Times, USA Today to be free for all students

The New York Times and USA Today newspapers will be available at numerous locations around… The New York Times and USA Today newspapers will be available at numerous locations around campus – free of charge – over the next four weeks through a trial program, Student Government Board announced yesterday.

“By bringing two national newspapers to campus free of charge, the Student Government Board believes the program will help the student community unite around national and international issues and introduce students to a diverse collection of ideas and concerns,” a press release said.

“On the first and last day of the program, readership representatives will conduct a brief survey of participants,” the press release said. “If the trial program is successful, the Student Government Board will establish the program full time.”

“I think this is a great move,” student Shea Betz said. “It’s nice to have an alternative to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. These newspapers are two of the best.”

“I would definitely read The New York Times if it were available,” student Nick Bailey said. “It’s about time we get access to some of the national papers. The fact that they are free to students makes it all the better.”

SGB arranged this service through The Collegiate Readership Program, which provides the same publications to many other universities around the country.

“The goal of The Collegiate Readership Program is to enhance the learning environment on campus by exposing students to the news in their living, learning, and community spaces,” USA Today’s Web site said.

“It’s a free trial,” student Ryan Renzi said, “So why not? I think whether or not we actually keep these papers after the trial period is over should really depend on the feedback students give to student government. The money to pay for it would be coming out of our student activities fee, after all.”

The New York Times and USA Today can be found daily at kiosks in Lothrop Hall, Posvar Hall, Panther Hall, Sutherland Hall, the Litchfield Towers and the William Pitt Union. The trial period ends on April 6.