FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the time commitment to be a part of Grey Matters TU?

How one chooses to work on their article may look different for each person. However, we require that everyone meets their weekly deadlines. For example, authors have new writing due every Tuesday at 11:59 PM for 5 consecutive weeks. This new writing may look like 200 words or 1 paragraph or 1 hr+ worth of work per week. After this, the rest of the publication cycle is dedicated to review and final edits. Reviewers and editors (scientific reviewer, lay reviewer, and general editor) are expected to make weekly edits by Thursday at 11:59 PM. Ideally, this task would take up to 1 hour per week. Artists will have three art pieces due throughout the cycle with deadlines associated with each piece. Layout designers can expect 3 to 5 hours of work per week, over a shortened 8-week production period.

What do I get out of being a part of Grey Matters TU?

You get to be published in Temple University’s first undergraduate neuroscience publication! You will be able to connect with undergraduates and graduate students who are passionate about scientific literacy and communication. Additionally, authors have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills by managing their article group.

Can I join the Executive Board?

We have one position open (Website Director) for the 2024-2025 school year and you can apply right now. We will have more open positions for the 2025-2026 school year! We prefer members who have contributed to the journal for at least one semester prior to applying for an EBoard position. The EBoard application process will occur in November 2024. After the new EBoard is decided, all new EBoard members will shadow their respective positions during Spring 2025 and will officially take their positions in Fall 2025.

Are there weekly meetings we must attend?

One mandatory meeting will be an orientation-type workshop, specific for each role (i.e. an author workshop, a lay review workshop, etc). Additionally, article groups are expected to meet bi-weekly over Zoom to discuss the article.

What is an article group?

An article group consists of an author, a scientific reviewer, lay reviewer, general editor, artist, and graduate reviewer. Article groups collaborate over the course of one semester to produce their article and accompanying art.

What can I expect after being accepted?

Here’s what you will have to do within the first week of being accepted: 1. Read an information sheet detailing your responsibilities and officially accept your position, 2. Attend mandatory division workshop, 3. Attend introductory article group meeting to get to know your group. See the timeline for more information.

What happens if my application is not accepted?

Although there is a formal application process to be a member of Grey Matters, we try to find a place for everyone interested in joining our organization. In the event we are unable to accept you for the position you applied for, we may offer you a position in another division (i.e. accept you as a lay reviewer although you applied for scientific review).

Why was Grey Matters created?

Our goals are to enhance understanding, accessibility, and participation within the scientific community. We also aim to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, develop communication skills, and provide an opportunity for students to foster their passion for neuroscience! See About Us for more.

When will we be able to join and begin producing articles?

What requirements do I need to join? Do I need to have any past experience in scientific writing?

While writing and editing experience isn’t required, it’s definitely a plus! We also provide a workshop and multiple resources to help guide you through the process. We expect committed effort, not perfection. This process is meant for everyone to improve and produce an article we’re all proud of.

Do I need to be a STEM major to join? Do I need to be in Tyler to join as an artist or layout designer?

No, everyone is welcome! Please see the Get Involved to get started on applications.

What is the general writing process like?

After our application process, people are assigned to article groups (consisting of an author, artist, lay reviewer, scientific reviewer, and general editor). Once groups are created, we will host workshops to orient everyone to their positions. The writer will work with the editor and reviewers for six weeks to produce their article (around 1200 words total). After that, graduate reviewers will review the article. EBoard is always available for support and to ensure that the article is making progress!

What is the general timeline?

See Timeline for more information.

What kind of support will people get from Eboard?

Eboard has worked hard to make sure that all of our positions are well supported throughout the publication process. We hold workshops, provide resources to keep article production on track, and are available to help throughout the entire process!

Who is eligible for the graduate reviewer position?

Our Graduate Student Reviewer position is open to science-related masters, PhD, MD, and postbac students! This position reviews 1 article over a two-week period during the semester. Undergraduate students will edit the article before and after graduate student review. See Graduate Review for more information.

How will all this work around COVID-19?

Is the application process different for returning applicants?

Yes, a separate application will be automatically sent out to participants of the previous issue. If you have participated in an issue before, but not the most recently completed issue, you will not be emailed a returning applicant application unless requested.