The Observer is the student-run, daily print and online newspaper serving Notre Dame and Saint Mary's.

     As stated in the editorial policy, news is reported as accurately and objectively as possible. The Observer is produced by amateur journalists, yet editors, reporters, photographers and designers strive to conduct themselves as professionals at all times.

     The Observer publishes stories about local events and issues that affect students and staff members of both institutions. As an Associated Press newspaper, The Observer prints wire stories and graphics to inform readers of national and world news and sports.

     Story ideas predominantly are generated by reporters who focus on specific beats or who regularly cover council meetings and sporting events. Story ideas also come from advertisements in The Observer and on campus posters, as well as from Notre Dame's Office of Public Relations, Saint Mary's Department of Marketing and Communications, Information and Sports Information Department and Saint Mary's Athletic Department.

     Important also are tips from members of the Notre Dame and Saint Mary's community who call, write or e-mail The Observer staff regarding upcoming events or interesting features. Groups should pass along pertinent information to department editors at least one week before a planned event.

     Members of clubs or dorms sponsoring events are encouraged to complete an "Of Interest" or a "Sports Briefs" form, available at The Observer office, several days before an event. This information will run as part of a bi-weekly community calendar. As an alternative, groups may purchase advertisement at special campus rates. As a rule, The Observer does not publish previews of lectures or events which reporters plan to cover, excepting circumstances in which speakers are nationally or internationally renowned. Previews are also run when it is not feasible for a reporter to attend an event or when a preview is more appropriate than a post-event article.

     Sports previews and wrap-ups generally are assigned for all varsity games; big games or championships in club and dorm leagues are also reported.

     Editors are always willing to discuss The Observer's coverage of the Notre Dame and Saint Mary's community. They can be contacted at the phone numbers and e-mail addresses printed each day on the first page of the Viewpoint section and available at this site.