WGMU Radio Policies and Procedures

WGMU RADIO’S RULES, REGULATIONS, SUGGESTIONS, AND PROFESSIONALISM POLICY FOR WGMU MEMBERS

Introduction: 

Hello and welcome to WGMU Radio! We’re excited to have you as a part of our team. As you will soon learn, the station is highly multifaceted, with many moving parts. Please read through this document carefully, as it contains important information regarding station operations. If you’re in COMM 148/348 you may be exempt from certain participation requirements. Whether you are planning to go on-air or work behind the scenes, it is imperative that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions of this document. 

Table of Contents 

• 1. Three Strike/One and Done
• 2. Participation Policy
• 3. Guest Policy
• 4. Marketing and PSA Policy
• 5. Pre-emption
• 6. Production Studio
• 7. On-Air Studio Use and Music Policies 
• 8. FCC Policy of Professionalism and Regulation
• 9. Suspensions, Enforcement, and Tallying
• 10. Guidance for General/Executive Staff Members
• 12. The WGMU Radio Alumni Foundation

Glossary of terms/Explanations: 

• WGMU Radio is George Mason University’s student-run and operated radio station. We are a division of University Life’s Office of Student Media. We have staff offices in The Hub within the Office of Student Media. Our on-air and production studios are located on the ground floor of the George W. Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus. Our practice studio, used to train new broadcasters, is situated within our staff offices.
• The General Manager, at times, may be referred to as GM. The Music Director may be referred to as MD, the Independent Local Music Director (ILMD), and the Social Media Director as (SM).
• The Program Director and the Marketing Director are the broadcaster’s first point of contact for most matters here at WGMU. The broadcaster shall consult the GM if they can’t solve the matter. If urgent and both the Program Director and Marketing Director are not available, contact the GM. 
• PSA refers to public service announcements.
• The Executive Staff is comprised of the departmental directors. Here’s what they do and how they can assist you:
  • General Manager (GM): The GM is responsible for leading the station and its members. They oversee WGMU’s staff, its studios (including the practice studio), the broadcasters, approving on-air shows, training broadcasters and approving them to go on-air, creating the on-air program schedule, implementation/formulation of policies, the station’s budget, being WGMU’s link to university administration and other duties. The GM has final discretion on all matters regarding WGMU Radio, such as the hiring of staff and termination of staff and broadcasters.
  • Program Director: The Program Director oversees the live-on-air studio and the Practice Studio. They are in charge of creating the schedules for the On-Air studio, Practice Studio, and Basketball Broadcasting schedules. They manage On-Air shows and is the primary trainer of broadcasters. With broadcasters, they help oversee the transition from the Practice Studio to the On-Air Studio. The Program Director helps organize events held by WGMU.
  • Marketing Director: Charged with promoting the station to the George Mason University community and the DC Metro area. Works with broadcasters to help promote their shows and develop a promotion plan to attract listeners. Works in close proximity with local concert venues, promoting shows and conducting ticket giveaways. Takes the initiative in booking guests and performances on air. The marketing director is the main staff member charged with attracting people to WGMU.
  • Social Media Manager:  Oversees all social media under WGMU Radio. They are in charge of running the WGMU socials such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, respectively. Primary posts include WGMU events, Student Media events, and reviews. In addition, they oversee reposting WGMU-related content on the platforms they manage. The Social Media Manager creates promotional content for WGMU while also responding to inquiries about WGMU through social media platforms.
  • Music Director (MD): They approve any and all music played on WGMU, along with the music placed in the studio (except locals). The MD is responsible for reviewing music that is submitted to WGMU for on-air play. The MD is responsible for the rotation selection, music being played through our off-air rotation on the OTS computer, charting to Spinitron, and other duties. Additionally, this person programs content highlighting the rotation selection on WGMU. The MD is our representative to record labels, large or small, and works with them closely to gain music for our station’s rotation, along with forming partnerships.
  • Independent and Local Music Director (ILMD):  They approve any and all local music played on WGMU, along with the music placed in the studio. The ILMD is responsible for reviewing independent and local music submitted to WGMU for on-air play. The ILMD is responsible for the rotation selection, music being played through our off-air rotation on the OTS computer, charting to Spinitron, and other duties. Additionally, this person programs content highlighting the rotation selection on WGMU. They are in charge of sending out a list of local DC, Maryland, and Virginia area shows for WGMU members to attend, as well as reaching out to local bands for submission requests. The ILMD is our representative to small record labels and works with them closely to gain music for our station’s rotation, along with forming partnerships.
  • Production Director: The director oversees all recorded and produced content on WGMU, such as commercials, PSAs, and promos. The Production Director directly oversees the production studio, including its scheduling. The Production Director also aids in general maintenance between all three WGMU studios.
  • Studio Engineer: The engineer is the first responder to immediate studio maintenance. The engineer additionally aids in routine website upkeep and editing, as well as updates and additions to WGMU facilities.
  • Faculty Adviser: The faculty adviser of WGMU is a full-time Communication Department faculty member who assists in overseeing the station. They are our sole advisers and link to the university staff/faculty community.
  • Executive Staff members are scholarship-based stipend students who assist in the overall operation of the station under the management of the GM. They are here to assist all members of WGMU and others in the community regarding our station. Members of the Senior General Staff are also scholarship-based stipend students. Positions can change to volunteer or credit basis at the discretion of GM.
• On-Air staff refers to everyone who performs solely on-air duties, i.e., DJs.
• General Staff refers to our Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Special Coordinators, and volunteers.
• WGMU members refer to all those who are associated with WGMU.
• The OTS computer is directly to the left of the main on-air soundboard. OTS is our audio automation system responsible for playing music and commercials when there isn’t a live DJ in the studio.
• Internet Computer refers to the computer directly to the right of the main soundboard in the middle.
• Streaming computer refers to the computer on top of the cd rack to the far right of the studio – this is the computer which WGMU broadcasts through.

