Geologic Publications for Mount Rainier

Revitalizing an honor society journal: Outreach strategies for broadening undergraduate and graduate-level participation in geosciences

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Author(s): Scott R. Beason, Alexander K. Stewart, Richard L. Ford, Lee S. Potter

Category: PRESENTATION
Document Type: Presentation 52-2
Publisher: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program
Published Year: 2025
Volume: 57
Number: 6
Pages:
DOI Identifier: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-6533
ISBN Identifier:
Keywords:

Abstract:
Peer-reviewed publication opportunities are a vital component of professional development for undergraduate and graduate students in the geosciences. The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the official publication of Sigma Gamma Epsilon (the national Earth science honor society founded in 1915), has long served as a platform for student-authored research and early-career scholarship. First issued in May 1920, The Compass originally focused on chapter news and society updates, but began regularly publishing research articles in the mid-1930s. From 1982 to 1989, volumes consistently included 4–5 research articles per issue—totaling 127 scholarly contributions across seven volumes.

Despite this legacy and the continued support of a national editor, submission volume has declined in recent years. The once-vibrant quarterly journal, now published digitally and featuring DOIs to enhance accessibility and citation, increasingly struggles to attract enough undergraduate and graduate research articles to fill each issue.

Recent revitalization efforts aim to re-engage students and broaden participation across the geoscience community. These include the formation of a student advisory group, expanded presence at national scientific meetings, and targeted outreach through social media and campus chapters. This presentation will explore both the structural and cultural challenges of sustaining a professional-quality journal within a student-centered society, and highlight ongoing interdisciplinary strategies to promote inclusion, build awareness, and strengthen contributions. By expanding access to credible publication opportunities, we aim to support a more inclusive geoscience community and empower the next generation of science communicators.

View Report:
View Report [External Link]

Suggested Citations:
In Text Citation:
Beason and others (2025) or (Beason et al., 2025)

References Citation:
Beason, S.R., A.K. Stewart, R.L. Ford, and L.S. Potter, 2025, Revitalizing an honor society journal: Outreach strategies for broadening undergraduate and graduate-level participation in geosciences: Presentation 52-2, Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program, Vol. 57, No. 6, doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-6533.