Education tips for students
College campuses are where many great journalists first were bitten by the investigative reporting “bug” and first experienced the thrills, and challenges, of digging into a complex story. Nothing beats talking to students, faculty, staff and members of surrounding communities, of course. But online databases and sources can provide context and data, and generate new stories and fresh angles.
Listed below are some online databases to get you started. But a bit of background before you dive in:
Bear in mind that the laws for public colleges and universities often are quite different than those for private institutions, which have much more of a right to keep reporters out and shield documents and data from the public’s view. Public schools rely on public funding and, as such, are subject to a variety of federal and state transparency laws, including public records laws. The laws and policies governing public colleges and universities also vary by state. Whatever the situation may be, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with your rights and privileges as they pertain to the higher education institutions you’re covering.
In any case, you should also know that most colleges and universities are non-profit organizations and, therefore, must file a Form 990 with the IRS. These records, which are accesable online, offer financial data and insights into such as things as net assets, fundraising expenses and compensation for top employees and officers. See here for details.
Further, the federal Clery Act, more formally known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, stipulates that all higher education institutions receiving federal funding must report and publicly disclose certain kinds of data. Campus crime is the category that gets the most focus. If you are interested in investigating issues of sexual assault, you should brief yourself on the wider context and research on this area. The Clery Center for Security on Campus is a useful resource on campus crime and the Clery Act more broadly. Another key federal law you should read and understand is FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which regulates the types of student information that a government agency can disclose to the public. (Note: Schools often attempt to over-categorize information that is protected under FERPA, so you should know what information you have a right to access.)
The courts often are places where significant disclosures are made, but many court cases and the issues implicated are not searchable online. You’ll need to go to the courthouse, speak with the records clerk and perhaps make a public records request. (Also, ask your college librarian if you have access to court databases such as those available through LexisNexis.) Further, local, state and federal enforcement agencies that regulate everything from food services to workplace conditions to environmental issues likely hold additional information and records that are relevant to your campus.
The College Media Association provides a variety of resources for members of the student media. The professional organization Investigative Reporters and Editors highlights campus-related issues and furnishes content and tips for student journalists. For example, hear student investigative reporters talk about digging into campus mental health services and sports programs; and get tips from a decorated journalist from The New York Times on reporting around FERPA and privacy exceptions. Another important resource is the national Education Writers Association (EWA), which offers tips, tutorials, webinars and seminars on covering a range of higher education topics.
If you are a faculty member or student organization with further questions, feel free to contact Denise-Marie Ordway, a longtime education reporter who helps run Journalist’s Resource and serves on the EWA’s Journalist Advisory Board.
