Scope and Manuscript Types

Scope 

Inspired by Boyer’s vision of applying disciplinary knowledge to practical problem-solving, Journal of Scholarly Engagement highlights scholarship that intentionally integrates theory, research, or reflective analysis with community-engaged practice conducted in partnership with educational, professional, or community-based stakeholders. The journal prioritizes manuscripts that address clearly articulated real-world challenges through rigorous, reflective, or evidence-informed approaches. 

Submissions must demonstrate a clear scholarly contribution by informing practice, evaluating engaged initiatives, or generating transferable insights relevant to educational, professional, or community–institutional contexts. All manuscripts should include critical analysis, integration of relevant literature, or systematic inquiry appropriate to the manuscript type. 

    Manuscript Types

    • Reflections 
    • Community Engagement 
    • Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving 
    • Empirical Studies 
    Infographic titled ‘Journal of Scholarly Engagement: What type of JSE manuscript is right for you?’ A flowchart begins with the question ‘What is the primary goal of your manuscript?’ and branches into four options: Community Engagement Manuscripts (community partnerships with measurable, mutual impact), Reflection Manuscripts (analysis of personal or professional experiences and lessons learned), Empirical Manuscripts (systematic research with clear methods and results), and Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving Manuscripts (innovative solutions using insights from multiple disciplines). Each category includes a brief guiding question and an example project.

    Manuscript Preparation and Formatting

    Please review your manuscript to ensure the following guidelines have been met prior to submission:

    • There is NO identifying information on the manuscript document (including the title page).
    • Manuscript should be organized and formatted according to APA 7th edition.
    • Manuscript should be written in clear English and targeted at a general academic audience.
    • Manuscripts must be 4,000–7,000 words, inclusive of the abstract, references, tables, and figures.
    • Abstract that is between 150-250 words and includes 3-5 Keywords.
    • Submission to JSE indicates that the manuscript (or a similar version of it) has not been previously published, accepted for publication, and/or is not currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. 
    •  Authors must disclose any funding sources or conflicts of interests and follow all JSE policies.

    Templates for Authors

    The Journal of Scholarly Engagement (JSE) welcomes a variety of scholarly submissions that align with Boyer’s domains of discovery, teaching and learning, application, and integration. To assist authors in preparing their manuscripts, we provide structured Templates for Authors that outline expectations and formatting for different types of submissions.

    Below, you will find links to specific templates that offer detailed instructions on how to structure and develop your manuscript:

    Reflection Template: This template is intended for authors submitting reflective manuscripts that align with the scope of the JSE. Reflective manuscripts should move beyond description to engage in critical reflection that examines experience, explores meaning, and connects practice to scholarly knowledge.

    Community Engagement Template: This template is for authors submitting manuscripts focused on community engagement projects that align with the scope of the JSE. These manuscripts should clearly demonstrate how academic knowledge and skills are applied in collaboration with community partners to address real-world needs, foster mutual learning, and create measurable impact. 

    Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving Template: This template is intended for authors submitting interdisciplinary problem-solving manuscripts that align with the scope of the JSE. These manuscripts should identify a complex, real-world problem, draw on multiple disciplines to understand it, and offer an informed, actionable solution. Strong submissions will demonstrate critical analysis, synthesis of diverse perspectives, and practical recommendations with potential for meaningful impact. 

    Empirical Studies Template: This template is intended for authors submitting empirical studies that align with the scope of the JSE. Submissions should be grounded in practice, demonstrate interdisciplinary insight when applicable, and include a reflective critique that connects scholarly findings to broader educational or community impact. For literature reviews, please click here.

    Submission Process

    This journal publishes twice a year (June and November) and accepts manuscripts for consideration on a rolling basis. 

    Once you submit your manuscript, it will be reviewed by the Editor of JSE to ensure appropriate alignment with the JSE mission. Approved manuscripts will be assigned to a team of peer reviewers. You will be emailed notifications about the progress of the review as your manuscript flows through the peer review process. The review process may take three or more months, depending upon the peer review timeline and number of submissions. 

    Once the review process is complete, authors will receive a decision notification (accept, revise and resubmit, or reject). Please note manuscript assignment to a specific journal issue is at the discretion of the editorial staff. Authors will receive a second notification once a decision is made on the journal issue assignment. 

    Submit a Manuscript

    JSE utilizes an online manuscript submission and review platform hosted via Scholastica. To submit your manuscript for publication consideration, you must click the button below. 

    Please review the author checklist here to ensure that your manuscript is ready for submission.

    Submit to Journal of Scholarly Engagement