WRTC's Venue for Publishing Students' Work
WRTC
Annie Intrabartola and Caoimhe O'Sullivan Roche at the Lexia Submission Table
As the job market changes and the demand for experienced communicators grows, employers want proof that college graduates can succeed in a dynamic and diverse workplace. Lexia, WRTC’s online journal of undergraduate student work, gives WRTC students a public venue for showing off their writing and design skills, both of which are essential in today’s globally-connected workplace.
Publication in a journal such as Lexia offers the opportunity to showcase one’s best work, not only to peers but to outside professionals as well. Whether one plans to enter the workplace or pursue a graduate degree upon graduation, having that publication demonstrates a rite of passage and signals one’s readiness for a deeper commitment to the discipline.
Lexia is staffed by students and features work from both the W&R and TSC concentrations. The student editorial board is dedicated to helping writers publish their best work, but it all starts with student submission. Unlike traditional research journals, Lexia reviews submissions composed in any genre, including infographics, videos, traditional and multi-media essays, as well as creative non-fiction and other work done in WRTC courses.
Often, students fear their work is not strong enough to be published. Lexia editors understand writing and designing is an on-going process, and are available to work with writers to perfect their pieces. The board blind reviews work with the goal of determining strengths, weaknesses, and publication potential. Regardless of publication decisions, the editorial board provides feedback to writers that will help them gauge what’s working and how they can continue to develop their writing on a professional level. It’s a great opportunity for any WRTC student because the process provides a first-hand experience with the publication process and provides an opportunity for students to have work reviewed by someone other than their professors.
As the semester winds down, the Lexia editors encourage all WRTC majors and minors to submit at least one text/composition created for a WRTC course this semester.
In addition, if students are interested in being part of the review and publication process, they can apply for an editorial position with Lexia. Members of the editorial board enroll in WRTC 328: Practicum, which meets one evening a week for 1-2 hours. As editorial board members, students are involved in screening and editing submissions, seeing them through the entire publication process.
As veteran editor Giuliana Macaluso explains, “Lexia has given me unparalleled practical experience that I couldn't have gained elsewhere. It has not only given me an opportunity to put into practice all that I've learned in the classroom, but it has also allowed me to hone my editing skills and develop an eye for the components of a publishable piece.”
