Hello everyone! It’s my pleasure to be able to serve as the Editor-in-Chief for the Criterion during the 2024-2025 school year. I wanted to preface a few things, such as what to expect for the year. More specifically, I want to be transparent because I believe it’s our job as a media outlet to report what is important to Colorado Mesa University while also upholding our core values that we’ve built here within the Mavily.
These past few years I believe the Criterion has strayed from our core beliefs and it’s my duty to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen. I believe we must be able to both celebrate and hold at CMU accountable. I don’t mean to do this out of spite or distaste but out of respect for one another and the culture this school has been building for the past 99 years. Accountability is oftentimes taken for disrespect or a slap in the face, but in reality it’s something that holds together what we hold near and dear, as well as ensure we are reaching the higest potential possible. Accountability is a foundational aspect of media.
At the Criterion, we have always said that we are committed to honoring the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Those ethics which include minimizing harm, act independently, and to be accountable and transparent will work in tandem with CMU’s core values. We also want this paper to be exciting, engaging and informative to all the readers.
As many of you know, 2024 happens to be a presidential election year which may be many of your first times when it comes to voting. This year at the Criterion we plan to cover the election. However with all that is going on in the political scene, this newspaper is going to remain neutral and focus on reporting HOW to vote smartly, not WHO to vote for. This ties directly to our ethical responsibility to be accountable to our audience. That is our main mission this year when it comes to political coverage. We want to help the CMU student body through this voting process to make sure that you make your voices are being heard without being diluted.
With that aside, we are looking forward to an amazing year and reporting on all things CMU this year, both good and bad. Like always, my office is always open so if you have any questions, comments, or recommendations, never hesitate to reach out! The Criterion office is located in the University Center room 211.
