What is CUP?

Peak news editors Earl Tapia and Iain Reeve prepare to discuss covering student politics at WRCUP69, following a tumultuous year for the Simon Fraser Student Society (Photo by Amanda McCuaig / Peak)

Canadian University Press is a national, non-profit co-operative, owned and operated by more than 80 student newspapers from coast to coast. The oldest student news service in the world, and North America's only student press co-operative, CUP is how student newspapers exchange stories and ideas.

About Canadian University Press

CUP was formed in 1938 when editors from across Canada gathered in Winnipeg to discuss problems they faced covering national news. In many respects, CUP operates like a student version of the Canadian Press and the Canadian Association of Journalists. Our most important feature is the national news wire, kept current by a network of writers from across the country and stories written by member newspapers.

CUP does not sell its services to newspapers. Instead, papers become owners and operators of the co-op. You decide how CUP serves you, whether it's providing training and resources to do your job, or giving you job opportunities. But CUP's mandate goes beyond that of its prolific news service. CUP also provides members with resource materials, listservs, access to one of Canada's top libel lawyers, a news-hub website, employment and internship opportunities, a mentorship program, a peer and professional network, and regional and national conferences.

Gateway editors Amanda Ash and Natalie Climenhaga enjoy dinner-time at the 69th National Conference in Vancouver (Photo by Matt Frehner / Gateway)

Attendance at conferences and membership in the organization gives your newspaper's staff a chance to network with peers and pros from across the country. Since CUP alumni are now working in almost every major newsroom in Canada, past CUPpies and their colleagues consistently make for great speakers. And when it comes time to recognize our own, CUP offers all student journalists a chance to shine with the John H. McDonald Awards for Excellence in Student Journalism.

Student newspapers seem to attract trouble. When these threats emerge, CUP can help through legal advice and a network of experienced student journalists who are always willing to help. CUP also offers members access to its wholly-owned, multi-million dollar national ad agency Campus Plus.

Most importantly, CUP is a community of student journalists, there when you need it most, or before you need it. CUP's enthusiasm and over 70-year history of innovation will make membership in Canadian University Press a great complement to your publication.