The UTSA Journal of Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Works (URSW), a peer-reviewed academic journal, features research abstracts, poster presentations, summary reports, research manuscripts, and other presentation formats highlighting undergraduate creativity and scholarly inquiry from a wide variety of disciplines. It is published annually by the Office of the Vice President for Research at the end of the spring semester.
The Journal’s editorial board is comprised of faculty from across the academic units of the University, as well as Library and Core Writing professionals. Dr. Jill Graper Hernandez, Associate Dean of University College and Associate Professor of Philosophy, is the new Editor-in-Chief.
The Journal is a way to promote the research our undergraduate researchers are producing. While the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry Showcase serves as a great opportunity for students to interact and develop their presentation skills, the Journal is a repository for their research to live on. Submitting to the journal is a great way for students to take their research and shape it into a finished product. Not only do they develop their writing skills, but they also learn how the peer-reviewed publication process works, skills they will need as they continue with their academic studies. Being published gives the student a chance to be recognized for their scholarly work and gives them a greater sense of accomplishment.
Having an academic journal dedicated to undergraduate research also promotes the role of research on campus, and shows students there are even greater opportunities to be get involved in undergraduate research.
The Journal will close submissions for its second edition on August 31, 2017, and thereafter, will be accepting submissions at the end of each semester for twice-annual publication.