Join the News Division
Attend one of the tryout meetings, where you will learn more about the Collegian and be asked to write a short news story based on a set of facts. Bring a blue exam book and a pencil. Tryouts will last about an hour and a half and will take place in the Collegian office. Look for the advertisement during the first week of the each academic semester for the tryout times.
The Collegian office is located on the ground floor of James Building, 123 S. Burrowes St., next to Paul & Tony's Stereo. If you have any questions, please contact News Adviser Jim Rodenbush at 865-3842. All tryouts will be at the Collegian office, 123 S. Burrowes St.
Who can try out to be a Daily Collegian reporter?
The Collegian welcomes any Penn State student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out. We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major. No previous journalism experience is necessary.
What will I learn at the Collegian?
You will learn how to interview sources and write articles. You will learn about journalism ethics and libel law. And whether you are interviewing a student government leader, profiling an athlete or reviewing a concert, you will be gaining valuable hands-on reporting experience.
Where can my experience at the Collegian take me?
Some Collegian staff members have gone on to become top journalists at The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, Esquire and other news organizations. Others have found their Collegian experience helpful in pursuing different fields.
"When I worked at the Daily Collegian between 1987 and 1990, I dreamed daily of writing for The Associated Press. Now that I am, I think just as often of how valuable the Collegian experience was.
"I learned how a daily newspaper operates - information valuable in any journalism job. I learned fairness and accuracy. Most of all, I realized that, though learning is indeed important, there is no substitute for doing.
"What I learned at the Collegian - and the fun, grief, exhilaration and exhaustion I felt while doing it - formed the bedrock of my journalism career."
- Ted Anthony, Associated Press National Writer
Whether you aspire to one day report for a national wire service, like Ted Anthony, or you simply want to gain some writing experience, The Daily Collegian provides excellent opportunities. With a News Division of more than 150 students and four reporting staffs to choose from, the Collegian gives you the chance to be a journalist at one of the top student newspapers in the country and have fun doing it.
If you are interested in applying for the photography department, contact the photo editor or Pat Little at 865-1828.
If you are interested in applying for the Collegian's graphics staff, contact graphics adviser Curtis Chan at 865-1828.
If you are interested in being an editorial cartoonist, pick up an application at the James Building. If you have any questions, please contact the opinion page editor at 865-1828.