Op-Ed Writing Tips  March 8, 2013    Things to keep in mind
while writing your article:  Know your paper - it is important
that you understand the style and typical content of the paper
when writing your op-ed. Get to know your paper's guidelines,
word limits and editorial preferences. Also, check the archives
to see if other articles have been written on your topic and
what views were taken -- and make sure to reference them in your
op-ed.  Be concise - when in doubt, write less. This cannot be
stressed enough -- students are so busy with homework, sports,
jobs and extracurricular activities that they often do not have
time for a lengthy explanation of why a particular college
policy is worth fighting. Make your letter brief and to the
point and it will have a much better chance of being read.
Understand the policy - make sure that you really understand why
the free speech zone or harassment policy you are referencing is
problematic. You don't want to misstate the case against the
policy; you will look unin