Click the link to the contest you entered. Complete all fields to submit.
If you have questions, go to contest help in the Student Center.
Arts & Entertainment Multimedia (AEM)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 12:00 p.m. EST
This on-site contest asks students to cover a live music event during the Thursday night SEJC program and create a multimedia storytelling package. Participants will produce several original elements in multiple formats and submit them together as one PDF “hub” with working links to all content.
Current Events Quiz (CEQ)
When: Friday, 10:30 a.m. (arrive by 10:25)
Where: Room A-183
A timed, in-person quiz assessing awareness of major news stories from December 2025 to the present. This is a closed-device contest (no phones/smart watches/tablets/laptops), completed independently during a 50-minute testing window. Pre-registration is required to participate.
Design Infographic (DInfo)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 3:00 p.m. EST
Students will create an original infographic that uses data and visual storytelling to help audiences understand a topic connected to housing in the United States. Final work is submitted as a single PDF and should include appropriate sourcing/citations within the graphic.
Feature Photography – Portraiture (FP)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 12:00 p.m. EST
This on-site photo contest takes place during the Thursday night student mixer. Students will create a portrait-style feature image that captures a meaningful moment connected to the conference. Submission is one PDF that includes the photograph and a news-style caption.
Feature Writing (FW)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 3:00 p.m. EST
Students will write a human-interest feature based on a person, place, or moment encountered during SEJC. The story must be built from on-site reporting and observation and submitted as one PDF. Submission portal: www.sejc.org/2026OSCE
Media Law Challenge (MLC)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 3:00 p.m. EST
Students will analyze a breaking-news scenario involving student media and administration and respond as editorial leadership under time pressure. The entry is a written legal/ethical analysis that identifies key issues, makes publication decisions, and explains risk and safeguards. Submit one PDF.
News Writing (NW)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 3:00 p.m.
This contest challenges students to write a data-driven news story using trend data as a starting point to explain changes over time related to college costs/aid/interest. Entries are submitted via www.sejc.org/2026OSCE as a single PDF or Word document; visuals are encouraged.
Opinion Writing (OW)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 3:00 p.m.
Students will write an opinion piece that takes a clear position on a current issue affecting Southern communities and proposes a solution. Entries are submitted as a single PDF or Word document.
Podcasting
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 5:00 p.m.
A team-based audio contest in which students record a podcast discussion analyzing an assigned media text. On-campus recording is available by appointment (Room A-185) for teams who need equipment; participants must bring a USB-C external drive. Final submission is an MP3 audio file.
Public Relations Challenge (PRC)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 3:00 p.m.
Students will respond to a simulated high-stakes public relations crisis and submit a complete crisis communications plan. The entry is one PDF that includes research, strategy/tactics, evaluation, and professional deliverables (e.g., statements, talking points, social content).
Radio News (RN)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 3:00 p.m. EST
Students will produce a one-minute radio news story based on reporting and at least one original interview conducted during the conference. On-campus recording is available by appointment (Room A-185) for students who need equipment; bring a USB-C external drive. Final submission is an MP3 audio file.
Social Media Journalism (SMJ)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 3:00 p.m. EST
Students will use one social platform to report a cohesive story connected to SEJC or the host campus/community during the contest window. Submission is one PDF documenting the content (screenshots/handle) and a short written explanation of focus, audience, and platform choice.
Sports Photography (SP)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 3:00 p.m. EST
Students will photograph the live 1:00 p.m. baseball game (schedule subject to change) and submit a small set of their strongest images that tell the story of the event. Entry is one PDF with the photos and news-style captions for each.
Sports Writing (SW)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 4:00 p.m. EST
Students will cover the 1:00 p.m. baseball game and write a traditional game recap with accurate reporting and appropriate context. Submission is one PDF containing the completed recap.
TV News Anchoring (TNA)
When: Friday, 2:00 p.m.
Where: A-183
A scheduled, individual on-site contest with strict time limits. Participants receive materials on site, then deliver a short on-camera segment in a newsroom-style format. Professional attire and punctuality are required due to the fixed schedule.
TV News Package (TVN)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 3:00 p.m. EST
Students will produce a short TV news story built from original reporting and at least one local interview. Final submission is a polished MP4 video file.
TV Sports Package (TVS)
Deadline: Friday, Feb. 6, 5:00 p.m.
Students will produce a short TV sports story connected to Georgia Highlands College baseball, incorporating original reporting and at least one interview tied to the series. Final submission is a polished MP4 video file (time-limited per contest requirements).