Embracing the value of a liberal arts and sciences education, Gettysburg College students are showcasing their work through entirely student-run publications.
Gettysburg College is rooted in its signature approach. Along with a rigorous education in the liberal arts and sciences, one way that students can expand their enduring skillset is to engage with one of our student-run academic journals on campus, either by publishing a work or serving as an editor.
This year, five journals—each highlighting a unique academic discipline—are being managed and published entirely by Gettysburg students. These journals provide an outlet for students to engage in scholarly discourse, work collaboratively as editing teams, and showcase their innovative work.
Digital publications can be found online in The Cupola—a centralized, open-access database where submissions are accepted in the fall semester and issues are published in the spring.
The Mercury
The Mercury was first published in 1893, making it Gettysburg College’s longest-running student-led academic journal. Nineteen issues are currently available for download in The Cupola, and older issues are also available through GettDigital.
The literary magazine publishes works in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and art, and each year, a competition is held amongst students with a cash prize awarded for each genre. After the editorial staff finalizes the accepted submissions, anonymous versions are sent to external judges—often alumni—to review the pieces and select the winners.
Along with reviewing submissions, working with authors to edit their pieces, and organizing the publication, the editorial board also hosts non-production-related events, such as Write Nights for students to generate creative material.
Noelle Muni ’24, an English major from Hamilton, NJ, wrote for The Mercury and worked as its editor-in-chief for three years. She enjoyed collaborating with students from other departments and combining different perspectives to work towards a common goal.
“There is such a community element to the journal, and given that we’ve published without interruption since 1893, it really feels like you’re doing something that’s deeply a part of the College,” Muni shared.
The Gettysburg Historical Journal
The Gettysburg Historical Journal was first published in 2002, and 23 issues are currently available for download in The Cupola. The publication serves as an opportunity for anyone who writes a history-related paper—regardless of whether they are a part of the Gettysburg community—to showcase their scholarship.
“Within the history department, getting a work published is a huge accomplishment and it can be beneficial when applying for jobs or internships,” explained Emily Suter ’25, co-editor-in-chief from Allentown, PA. “Providing ways for people to do so, even if they attend other colleges, is extremely rewarding.”
The Gettysburg College Journal of the Civil War Era
The Gettysburg College Journal of the Civil War Era was first published in 2010, and 12 issues are currently available for download in The Cupola. With a focus on American history, the journal accepts three types of submissions: academic essays based on primary source research, historical non-fiction essays, and book reviews.
Submissions to the journal are accepted not only from Gettysburg students, but from any undergraduate student across the globe.
“I love getting to work with many students, whether it’s on historical analysis or strong academic writing,” said Danielle Russell ’25, co-editor-in-chief from Gilroy, CA. “It’s really cool to collaborate with younger students on campus and to see the impact that our journal has all over the world, given that we have such a wide readership.”
Gettysburg Social Sciences Review
The Gettysburg Social Sciences Review was first published in 2017, and nine issues are currently available for download in The Cupola. The journal encompasses all aspects of the social sciences, and submissions are reviewed internationally.
Kat Manchester ’25, a managing editor from Castle Rock, CO, emphasizes her goal to build and maintain a strong sense of community among the student reviewers and contributors around the world. “Not only are we reading articles that are often from the perspective of international authors, but we are also communicating with those authors as well. Intercultural fluency is key to the nature of this journal,” she said.
The Gettysburg Journal for Public Policy
The Gettysburg Journal for Public Policy was first published in 2023, and two issues are currently available for download in The Cupola. The journal accepts any policy-related submissions. Although it mainly receives essays from Gettysburg students, it is open to everyone.
“I have loved being a managing editor for the journal,” shared Troy Ayado ’25, a political science and public policy double major from Murrieta, CA. “It is something that I didn’t expect to do coming to college, but I enjoy getting to work with many people and hear their thoughts on different subjects and policy-related issues. I really appreciate that all editors are really dedicated to the quality of our work.”
Submit your work to one of the Gettysburg College student-run academic journals.
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By Brooke Askin ’25
Photos submitted by students
Posted: 11/06/24