Students
Congratulations on working toward a submission to Incite. We're excited to support you and showcase your research. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare, submit, and revise your work successfully.
What Types of Work Can You Submit?
Your submission to Incite may include:
- Senior seminar research papers or projects
- Original research projects
- Literature reviews
- Coursework research papers
- Research proposals
- Translations
- Research articles
Write-ups of other types of research studies
For creative writing (fiction, poetry, plays, etc.), submit to Longwood’s undergraduate-run literary magazine, A Common Place.
Work Closely with Your Faculty Mentor
Your mentor plays an essential role throughout this process. They will:
- Guide you in research or data collection (if applicable)
- Review early drafts and provide constructive feedback
- Help you understand acceptable uses of AI and ensure you include an AI Statement (per Incite’s AI Policy)
- Assist with revisions for clarity, organization, and grammar
- Recommend visiting the Writing Center if needed
- Sign off on your paper before initial submission to confirm it’s ready
- Help interpret and prioritize editorial feedback
- Sign off again before final submission to confirm revisions are complete
Pro Tip: Refer to the Incite Style Guide for formatting, citation, and image requirements.
Submitting Your Paper
Once your paper is polished and approved by your mentor:
- Save it as a Word document
- Upload it to the Digital Commons: Initial Submission Site
- Submit the completed Cover Sheet with your mentor’s signature
Your mentor’s signature shows they support your submission and believe it’s publication-worthy.
After You Submit: Editorial Feedback
What to Expect
- In January, you’ll receive editorial feedback via Longwood email.
- Check Digital Commons for your feedback—this might be a marked-up document or a list of revisions.
How to Respond
- Feedback may feel overwhelming—don’t panic!
- Work with your mentor to decide what changes are realistic and meaningful.
- Together, you’ll prioritize edits while maintaining your voice and intent.
- You typically have 2–4 weeks to revise and resubmit.
- Final resubmissions are due in mid-February.
Resubmitting Your Paper
When you’re ready to resubmit:
- Upload the revised Word document to Digital Commons
- Submit a new Cover Sheet, signed by your mentor
- Make sure your mentor has reviewed the final version and approved it
Final decisions are made by the Incite Editor, Dr. Hannah Dudley-Shotwell, in consultation with your mentor and the Editorial Board.
Recognizing Your Faculty Mentor
Faculty mentors are eligible for a Mentorship Award based on:
- Your feedback as a student
- The Editorial Board’s evaluation of the mentoring process
Be on the lookout for an email asking for feedback about your mentor—this helps us recognize excellent faculty support.
Celebrate Your Work!
If your submission is accepted:
You’re automatically eligible for several student awards—no application needed!
Your name will appear in the Spring Student Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry program in late April.
You’ll also receive printed copies of Incite to share with family and friends.
View, download, print Instructions for Students Submitting to Incite 2025-2026 (pdf).
Have Questions?
Dr. Hannah Dudley-Shotwell
Editor, Incite
shotwellhg@longwood.edu