In today’s Closer Look section, we have profiled the Marquette Student Government presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2010-’11 academic term. We at the Tribune are committed to full disclosure and objective coverage of MUSG.

One of the candidates, Emil Ovbiagele, is a weekly Viewpoints columnist. As editor-in-chief, I assure all members of the Marquette community that the Tribune’s coverage of the MUSG presidential race will not be swayed in his favor.

He will continue his weekly column, “Up Close and Global,” but the space allotted to his opinions on world issues will not serve as a medium to share his election platforms, nor will he be permitted to include any campus news or figures in his column that could be used to advance his campaign.

Staff members on our news team and our editorial board will give equal scrutiny to Ovbiagele and his running mate, Ravi Gill, as well as to their opponents, presidential candidate Meghan Ladwig and her running mate Joey Ciccone.

“Up Close and Global” is a themed column that discusses international affairs and policy. Its topics do not typically include campus or local events. Ovbiagele’s background as a native of Nigeria provides a unique perspective for Tribune readers, a valuable asset for an opinion columnist. He was instructed when he was hired that his column could not be used to push any agenda he might have as MUSG academic senator for the College of Arts & Sciences, an office he has held for the entire academic year. This has never been a problem.

In the weeks leading up to the election, editors will work diligently to ensure that Ovbiagele’s position on Marquette Student Media will not give him an upper hand. Still, I invite readers to submit feedback evaluating the objectivity in our coverage of the MUSG race. As always, the Viewpoints pages will serve as a forum for open debate of candidates’ positions and suitability for the offices of MUSG president and executive vice president. Feedback can be submitted to [email protected].

The Tribune holds its duty to be an objective arbiter of news in high esteem, helping to keep the Marquette community informed. We are grateful for your readership.

Truthfully yours,

Jim McLaughlin

Editor-in-chief