The Rhododendron Policies content policy:
By virtue of the fact that the Rhododendron is a student conceived, planned and produced publication, as well as a product of an academic program, there are certain guide lines which must be put into practice ethically and legally. Journalistic in nature, the Rhododendron at tempts to inform and entertain its audience in a broad, fair and accurate manner on all subjects that affect readers in the areas of student life, academics, clubs and sports. The entire student body of prospective readers constitutes the target audience for the book with secondary audiences including parents, school personnel, community members and other scholastic journal ism groups. Content focuses on coverage which will meet the wants and needs of the majority of these students.

While the staff not only allows, but also encourages, constructive criticism of any part of the yearbook, before or after distribution, final authority for the content rests solely in the hands of student journalists and their adviser. Despite the court ruler in Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier, administrators rely on the adviser and staff to make content decisions. No material, opinionated or otherwise, will be printed which is libelous, irresponsible, advocates an illegal activity or which the editorial board and/or adviser deems in poor taste.

Portrait Policy:

All students and school personnel must have their portraits made with the official school portrait photographer to be included in the current volume of the yearbook. If students fail to have their portrait taken by the official photographer, a yearbook photographer will attempt to take the portrait for use in the yearbook exclusively. Seniors may choose to submit a portrait taken by another studio or photographer. These optional portraits must be of high quality, show the student's face, and not include any obscene, offensive, suggestive, or "school inappropriate" content.

Book Sales Policy:

Satisfaction guaranteed or money back. Any student who does not wish to keep his/her book may obtain a refund provided that the book is returned in the same condition in which it was distributed. Returned for refund books must be free of damage and writing. Once returned, the book becomes the property of the staff and can be resold at the current cost. Exchanges can be made for books with minor flaws if no writing has been done in the book. If a book has been written in, then no exchange can be made unless the adviser feels the flaw in the book is of major proportion (pages missing, pages in upside down, etc.). It will be the responsibility of the buyer to provide proof of purchase if no record can be provided by the staff. A valid receipt or a cancelled check deposited in the yearbook account will constitute proof of purchase.

Advertising Policy:

All advertising accepted by the staff must meet the same guidelines as the content policy. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the school, the staff as a whole, or its individual members. Students, who appear in advertising, must sign a model release form acknowledging that they will accept no monetary remuneration from the client and their appearance is one of support for the publication rather than the business or professional. Advertising program and rates are specifically detailed in the ad packet and contract.

Obituary policy:

Should a student and/or school personnel die any time during the current coverage period, the staff will treat the death in a tasteful, respectful manner. The portrait of that individual will appear as it would under normal circumstances, but the name of the person and dates of birth and death will be set in a 30% black screened box. This uncommanding treatment will provide adequate memory of the individual for those closely associated while not overemphasizing it for other readers.