Scribendi

Scribendi is a literature and art magazine produced and published at the University of New Mexico Honors College by and for undergraduate honors students.. Through a yearlong award-winning course and educational internship, student staff members gain practical hands-on experience in editing, typography, graphic design, magazine layout, Adobe Creative Cloud, fundraising, marketing and distribution, and small business management.

Since it was started in 1986, nine editions of Scribendi have been named finalists for the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) Pacemaker Award, which honors the best undergraduate work in the nation. Four of those editions have won the Pacemaker Award for excellence in content, design, editing, and visual elements.

Scribendi is much more than a printed magazine—it is a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity for UNM students, a training ground for innovative and practical business experience, and a student organization that regularly garners UNM national attention and recognition. That said, the magazine is the capstone of this experience, a tangible manifestation of what an engaged learning opportunity at UNM looks like.

The Scribendi experience differs from the usual academic class in its focus on active learning accomplished by rigorous discussion, lots of individual practice, and professional behavior and teamwork. This course is an environment in which learning takes place alongside professional tasks that must be accomplished to meet deadlines. The first half of our yearlong process is designed to train students who have committed themselves to the immensely rewarding experience of producing our publication. In the spring semester, students put their knowledge into practice by creating the new edition of the magazine.

Students who are Scribendi staff members enroll in UHON 301 and UHON 401 in consecutive semesters. All staff members must be enrolled in the Honors College and apply for approval to take the course. Staff members are involved with all aspects of the magazine throughout the year.

Scribendi also has two or three editors each year. The editors are returning students who previously served as Scribendi staff members. They enroll in UHON 401 for the year and co-teach the course with the faculty advisor. Altogether, students who serve as Scribendi staff members and then return as editors earn 12 credits in honors over two years.

For more information about Scribendi, visit the student-designed and -managed website, scribendi.unm.edu.