The Arsenal

Introduction

Research and scholarship take many forms across disciplines; therefore, our definition of undergraduate research is intentionally broad and inclusive of all areas of scholarly and creative inquiry. The Arsenal Editorial Board welcomes submissions that are situated and appropriate in a given field, make an original contribution, abide by accepted ethical guidelines, and reflect a faculty mentored scholarly experience.
The Arsenal is pleased to offer three broad types of submissions of research and creative scholarship: written, video, and blended compositions. Specific opportunities for printed and digital publications follow

 

Written Submissions:

  • Scholarly Articlesare 2,000-6,000 words. Scholarly research articles may describe completed research and scholarly activity that has a clear introduction, question/hypothesis, results/analysis, and conclusion. These articles may also comprise of academic works such as literature reviews, literary analyses, case studies, essays, or book reviews. Include a written abstract (150-250 words). The word count does not include the title page, abstract, or reference list.
  • Feature Articlesare 1,000-2,000 words. Feature articles can include academic reflections on the undergraduate research experience such as reflections on a summer research experience, conference presentation experiences, how research involvement has changed one’s mind or prepared you for your next personal or professional steps. Include a written abstract (150-250 words). The word count does not include the title page, abstract, or reference list.

Video Submissions:

  • Oral presentations are videos of student author(s) alongside their stationary poster or slide presentation giving the oral presentation or research pitch. Presentations should follow a typical professional conference style. All oral presentations must be digitally recorded by the author following rules outlined in the formatting guidelines. Include a written abstract (150-250 words).
  • Vlog (video blogs) are a platform for students to share stories about their research in a more casual way that connects with a video audience. These stories about research experiences should be personal, authentic, original, and educational. Include a written abstract (50-75 words) that introduces the purpose of the Vlog and ideas expressed. Vlogs will be accessible via the internet version of The Arsenal and will be promoted by links (or url address or QR code) in print versions of The Arsenal. All vlog presentations must be digitally recorded by the author following rules outlined in the formatting guidelines. Sample ideas of what might be included in a UR Vlog:
  • A video tour of lab layout and experiences
  • How-To videos (e.g., tips for using lab equipment or software, tour of lab, interview)
  • Inspirational story about getting started in research
  • Lessons learned from my mentors
  • What research looks like for a [fill in the blank discipline]

Blended Submissions:

  • Creative works such as video choreography, still photography, theatrical or film production, or digital images of artwork are accompanied by a written scholarly description of the work (1000-2000 words) to include a) the purpose, inspiration, and context; b) methods, materials, and process used; and c) a reflective analysis of the outcome. Include a written abstract (150-250 words). The word count does not include the title page, abstract, or reference list.

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Formatting

Written Formatting Guidelines

  • APA style for student paper
  • Written work in .docx format
  • Minimum image resolution =1080×1080 px
  • Images must be in .jpg or .png formats and include alt text
  • Must include a caption (40–100 words) for any accompanying images
  • Must include acknowledgements

 

Video Formatting Guidelines:

  • No more than 7 minutes in length
  • Video in .mp4 format
  • Video 720p resolution
  • Audio in .mp3 format
  • The number of speakers limited to 2 persons
  • Speaker(s) must be in professional business dress
  • Must include a written transcript
  • Camera may move off the speaker to highlight or zoom into text/slide, as long as the author(s) are on camera about 70% of the video time.
  • Images of poster or slides must have no glare and be recorded in landscape. Videos of slide presentations should be captured using Echo360.
  • Zooming into research posters for certain talking points is encouraged
  • No questions or other conversation should be included
  • Must include acknowledgements
  • Video editing is the responsibility of the author(s)

 

Submission Process & Required Documents 

Arsenal submissions are accepted through a Microsoft Form available on the CURS Arsenal website. No submissions are accepted in paper format or by email. The process of submission includes the original submission to The Arsenal, students and faculty review, editing by authors and resubmission as required, copy editing and finally publication.

