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This semester The Mac Weekly’s opinion section saw a marked drop in interest. To say that submissions took a dip would be putting it mildly. Despite efforts of recruitment, engagement and transparency, as well as provocative news coverage, the number of letters and editorials plummeted like the Dow Jones. But it gets worse. Currently no one has stepped up to the plate to take a swing at editing the opinion section for the spring semester. There’s also a disconcerting vacancy for the position of photo editor.

What’s the deal? Have students lost interest in their opinions or engagement with the media? Are we doing so poorly that students don’t even want to try to do better?

Seriously, if you don’t like what you see in The Mac Weekly, why not join us and prove us wrong?

Unlike many other college publications, The Mac Weekly is small enough to be accessible to all interested students. We require no application and we’re happy to work with anyone interested in writing, editing, drawing, or taking photos. We’re always accepting rookies. Heck, a lot of students begin the semester as writers and finish as associate editors. That’s how we got here, and you could, too.

These days, The Mac Weekly is feeling pretty lonely as a space for journalism on campus. With the dissolution of the Communications Studies department, eviction of the World Press Institute and the departure of veteran journalist Doug Stone from his position as Director of College Relations, the resources to support journalism as a key practice of critical civic engagement are dwindling.

You could use us. We could use you. Come keep us company.

The opinions expressed above are those of The Mac Weekly, as determined by the staff. The perspectives are not representative of Macalester College.