• 1: Three Strikes/One and Done: 

• 1.1 One and Done: All on-air broadcasters who fail to show up to their live on-air shift without prior notification of at least 24 hours to the GM give the Office of the General Manager the right to immediately and permanently expel this individual if decided. Prior notification of at least 24 hours must be given to one or both of the individuals above to avoid the risk of being expelled. Those who do not show up for their shows without prior notification are to be immediately reprimanded. In the event of a catastrophic emergency, there is leeway for the above rules; but that will be at the discretion of the Office of the General Manager. Stealing or destruction of any WGMU property will result in indefinite suspension.

• 1.2 Three Strikes and You’re Out: Failure to abide by any rule or regulation within this document now constitutes a strike (unless it falls under the one-and-done policy, resulting in immediate suspension). Upon the third strike, there will be grounds for immediate expulsion from being an on-air broadcaster for WGMU. A strike can constitute not attending a mandatory DJ Meeting (refer to §2.9), failure to meet the marketing or participation requirements (refer to §4 and §2), notification of show cancellation less than 24 hours beforehand (refer to §2.6), starting your live scheduled on-air programming late (§7.6), ending your live on-air programming late (noted in section § 7.7), failure to read and play two PSA’s per hour (refer to §4.1), leaving the studios in an untidy manner, and breaking any other policy or regulation of the production or on-air studios (refer to §6 for production studio). The GM shall keep a record of all strikes and keep a record that every member has completed their requirements. The GM will notify each on-air broadcaster within one week of their violation if they have received a strike. There are no appeals to have a strike removed. All strikes are wiped clean at the end of every academic semester. Rules and conduct of professionalism are still in effect over winter and summer terms.

• 1.3 Show excuse policy: As noted in this policy, with an appropriate excuse, you can miss your on-air show(s) with appropriate notice. Excessive excuses will not be accepted. You are permitted up to two excused absences from your on-air show with at least 24-hour notice for matters such as illness, work conflict, and other personal matters that need not be disclosed. In the case of an emergency situation, a grace period is offered as long as a staff member is notified when possible. After two excuses are permitted without any strikes issued, expressed written consent from the GM or Program Director must be given in order to miss your third excused absence without penalty. The GM reserves the right to not allow show cancellation without penalty. If you miss more than three shows in a semester the GM and Program Director reserve the right to request a meeting about absences. 