Elements of the submission:

  • Student Author(s) biography and headshot: Embedded into the Microsoft Arsenal Submission form.
  • Faculty Mentor(s) biography and headshot: Embedded into the Microsoft Arsenal Submission form. 
  • Title Page: Follow guidelines from the APA's Student Paper title page. File is uploaded as .docx into the Microsoft Arsenal Submission form. 
  • Abstract (150-250 words, if required) follow guidelines from APA 7 Abstract and Key words Guide. File is uploaded into the Microsoft Arsenal Submission form. 
  • Manuscript (depending on type of submission) follow guidelines from the APA's Student Paper.  File is uploaded into the Microsoft Arsenal Submission form. 
  • IACUCor IRB Approval number for all human or nonhuman animal studies: Embedded into the Microsoft Arsenal Submission form. 
  • Faculty Mentor Consent Form. File is uploaded into the Microsoft Arsenal Submission form. 
  • CWE Review File is uploaded into the Microsoft Arsenal Submission form. 
  • Follow AU accessibility guidelines (e.g., a text equivalent for every non-text element should be provided). The Arsenal editors will help assure accessibility prior to publication.

Policies:

  • The Arsenal requires all manuscripts and citations, regardless of type, to be in English and styled following APA 7th Edition,student paper.
  • Students must obtain approval from their faculty mentor that the research can be submitted and published with The Arsenal.
  • All manuscripts must be reviewed by the Center for Writing Excellence (CWE). Documentation will be required when students submit their manuscript for review. 
  • All authors are required to have an ORCiD IDcreated prior to submission.
  • All authors are required to provide evidence of ethical approval (from IRB or IACUC) as appropriate for studies involving human or nonhuman animal subjects.
  • All authors are required to sign acknowledgement statements about the integrity and originality of work
  • The Arsenal reserves the right to require ADA compliance on all submissions, regardless of format.

Resources:

CURS Arsenal website

APA 7th Edition, student paper

Center for Writing Excellence (CWE)

Microsoft Arsenal Submission form

Faculty Mentor Consent Form


Frequently Asked Questions

How does CURS define research?

CURS joins the Council on Undergraduate Research in their endorsement of scholarship by identifying common characteristics that run through all undergraduate research and scholarly activity regardless of discipline:

        1. Mentorship. A scholarly collaborative interaction between the faculty mentor and student, in which the student is intellectually engaged in the scholarly problem or project
        2. Originality. The student makes a meaningful and authentic contribution to the scholarly problem or project, and the work must be partially or entirely novel
        3. Acceptability. Employing techniques and methodologies that are appropriate and recognized by the discipline with a problem or project that includes a reflective and synthetic component
        4. Dissemination. Includes a final tangible product for which both the process and results are peer-reviewed, juried, or judged in a manner consistent with disciplinary standards
        5. Ethical. Abides by the ethical guidelines of the discipline and university ensuring integrity of performance, data and assurance of respect and fairness for all subjects of study.

Can I submit just an abstract for publication?

No. Abstracts that stand alone (no accompanying manuscript) are accepted only for those authors accepted to the Undergraduate Research and Fine Arts Conference and the Summer Scholars Program Symposium.

What if I wrote a paper while I was at AU, but I’m now graduated? Can I still publish in The Arsenal?

Yes, as long as you  wrote the paper while a student in good standing at Augusta University and it has been no more than one year since your graduation.

If my Honors thesis has already been approved by my committee, does my manuscript still go through the editing process?

Yes. Students who have been through the review of a faculty panel will likely have very few edits requested by The Arsenal editorial staff. However, to ensure readability, consistency, the editorial staff will still review your entire manuscript.

Does publication in the Arsenal qualify as a professional publication for the Augusta University Distinction in Research?

Yes, if the submission is a full research manuscript. Although The Arsenal is an undergraduate publication, we accept it as a professional publication for purposes of the application for a Distinction in Research. However, published abstracts Vlogs, feature articles, or oral/video presentations do not count as a professional publication of research for the CURS Distinctions.

More Questions? Contact The Arsenal at arsenal@augusta.edu.

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