Behind Arcadia’s Scholarly Journal The Compass
In the world of academia, scholarly journals serve as an essential platform for students to share their research, refine their writing, and engage in the larger intellectual conversation. At Arcadia University, The Compass stands as a beacon of student scholarship, offering a unique space where students from diverse disciplines can publish their work, refine their editorial skills, and experience the collaborative nature of academic publishing.
The Compass is Arcadia University’s interdisciplinary scholarly journal, showcasing student research from a variety of academic fields, including STEM, political science, literary analysis, and beyond. Unlike many traditional academic journals, The Compass is designed to be accessible to a broad audience, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with a given discipline can engage with and appreciate the research presented. Each year, the journal publishes a selection of student papers that have undergone a rigorous editing and peer-review process, making it a testament to the high academic standards upheld by Arcadia’s students and faculty. The journal operates with the mission of encouraging students to take ownership of their research, refine their analytical and writing skills, and contribute meaningfully to their respective fields. It also provides students with an invaluable opportunity to understand the inner workings of academic publishing—an experience that is particularly beneficial for those considering careers in academia, editing, or publishing.
This is my first year on The Compass staff and it has been a transformative experience. From my first interaction with the journal, I was drawn in by the passion and dedication of its team. The collaborative spirit, the meticulous approach to editing, and the genuine excitement surrounding each year’s issue made it clear that this was more than just a student publication—it was a thriving academic community. One of the most rewarding aspects of working with The Compass is witnessing the evolution of a piece from its initial draft to its final published form. The editing process is incredibly detailed, involving multiple rounds of feedback and revisions. Editors work closely with authors to enhance their arguments, strengthen their structure, and ensure clarity in their writing. This process fosters a strong sense of partnership between editors and authors, emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism and collaborative refinement.
Beyond the technical aspects of editing, The Compass has also provided me with invaluable communication and teamwork skills. Coordinating with fellow editors, discussing revisions with authors, and participating in peer reviews have all contributed to my growth as both a writer and a professional. The journal is not just about publishing research—it’s about building relationships, refining ideas, and contributing to an academic culture of excellence.
To gain a deeper understanding of The Compass and its impact, I spoke with senior History major and Law and Public Policy minor Nicole Burgon, our journal’s Editor-in-Chief. Burgon has been involved with The Compass for three years and describes it as one of the most fulfilling teams she has ever been a part of.
“It’s full of people who are passionate about writing and editing, and being part of publishing each year’s issue is so rewarding.” Her journey with The Compass began with her love for editing. “I have always been someone who friends and classmates turn to for help with their writing. Joining The Compass allowed me to do what I enjoy while also getting paid for it,” she explains.
As Editor-in-Chief, her role has evolved significantly. She is now responsible for overseeing the entire publication process, from managing submissions to assigning editors and facilitating multiple rounds of edits. Despite the administrative responsibilities, her favorite part remains running meetings with the team. “We don’t meet in person super regularly since most of our work is remote, but when we do, I am always so proud of everyone’s collaboration, pride, and positive attitude in the work that they do.”
Senior Creative Writing and French major Juliana Reidell, another key member of our team, has been involved with The Compass for two years, working both as an Editor and as the Marketing Manager where she designs Instagram posts. Her role as an editor involves soliciting submissions, reviewing papers, and guiding authors through the revision process.
Reidell highlights the meticulous nature of editing within The Compass: “We work closely with authors for months, helping them refine their papers on both a content and sentence level. From elaborating on themes to adjusting academic voice, every aspect of a paper is carefully considered.” Beyond editing, she emphasizes the value of teamwork and communication. “Editors are required to keep in close contact with their authors and fellow editors, making collaboration essential. It’s a level of responsibility that goes beyond just editing—you’re accountable to your author, your editor-in-chief, and your fellow editors.”
She encourages all students to read the upcoming issue of The Compass. “Not only have the authors and editorial team put in immense effort, but the selection of papers is always diverse and eclectic. You never know what you might discover that could be relevant or inspiring for your own academic pursuits.”
Whether you’re a student looking to publish your research, an aspiring editor wanting to gain experience, or simply someone who enjoys engaging with well-crafted academic arguments, The Compass has something to offer. The journal provides an opportunity to see what high-quality student research looks like, gain insight into the publication process, and explore topics outside of your usual academic discipline. For those considering submitting their work, reviewing past issues is an excellent way to understand the type of research that gets published. The journal’s interdisciplinary nature ensures that a wide range of topics and perspectives are represented, making each issue a treasure trove of knowledge and discovery.
Being part of The Compass has been an incredible journey—one that has not only improved my editing and writing skills but has also deepened my appreciation for academic scholarship. The dedication of the team, the rigor of the editing process, and the pride in seeing a finished issue come to life make it a truly rewarding experience.
Wherever you may be studying, I highly encourage you to check out The Compass. Whether you contribute as a writer, editor, or reader, engaging with this journal is a valuable way to connect with the broader academic community, refine your analytical skills, and appreciate the hard work that goes into scholarly publishing.