• 2: Participation Policy:

• 2.1 Writing and submitting a DJ Bio to be placed on the website
• 2.2 Adhering to WGMU social media rules when on-air in the studio
• 2.3 Creating a social media page for your show (preferred)
• 2.4 Mandatory participation and attendance of at least one WGMU DJ meeting per semester.
• 2.5 DJs are responsible for informing the GM or Program Director at least 24 hours beforehand if they cannot make their show. Less than 24 hours beforehand or no notification will result in a strike or expulsion, respectively. Exceptions are made at the discretion of GM.
• 2.6 DJs may be immediately suspended if they miss their show (detailed in §1.1 and more so alluded to in §7)
• 2.7 DJs may be suspended if found responsible for failing to return a CD or piece of equipment to its proper place. It does more work for WGMU’s staff or the following broadcaster to clean up after someone else. One may be reported to University Police if found responsible for theft of station property.
• 2.8 DJs are required to attend once/semester DJ meetings that are to be held on Fridays (date and time subject to change). Meetings usually last no longer than 30-60 minutes. The location of the meeting will be announced every month, along with the sufficient notice. Not attending will result in a strike without notification and proof of excused absence towards the GM.
• 2.9 Violation of one of these points will result in a strike against that DJ; three strikes result in the expulsion of that DJ and its program. Refer to §1.1 for more details.

• 3. Guest Policy:

• 3.1 Appropriate staff directors must be notified before a DJ seeks to schedule an interview. Proper guest on-air forms must be filled out and submitted before the guest goes on air. Guests should know before they are on the air the basic rules and regulations of an on-air edict. If a guest breaks any rules of the station, you will be held as the responsible party resulting in a strike. This also includes call-ins. Proper notification of a guest, friend, or co-host must be given to the General Manager. Refer to appendix §3.2 for more details and guidance

• 3.2 Guest co-hosts that regularly appear on your program (three times a month) are not considered guests. If this is the case, they must agree to all of the rules set forth within this document and sign a copy of the agreement. A regular co-host that isn’t a trained DJ does not have to abide by the marketing/PSA policies or strike policy; for example, that is still under the responsibility of the main host of the show. Although at any time due to inappropriate behavior, a co-host may be removed under the discretion of the GM.
• 3.5 When broadcasting on WGMU, it is required to have prior training in the on-air studio. This training can be completed by registering for Communication 148, Radio Workshop I, or by personal appointment with one of the Executive Staff. Once deemed proficient, the individual will receive certification from the Office of the General Manager. Shows that include three or more hosts are required to have at least two trained personnel that appear full-time on the show, one of them being the main host. A trained host is defined as someone who is proficient in board work, usage of the CD deck, and phone line and is approved by the GM. This will help eliminate show cancellations if there is only one person out of the three or four that can’t operate the board. No excuses will be made for those who miss shows due to training problems; it will constitute immediate suspension.

• 4. Marketing and PSA/Commercial Policies:

• 4.1 Every DJ is required to read and/or play three breaks per hour. At times, there might not be PSA or commercial recordings in our automated system (must be a message that is promoting an event, events that WGMU is partnering with, or another show on the station); if that is the case, the DJ must live-read typed PSA’s that can be located on top of the filing cabinet in the studio during their break.

• 4.2 Promotion of events is strictly prohibited while on-air unless it is consulted and approved by the Marketing Director and GM beforehand. The only approved promotion of events is PSAs and commercial spots in the studio. Violating this will result in a strike. On-campus events are allowed promotion by the broadcaster; this policy is more geared towards discussing a $1 beer night at a bar in town.

• 4.3 Tweeting about your show through WGMU’s Twitter account which is located on the internet computer is preferred. Personal tweets and direct information to other sites not related to WGMU are strictly prohibited without prior approval. As noted in §2.3, it is suggested to make and keep active a social media page for your show as long as it is on WGMU’s airwaves.

• 4.4 Every DJ will have a bio section on the WGMU website. This section is required before going on air. Bios can contain the following: DJ and show name, weekly content, and unique features.

• 4.5 At any time the GM can require the announcements of advertisements or sponsorship to be aired during your show. Sufficient notice and instruction in this event will be given.

