Lilly Casolaro
Staff Writer
A free panel-style discussion informing Troy University students about publication will be presented on Tuesday, March 31, in Patterson Hall Room 103 at 4 p.m.
Sponsored by Phi Kappa Phi, collegiate honor society, and Sigma Tau Delta, English honor society, this event is made available to students in all disciplines and classifications.
The presentation is purposed to provide valuable information focusing on students getting their work published and how to construct a portfolio while providing preparation for steps after graduation.
Naomi Perez, a senior English major from Enterprise and editor of the Rubicon, helped correspond and organize the presentation because she sees a benefit for all students.
“This presentation is for everyone, and all are encouraged to come,” Perez said. “I would have loved to take advantage of this opportunity as early as a freshman or sophomore had it been made available to me.”
Featured panelists include: Troy University professors: Tim Buckner, history professor; Steve Stewart, journalism professor; Michael Slobodchikoff, political science professor; and Ben Robertson, English professor.
Robertson said this presentation makes students more aware of the opportunities available to get their works published.
“Anybody can do it. Some students think it is only for a select few. Publication gives students experience and a competitive edge over others,” said Robertson.
A variety of topics will be addressed such as submission etiquette and putting a resume together; conferences; academic journals; constructing an online portfolio; and developing a compilation of works, according to Perez.
Buckner said that he wants students to gain insight into the reasons for publication and the value of doing so.
“The discussion will focus on how to go about submitting and preparing works and why you would want to submit to undergraduate journals,” said Buckner.
“These steps will allow students to take what they enjoy and are interested in and apply it beyond just receiving a grade. This is a chance to push your education beyond a classroom,” he said.
Stewart emphasizes the importance of professionalism and employability among students through publication in the media.
“A key trait of media publication is to make it as easy as possible for an editor to say ‘yes’ to you and your work”, said Stewart.
“You must know what the editor expects by practicing and being familiar with the material to set you apart from others,” he said.
Attendees are encouraged to prepare questions in advance. The floor will be opened for questions after the panelists present.
“We want to have back-and-forth dialogue between the panelists and students to ensure that information is intentionally conveyed; especially material that students are expected to know beyond graduation that’s not necessarily taught in the classroom,” said Perez.
