AI under these guiding principles, they must do so transparently and ethically by providing notes in the story with an explanation as to how it was used in the process. 

Along with these principles, the UWM Post will follow all guidelines from the Neiman Foundation for Journalism and the Associated Press, as they exist as two of the guiding forces in the ethics and style of journalistic writing and reporting. 

The UWM Post reserves the right to remove a story or project that doesn’t follow the principles outlined. If deemed necessary by the UWM Post, a story or project, as well as any writer behind it, that breaks these guidelines and is removed, might be publicly revised or announced as unethically using AI.