• 5. Pre-emption:

• 5.1 This will occur when a Mason show or athletic event overtakes the regularly scheduled program for purposes of engineering in the on-air studio. WGMU and the staff reserve the right of pre-emption for any currently scheduled show. Pre-emption is non-negotiable; all notifications will occur 48 hours in advance unless in the event of a last-minute circumstance. Full pre-emption is the result of a fully canceled show for that day/time. Partial pre-emption is partial cancellation of your show, resulting in the time left on your regularly scheduled broadcast. 
  • For example, if the engineer needs access to the studio by 7:30 pm for an 8:15 pm game start and your show starts at 7 pm, you must still air your show for those 30 minutes. The same rules apply if this was vice versa and your show would start late. You have the option to cancel your show for the day if more than half of it is affected as a result of pre-emption. We ask that under these guidelines, you will keep the utmost respect and professionalism for WGMU.

• 6. Production Studio:

• 6. 1 Signing up for Production Studio time. The student/DJ must sign up for the production studio before using it. The student/DJ may only sign up for a maximum of two hours per seven-day week (Sunday through Saturday) unless prior consent was given from the GM. If a student/DJ is using the studio without signing up and another student/DJ comes and signs up for that slot, that first student/DJ must leave the studio.

• 6. 2 Tardiness. If a student/DJ is more than 15 minutes late to their slot, they void the shift, and another student/DJ has the right to take that shift.

• 6. 3 Cleanliness. Food and drink are in no way, shape, or form allowed into the on-air production and practice studios. If caught with food or drink, you will be asked to remove such items from the studio. Trash is not to be left in the studio. Trash includes paper, pencils, pens, wrappers, and anything that is not supposed to be left in the studio. The student/DJ must take everything with them that they brought into the studio.

• 6. 4 Saving Files on the production studio computer are subjected to deletion by WGMU Faculty Adviser, General Manager, or Music Director at their discretion. It is advised that students/DJs save their files on their own personal flash/jump/external hard drives.

• 6. 5 Lost and Found If an item is found in the production studio (flash/jump drive, headphones, wallet, etc.) without an owner present, the item will be taken to the Office of Student Media, where it can be claimed by the owner. We also ask that if you find a lost item, you bring it to the WGMU Staff Offices in the Student Media Office, The Hub, suite 1201, and notify GM via email.

• 6. 6 The following rules and regulations of the WGMU Production Studio are to be followed by all operators using the studio; if the student/DJ is found to be in violation of any of the aforementioned regulations, the General Manager reserve the right to discipline the violator in accordance with the WGMU Professionalism Policy.

• 7. On-Air Studio Use and Music Policies:

• 7.1 There is one webcam in the on-air studio that serves a dual purpose. The webcam adds a new dimension to our broadcast by adding video. The other purpose of the webcam is that it produces audio in real-time. This means when people watch the webcam; they receive the same audio that would be going out through our live windows media stream. It gives people without windows media capability the ability to listen to WGMU. If you feel uncomfortable with the webcam facing you during a broadcast, you are permitted to move it. We just ask that the webcam be returned to its proper location at the conclusion of your broadcast.

• 7.2 If the live video stream (linked to the webcam on the Internet Computer) that starts automatically when you visit our website happens to ever go down, you must notify the GM immediately during your off-air music or commercial break. This is not grounds to halt your broadcast. The first step in rectifying this problem is to restart the feed into the webcam. Even with the webcam feed down, listeners can still tune in through our “listen to live” MP3 stream at the top of our WGMU website. The MP3 stream can be monitored on the Streaming Computer. If the stream or computer crashes, immediately contact the GM. Use directions in the black binder in the on-air studio for instructions on setting up the live video stream.

• 7.3 The on-air studio is used on a daily basis by WGMU members, and it is their responsibility to keep it clean. There is no eating or drinking allowed in the on-air studio except for water. Please be mindful that some equipment in the studio is older and can be easily damaged by a spilled beverage. The image of WGMU is important. Please keep our studios tidy and professional at all times.

