Welcome (or welcome back) to college life. I’m appearing in this space today to tell you a little bit of what we have planned.
Ordinarily, this strip will be filled with an editorial, written by a member of the Emerald’s editorial board after a discussion of whatever issue is at hand. There are certainly plenty of topics to write about as we head into fall 2002:
* The Bush administration is arguing desperately with the rest of the world about going to war with Iraq.
* The state of Oregon can’t afford the schools and state services Oregonians say they want.
* Pepsi has cornered the University soda market.
* A group called the National Student-Athletes’ Rights Movement is pushing the NCAA for a “Bill of Rights” for student athletes.
* Nevada is on the verge of seriously legalizing (and selling, and taxing) marijuana.
* An election for governor and senator (as well as many interesting and important ballot measures) is nearly upon us.

* Fans are still waiting for the new Harry Potter book.
* College students are deeper in debt to credit card companies than ever before.
* Oregon university presidents are asking the State Board of Higher Education for nearly autonomous powers.
* The city of Eugene is considering a living wage for city employees and contractors.
* There are fewer mainstream gay characters on network television this year than in recent years.
* Public interest advocacy group OSPIRG turns 30 years old in October.
My role in presenting these issues to you will be somewhat reduced than in years past, when I was a columnist and editorial editor. My voice will be one of five on the editorial board, and, with rare exceptions, I won’t be writing a regular, opinionated column about the many things that burn my britches.
I will be writing a semi-regular new feature for the editorial page. What I have in mind is sort of an “ombudsman” type of column, where I will take reader concerns, complaints, compliments, commendations, comments and criticism, and respond to them with a sense of what the Emerald was trying to do, where it went wrong (or right), and what we might do better or different in the future. So feel free to send me feedback; I don’t have to use your name in order to represent your comments in the column.
The paper has other new things planned, as well: an advice columnist, a new Pulse section on Tuesdays, national and international news, extended online coverage with e-mail updates about breaking news, and in response to public demand, the weather will return to the front page — packaged with teasers about upcoming stories.
So enjoy the paper, and tell us what you think. We may argue with you (especially if you’re wrong), but we’ll always listen.