Op-Ed Program
Op-ed essays are written by experts and published on the page opposite or near the editorial page in newspapers. Publication of op-eds written by faculty can call attention to the quality of UMW faculty and indirectly acknowledge the quality of the academic program. These articles cast a valuable spotlight on faculty expertise and their ability to articulate strong opinions held on timely topics. The Office of Media and Public Relations assists faculty in placing op-ed articles in local, statewide, and national newspapers. Regularly working with op-ed editors, the Media and Public Relations staff remains up-to-date on current trends in editorial newsrooms and has current contact information for the major op-ed editors.
Op-eds appear in general-circulation newspapers and are designed for all audiences. The writing level of an op-ed page may be slightly above that of news pages, but not much higher. News and Public Information staff can assist faculty by providing editing advice and information about journalistic style. Op-eds need to follow the Associated Press Stylebook and accepted journalistic writing practices, which are different from the requirements of academic journals. The Media and Public Relations staff also can be helpful in suggesting topics, narrowing a topic, editing, rewriting and other areas.
Faculty who are interested in writing op-eds are encouraged to contact the Assistant Director of Media and Public Relations at (540) 654-1055.