• 7.4 You are required to write your playlist for every rotation show you produce. You are required to chart during your show through Spinitron. You create a Spinitron account using your Mason email and the access code below, log into your Spinitron account and, create a playlist for your show every time, then save the playlist. 
  • ALL SHOW PRODUCERS MUST CREATE PLAYLISTS FOR EVERY SHOW IF THEY PLAY MUSIC. EVERYONE BROADCASTING ON-AIR MUST MAKE AN ACCOUNT. Contact the Music Director (MD) well before your first shift for information on establishing your Spinitron account. All CDs used during a broadcast must be returned to their proper location. Failure to do so will constitute a strike. Charting is vital to WGMU’s ability to stay updated with music; not charting has detrimental consequences.
    • Suggestion: If you have a specialty show that plays a significant amount of music, you should choose at least two rotation songs per hour. This helps with our charting and might become a regulation in the future.

• 7.4 Any and all music not originating from the WGMU studio must be radio clean prior to airing. It must be processed through TagScanner and imported into OtsAV. The files will not remain on the Ots computer but instead on the source device used to import (USB drive, etc.).
• 7.5 Removal or destruction of any WGMU property will result in judicial action. Both University Police and the University’s judicial arm will be notified of any instances. WGMU will prosecute to the full extent of the law. The WGMU Faculty Adviser and Office of the General Manager can access all codes that are entered into the studio doors and the times they were entered. If you have a code for the on-air studio, do not share it with anyone. Please, make our lives easy and don’t steal or destroy anything with malicious intent. Members of WGMU are allowed to burn CDs with the intent of preparing for an upcoming broadcast.

• 7.6 Starting your show late is in direct violation of our on-air professionalism policies. If your show starts late, then it constitutes a strike. You must notify the GM if your show is going to start late that day, at least 24 hours in advance.

• 7.7Under no circumstances shall a show end past its regularly scheduled time. This becomes particularly problematic if one has a show immediately following another. By infringing on the time of another show, it is disrespectful to the following DJ and cuts into their airtime. When a DJ is being followed by another show, we suggest you end around 60 seconds prior to allow for the other DJ to start on time. Never end a show more than 120 seconds early. Sharing time and space can be difficult with one on-air studio; we just ask you to show respect for not only your show but also all those aired on WGMU. If a DJ cuts into someone else’s show time, they are subject to discipline from GM.

• 7.8 All content produced in any WGMU studio that is then aired through WGMU is the property of both WGMU Radio and the creator. WGMU reserves the right to use said content in any preferred means through the station and its mediums. This does not include music or other original forms of intellectual property. Use of the content in any other context or medium that is not WGMU Radio must gain prior approval from the General Manager.

• 7.9 Violation of the above rules and/or regulations will result in a strike and/or immediate suspension if they fall within the one-and-done policy. Refer to all of §1 for more details.

• 8. FCC Policy that WGMU has set forth

The below is taken directly from WRGW’s FCC Policy guidelines with permission from their General Manager. Even though we are strictly web radio and technically do not have to oblige by any of these rules, we still apply them as a guideline for professionalism. If you have any questions, consult with the Office of the General Manager in order to clear up questions: 

The FCC policy basically describes what is indecent and, therefore, not allowed

on-air. This includes descriptions or depictions of sexual or excretory organs or activities. This also includes double entendre and innuendo if the meaning is unmistakable.

The three factors significantly used by the FCC to make decisions are the material:

1) Describes or depicts sexual or excretory organs or functions in an explicit or graphic manner;

2) Dwells on or repeats at length the description;

3) Appears to pander, is used to titillate, or is presented for shock value.

It must be noted that when the FCC assesses explicitness, the commission does look at the audibility of the material. This is not a way out, though; material that is partially obscured or difficult to understand will not prevent a finding of indecency if some of the material is understandable or recognizable.

1) Always remember: ALL PERSONS CALLED MUST KNOW THEY ARE ON

THE AIR; PERSONS WHO CALL INSIDE NUMBERS BY MISTAKE MUST

ALSO, BE INFORMED.

2) Forbidden words: SHIT, FUCK, PISS, TITS, CUNT, MOTHERFUCKER, COCKSUCKER, MASTURBATE, FISTING, ASSHOLE, and FINGERING.

3) You can’t say oral sex/anal sex, but you can say oral/anal.

