STAFF EDITORIAL: The 116th: Where we stand

The 116th Board of Managers and Editors takes over today. Here is what we believe in and our goals for the coming year. We come to our new positions with original ideas and fresh perspectives. But our underlying philosophy remains the same -- that we are here to provide you with the news necessary to be informed members of the University and Philadelphia communities; to present stories and opinions on issues that matter to you; and to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity and excellence. It is with these principles in mind that we embark on the challenges of the future. First and foremost, our news stories will continue to reflect not just what happened, but why -- and what it all means to you. From the troubled Health System to the alcohol policy to academic initiatives, our duty is to bring the key issues to light and separate the fact from the fiction. This year will see a renewed focus on feature stories. We will strive to provide an in-depth look behind the headlines on the issues and people that interest you most. To help us realize this goal, we have delegated responsibility for features to a new editor. Our sports section will likewise continue to combine courtside event coverage with behind-the-scenes looks at the athletes wearing the Red and Blue. The editorial page will work harder than ever to bring you a diversity and depth of opinion on issues relevant to the Penn community. Our goal is for the section to be the main campus forum for dialogue and debate. 34th Street, our arts and entertainment magazine, will continue to enhance its listings and reviews. Whatever you want your weekend plans to be, Street will help get you there. And perhaps our greatest advances will be on dailypennsylvanian.com, our home on the World Wide Web. The site will be entering its fifth year shortly with a new look, new content and more ways than ever to interact with us and with each other. We are proud to be editorially and financially independent from the University. But we are not independent of our readership -- and day in and day out, it is our job to earn and re-earn your trust. That, above all else, is our highest priority. To that end, we ask you, our readers, to let us know when we are not living up to our standards. By phone, fax, mail or e-mail, tell us what we are doing right and what we should do better. And as always, we invite those of you who would like to confront with us the great challenges that lie ahead to join our staff.