The majority of the California University of Pennsylvania’s population has not stepped foot on campus since the beginning of spring break 2020, but campus news has not ceased to persist. Neither has Cal U’s team of journalists and newspaper staff who continue to work toward, and for, the distribution of university news.

Senior Thomas Caton, the California Times editor-in-chief, said, “The main difficulty, and I’ve had this difficulty even when we were still on campus, is people meeting deadlines.”

Caton said that nothing has wholly changed about distributing the paper besides the pause in printing, but he said that online, “students seem to be less motivated to get work done.”

“Jeff, Hannah and I work extensively around the clock to motivate our staff,” Caton said. “With that motivation, we get some very well written stories.”

Jeffrey Helsel, the Cal Times advisor, said, “It’s the first time since I became advisor in 2006 that there’s been an interruption in the routine of producing a print publication.”

“In a typical academic year, our staff would have plenty of on-campus activities to cover. Reporters could go and cover sporting events, public presentations, and student activities.” Helsel said.

To comply with social distancing, Helsel said reporters “have primarily been conducting interviews through Zoom, emails and direct message systems available on social media platforms.”

Junior news editor Hannah Wyman said that she misses the opportunities that come with face-to-face contact with staff writers.

“Typically, I’d love to sit down with staff writers and go over pieces that they’ve given me to edit,” Wyman said. “Now, I can’t go in-depth with the writer and make sure they understand all that I want to help with.”

Wyman said, “It’s also become less fun. I think many people in journalism go into it because they like talking to people.”

“I procrastinate more. The last thing I want to do after a day of classes is to continue working on my computer, so I tend to put off stories,” she said.

Wyman said that the pandemic has had a major influence over the content of pieces submitted to the newspaper; most evolving around aspects of “Zoom University.”

Wyman said the staff, “can keep chugging along, so I think it’s important that we do. New writers can join, old writers can continue to get their work published and build bodies of work, the Cal Times can continue to be a reliable news source for the community. News doesn’t stop for a virus; at the paper, we’re all dedicated to being a voice for students, staff and faculty.”

Junior staff writer Veonna King said, “When we were face to face it was easier to keep up with a schedule. Now a lot of things slip my mind and I have to set reminders to make sure I am on track.”

King said she was grateful for the extra alone-time that allowed growth in her role as a writer.

“My writing has gotten better,” she said, “I feel since I stay in more than usual, I have had more time to practice writing.”

Helsel said, “I think the student staff has done a remarkable job with Cal Times during the pandemic. Their passion for creating news content throughout this very challenging and unprecedented time is truly inspirational.”

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