Russian Language Journal

Mentorship Program

Program Description

The editorial team at the Russian Language Journal (RLJ) is pleased to announce the launch of a new mentorship program for graduate students in the Slavic studies field. The goal of this program is to familiarize graduate students with the publishing process of an academic journal. The mentorship program will run for a two-year cycle and introduce selected participants to writing for publication and the review and editorial process while extending their network of professional connections.

Eligibility

Continuing graduate students in a field related to Slavic languages are eligible to apply. Please note that graduate students must have at least two years remaining in their graduate program to participate in this program. Editing experience is not a requirement for selection. Participants must have advanced proficiency in a Slavic language and English.

There is a limited number of spots for this program. Please see below for the application instructions and selection criteria.

Structure

During the course of the two-year program, mentees will engage in the following activities:

Attend four workshops (virtual and in person)
Meet with mentor at least six times (virtual)
Participate in three optional meetups at conferences
Engage in the Editorial Lab Discussion Group (virtual)
Apply for a role on the RLJ Junior Editorial Board and complete tasks associated with that role

Tentative Timeline

Guidelines for Faculty Mentors

The role of the Faculty Mentor in this program is to introduce graduate students to the writing-for-publishing process and assist them in learning how to respond to requests to review a scholarly paper. Throughout the program, mentors are expected to model professional editorial practices, provide context for each workshop, and guide mentees as they perform tasks associated with the publishing process (e.g., write a review, complete copyediting tasks). Mentors should offer constructive, actionable feedback, and share examples and resources when helpful.

Core Responsibilities

Offer constructive, specific, and actionable feedback on mentee work (reviews, copyediting tasks, etc.)
Share relevant examples, resources, and professional insights as appropriate
Encourage mentee participation in workshops, conference meetups, editorial roundtables, and networking opportunities

Estimated Time Commitment: approximately 2–3 hours quarterly (reading mentee work, providing feedback, meeting)

Guidelines for Graduate Student Mentees

Graduate Student Mentees should reach out to their paired Faculty Mentor and schedule an initial meeting. Mentees should take initiative in responding to their mentor and communicating clearly about their goals and availability. Active participation in all workshops and timely completion of tasks (for example, drafting a review, completing copyediting work) is essential, as is preparing questions and seeking feedback as needed. Mentees are responsible for meeting internal deadlines and sharing materials with their mentor in a timely manner. Professional communication and adherence to editorial ethics are expected throughout the two-year program.

Core Responsibilities

Initiate contact with Faculty Mentor and communicate proactively and clearly about goals, availability, and progress
Actively participate in all workshops and meetings
Prepare questions and materials in advance of meetings with mentors and provide materials to mentors with enough time for their review
Adhere to editorial ethics, confidentiality expectations, and professional communication norms

Estimated Time Commitment: approximately 2–4 hours per month

Junior Editorial Board

A unique aspect of this mentorship program is the opportunity to engage in hands-on editing and publishing processes by being a member of the RLJ Junior Editorial Board. This Board will focus on submissions to RLJ by graduate student authors and authors who consent to have their work reviewed by the Board. All work of the RLJ Junior Editorial Board will be overseen by members of the Editorial team.

Program Benefits

Meet peers who share your interests and would like to collaborate
A two-year tenure on the RLJ Junior Editorial Board
Leadership opportunities
Certificate of completion
Networking with scholars in the field

Application Information

The application can be accessed via Google form (tinyurl.com/RLJmentorship). Please note that you will need to sign in to a Google account to upload your CV file.

Name
Email
Brief description of your role/duties in your position (e.g., graduate teaching assistant or research assistant)
Year in program and expected conclusion date
Name of academic program
Upload CV
Please list any experience with the editorial process for any journal (e.g., as an author, editor, etc.) [please note that editorial experience is NOT a requirement for participating in the program]
The mentorship program runs for two years and involves a monthly commitment of 2-4 hours. Are you willing to commit to the entire two-year process?
Research interests: please list 2-3 keywords for your areas of research; in addition, please describe any activities you have already completed (i.e., assisting any faculty on research) and your goals for your research (500 words maximum)
Personal statement: Describe how participation in this mentorship program would shape your development as a scholar and contributor to the field. In your response, discuss (a) how you could actively support the journal and its community, (b) ways the field could better cultivate new authors and reviewers, and (c) one innovative project or practice you would be interested in helping to develop during or after the program (maximum 750 words)
Brief letter of recommendation from advisor confirming your status in good standing in your program and that they approve of your participation in this program (confidential letter should be sent by advisor to rljmentorship@gmail.com by the deadline)

Selection Criteria

The following rubric will be used in evaluating personal statements.

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