Sign up by Sept. 9!

The Rural Reporting Plunge started as an experiment in 2018 and 2019, made a post-pandemic comeback in 2022, and is now a Murrow College tradition and rite of passage.

Teams of four students will spend a Friday traveling to small towns around the region to explore, inquire and see what's happening. Teams in the past have covered high school sports events, toured historic buildings, attended community festivals, and dined with small-town mayors.

The twist: You don’t know exactly where you’re going until right when you leave, so you have to rely on the people you meet along the way.

Sept. 18 Rural Reporting Plunge schedule:

One day only! In past years, the plunge has been an overnight trip, but this year will be Friday-only instead. (Small-group overnight trips are a possibility in October depending on interest.)

• 8 a.m. Everyone gathers at Goertzen Hall for breakfast and pre-trip paperwork
• 8:30 a.m. Once your whole team is ready, you'll get your destination and leave Pullman
• Once you get to your location, you'll have the day to explore and complete reporting tasks
• 6-7 p.m. Most teams will head back to Pullman after dinner, though some will have the option to report on high school sports Friday evening

Participation Requirements:

• A sense of adventure and enthusiasm for new experiences!
• Available to participate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18 (forms available for Friday class absences).
• Some confidence in your basic reporting skills: asking people questions, identifying what's interesting or important, taking notes and photos
• No prerequisite classes

Some common questions:

Why isn't it an overnight trip this year?

A few reasons: The WSU football schedule no longer includes the bye week in early October, and that means other big events on campus also changed dates. We've also heard over the years that teams would like more work-week hours in their locations, and the overnight commitment makes it hard for some students to participate, so we're using this opportunity to try something new and maximize how many students can take part.

Can I sign up with a friend?

Yes, the registration form has a spot for listing requested teammates. We can't guarantee it, but so far we've always been able to get students on a team with at least one requested friend. For the film festival option this year, you can sign up as a team of four as long as each student registers individually.

Where are the teams going this year?

Well, that's meant to be a surprise. But it will be small towns (500-5,000 people) approximately 1-2 hours away from Pullman. Some great small towns without lodging options have never made our list, so expect some new places this year!

Do I need to produce a whole news story?

No, this is more about learning and gathering ideas. As a team, you'll have tasks similar to a scavenger hunt for interviews, taking photos, and asking questions. Reporting on this trip may qualify for assignments in courses such as ComJour 333, 390, 425 or 486. Make sure to check with your instructor ahead of time.

What if I'm not a journalism major?

No problem! Even if you are not a Murrow College major, you are welcome to sign up. You may be asked about your previous reporting or multimedia work for team placement.

I'm interested, but not ready to commit.

That's fine! There's an option on the registration form to sign up as "maybe." Then we'll check in with you after the registration deadline to see if you want to be assigned to a team, or join the list of alternates if you're still unsure.

I participated last year. Should I sign up again?

Yes, please do! Your previous experience will help your team, and it's a different experience every year.

Questions? Please contact Prof. Lisa Waananen Jones at lisalynn@wsu.edu.