Staff Editorial - The 118th: Where we stand

Today, the 118th Board of Editors and Managers assumes control of the nation's most read college newspaper.

After a year filled with tragedy and tumult, one in which the importance of the news media in our daily lives was reinforced and reaffirmed, we take on this responsibility with a pledge to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity and excellence in keeping the University community informed.

We will strive not only to maintain the standard of excellence established by our predecessors over the last 117 years, but to take The Daily Pennsylvanian to new heights.

Our news stories will continue to bring you what's happening on campus and around the city, and will provide perspective to explain what it means to you.

Speaking of Perspective, our weekly section of that name -- found every Tuesday on page three -- will bring you an in-depth look at a single issue every week.

Our sports staff will work harder than ever to bring you a behind-the-scenes look at and innovative coverage of Quaker teams making their runs at Ivy League championships and beyond.

Here on the editorial page, we will bring you a diversity of opinions and ideas over the coming year. It is our goal to provide different looks at issues that matter to you, and to spark debate and discussion on campus. Our columnists may make you mad, but we hope, more than anything, they will make you think.

34th Street, our weekly arts and entertainment magazine, will continue to let you know what's going on and where it's happening -- providing a laugh here and there. A new online presence is a top priority this year.

But advances for dailypennsylvanian.com will not be limited to Street. This year, the Web site will undergo a complete transformation, bringing you enhanced content and more breaking news.

We are proud to be editorially and financially independent of the University and to be the primary source of news on campus -- and we are very mindful of the great responsibility that this independence entails.

We ask that you, our readers, hold us accountable. Earning your trust is our first priority, and we seek to do so by providing fair coverage and accurate information.

We ask for your help in fulfilling our mission. We are your student newspaper -- ask us questions, let us know your concerns, help us improve. We cannot promise perfection, but we do promise to do our best.

And as always, we welcome those of you who want to confront these challeges alongside us to join our staff.

We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.