Why Researchers Choose Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement stands as a premier open-access publication dedicated to advancing scholarship in university-community partnerships, service-learning, and civic engagement. Established in 1996 by the University of Georgia Libraries, it provides a vital platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners to share innovative approaches that bridge academia and society. With a focus on Extension and Outreach, the journal emphasizes practical applications of higher education in addressing real-world challenges, from community development to public service initiatives.
Researchers value the Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement for its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to disseminating knowledge that fosters societal impact. As an open-access resource, it ensures wide accessibility, allowing global audiences to engage with cutting-edge studies without barriers. The journal's interdisciplinary nature attracts contributions from fields like education, social sciences, and public policy, making it an ideal choice for scholars seeking to amplify their work's reach and influence.
Publishing in the Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement offers opportunities to contribute to ongoing dialogues on ethical engagement practices and measurable outcomes in outreach programs. Its editorial standards uphold academic integrity while encouraging diverse perspectives, including those from underrepresented voices in higher education. For academics navigating the complexities of outreach scholarship, this journal provides a supportive environment to showcase research that drives institutional change and community empowerment.
To explore career opportunities in higher education that align with outreach and engagement themes, visit our higher education jobs section for relevant positions.
Overview & History
The Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement was founded in 1996 to address the growing need for scholarly discourse on higher education's role in public service and community engagement. Published by the University of Georgia Libraries, it emerged from initiatives at the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia, aiming to document and analyze outreach efforts across institutions.
Over the years, the journal has evolved to reflect shifts in higher education landscapes, incorporating digital open-access models since 2010. It has published seminal works on topics like land-grant university missions and collaborative research partnerships. Today, it remains a cornerstone for Extension and Outreach studies, with biannual issues that feature empirical research, case studies, and theoretical frameworks.
Its history underscores a dedication to accessibility and relevance, ensuring that outreach scholarship informs policy and practice. Researchers appreciate its longevity and consistent quality, which have built a robust archive of over 25 volumes.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal's scope encompasses research on higher education's engagement with external communities, emphasizing reciprocal partnerships that yield mutual benefits. It welcomes manuscripts exploring outreach strategies, engagement models, and their impacts on education and society.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | Studies on university missions, service-learning, and academic civic engagement. |
| Extension and Outreach | Practical applications in community development, public service, and extension education. |
| Social Sciences | Intersections with sociology, public policy, and community studies in outreach contexts. |
| Education | Innovative pedagogies involving community-based learning and partnerships. |
Contributions must demonstrate clear connections to higher education outreach, prioritizing interdisciplinary insights.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | Not publicly disclosed | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 1.2 (2022) | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 40% | Publisher data |
| Average Review Time | 3-6 months | Journal guidelines |
| h-Index | 25 | Scopus |
These metrics highlight the journal's solid standing in niche outreach scholarship, with growing citations in education databases.
Indexing and Abstracting
The Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement is indexed in major databases, ensuring visibility for published works. Key inclusions are Scopus, ERIC, and DOAJ, which facilitate discoverability among researchers in education and social sciences.
- Scopus: Covers citations and abstracts for global reach.
- DOAJ: Listed as an open-access journal, promoting free access.
- ERIC: Focuses on education resources, ideal for outreach topics.
- Google Scholar: Broad indexing for interdisciplinary searches.
These services enhance the journal's impact, allowing authors to track usage and citations effectively.
Publication Model and Fees
As an open-access journal sponsored by the University of Georgia Libraries, the Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement operates without article processing charges (APCs). This diamond open-access model ensures that authors retain copyright while making content freely available under a Creative Commons license.
Publication is biannual, with no fees for submission, review, or access. The model supports equitable dissemination, particularly for scholars in Extension and Outreach who may face funding constraints.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through the journal's online portal at the official site. Authors should prepare manuscripts following APA style, with a maximum of 8,000 words, including abstracts and references.
The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-blind peer review. Guidelines emphasize originality, relevance to outreach themes, and ethical considerations in community partnerships. For detailed instructions, consult the official journal homepage.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises experts from leading institutions, ensuring diverse and authoritative oversight. Key members include the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Amy D. L. Phillips from the University of Georgia, specializing in community engagement. Other notable editors hail from universities like Michigan State and Penn State, bringing expertise in extension education and service-learning.
Their collective experience guides the journal's direction, fostering high standards in outreach scholarship.
Why Publish in Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement?
Publishing here offers visibility in a specialized field, with open access amplifying reach to practitioners and policymakers. The journal's focus on impactful, applied research aligns with tenure criteria emphasizing societal contributions. Authors benefit from constructive feedback and a supportive review process tailored to interdisciplinary work.
Moreover, it connects scholars to networks in Extension and Outreach, enhancing collaboration opportunities. For those in higher education careers, publication can strengthen profiles in academic job markets—explore options at higher education jobs.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Focus | APC | Impact Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement | Outreach and engagement in higher ed | None | Not publicly disclosed |
| Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning | Service-learning pedagogy | None | Not indexed |
| Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education | Community partnerships | None | Not publicly disclosed |
| Engaged Scholarly Publishing | Open scholarship in engagement | Variable | Not indexed |
This journal excels in its open-access model and broad outreach scope compared to peers.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your manuscript with the journal's emphasis on practical implications and diverse methodologies. Clearly articulate outreach impacts and include community perspectives. Use the submission checklist on the official journal homepage. Engage with recent issues for thematic fit, and consider co-authoring with practitioners for richer insights.
For academic planning, check the academic calendar to time submissions with deadlines. Rate professors in related fields via Rate My Professor for collaboration ideas.