4) You can say pee/poo, but you can’t ingest it, and you can’t go to the bathroom on someone.

5) Piss is okay if you are referring to anger, but you cannot use it to refer to excretory functions. You can be pissed off but not pissed on.

6) You can talk about farting and hear farting, but you cannot talk about farting at someone. For example, “He farted on her face” is not okay.

7) The words “dick” and “pussy” are much the same. It can be said, “He’s a dick,” or, “he’s a pussy.” However, “My dick” or “My pussy” is not allowed. As long as these words are not used to describe someone’s specific “dick” or “pussy” the words are allowed.

8) Sex. Graphic descriptions of any sex act are not allowed.

9) This includes oral sex. “Blow job,” “going down on,” and phrases like these, as well as any graphic descriptions of fellatio/cunnilingus, are not allowed.

10) Sex sounds, masturbation sounds, or excretory sounds are not allowed if it is clear what the sounds are related to. For example, sound effects of excretory or sexual noises are okay to play only if the noises are not attributed to a specific excretory or sexual function.

11) “Cum” and “come” (in reference to having an orgasm) are not allowed because they are graphic descriptions.

12) The “A, B, C” (substitution) game is allowed only if the letters are not made clear or obvious as part of the graphic description. For example, “You take your C, put it in her P, stick it in her A, and shoot a wad of C in her face” would not be allowed because the rest of the words make C, P, and A clear enough to be a graphic description. It is okay to use letters if they do not become defined and are fleeting.

THIS SUMMARY IS TAKEN FROM THE WJFK GUIDELINES AND IS USED WITH PERMISSION.

FCC POLICY for Late Night DJs

Because you go on-air after 10 pm, you have slightly different rules to follow as to what you can and cannot say on-air. However, you still have to follow regulations, and if you are caught saying something you are not  upposed to, you will receive the same repercussions as the non-SLR DJs. So, in a nutshell, here are the rules that apply to you:

1) Always remember: ALL PERSONS CALLED AND WHO CALL IN MUST KNOW THEY ARE ON THE AIR and be advised not to say any of the forbidden words

2) Forbidden words: SHIT, FUCK, PISS, TITS, CUNT, MOTHERFUCKER, and COCKSUCKER.

3) You can say pee/poo, but you can’t ingest it, and you can’t go to the bathroom on someone.

4) Piss is okay if you are referring to anger, but you cannot use it to refer to excretory functions. You can be pissed off but not pissed on.

5) You can talk about farting and hear farting, but you cannot talk about farting at someone. For example, “He farted on her face,” is not okay.

6) You can talk about sex, but you cannot go into detailed, graphic descriptions of sexual acts. Things like “doggie style” and “minute man” are okay descriptions because they are not detailed and are in good taste.

9) This includes oral sex. “Blow job,” “going down on,” and phrases like these are okay, but graphic descriptions of fellatio/cunnilingus are not allowed.

10) You can say “he was an ass” but not “asshole.”

11) The “A, B, C” (substitution) game is allowed only if the letters are not made clear or obvious as part of the graphic description. For example, “You take your C, put it in her P, stick it in her A, and shoot a wad of C in her face” would not be allowed because the rest of the words make C, P, and A clear enough to be a graphic description. It is okay to use letters if they do not become defined and are fleeting.

12) Sex sounds, masturbation sounds, or excretory sounds are not allowed if it is clear what the sounds are related to. For example, sound effects of excretory or sexual noises are okay to play only if the noises are not attributed to a specific excretory or sexual function.

Essentially, because of the Safe Harbor FCC ruling, with you, everything just needs to be

in good taste. No detailed descriptions, no poop jokes, and stay away from the seven deadly words.

• 8.1 THE EXECUTIVE STAFF HAVE DISCRETION OVER DETERMINING THE INDECENCY OR OBSCENITY VALUE OF ANY CONTENT PRODUCED ON WGMU. THE GM RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DENY OR TAKE DOWN ANY CONTENT.

