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Interested in joining The Vernal Pool team?

All you need to do is meet the following requirements:

  • Be a current undergraduate student at UC Merced
  • Have completed WRI 10 with a C- or better

Once these requirements have been met, students can join The Vernal Pool by registering for WRI 131A and WRI 131B. Though WRI 131A is a prerequisite for WRI 131B, the courses may be taken concurrently. Students are free to repeat WRI 131B as many times as they’d like. See the UC Merced Catalog for more details.

WRI 131A: Journal Production: Technical Writing and Editing ➤

Theoretical and practical approaches to journal editing in academic, creative, and professional genres. Engaging a range of stylistic, content, layout, and ethical concerns for digital and print journals, students address the demands of reviewing and editing various stages of manuscript preparation, from content to copyediting.

WRI 131B: Journal Production: Vernal Pool ➤

Practical approaches to editing the Vernal Pool, UC Merced’s undergraduate literary journal. Students coordinate the journal’s editorial flow and manage the stages of submission. Students engage author inquiries and editorial board suggestions for sustainably producing the journal, engaging a range of content, layout, and ethical concerns for publication.

Below are the positions involved in The Vernal Pool.

Editor-in-Chief

The Editor-in-Chief is in charge of overseeing the journal and board members as a whole. Their job is to facilitate meetings and delegate tasks to other positions.

Managing Editors

This position is often filled by two people who have the job of supporting the Editor-in-Chief with delegating tasks. They are typically in charge of smaller teams within The Vernal Pool.

Lead Copy Editor

Lead Copy Editors are in charge of overseeing the Copy Editors and making sure that all copyediting is being done in a timely manner so content is ready to publish.

Web Manager

The Web Manager is tasked with designing and maintaining the pages of The Vernal Pool website. On the more technical side of the role, the Web Manager is responsible for maintaining the site’s health and troubleshooting any errors that may arise.

Public Relations Manager

The Public Relations Manager is in charge of communication with other departments and authors via email. They are in charge of sending out decision letters and keeping on top of the VP email. 

Social Media Manager

The Social Media Manager is in charge of all social media (including Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, et cetera). They generally post about upcoming events and content related to the journal.

Podcast Director

The Podcast Director is in charge of seeking out and interviewing guests for The Reflection Pool. Though they will generally focus on interviewing published authors, the Podcast Director has creative freedom in regard to the direction of the podcast.

Graphic Designer

The Graphic Designer’s job is to create graphic designs for any flyers or social media posts under The Vernal Pool. They also work alongside the Social Media Manager. 

Event Coordinator

The Event Coordinator is responsible for the logistics of all events hosted by the journal. This includes tabling, collaborations with other departments, and the Launch Event at the end of the semester.

Copy Editor

Copy Editors are tasked with copy-editing all content that is published under the name of The Vernal Pool Journal (social media posts, emails, et cetera).