Call for Papers

Scholarly Contributions (Print)
Book Reviews (Online)
Scholarly Contributions (Online)


Guidelines for Print Submissions

Manuscripts should include a clearly specified research question, present a theoretical or conceptual framework, employ appropriate research methods, and contribute knowledge to the body of higher education literature. Pieces submitted for publication in print are subject to an editorial review process to ensure high standards for scholarship. HER will consider the following for print publication:

  • Studies employing qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research methods
  • Literature reviews that reveal critical gaps in existing research and apply a robust conceptual framework to the discussion of the literature
  • Analyses of important issues in higher education conducted using established theories from within higher education or appropriate related disciplines
  • Reports of preliminary findings from a larger project (e.g., a thesis or dissertation)
  • Legal or policy analyses of focused at the federal, state, or institutional level
  • Examinations of historical issues in higher education

Technical guidelines for submissions:
Print manuscripts should not exceed 25 pages (except by prior permission of the Managing Editor), excluding title page, abstract, references, tables, figures, and appendices.

  • The file should be saved as a Word-compatible attachment (e.g., .doc, .rtf)
  • The entire manuscript must adhere to the guidelines in the most current Publication
  • Manual of the American Psychological Association (Note: please pay careful attention to rules governing in text citations and bibliographic entries).
  • The abstract should be 75 to 100 words.
  • Authors’ names should appear only on the title page; other indications of authors’ identities should be deleted.

Guidelines for Online Submissions
Books reviews should focus on books published in the past three years, which are relevant to higher education. Reviews of older books may be accepted if the author can justify why a review in HER would be timely and a good fit for the journal. Book reviews inform readers about current advances in the field and encourage productive discourse. Submissions must include the following:

Cover Page

  • the reviewer’s information (name, affiliation, and email address)
  • a short statement about the significance of the book (no more than 150 words)
  • the book’s citation formatted according to the 6th edition of the APA publication manual

Book Review

  • is less than 1,000 words in length
  • describes the book’s arguments, methods, and contribution to the study and/or practice of higher education, and provides a critical analysis of the book’s strengths and weaknesses
  • includes a list of references for any other published works mentioned in the book review
  • references are cited according to the 6th edition of the APA publication manual

Scholarly contributions that will be considered include: essays, thought pieces, editorials, discussions of current events, responses to other publications, and reflective pieces about professional experiences— either as researchers, graduate students, or practitioners. These pieces are meant to facilitate discussion about societal and political issues in higher education. Contributions must include the following:

Cover Page

  • the author’s information (name, affiliation, and email address)
  • a short summary of the author’s biography (no more than 100 words)

Post (500-2000 words)

  • introduces the subject to be discussed (i.e. what types of institutions, students, or employees does this refer to? Is this a local, state, national, or international issue?)
  • explains why this issue is significant
  • advances an argument and helps the reader understand multiple perspectives of the issue
  • provides a list of references for published works mentioned in the literature review
  • references are cited according to the 6th edition of the APA publication manual