FAQ
How do I join The Solano Pulse?
Any Solano College student can enroll in Journalism 60: News Production and Publication, which is offered every semester.
Students interested in journalism are also encouraged to take Journalism 1:Introduction to Reporting and Newswriting and Journalism 11:Introduction to Mass Communication to develop reporting, writing, interviewing, and media literacy skills.
No prior journalism experience is required. We welcome students with interests in reporting, photography, design, social media, data journalism, illustration, and multimedia storytelling.
Do I need journalism experience to join?
No. Many of our staff members begin with little or no journalism experience.
Through coursework, newsroom collaboration, editing, and mentorship, students learn how to report, write, photograph, edit, and produce content ethically and professionally.
What stories does The Solano Pulse cover?
We focus on stories that matter to Solano College students and the communities we serve.
Coverage may include:
- Campus governance and policy
- Academics and student success
- Arts and culture
- Sports and athletics
- Community events
- Student life
- Public safety
- Local issues that affect our campus community
We prioritize stories that are timely, relevant, accurate, and meaningful to our audience.
Who decides what gets published?
The Solano Pulse is a student-led news organization. Student editors make all editorial decisions regarding content, publication, corrections, and story selection.
Our Adviser provides mentorship, instruction, and guidance, but they do not assign, approve, review or revise content prior to publication.
Who owns stories published by The Solano Pulse?
Contributors retain copyright ownership of their original work. By publishing with The Solano Pulse, contributors grant us permission to publish, archive, and promote their work while continuing to receive full credit as the creator.
Can I contribute if I’m not enrolled in a journalism course?
Yes.
Solano College students who are not currently enrolled in a journalism course may submit story ideas, guest columns, letters to the editor, photographs, or other content for consideration.
You can submit a story pitch using this form: Guest Contributor Story Pitch Form
Publication decisions are made by the editorial staff and are based on newsworthiness, quality, accuracy, and relevance to our audience.
How can I submit a news tip?
Community members can submit story ideas, concerns, and news tips by emailing [email protected] or leaving a note in our newsroom mailbox outside Room 714 on the Fairfield Campus.
While we review all tips, submission does not guarantee coverage. Newsworthiness, available resources, and verification requirements all factor into editorial decisions.
Can community members submit op-eds or letters to the editor?
Yes.
We welcome thoughtful letters to the editor and guest opinion submissions from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.
All submissions are subject to verification, editing for style and clarity, and editorial review. Publication is not guaranteed.
For current requirements, please see our Editorial Content policy.
What happened to The Tempest?
Solano College has a long history of student journalism dating back to The Vallejo Vista, which first published in 1956. Over the years, it has been renewed and rebranded, first as The Viva, then as The Tempest.
The final issue of The Tempest was published in 2015. Following several years without a full-time journalism faculty member, student media at Solano became inactive.
In 2024, the Journalism Program was revitalized under new leadership to include certificates of achievement, an Associate Degree for Transfer pathway, and a new digital publication. Fall 2024 Journalism 060 students selected the name and branding that became The Solano Pulse. Our logo was designed by Solano College Digital Media Arts student, Lilia Kaii.
Where is the Pulse newsroom located?
Our newsroom is located in Room 712 on the Fairfield Campus.
Are Solano Pulse staff members employees of Solano College?
No.
The Solano Pulse is staffed by students enrolled in journalism courses. Students receive academic credit and newsroom experience while producing content for publication.
Can sources review stories before publication?
No.
To maintain editorial independence and journalistic integrity, and comply with California law, sources, college employees, administrators, and advisers may not preview, approve, or edit stories before publication.
How does The Solano Pulse handle corrections?
We take accuracy seriously.
If you believe a story contains a factual error, please email [email protected] with a link to the story and any information that supports your correction request.
Please see our Corrections Policy for details about how corrections are reviewed and published.
Does the Solano Pulse use artificial intelligence (AI)?
Our newsroom prioritizes original reporting, direct observation, and engagement with human sources. Generative AI may not be used to write or rewrite stories, create news images, communicate with sources, or generate journalistic content. Limited AI use is permitted for tasks such as transcription, translation, grammar assistance, pattern recognition in large datasets, and brainstorming.
The Solano Pulse prohibits the use of our articles, photographs, illustrations, and other original content for training artificial intelligence systems without permission.
How do you decide whether to grant anonymity to a source?
We follow guidance from the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. Anonymous sources are used only when there is a legitimate risk of harm, retaliation, or other significant consequences and when the information cannot reasonably be obtained another way.
We do not rely on a single anonymous source for a story.
Can student journalists participate in protests or political activities?
Yes.
Staff members retain their rights as private citizens to participate in civic and political activities. However, staff members may not wear, display, or use The Solano Pulse press credentials while participating in demonstrations, rallies, public comment sessions, political advocacy, or similar activities.
What are the rules for comments on stories?
We welcome thoughtful and respectful discussion. Comments must comply with applicable laws and follow our community standards. We reserve the right to edit or remove comments that violate those standards.
Reader comments represent the opinions of the individuals who post them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Solano Pulse or Solano Community College.
How can I contact The Solano Pulse?
General inquiries, news tips, letters to the editor, and correction requests may be sent to [email protected].
You can also visit our office on the Fairfield Campus: Room 720.
