By Khnuma Simmonds
An online publication featuring the written and digital works of the University’s undergraduate students will be launched this May.
The first of its kind at the University, the publication titled, “The Hofstra Undergraduate Research Journal,” will “provide a public space to display and celebrate the exceptional products of Hofstra undergraduates,” according to a written statement by Dean Stephen Russell of the Honors College and Miguel-Angel Zapata, associate professor of Romance Languages and Literature.
The multidisciplinary journal, sponsored by the Honors College, “will also serve as a credible place for students to publish exceptional work they have produced as Hofstra undergraduates.”
Although the Honors College is developing the journal, all undergraduates are welcome to submit their work.
“This is an idea that was developed within the Honors College for the entire student body,” Russell said. “Students provide outstanding pieces of work and deserve to have it widely seen.”
Information about how, where and to whom the work should be submitted is currently being discussed.
“We haven’t even decided on the subjects to be covered,” Zapata said. “Students will be informed in a timely manner as the project is still under construction.”
Once a student-faculty editorial committee is established, it will determine the review procedures and guidelines for submissions.
A peer editing method will be used to determine which works will be published.
“Works have to be reviewed by a specialist in the field and then by a student prior to publication,” Russell said. “Potential grad schools and work places won’t consider publications that were not reviewed by a specialist, as much as they would for a publication that was.”
Simon Duncanson, a sophomore philosophy major, said the publication is a good way for students to develop writing skills and receive thoughtful critiques, but it may be vulnerable to plagiarism.
“There might be students from the same class or students with similar subjects as those featured in the journal who may incorporate the ideas of other students into their paper instead of providing their own arguments,” he said.
Rashina Mondesir, a junior and political science major, said the journal would allow students to gain insight from peers.
“I think it is a good opportunity for students to receive feedback from their peers as opposed to receiving critiques solely from faculty and administration,” she said.
Once the logistics of the journal have been finalized, the Honors College will announce its launch. The issue, Russell said, will also contain additional information for interested students.
The first edition is expected to feature theses from the Honors College’s May 2006 graduates and will thereafter be open to research and independent study projects from other individuals and classes, Russell said.