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Students learn the nuances of the publication world

December 8, 2014

The growth of Southern Indiana Review (SIR), USI's biannual literary journal, has opened the door to opportunities to students in numerous disciplines. The popularity of the journal and its social media and web presence give student workers and interns opportunities to contribute web design, editing, graphic design, business administration, communication and marketing skills. A new recording studio equipped with a sound booth and video set is being used for podcasts and video to promote upcoming issues of the journal and affiliated events, as well as interviews and readings from visiting writers.

Ron Mitchell, editor of SIR and instructor in English, says that without the help of his student workers and interns, managing the journal would be impossible. "We are dependent on them to go about our business. It's just too much to maintain and manage without their help," he said. Students are taken through the entire publication process from logging in submissions, evaluating material, editing, corresponding with writers and promoting both the journal and speakers who visit campus. Additionally, they learn InDesign layout software and Adobe Audition to edit audio and video files in the recording studio. The videos are posted on SIR's YouTube channel, which increases national promotion of both the journal and the University. "Most university literary journals are staffed by graduate students. So the editors for SIR have had to really stop and think about how to prepare a functional undergraduate workforce," he said.  

Cassidy Helms 2Cassidy Helms, a junior double majoring in English and Spanish, has worked for the journal for about a year. Since her start as a student worker and with her recent promotion as SIR's office manager, she has had a hand in running all aspects of the publication. "I saw the opportunity to get great experience in a field I was interested in pursuing while still working on campus and being able to contribute to USI," said Helms. Mitchell says he has trusted Helms to coordinate entire SIR events. She has created flyers and posters, chosen menus from Sodexo, booked rooms and corresponded with writers. Helms also has laid out journal content and is the only person allowed to match names with files related to the anonymous contest entries.

In addition to managing SIR, Mitchell also teaches a special projects English course, ENG 459: Literary Editing and Publishing, each fall. As well as teaching students about the publication industry at large, he also takes them through the upcoming issue of SIR. Students read and edit short stories and poetry submissions, evaluate the content and discuss which pieces should be considered for publication. "It really does take them through the entire process of what it takes to put out a literary journal, from submission to issue release," said Mitchell. Many students in the class are writers themselves and feel that the class has improved their own writing, allowing them to view the material through the eyes of an editor. "I hope to make a living from publishing novels," said Jake Adams, senior. "It's helped me to learn about the next step-what happens after the writing is done."

DSCN4961The course also offers a service learning component which allows each student to use skills they gained in class to benefit a department on campus. Students Katarina Book, sophomore, and Annie Bono, senior, are working with Dr. Susanna Hoeness-Krupsaw, associate professor of English, to develop an e-newsletter for the English department. Another student and part-time senior administrative associate in Outreach and Engagement, Rachel Price, is creating a facilitator's handbook to aid communication and share ideas in her department. Eric Johnson, senior, is interviewing Nigerian princess and featured artist for the SIR fall 2014 issue, Dr. Sweet Ebeigbe for a podcast. Jake Adams is collaborating with Dr. Michael Kearns, professor of English, on a website. Dr. Amy Montz, assistant professor of English, is receiving assistance from Hannah Forkel, senior, on the design of a handbook for the English teaching program.

"The SIR internships give students practical experience, help them develop marketable skills and give them valuable experience in working with a team and managing large projects from start to finish," said Dr. Stephen Spencer, chair of the English department. "The work the students and interns do under the guidance of Ron Mitchell has elevated SIR and garners national attention for USI. Contributors to the journal have won prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize."

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