As part of The Daily Collegian's Educational Program, the News Division has developed the Peer Editor Development Program to combine practical application, classroom instruction and ongoing guidance for its staff members.

News Adviser John Harvey felt the program needed to be structured differently to increase editors' knowledge in editorial decisions and their comfort in teaching reporters.

"In the past, editors learned from editors who weren't trained," Harvey said. "The mission now, basically, is to teach them (the editors) how to teach (the reporters)."

The program is required for beat editors assigned to Campus, Sports, Metro, Arts, Graphics or Photo staffs and their assistants. The program consists of seven one-hour classes for each semester and is used to discuss candidates and their progress, as well as personnel, public and managerial issues.

The curriculum for the class involves workshops with guest instructors who are professionals in the field and professors from the College of Communications. It covers such topics as Managing Story Assignments, Newsroom Management Issues, Improvements in Writing and Libel Issues.

Past speakers have included David Mowere, senior city editor for the Reading Eagle; Gene Foreman, Larry and Ellen Foster professor of communications; R. Thomas Berner, professor of journalism and American studies, and, Clay Calvert, assistant professor of communications and law.

In addition to class activities, the editors undertake the duty of mentoring reporters.

With the knowledge learned in class, the editors educate reporters on developing story ideas and work to broaden their background in the craft.