Last year, I wrote in my inaugural op-ed as Editor that I was here to serve you – the reader. That has not changed. But this year, The Charger Bulletin is in a new position to be the watchdog for this campus.

Since last year, we have taken steps to become independent from the University, which means that this year, we will receive only half of our budget from USGA. Within two years, we will be removed completely from the USGA budget. Our goal is to be 100 percent self-sufficient, which will not be easy, but worth it for us and the University community.

It’s not USGA or the University, it’s us.

Independent does not mean disengaged – in fact, we plan to be the opposite. You’ll see more of us on campus and hear more stories that you, the reader, need to hear. We’ll be reaching you in new ways; it won’t just be print, but online, on your phone, in your email, through your ears, and even with Amazon’s Alexa.

Also, since last year, we’ve had several stories go viral, interviewed a Milwaukee sheriff, covered Trump and Clinton campaigns, and looked at possible sexual misconduct on campus. We’ve sought the truth on issues like refugee immigration from those who experienced it. We sought the truth on campus food service and got called out on it. We broadcasted live student fundraisers and student arguments, and much more.

This year, we have a team of eager students who are there to serve the campus community. Aside from myself and the managing editor, we do not get paid. Up until this semester, students did not even get credit outside of their name on an article.

We have a new team of editors, including an editor dedicated to connecting with students, a new advisor, and a new sense of purpose.

This is the new Charger Bulletin.

We’re turning a new leaf. It’s a new era. We’re starting a network of podcasts made by students and for students. They’ll be about news, entertainment, sports, and anything else a student wants to express. This will be open to all University students, so if you’d like to learn more, contact us.

Last year, I jumped into something I knew little about. I could’ve either sank or swam, and I chose to swim. The experience I’ve had so far has been life-changing, but it’s only halfway done.

You’re probably reading this on your phone or secretly on your laptop during your first class, but I encourage you to pick up a paper. Download our app. Listen to our podcasts. If you’ve written us off before because you didn’t think we mattered, give us another try.

The Charger Bulletin is here to work for this campus and no one else. Our coverage is directed at the students, faculty, and any community members that want to be plugged into their society.

We’re ready to get to work.