Inside the relaunch of UM-Flint's Michigan Times student newspaper

From building a website to collaborating and distributing a first-ever tri-campus newspaper in print, The Michigan Times, University of Michigan-Flint's student-led newspaper, returned to campus last academic year with renewed energy and passion.

Confronting realities like declining student interest, curriculum changes and funding questions, co-advisors Caroline Rathbun, communications specialist in the Division of Student Affairs, and Scott Atkinson, lecturer in English, reimagined what a newsroom would look like on the UM-Flint campus and how it could best serve students, both those working within and those consuming the news on campus.

"We restructured so students would have a lot more flexibility in how they contribute to the paper, allowing for a better learning environment, as much of the college newspaper industry is learning on the job," said Atkinson. 

The relaunch of the paper has sparked interest in integrating its work into the writing minor curriculum and has led to a few courses designed to work closely with the paper and support the educational goals of our current students.

One of those students is M-Times editor-in-chief Ramla Ouedraogo, a senior communications studies major from Flushing. As an aspiring reporter, Ouedraogo was excited to be a part of reviving a paper that highlights the student voice and embraces a new era of journalism.

"I think it makes us more connected and helps with social skills, especially since we were in high school during the pandemic, so social skills really aren't there," said Ouedraogo. "I feel like we all just need to be more connected and more comfortable talking to one another. That builds human connection, even outside of journalism."

Ouedraogo envisioned the M-Times as a hub for students to learn more about the UM-Flint campus and the city of Flint. Throughout the past year, the paper has covered both on-campus and off-campus events and news. Students are connecting with the local community, reporting on and writing about more than just the university, including recent stories about local primary elections and ShortPlayFest, a biannual event of student-directed plays.

The M-Times has also focused on creating a space for student voices, giving students opportunities to explore journalism, build connections, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Through reporting on topics such as the campus pool closure and questions surrounding the future of the University Pavilion, student journalists can explore issues that affect their peers while helping the campus community better understand how and why decisions are made.

"They can look into what's happening at the university differently and shed light on it, whether it's positive or negative. I think it's important for students to have that power and to be able to ask questions to understand how and why certain decisions are made," said Rathbun. "The paper gives students a way to engage with campus leadership and its decision-making, so it not only informs, but also helps create a level of transparency and accountability within the university."

Students from all areas of study have found meaningful work as writers for the paper and learned from their experiences. For some, it is an opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice, but for others, it was an unexpected experience that has helped them grow in confidence and interpersonal skills.

Mathew Varghese, a sophomore data science major from Namibia, found a unique connection between his chosen major and his work as a writer for the M-Times. "Data science is based around taking complex data and converting it into something that can be easily understood. And in the same way, I kind of do that as a journalist, too. Not all the data you get will be needed, so you have to pick and choose what best exemplifies what we're talking about. It kind of mirrors what I do as a data scientist," Varghese said.

Haley Bowman, a junior from Davison studying anthropology, is gaining valuable experience as she aspires to write ethnographies after her studies. Being able to "research things that are interesting, and actually being able to write about it and share it with other people" was one of her favorite parts of writing for the M-Times this past year.

Rylie Yeiter, a senior from Owosso pursuing a double major in criminal justice and communications studies, first enrolled in the course "COM 256: Introduction to News Production," not realizing it would be more writing-based rather than aligned with her interest in esports shoutcasting. One of her favorite experiences this past year was writing an article about Peanut, a very prominent unhoused individual in downtown Flint. "Although it was a very sad article to write, it's always very heartwarming to see how people love each other; everyone valued him," Yeiter said.

The M-Times is able to cover such a wide range of topics due to the student writers and their own personal interests. While Varghese is often on campus and is interested in academics, other writers are engaged in activities such as the Baja Club or club sports. "I think it's really interesting that this small group of journalists has that many interests, and seeing how much we can cover really helps make The Michigan Times what it is," said Varghese.

By leaning into the student writers' interests and students' voices, the M-Times has built rapport with the student population. "It's comforting knowing these articles are coming from students, and I'm lucky enough to get to inform people on what's happening," Yeiter said about safety articles she has written, like one covering the transition to new Mcard access devices across campus this past summer.

M-Times leadership plans another print edition in fall 2026 and is introducing a newsletter and a pamphlet for new UM-Flint students. 

To learn more about the paper, read the latest articles, share feedback, or inquire about getting involved, visit the Michigan Times website.