Welcome back!   By now, you’ve had the chance to catch up with friends and see some new faces.   Whether you’re new to campus or returning, we hope this special Back to School Edition serves as a guide as you settle into your routines for the semester.

Another special fact about this issue is that it’s the earliest one The Pioneer has ever printed, edging out last year’s first issue by three full weeks.   Our editors worked throughout the summer to prepare this edition, no easy feat.   Thanks to the efforts of our talented staff, we also made the transition from tabloid style to broadside, and launched a massive overhaul of our Web site, which now offers more interactive features than ever before.

Look for our first regular issue to hit the stands on Thursday, Sept. 17.     In the meantime, we’re accepting applications for all staff positions, from reporters and columnists to photographers, illustrators and business associates.   If you think you may have an interest in joining The Pioneer, please come by our open staff meeting this Sunday, Sept. 6, at 7:15 p.m. in The Pioneer office on the second floor of Reid: and yes, there will be pizza.   Working for The Pioneer is a unique way to engage with the Whitman community: whether by interviewing campus organizations, selling ads to local businesses or honing your artistic skills. The Pioneer is your newspaper and we need your support to provide the best coverage possible.