There are many steps in the training process to become a DJ at KPSU.
1. Attend an Orientation
Orientation sessions are provided to introduce new volunteers and DJ's to KPSU and begin the DJ Training. Orientation Sessions are held within the first month of each term and again during the last month of the term, with the exact dates to be posted on the KPSU website and around campus. For more information on orientation, contact KPSU's Volunteer Director at (volunteer@kpsu.org).
2. Training Fee
We ask that all new volunteers pay a training fee of $30 which in turn pays for an Orientation Packet with all necessary training handouts and a free KPSU t-shirt.
3. Production Seminar
1-on-1, hour-long session with KPSU’s Production Director where you will become familiarized with using production and broadcast equipment. Issues are addressed, and tips and tricks for doing a great radio show are revealed. During this time you may begin working on your 30-minute Demo. You may be able to sign up for a Production Seminar at an Orientation.
4. Apprenticeship Session
Sign up to sit alongside a contracted KPSU DJ and learn hands-on how to do a radio show from start to finish. Two apprentice sessions will be required. You will be able to sign up for an Apprenticeship Session at Orientation.
5. 30-Minute Demo
We ask that you use KPSU’s production room to record a 30-minute demo consisting of what you would like your show to be, complete with a Legal ID, public service announcement, a promo, and an underwriting spot. A general outline for your demo is included in your training packet, and if you so desire, can be up to one hour in length. Demos shorter than 30 minutes will not be accepted.
6. Volunteer Hours
We ask that all new volunteers complete four volunteer hours at the station in order to become a contracted DJ. This could include shelving, organizing, reviewing some of the new music that the station receives, helping with promotions, or taking up a number of other volunteer opportunities at the station. As a contracted DJ, you will be asked to complete 10 volunteer hours per term. The four volunteer hours must be completed prior to taking the station test.
7. Meet KPSU Staff and Present Demo + Letter
To make sure that the entire staff has met the new DJ’s, we ask that you come to a staff meeting and present your 30-Minute Demo as well as a letter that outlines your goals and interest in KPSU. This is completely informal and is a way for you to get to know the staff and vice versa. An outline for your letter is provided in your Orientation Packet. Staff meeting date and times are always changing due to the staff's busy schedules, so contact the Station Manager, manager@kpsu.org, to find out when the next staff meeting will be.
8. Test
At the end of the training process a test is given over the KPSU handbook and some of the more legal aspects of what it means to be a DJ. A test study guide will be provided in your Orientation Packet.
9. Underwriting
We welcome people of all backgrounds, ages, and musical tastes to KPSU. If, however, you are a community member who is not enrolled in PSU, there are additional requirements that we ask you to fulfill to take the place of the student fees that are paid by all PSU students and support KPSU. To complete the training process, you must schedule a meeting with our Development Director to understand your responsibilities for acquiring underwriting for KPSU. You can contact our Development Director at (development@KPSU.org) or Assistant Development Director (development.assist@kpsu.org)
10. Contract
Once you have completed the above requirements you will then be able to sit down with KPSU's Station Manager and sign your contract. This stipulates that you will follow all KPSU, KBPS, and FCC guidelines for programming, and that you will take responsibility for anything you broadcast on KPSU. Once you sign your contract, you will recieve a mailbox from the Volunteer Director.
11. Activate ID Badge
In order to gain access to KPSU, you must have a special ID Badge that will scan you into the KPSU lobby. Once you are an officially contracted volunteer of KPSU, you can go to Neuberger Hall and for a fee of $20 you can obtain an ID Badge. You'll then need to notify the Station Manager immediately with your name and badge # so that they may get you on the security access list.
12. Create Your KPSU.org Account & Schedule a Show
Once you are contracted by KPSU, you can first obtain a KPSU.ORG DJ account then receive a weekly time slot. Both of these tasks will be done by KPSU's Programming Director.