The editors of the Journal of Urban Affairs are committed to supporting the development of the next generation of urban scholars. To this end, JUA has participated in the publishing workshops at the annual meetings of the Urban Affairs Association. At these workshops, recent graduates and beginning scholars have the opportunity to learn more about topics such as selecting the most appropriate journal, journal processes, and the optimal structure for papers.
The Journal of Urban Affairs, along with many other quality journals, rejects well over half of the papers it receives. The Editorial Board of JUA has a program that provides novice scholars with more individualized support as they begin their publishing activities. Participants in the program will receive individual guidance from a member of the JUA Editorial Board on how to develop their idea into a paper that is acceptable for publication in the Journal.
Beginning scholars should submit both an abstract and draft paper to the JUA Scholar Development Program. The editors will consider whether the topic proposed in the abstract would likely be appropriate for JUA. If it is not, the editors will provide guidance with respect to other journals that might consider the topic to be suitable. Draft articles will be reviewed by the editors and, if the topic is appropriate for JUA, the draft will be reviewed by a member of the editorial board who will provide suggestions for changes that will improve the chances that the article would receive a favorable review.
This program is not a substitute for careful proofreading and copy-editing or the double blind peer review process and participation does not guarantee that the article will be accepted by JUA.
The program is open to PhD students and any PhD graduates who have never published (or have only published once) in an American or Canadian refereed journal. There are no set deadlines for submitting articles to this initiative but the number of draft articles that can be considered is limited; authors should limit submissions to one per year. When a draft article is submitted, the author will be given an indication of how long it will take to receive feedback.
If you would like to participate in this program, or would like additional information, please send an electronic copy of your proposed article/abstract, along with a two page CV to:
Professor Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, Senior Associate Editor
Professor Laura A. Reese, Senior Associate Editor
scholar@msu.edu
Journal of Urban Affairs 