BRIDGEWATER, Va. – The Philomathean, Bridgewater College’s student-published collection of arts and literature, is using interactive events this fall to promote submissions and connect with the campus community.
Jonah Todd, a member of the tabling and giveaway team, said the goal is to make the journal “more visible and engaging.”
“We’re going to have a few events where we set a table outside the KCC, and we’re also going to do a giveaway raffle out of a hat,” Todd said.
This year’s theme is “Uprooted.” At each tabling event, students can write their thoughts on what being “uprooted” means to them on an interactive poster designed with tree roots.
“We kind of wanted to dig deeper, like what’s under the surface,” Todd said.
Tabling events are scheduled for Oct. 13, 15 and 17, with a Pizza, Punch and Paint event also planned. Submissions for the journal are due by Oct. 21, and updates will be shared through the Philomathean’s Instagram page, @english.at.bc.
According to Cornell University, well-executed tabling can increase participation in campus activities by up to 30%, helping organizations reach a broader student demographic.
Meredith Scheiner, managing editor of the Philomathean said the journal accepts a variety of creative works such as poems, songs, short stories and all forms of art. However, submissions must be original and AI-generated content will not be accepted.
“Submissions come to me, and I filter them to make sure they’re anonymous before sending them out for review,” Schiener said. “ I get the final say on almost everything.”
Schiener said the journal has a long tradition at Bridgewater, the first edition was published in 1973.
A 2021 study in CBE—Life Sciences Education found that “students described that publishing gave them confidence in their ability to engage in research or to publish papers in the future … they also gained experience in writing, communicating, and navigating the publication process.”
“It is a part of Bridgewater culture and history. It’s a way to memorialize the work you’re doing, either creatively or academically,” Schiener said.
