Write the Ship

Write the Ship is Shippensburg University's Undergraduate Academic Journal. We publish student essays, research, studies, and work from all disciplines.

The journal, sponsored by the English Department, was founded in order to foster Shippensburg University's community of talented student writers. Faculty advisors are eager to welcome new voices from across the campus to participate in the publishing process, either by submitting work or by joining the staff. The advisors and editors at the journal strive to emphasize the diversity of voices that represent Shippensburg University. Every issue presents well-written work by students, on a wide variety of subjects, which demonstrate the abilities and interests of a vibrant university campus.

The journal is printed annually, in April, and a launch party is held to celebrate the efforts of the production staff and writers featured in each issue. Every contributor is presented with a copy of the journal in which their work appears.

Criteria for Publication 

The Write the Ship staff seeks fiction, non-fiction, essays, feature writing, reports and scholarly research of outstanding quality; there are no restrictions on genre, style or subject matter. The journal welcomes submissions from all departments and colleges across campus, from 100-level to upper-level courses.

Guidelines for Students

Students who wish to have their work published must be sponsored by a professor and are encouraged to seek sponsorship for papers they feel are of excellent quality. The application for submissions must be completed and turned in with a copy of the work to be considered by the due date. Response time varies depending on the number of submissions received.

If a student's work is chosen to be included in the journal, they will be asked to write a brief personal reflection - about 300 words or less - of their writing experience, which will accompany their submission in the journal.

Guidelines for Faculty 

Sponsoring the work of a promising student provides a unique mentoring opportunity that allows faculty members to have a more direct impact on the academic growth of their students. Professors wishing to nominate a student's exceptional work for publication should fill out the submission application and make sure that the work meets all of the certification guidelines before it is turned in.

Internship Opportunities 

Joining the Write the Ship staff offers student editors a valuable opportunity to share their creative skills and personal vision. Previous editorial experience at a journal is not necessary.,The most essential qualities required for this internship are a high level of creative energy and commitment to the project.

Cover Art 

Write the Ship is honored to feature cover art by Shippensburg University's most talented graphic artists. Each issue is truly a work of art from cover to cover.

Submit and Contact

Download a submission form or contact Dr. Nicole Santalucia (nmsantalucia@ship.edu).