• 9. Suspension, Enforcement, and Tallying

• 9.1 Violation of any on-air programming policy and strikes are to be tallied and kept track of by the GM. You will be notified upon receiving a strike. Strikes are non-negotiable. As noted, three strikes will result in immediate expulsion. Being a broadcaster with WGMU is not a right; it is a privilege. We are here to make this a fun and professional environment for everyone. This means all broadcasters (including staff) need to be cognoscente and aware of the rules and regulations set forth within this packet. The statement of the institution of a strike, immediate expulsion, or suspension is not a threat; it is a promise.

• 9.2 WGMU Executive Staff is assigned to monitor and do weekly on-air checks of every show. Know the rules and regulations set forth. You will be held responsible for abiding by them.

• 9.3 Strikes and violations of all policies will be kept track of by the GM. Participation requirements, marketing requirements, strikes and etc. will all be monitored by the GM and be assessed at the mid-way point of the semester to make WGMU members aware of the requirements they need to meet. A final assessment will be made near the end of the semester, and violation or disregard of any rules/regulations set forth will lead to suspension, expulsion, or additional strikes.

• 9.4 The rules, conduct, and requirements aforementioned have the ability to be amended. All members of WGMU will be notified of any amendments that are made. Unless otherwise noted, all changes take effect within 72 hours of WGMU’s members being notified via email. Upon signing the signature page, you agree to the fact that appropriate, fair, and necessary adjustments might be made at any time during the semester. As WGMU is fast growing and changing in these new times, adjustments may be necessary. You agree to this fact, and WGMU management agrees to deliver an electronic copy of the new agreement to you if and when these changes are made. The Office of the General Manager agrees to have an accessible printed hard copy of the WGMU Rules, Regulations, and Professional Policy for WGMU Members located in the staff offices and the on-air studio.

• 10. Guidance for General/Executive Staff Members:
• 10.1 For the most part, general staff members are volunteers who hold official titles within WGMU. Some general staff members may also be volunteers assisting within a department to gain experience in the way a radio station and organization is run. General staff members are vital to the operation of the station and without them, we couldn’t be successful. Even though many are volunteers, a minimum of 3-7 hours per week of work is required (this will be set and agreed upon when officially instated) for deputy directors, assistant directors, and coordinators. A position description will also be provided for guidance. Volunteers that are assisting within a department will work with the head of their respective department to decide the tasks they will perform, along with determining a minimum number of hours per week that would be needed. All general staff is required to attend one official WGMU meeting per month (possibly an executive staff meeting). As most general staff members are volunteers, we understand a college student’s busy schedule and are very flexible.

• 10.2 The executive staff of WGMU is charged with station operations. They are all students of George Mason University. The official positions and what they entail is aforementioned in the glossary section. They are required to respond to emails regarding matters relating to WGMU from any WGMU member no later than 72 hours after being received. The executive staff holds weekly meetings to discuss matters relating to WGMU that can be attended by any WGMU member upon request, as it is the station’s commitment to transparency. Each executive staff member holds at least five walk-in office hours per week, so they can be easily accessible to all WGMU members. They are required to assist any WGMU member regarding matters related to their specific department. Most are also cross-trained and/or have sufficient knowledge of all existing departments. It is outlined in the glossary what each member does and how they can be useful to you.

• 11. The WGMU Radio Alumni Foundation

• 11.1 The WGMU Radio Alumni Foundation has been established to support the station in its advancement. Its mission is to support and foster the continued exponential growth of WGMU, which educates and promotes professionalism for tomorrow’s great broadcasters.
• 11.2 The Foundation is headed by a Chairman. WGMU’s current General Manager, with the advice and consent of the Faculty Adviser and the WGMU Staff, appoints the Chairman. The Chairman of the Foundation serves as the main liaison to fundraising and overseeing the Alumni Foundation Account. The Chairman can also act as an adviser when the station is making decisions on how to spend the Alumni Foundation money. The Chairman serves for a one-year term with the option of reappointment at the conclusion of their term.
• 11.3 The signatory for the WGMU Radio Alumni Foundation account, which is held within George Mason University’s Foundation and Alumni Services, is the WGMU Radio Faculty Adviser. Only they have the ability to withdraw and transfer funds, with the advice and consent of the General Manager of WGMU Radio and the Chairman of the Alumni Foundation.

WGMU Policy last updated by Ashlyn Cole, General Manager, 11/06/2023