Dear Class of 2016,

Welcome to GW. You are about to embark on a period of self-discovery that will change your life in more ways than you think.

Allow us to introduce ourselves. As The Hatchet’s editorial board, we make sense of pressing issues and changes at the University. We are committed to sparking campus dialogue about topics that affect everyone at GW.

We meet twice a week to take a holistic and critical look at GW. You can think of us as an independent campus watchdog. But we also applaud the administration, faculty and student body when warranted.

The editorial board consists of copy editors Ryan Ermey and Amanda Kay, production manager Allison Elfring, special issues and research editor Jenna Bernick, sports editor Elizabeth Traynor, managing director Annu Subramanian, features editor Lisa Miller, contributing editor Josh Perlman, contributing opinions editor Justin Peligri and opinions editor Patrick Rochelle.

The news section is in no way tied to the opinions page, and the paper’s views – represented in staff editorials – do not indicate any judgment on part of news reporters.

You are entering college at a time when this University and higher education are at a crossroads. And as you become familiar with campus, you will notice a lot of construction. It is no secret GW is in the midst of several large projects, including the Science and Engineering Hall, the School of Public Health and Health Services and additions to the GW Law School.

But this change is not only external. There are talks about the University’s 10-year strategic plan. Among the strategic planning committee’s list of proposals is a one-college model that would likely affect the entire organization and structure of the University.

This is where you come in.

The editorial board will always be there to contribute to the conversation. But we acknowledge that we are not the only people on campus with ideas and concerns. As members of the community, it is your right and responsibility to voice your opinion.

If there is a topic you, your friends or professors are talking about, it is more likely than not something others feel strongly about. Whether it’s a letter to the editor, an op-ed or a column, we encourage you to submit your thoughts to The Hatchet.

The editorial board strives to be fair and balanced. But at times, if there is a conflict of interest, a member of the board will sit out to maintain objectivity.

A star next to a staff member’s name at the bottom of this page indicates that an individual took part in the discussion for the staff editorial.

Come fall, be as vocal as possible about campus issues. Your University will be better for it.