UT’s undergraduate research journal is seen by some as one of the most overlooked sources of knowledge on campus.

The purpose of “Pursuit” is to allow students to publish their academic work. This journal provides the opportunity for students from all academic colleges to publish their scholarly work any time throughout their undergraduate career. Originally founded in 2009, the journal is supported by the Chancellor’s Honors Program and the university’s Office of Research. The editors and the review board are all made up of undergraduate students who, with the help of select faculty, review and publish submissions from students.

The staff takes pride in making this journal for the students, by the students.

“‘Pursuit’ is an excellent resource for undergraduate students looking to publish their research,” said Sarah Russell, editor-in-chief of “Pursuit.” “We believe that research is an invaluable part of the undergraduate experience for college students in any discipline, and we seek to promote the work of those students who have participated in undergraduate research.”

“Pursuit” is always on the lookout for new submissions. The journal has just finished its Fall 2011 issue and is now in need of submissions for the Spring 2012 issue, making this the first time it has published two issues in one academic year. Submitted articles cannot have been previously published, nor be forthcoming in an archival journal or book, whether electronic or print. However, “publication” in a working-paper series does not constitute prior publication.

In addition, by submitting material to “Pursuit” the author is stipulating that the material is not currently under review at another journal and that he or she will not submit the material to another journal, until the completion of the editorial decision process.

That said, after publishing an article in “Pursuit,” publishing it in another publication is permitted. This is not a competition; in fact the goal of “Pursuit” is to help students “get their work out there.” They strongly encourage students of any academic college to publish their papers and theses. Diversity is important, and publication can only help later.

“If you are considering grad school, publishing adds a half point to your grade point average and they appreciate a good publication,” Charlie Borenstein, a staff writer and junior in material science and engineering, said.

Students interested in submitting their work are encouraged to visit the “Pursuit” website at trace.tennessee.edu/pursuit and read the rules of submission, or call their office (also found on the website). All entries are asked to be kept at a 30-page limit, 15 for science and engineering papers.

Those who recently graduated may also submit their work within one year after undergraduate graduation.

“We hope that any students who have written a paper about their undergraduate research will consider submitting their work to ‘Pursuit’,” Russell said. “We have extended our final deadline for submissions to Nov. 18, 2011, and we hope to have some excellent papers to consider for our second issue!”