English magazine needs cash

By Andrew Barbero

An important creative voice for students is in danger of being snuffed out for lack of funding.

NoD–an undergraduate literary magazine initiated by the University of Calgary English Literature Student Society–owes close to $500 in fees to its publisher for the cost of printing the most recent issue. Without the money, the publication could fold, and aspiring student artists will lose a valuable publication avenue.

“Students should have the chance to get published at home in their own university,” said ELSS vice-president publications and NoD editor Felicia Pacentrilli, noting the faculty of humanities alleviated some of the debt with a small donation.

“They’re trying to help,” she said. “They found $100 for us, but it’s just not enough. Sales just haven’t been that good. It’s hard to get word out to students.”

The magazine published its first three issues last year. Unlike dANDelion, the university-funded creative writing journal, NoD is run by undergraduate students and publishes undergraduate work.

The Students’ Union is considering a number of funding options for NoD, including turning it into an SU club or possibly creating an undergraduate scholarship for this and other publications.

“This is one way to encourage undergraduate research, which is very difficult for humanities students, especially English majors,” said SU humanities student representative Megan Martin.

Pacentrilli stressed NoD is not exclusively for English majors.

“We want to be for the entire school,” she explained. “We want everyone to participate. Not just writers but people who want practical experience in the editorial business as well.”

NoD costs $6 and is available at the ELSS office, located in Social Science 1025. Students from any faculty are welcome to submit prose, poetry and visual art for publication.