Editorial policy is the guidelines by which the organization operates. It includes the organization's attitudes toward its community and aids editors in making editorial decisions.
The editorial board of The Appalachian makes recommendations on all editorial policy decisions. The editor-in-chief serves as chairperson. The editorial board meets twice weekly, during online production and before production of each print issue, to determine the editorial position of the unsigned editorial and to assign the writing of that editorial. R
egardless of who writes the editorial, responsibility for content remains with the editorial board and the editor-in-chief. Editorials, whether written by the editor-in-chief or another member of the editorial board, must be based on adequate research to demonstrate an accurate understanding of the issue.
When necessary, the editor-in-chief is responsible for formulating editorials based on a consensus (unanimous consent) of the editorial board. If a consensus cannot be reached a vote will be taken. To be approved a proposed editorial must garner 2 positive votes.
Editorials approved by 2 positive votes or by consensus will be unsigned and considered the opinion of the paper. If 2 positive votes cannot be achieved, a proposed editorial must be signed by those who support it. Te editor-in- chief has the authority to overrule the editorial board and to refuse to allow an editorial topic be addressed in the student news publication; however, the editor-in-chief cannot substitute a different position on the same topic without a majority positive vote of the editorial board
The editor-in-chief has responsibility to implement any policy decisions reached by the editorial board. When determining policy the board should keep in mind the need for readers to know information, community standards and the effect the newspaper has upon the community agenda. The newspaper should strive to inform, enhance discussion of campus issues, and to entertain
When questions of policy cannot be resolved by the editorial board or affect the entire organization, the Student Media Board may be asked to address the issue. Should the Media Board fail to resolve the question or otherwise choose, the matter may be taken to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.