Houstonian on hiatus

For the first time in its history of publication, printing of the University’s yearbook has been put on hold due to budget constraints.

The Houstonian has been a student-run publication for over 75 years, but has sold poorly in recent times.

Print Production Manager for UH Student Publications Matt Dulin said the 2010-2011 Houstonian sold less than 100 copies.

“In the last decade we probably averaged sales of 300-400 per year,” Dulin said. “The yearbook was completely supported by advertising revenue.”

The Houstonian receives no student fees to support its expenses.

“Even when the yearbook lost student fee funding, it continued with advertising and book sales providing all the financial support,” Dulin said.

With the Houstonian gone for this academic year, other projects have been considered to take its place.

“Discussion of a yearbook replacement is in its early stages and will be carried out through the Student Publications Committee,” Dulin said. “What seems realistic is a kind of year-end magazine with an online component or maybe a Facebook application where students could submit memories that would be encapsulated in the publication or in some kind of digital archive.”

According to the Student Publications website, the first Houstonian was printed by The Daily Cougar staff members two weeks after Easter in 1934. The book contained 32 pages and sold for 75 cents.

In the 1960s, the Houstonian became funded by revenue from advertisements and purchases of the yearbook.

UH is not the only university to cease yearbook publication.

“Purdue, University of Virginia and University of Georgia have suspended their print yearbook programs,” Dulin said.

“Duke has had problems with theirs, even though it distributes the yearbook for free. I have heard that Prairie View A&M recently brought its yearbook back to life after a 10-year hiatus.”

At this time, the Houstonian’s break may or may not be a permanent solution.

“If we got 1,000 signatures on a petition saying they’ll buy a copy of the yearbook in order to bring it back, then it could be revived,” Dulin said. “There has to be widespread student support. Then again, if we are able to come up with new publications and programs, we may never miss it.”