It’s been just over a year since I submitted my application for Torch Editor-in-chief.
In the essay portion, I was asked to explain—what I perceived as—the role of a college newspaper.
Just over a year ago, I sat at my kitchen counter and typed 500 words (or whatever it was) about how it’s the job of a college newspaper to inform, engage and entertain readers.
This year, the Torch has done a pretty consistent job of informing and entertaining readers (if I do say so myself). However, one area where we often fall short is reader engagement.
Perhaps that’s just the nature of a college newspaper. With so many other things going on around campus, students, faculty and staff simply don’t have time to leave comments on the website or writer Letters to the Editor.
That’s not the case this week, though.
On the last page of this issue, you’ll find five Letters to the Editor. That may be a new Torch record!
Although the letters differ in their nature (some offer praise and others criticism), they are nonetheless all welcomed because they symbolize reader engagement. Above all, the Torch strives to serve as a forum for open and honest public discussion.
With that being said, the majority of letters we received this week were from Ferris faculty members, specifically Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion David Pilgrim and 15 professors from the social sciences department. Their input is immensely appreciated, but at the end of the day, the Torch is written by students for students. Certainly you have a thought or two regarding the Torch’s recent coverage?
On behalf of the entire Torch staff, I’d like to thank everyone who submitted letters this week. Your engagement only makes the newspaper better.
To everyone else, don’t be shy. We want to hear what’s on your mind.