Dear readers,

Thank you for picking up this semester’s final copy of the Golden Gate [X]press newspaper, a student publication from SF State’s journalism department and part of the newspaper, magazine and online operations that compose the [X]press news service.

Long-time readers know that this is the last issue published during my one-semester term as editor-in-chief. Daniella Williams, one of our two news editors, will be taking over my position next month and has already begun developing the personality of next semester’s paper.

This dramatic turnover, one that includes nearly the entire editorial and reporting staff, is one of the defining characteristics of our publication. Semester to semester, the specific goals and approach for each administration and staff have unfolded in a unique way.

Yet one goal remains the same—provide ethical, relevant and interesting news for the employees and students of our university.

One frequently covered issue has been the mid-semester reductions to the CSU budget. With ever-decreasing funding, SF State has been forced to make cuts that have pushed many departments to their limits. A true crisis seems to be unfolding for education, and many feel that the measures they’ve been forced to endure have markedly diminished the quality of their academic programs. With lawmakers predicting an even more dramatic state budget deficit in the future, it’s frightening to imagine what may happen to the CSU.

Yet the [X]press will continue its mission and bring you the next chapter of this story every Thursday. With the help of a grant from President Robert A. Corrigan, we were able to send a reporter to the CSU Board of Trustees meeting last month and will maintain our coverage in Long Beach through next semester.

With the advice of the three campus marketing teams who helped us critique our approach to campus coverage, the new [X]press newspaper should feel even more suited to your interests. While you’re at it, though, don’t forget to check our Web site for daily coverage and our monthly magazine.

Please feel free to continue to contact myself and our new editor about how we can better cover the issues that matter to you.

We’ll see you in January,

Eric Gneckow
Golden Gate [X]press Editor in Chief, Fall 2008