by Jeff Havens
The Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Journal,
the first comprehensive digital journal in the nation devoted to
undergraduate scholarship in all the major academic disciplines, will
be officially launched at noon Monday, Jan. 24.
Recognizing the emerging trends in academic publishing toward wide
dissemination of research findings on the Web, the new publication will
be the first undergraduate journal in the world to use the open access
publication system created by the Public Knowledge Project at the
University of British Columbia. It also represents a major commitment
from the Office of the Provost to the undergraduate experience through
the involvement of Vanderbilt students in the peer review process.
“We’re extremely pleased with the university’s bold commitment to
recognize the best academic scholarship at Vanderbilt,” said Warren
Langevin, a junior at Peabody College. “While many leading universities
like Stanford and MIT currently have peer-reviewed research
publications, this project will be the first digitally-integrated
academic journal of its kind in the country.”
The journal accepts submissions from every undergraduate student in all
academic disciplines. Both faculty members and students will be
involved in a unique peer-review process, which is the traditional
standard for professional academic work. All contributors must seek
faculty approval of the research design and methods for their
submission prior to the blind, peer-review process. In addition, two
faculty members and one distinguished student from each undergraduate
school serve on an advisory board for governance decisions.
Although VURJ will be a digital publication in its first year, several
key academic leaders want the journal to have a very visible role on
campus. One of the organization’s first goals is to host workshops for
prospective contributors in partnership with several student
organizations and academic honoraries.
“I think VURJ is a great
idea,” said Kenneth F. Galloway, professor of electrical engineering
and dean of the School of Engineering. “The Engineering School has
always encouraged undergraduates to participate in research. The VURJ will open up new opportunities and new experiences for engineering students.”
Lucius Outlaw, professor of philosophy and African American studies and
associate provost for undergraduate education, is equally enthusiastic.
“With the launching of the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Journal,
we continue our efforts to provide enhanced opportunities for our
undergraduates to participate in and contribute to the exciting and
important work of research and scholarship. And what is especially
notable about this journal is that it is entirely the brainchild of our
undergraduates. They both confirm and exemplify our judgments that we
are attracting and nurturing undergraduates of extraordinary talent and
initiative.”
Later in the spring semester, the editorial staff will
collaborate with the Office of Innovation through Technology to host a
regional academic event, the Technology Education Collegiate
Conference, on April 15-16. It will provide an opportunity for
professional and student leaders to explore innovations in higher
education technology and share work, publications, projects and
research.
The VURJ submission deadline
for this academic year is April 1, although contributors are encouraged
to submit their articles prior to the deadline. The full issue will be
published to an international scholarly audience at the end of the
semester. To read or submit articles to the VURJ, visit http://vurj.vanderbilt.edu.
edu.
Posted 1/24/05
