It�s always exciting to begin a new year. Especially in our college days, a new year can bring a lot of change. All of us will be presented with a fresh start in the form of new classes. Many of us will begin new majors, new jobs or new internships.

2008 promises to be an especially exciting year to be a student on this campus. Most obviously, 2008 is a presidential election year, and before it�s all said and done Madison will probably be treated to at least one political rally reminiscent of the crowd of 80,000 John Kerry supporters that packed West Washington Avenue in 2004.

Less obvious to the average University of Wisconsin student, though, is another campaign of sorts that will take Madison by storm this spring: the search for a new chancellor. Chancellor John Wiley, who began his tenure when most UW freshmen were in the sixth grade, will be stepping down in September. It should go without saying that whoever replaces him will be critical to the future success of this university.

These are just two reasons why I encourage you to make The Badger Herald a part of your routine in 2008. Our news team will tirelessly cover all the angles of the chancellor search and every other local issue of importance. We will also be there to cover the presidential candidates� campaign efforts in Wisconsin, and our talented group of opinion columnists will provide insight and perspective as skilled as any commentary in any newspaper in this state.

Whatever your level of interest in the past, I challenge you this semester to read this newspaper (and others) every day in print or online and to �sift and winnow� your way to an informed and ultimately accurate opinion of what is happening around you � in your country, in your city and on your campus.

Do not be shy about sounding off to us if you are critical of our coverage, if you have an observation that has been overlooked or if you have an opinion that seems to be missing from the discourse. We love getting letters to the editor and will print as many as space permits. If you want to submit something for publication, e-mail us at [email protected]

Finally, we are a student newspaper and all of our employees � from the very top to the very bottom � are University of Wisconsin students. If working for a newspaper is something that interests you, stop by our new writers meetings Jan. 29 and Jan. 30. See the ad on page 17A for more information.

Welcome back to campus and thanks for picking up a copy of The Badger Herald. I hope 2008 is a good year for all of you, and I hope you continue to make us a part of it.

Mike Gendall

Editor in Chief

[email protected]