The Criterion is published on 18 Wednesdays throughout the academic year. This student-run newspaper is printed by Montrose Printing Press.

The Criterion welcomes comments on topics of interest to the general readership. Letters should not exceed 450 words in length and The Torch reserves the right to edit for length. Letters will not be edited for grammar, punctuation or spelling. The Criteroin will not print letters deemed to be libelous or obscene. All letters must be signed by their authors and include his or her phone number. Unsigned editorials appearing on this page are the opinion of The Criterion and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the university’s administration, faculty or staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer.

Student media retain the same rights, responsibilities, privileges and protections afforded by the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and under applicable state laws. The Criterion  and thecrite.com, the student newspaper and its accompanying online version focused on Colorado Mesa University, are public forums for student expression. Student editors have the authority and responsibility to make all content decisions without censorship or advanced approval for both the print and online editions of the student newspapers.