Inquiry's first goal is to publicize undergraduate research at UNH. Its second, and equally important, goal is to offer UNH students the opportunity to learn how to communicate technical knowledge to a broad, international range of readers—the online audience of the future. Preparing an article for publication to this audience is a collaboration between student authors and editors, rather different from writing for a grade in a course. The many drafts and revisions involved afford a learning experience for both authors and editors. The process begins early fall semester and continues through March of spring semester. (See EDITORIAL CALENDAR)
The authors of Inquiry articles often begin with a report or essay describing their research experiences and results in a specific academic discipline, such as microbiology or studio art. Their audience is mentors, teachers, classmates, and colleagues, all of whom are familiar with the terms and concepts of the discipline. The published Inquiry article, however, must speak to a much wider audience: to members of other disciplines and to the general public worldwide.
Inquiry student and staff editors are members of that wider audience, who can tell an author when a concept, process, or term is or is not clear. Often, they will propose revised sentences, a different subject organization, reordering of paragraphs—all to help the author effectively develop and convey his/her subject. They can also challenge the author to make his/her research interesting and relevant. Student editors receive basic training in how to guide an author through the revision process, but much of the training is “on the job.”
Before authors are accepted, they respond to basic revision questions and discuss them with a staff editor. (See SUBMISSIONS) Author and staff editor draft a revision plan for the article. Then authors are teamed with student editors, and these teams work together throughout the revision process. Staff editors offer guidance and try to ensure that both authors and editors are learning how to better communicate and express themselves. Mentors read and comment on drafts, and designated Writing Assistants in the Connors Writing Center can also be called on for help.
Publication agreement
Although editors play a large role in the development of an article, authors and their mentors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the final content. Both must sign a PUBLICATION AGREEMENT before the issue goes online. An author signature verifies that the work submitted is the author’s own, and that the author has read and agrees with the points about responsibility for publication in professional journals, the uses of published work for UNH publicity purposes, and the right of Inquiry staff to edit all submissions. For some commentaries, the signature of the faculty mentor or principal teacher may not be required.
Hard copies are available at the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research (Hood House 209) and outside the Inquiry office (Hood House 218).
Editorial calendar
September—mid-October: Staff editors meet with potential authors to discuss responses to revision questions. A student editorial board is assembled and meets. Student editors interview each other for short biographies.
Mid-October: Submissions are selected for the issue, and authors begin work with a student and/or staff editor. Editors interview authors and mentors for short biographies.
Mid-October—end of fall semester: Author/editor teams revise through (usually) many drafts, and submit an unpolished but complete draft by December 18.
January—early February: Final revisions are made and author/editor teams submit polished drafts.
Mid-February—mid-March: Other editors comment on drafts. Staff editors proofread and prepare articles for publication on the Web. Authors and mentors approve the final version of their articles.
Mid-April: Inquiry Web site goes live.
