You probably noticed something different about today's paper.

The skyboxes were still there, as was the flag. But it was one of those "did you cut your hair?" moments.

You probably noticed a 10"x2" space in the bottom right corner of the front page. You haven't just missed it all summer; this was the only time all semester we've done it.

We put it there so we could mail a copy of today's Collegian to every Penn State freshman. Inside we included Fresh Start, our annual magazine dedicated completely toward the collegiate rookie.

Fresh Start is a guide around this enormous campus, a map of a foreign land for immigrating 17 and 18-year-olds. In it, we describe each section of campus, as well as the HUB and the new UHS building.

It's also one of many publications we put together that are not The Daily Collegian. We're also currently working on Fall 101, a "Welcome Back" of sorts for when students arrive for the new semester, and Fall Sports Preview, which ... you can figure out.

Late next month, look for our housing guide, too.

The daily is a necessary part of The Collegian, but it is not the only part. Our other publications help you get to know us, us get to know you, and make life a little simpler for everyone.

There won't be a mailing label on the front page for any other publication (the magazines will all be available on campus), but we're hoping you'll notice them anyway.

Besides, you'll want help looking for a place to live next year. And you've got to be curious about our football preview.

The Daily Collegian news division is a 200-piece machine. We are editors, reporters, photographers and graphic artists.

Each piece is vital to the success of the paper. Without even one, the paper would not be a fraction as good as it is.

But each semester, we lose a good chunk of those pieces -- to graduation, transfers and the like.

Thankfully, at a university that brings in thousands of fresh bodies each year, we don't have much of a problem filling the vacancies. Some personalities can't be replaced, but strong work ethic can be found everywhere.

That's where you come in.

If you're a hard-working individual with a knack for writing and an urge to ask questions, check out the paper for the next few days. You'll notice an advertisement with all the details about our tryout system. Lazy bums need not apply.

You don't need to have any experience, and there's no trick to getting through tryouts. Just show us how good you want to be.

Besides, this machine only needs a few pieces to improve even more.

Questions? Call the newsroom at 814-865-1828.