The editorial team of Russian Language Journal (RLJ) is pleased to announce a new two-year mentorship program for graduate students in Slavic studies. This program is designed to demystify academic publishing and provide hands-on experience with peer review and editorial work while building sustained professional relationships in the field.

What the program offers
Participants will work closely with the RLJ editorial team to gain practical insight into how an academic journal operates. Over the course of the program, mentees will:

• Participate in a structured sequence of workshops on publishing, peer review, copyediting, and editorial communication

• Meet regularly with an assigned faculty mentor for guided feedback and professional development

• Engage with peers through discussion groups and conference meetups

• Serve a two-year term on the RLJ Junior Editorial Board, contributing to real editorial and review tasks under the supervision of journal editors

Who should apply
The program is open to continuing graduate students in Slavic-related fields who have:

• At least two years remaining in their graduate program

• Advanced proficiency in a Slavic language and in English

• An interest in scholarly publishing, editing, and professional service

Previous editorial experience is not required. A limited number of participants will be selected.

Why participate
Mentees benefit from sustained, mentored engagement with the publishing process, including:

• Early, guided experience as a reviewer and editor

• Expanded professional networks with peers and established scholars

• Leadership and service experience through Junior Editorial Board membership

• A certificate of completion recognizing professional development in academic publishing

Application process
Applications are submitted via Google Form and include:

• Basic academic and program information

•  an academicCV

• A brief description of research interests and scholarly goals

• A personal statement (up to 750 words) addressing professional development, service to the field, and innovative ideas for future projects

• A short letter of recommendation from the applicant’s advisor confirming good standing and approval to participate emailed to rljmentorship@gmail.com 

Attend our kickoff event for more information if you will be at the 2026 AATSEEL Conference in New Orleans! Join us in the Estherwood Room on Saturday, February 21 at 7:30pm.

The application deadline is March 1, 2026. Because space is limited, applicants are encouraged to review the program expectations carefully and submit complete materials by the deadline. Please see more information on our website.

We encourage graduate students who are curious about publishing, committed to professional growth, and eager to contribute to the Slavic scholarly community to apply. Please feel free to share this announcement with interested students and colleagues.

Sincerely,
The Editorial Team
Russian Language Journal
rljmentorship@gmail.com