简体中文
EnglishWhat is The Blue Banner?
Updated
The Blue Banner (thebluebanner.net) is the student-run news publication of the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNC Asheville), describing itself as "The Student Voice of UNC Asheville." It publishes campus news, sports, arts and features, and opinion-oriented stories written by student staff and editors, aimed at the campus community and readers interested in UNCA affairs.
What kind of site is it?
It is a student news outlet rather than an official university communications channel. The masthead and bylines show student contributors and editors, with roles such as Staff Writer, News Editor, News Writer, and Social Media Manager. Stories carry individual author names, contact emails, and publication dates.
What content does it cover?
Based on the stories visible on the homepage, coverage falls into a few recurring categories:
| Category | Example topics from the site |
|---|---|
| News | Rocky's Bulldog Bundle program and student concerns; residential parking changes; Student Government Association meetings; dorm maintenance issues |
| Arts & Features | Appalachian flood stories and science; drama club after department cuts; local writers' paths to publication |
| Sports | "Sports Captains in Command" on team leadership |
| Campus life / opinion | Fashion inspiration among UNCA students; "Big Kid Table" personal essay |
The site also surfaces a "Trending Stories" list, which mixes campus news with lighter features and commentary.
Who runs it and who it's for
The publication is operated by students, with staff writers and editors credited on each piece. It serves:
- UNC Asheville students, who are both the primary subjects and audience.
- Campus community members tracking university programs, facilities, and governance.
- Outside readers interested in student journalism and Asheville-area topics.
Some stories note editorial practices such as changing names to protect privacy, which is typical of student newsroom ethics.
How to use the site
If you want to follow UNCA campus life or student perspectives:
- Open thebluebanner.net to see the latest and trending stories.
- Use the section labels (News, Arts & Features, Sports) to filter by interest.
- Check bylines and dates to judge recency and authorship.
- For corrections or tips, use the staff writer emails listed with each story.
What it is not
The Blue Banner is not an official UNC Asheville administrative site, so treat its content as student-reported journalism rather than official university policy. It also is not a general Asheville city news outlet; its focus stays on the campus and its surrounding community.