Something Missing Here? Step Up.

By Jeff Halliday
Lead Adviser- The RotundaRefreshing. Impressive. Creative.

Typical. Lacking. Dull.

All of these words have been used to describe The Rotunda's content and coverage in the myriad of conversations I have had with students, faculty, administrators and staff members on campus. I admit that I agree with all of them.

Though this newspaper's staff is dedicated, and they most decidedly are, many on this campus believe this product could and should be even better. There is not a single contributor to this paper who would disagree. However, the staff is limited. And, while all of our writers and editors constantly work to include compelling and significant stories each week, some stories slip through the cracks.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

If you see a void, request coverage regarding a major issue of concern or an upcoming event. Our editors will listen, respond and act as best they can.

If you are a faculty or staff member seeking coverage for an event or speech, contact our staff and they will work to provide it.

If you are seeking to promote or advertise an event, our staff can facilitate your request.

If you want to submit an Activist column or write a letter to our editorial staff, there is no one stopping you.

This staff needs more writers, and this paper could benefit from the voices of our faculty and staff.

Time and again this staff has heard the lasting question, "Why wasn't this covered?"

The response is always, "Why didn't we know about it?"

Let there be no more excuses then.from either party. The staff is currently accepting and publishing 'Community Submissions' from one and all. If while reading this newspaper you desire more, assist this staff in providing it. What good are our concerns if they go unchecked or unanswered? The staff wants to improve this paper and its content more than you do. Help them to do so.

The only way this paper will continue to improve is if the campus takes pride in it. When you feel the editors make a mistake, hold them accountable. When you feel they've made a significant contribution to this campus, applaud them. Then wait for the next issue and start the process all over again. A good friend once told me, "There is a certain peril in complacency." Don't allow this staff to become complacent.

Many media scholars and critics fear for the future of journalism. And they have good reason. It can be argued that many of our most prominent reporters and journalists 'lost their way' because no one was holding them responsible. At some point, it seems like it became about serving the ratings books and the publishers instead of the public. Consider this your opportunity to instill that sense of duty in our newspaper staff.

When you join a media outlet, be it professional or academic in nature, the first thing you learn is that you need a very thick skin to survive. The editors of this paper can take a punch. So step up to the ring and start swinging.

Because if no one is punching back, it isn't a fair fight.