At Shippensburg University, WSYC 88.7 FM is more than just a way for students with radio-related career aspirations to get experience. It’s a way for anyone in the Shippensburg community to express himself or herself, become a better communicator and simply have fun.

WSYC — which stands for We Serve Your Community — is a student-run, fully-operational radio station and studio on Shippensburg University’s campus.

Its staff is headed by general manager Leah Fuoco and station operator Ted Carlin. Carlin is also the organization’s faculty adviser and a professor in the SU Communication/Journalism Department.

Students and other members of the community host radio shows at the station seven days a week, as outlined by the weekly schedule on the station’s website.

Certain shows are music-centric and feature a DJ playing music of his or her choice, while others take the shape of talk shows between multiple hosts, Fuoco said. Talk show topics range far and wide, covering sports, pop culture, history and music, among others.

Behind the scenes, Fuoco is the engine that keeps the station operating smoothly.

“I sort of dabble in everything,” Fuoco said of her responsibilities. “I help my program director schedule time slots for shows. I help train new hosts. I go through the new music that is sent to us. I just make sure everything flows smoothly.”

As the station operator, Carlin is responsible for the technical aspects of the station. He is tasked with ensuring that all content on the station is appropriate for an informational, non-commercial radio station like WSYC. Carlin also manages the station’s compliance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), including compiling a quarterly document that highlights what the station does to serve the community.

As for the students that take part in the efforts at WSYC, the real-world experience that working at the station can provide has proven invaluable, Carlin said.

“There are so many skills that you can gather, like working with record promoters, doing [public relations] and running contests,” Carlin said. “You learn how to use the equipment, how to use your voice and how to deal with people.”

In addition to the work experience, Carlin spoke highly of the way that time at WSYC helps students grow as individuals.

“It helps you to just be a better communicator,” Carlin said. “It helps you learn to interact with people and play a certain role in an organization.”

Fuoco emphasized that aside from the learning opportunities associated with it, the station is simply a place to get involved and have a good time.

“Even for people who aren’t in [the communication/journalism] major,” Fuoco said. “You get your time slot to play whatever music you want. You get to talk about whatever you want. It’s just fun for you.”

Whether it’s an attempt to gain relevant work experience, a way to practice communication skills, or simply just to have a good time, SU students can find it all at WSYC.

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