Student Center

For three days in early September, the best place to learn about visual journalism and make connections with hundreds of professionals around the world isn’t on campus. It’s right here in Vegas — at the Red Rock Casino Hotel. From September 7-9 we’re hosting the 30th Annual Society for News Design Workshop. And in addition to a spectacular professional program, we’ve got a few things designed just for students.

#### Student Workshop

We’ve got a session geared just for you. Whether you need ideas on your school publication, your portfolio or the job hunt, we’ve assembled designers from print and online who’ll give you hands-on, practical advice and inspiration. And best of all, it’s FREE. The half-day student workshop will be held from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 7.

Some sessions for the free student Workshop are still being planned. In fact, if you have any thoughts [click here](http://www.sndvegas.com/2008/03/03/weigh-in-on-snd-vegas-student-sessions/) to see how you can suggest some programming. But we do know a few things…

* **Show your stuff:** Get your portfolio critiqued in small groups by designers and SND judges from award-winning newspapers. This a great opportunity to get feedback from some of the best in the business.
* **Brilliance and Networking:** The exceptionally knowledgable and plugged-in Charles Apple of the Virginian Pilot and [visualeditors.com](http://www.visualeditors.com/apple/ “Visual Editors”) will talk on what it takes to do brilliant work and then offer his well-grounded advice on what it takes to land an internship or job.
* **Typography for print and web:** [Kimberly Elam,](http://www.wpdfd.com/profiles/kimberlyelam/) Chair of the Graphic + Interactive Communication Department at the Ringling College of Art and Design and author of “Typographic Sytems” shows you how to use type more effectively.
* **Conversational design:** Michael Higdon, SND’s Student Designer of the Year for 2006-2007 and Design Editor, The Nevada Sagebrush (University of Nevada, Reno), on using your page designs, graphics and multimedia to start conversations and connect with your community. Compare and brainstorm ways to improve your own publication.

And more: We’ll have at least three more sessions to announce shortly. [You still have a chance to tell us](http://www.sndvegas.com/2008/03/03/weigh-in-on-snd-vegas-student-sessions/) what you want to hear.

#### Help With the Gas

[Apply for an SND Student Member Travel Grant](http://www.sndvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/08travgrantapp.pdf). Each year a number of SND student members receive $250 (U.S. students) or $500 (international students) to help offset the cost of attending the Workshop. In exchange, we ask for up to four hours of your time to help assist us onsite. [Download the PDF application](http://www.sndvegas.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/08travgrantapp.pdf)

#### Student rates

The Sunday all-day program is free for any student who wants to attend. However, if you want to stick around for the professional workshop there is a fee. But it’s discounted. And there are four options for students depending on A) whether you’re a student member of SND or B) whether you want to attend the Monday night Awards Dinner. The prices range from $220 to $345 depending on what combination of A and B you choose. For more registration information, including the online registration link and a downloadable registration form, [click here](http://www.sndvegas.com/register-now/).

#### Keeping Costs Down

Besides sharing a room, there are other ways to keep your trip to the Red Rock affordable. The opening party on Sunday night (for those registered for the professional workshop) will have some food. You won’t be able to call it dinner, but it’ll be more than chips, dip and a cheese tray. On Monday morning, if you drag yourself out of bed early enough, there will be a buffet breakfast open to everyone. This takes the place of the usual business luncheon and we won’t be collecting tickets. Also, we haven’t confirmed this yet, but we believe there will another reception Tuesday evening put on by the Freedom Forum. It’s a traditional reception for the Associated Press Managing Editors group (we’re meeting in conjunction with them) and we believe we’ll be invited. Past FF receptions have been very nice.

Beyond that, while Red Rock is an upscale resort, there are a number of very reasonably priced food options. There’s a food court where you’ll find a Fatburger, Panda Express, Villa Pizza, Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Tropical Smoothie Café. There’s also the Turf Grill and Grand Cafe (open 24 hours) that often have blue plate specials. And across the street there are a couple fast food outlets such as Burger King.

The bottom line is that once you get there, managing your costs is pretty easy. Especially if you’re too young to do any gaming…

#### Nevada Means “21”

We don’t mean blackjack. Casinos are serious about maintaining their gaming license by keeping minors off the casino floor. That means if you’re not 21, there are a couple of important things to note:

**The hotel room can only be reserved by someone 21 or over.** IDs will be checked and if the person who reserved the room is not 21, you’re not getting the room. If you’re coming solo, need a room and are under 21 (or if you’re coming with a group and nobody is 21), please let your adviser know or contact site chair [Bill Gaspard](mailto:bill.gaspard@lasvegassun.com).

You are not allowed to play any table games or slots, to be in any bars or to loiter in the gaming area. You can move through the casino to get to the pool, food court, bowling alley, etc. The way our meeting space and events are set up, you don’t even need to set foot in the casino to attend any of our sessions.