Columbia College’s annual student literary and art magazine, The Criterion, received first place honors from the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) for the 2008 and 2009 editions. The student publication received 945 points on a 1000 point scale for content coverage, organization, design, presentation and creativity in both issues. The 2008 editor-in-chief was Jaclyn Susie Ball and the art editors were Catherine Cox and Sarah Funk.  The 2009 editor-in-chief was Catherine Cox, with Chaquita Williams serving as literature editor and Sarah Funk managing layout and design. The faculty advisors for The Criterion are Dr. Nancy Tuten and Professor Stephen Nevitt.

Along with the point scores and awards, judges provide written feedback including a written review, suggestions, hints for improvement, and encouragement for student staff and editors. The national panel of ASPA judges is comprised of educators who are very experienced faculty advisers for scholastic publications. This ensures the production of critiques and awards that are sensitive to school budgetary limitations and scholastic printing challenges.

Dr. Tuten states, “In fact, the four most recent issues [2006, 2007, 2008, 2009] have received national recognition from ASPA and are in good company among the top student-produced literary magazines. The contributing writers and artists and the Criterion staff do an outstanding job showcasing the talent of Columbia College students.”  Professor Nevitt adds, “Working with Dr. Tuten and our students on this publication has been a real joy in recent years.  It is wonderful to see richly deserved recognition in response to a lot of hard work by a host of good people.”

Click here to download The Criterion 2009