Why Researchers Choose Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education stands as a pivotal open-access publication dedicated to advancing scholarship in volunteer programs and service learning within higher education contexts. Launched in 2009, it provides a platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners to share innovative approaches that bridge academic theory with real-world community impact. This journal emphasizes rigorous, peer-reviewed articles that explore how universities and colleges foster civic responsibility through structured engagement initiatives. Its commitment to accessibility ensures that findings reach a broad audience, including policymakers and community leaders, amplifying the relevance of published work.
Researchers are drawn to the Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education for its interdisciplinary focus, which integrates elements from education, sociology, and public service. Articles often delve into case studies of service-learning curricula, assessment methods for community partnerships, and the long-term effects of volunteerism on student development. The journal's editorial standards uphold high scholarly integrity, with a double-blind peer review process that encourages diverse perspectives. As an open-access resource, it eliminates paywalls, promoting equitable knowledge dissemination and increasing citation potential in a field where collaboration is key.
Publishing here offers tangible benefits for early-career academics seeking to build their portfolios. The journal's alignment with higher education trends, such as experiential learning and social justice, positions it as a strategic choice for impactful submissions. Metrics like its indexing in major databases underscore its credibility, while the supportive submission guidelines streamline the process for authors. For those investigating 'Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education impact factor,' note that while traditional metrics may vary, its influence is evident in practical applications across institutions. To explore opportunities in higher education roles that value such publications, visit our higher education jobs section or check Rate My Professor for faculty insights.
Whether you're refining a manuscript on community-based research or seeking outlets for service-learning innovations, this journal facilitates meaningful contributions. Its history of fostering dialogue on ethical engagement practices makes it indispensable for scholars aiming to influence policy and pedagogy. Consider submitting your work to join a community of thought leaders driving change in higher education.
Overview & History
The Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education was established in 2009 by the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE), with hosting by Georgia College & State University. It emerged in response to the growing need for dedicated scholarship on how higher education institutions integrate community service into their missions. Over the years, it has evolved into a biannual publication featuring original research, essays, and reflective pieces that highlight successful models of partnership between academia and local communities.
Key milestones include its transition to full open access in early volumes, ensuring global reach without subscription barriers. The journal has published over 200 articles, covering themes from undergraduate service-learning programs to faculty development in civic engagement. Its editorial team, drawn from prominent U.S. universities, maintains a focus on quality and relevance, adapting to emerging issues like digital community outreach during global challenges.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal's scope encompasses the intersection of higher education and community involvement, with a strong emphasis on volunteer programs and service learning. It welcomes submissions that examine pedagogical strategies, institutional frameworks, and outcomes of engagement activities. Disciplines include education, social sciences, and public administration, always tied to higher education settings.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Service Learning | Integrating community service with academic instruction to enhance learning and civic responsibility. |
| Volunteer Programs | Organized initiatives where students and faculty contribute time and skills to community needs. |
| Community Engagement | Partnerships between universities and external stakeholders for mutual benefit and social impact. |
| Higher Education Pedagogy | Innovative teaching methods that incorporate real-world applications in curriculum design. |
| Social Justice in Academia | Addressing equity and inclusion through engagement practices in educational contexts. |
Key Journal Metrics
While the Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education does not have a Clarivate Impact Factor, its influence is measured through alternative indicators like download counts and citations in related fields. It is indexed in Scopus and DOAJ, reflecting its academic standing.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SJR (Scopus) | 0.15 | Scopus 2023 |
| h-index | 12 | Google Scholar |
| Average Citations per Article | 5.2 | Publisher Data |
| Acceptance Rate | 35-40% | Editorial Estimate |
| Publication Frequency | Biannual | Official Site |
Indexing and Abstracting
The journal is indexed in several reputable databases, enhancing its visibility. Key inclusions are ERIC, Scopus, and DOAJ, which facilitate discoverability for researchers worldwide. This indexing supports 'publish in Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education' searches, ensuring articles appear in comprehensive literature reviews. For broader academic navigation, explore our PhD programs directory.
Publication Model and Fees
As an open-access journal, it operates under a diamond model with no article processing charges (APCs) for authors or readers. Supported by institutional sponsorship from Georgia College & State University, this approach promotes inclusivity. All content is licensed under Creative Commons, allowing reuse with attribution.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled via the journal's online portal at the official site. Authors must follow APA style, with manuscripts limited to 8,000 words. The process involves initial screening, double-blind review (typically 3-6 months), and revisions. Guidelines emphasize originality and relevance to community engagement themes. For tips on academic timelines, check the academic calendar.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board features experts like Editor-in-Chief Dr. Andrew Furco from the University of California, Berkeley, alongside associates from institutions such as Syracuse University and the University of North Carolina. Their diverse backgrounds in service learning ensure balanced oversight.
Why Publish in Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education?
Publishing here advances careers by associating with a respected outlet in niche scholarship. It offers networking opportunities through IARSLCE affiliations and boosts visibility in higher education circles. For tenure-track aspirations, see our tenure-track jobs listings.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Focus | APC | Impact Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement | Broader outreach | None | SJR 0.20 |
| Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning | Service learning cases | None | h-index 15 |
| Journal of Service-Learning in Higher Education | Pedagogical applications | $500 | Emerging |
| Advances in Community Engagement | Interdisciplinary | None | SJR 0.12 |
This comparison highlights JCEHE's cost-free model and focused scope.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
Align your work with current calls, use empirical data, and engage reviewers' feedback promptly. Collaborate with community partners for authentic insights. To connect with peers, visit higher ed conferences or Rate My Professor. Track deadlines via the academic calendar.