PennWest California students can look forward to the launch of a new club aimed at English majors, set to be established on campus by next semester.  

Second-year English major Manasseh Robertson is in the final steps of establishing The Pen Club Literary Magazine where he hopes to create an outlet for students to easily publish their creative works.   

Students will be able to submit any written or illustrated creative works to the club’s designated website, where it would then be reviewed by the club’s members and then finally published in the magazine.  

When the club is established, it will explore both digital and print versions of the magazine, as well as how often it will be published, according to Robertson.  

Along with reviewing submissions, Robertson wants the club to host authors and other professionals with experience in publishing so members can learn about real-world experiences within the field.    

Robertson wants the club to function not only as a place for English majors to be immersed in the publishing process but also as a place for any student, English major or not, where their work being published is possible.  

Christina Fisanick, professor of English at PennWest, was chosen as the advisor for the club, as Robertson remarked that a publishing-centered club was an idea she was very passionate about.  

“Students need ways of connecting with each other in the major and across majors,” said Fisanick. “A club that focuses on writing and on the dissemination of writing is important enrichment for students and for the campus at large.” 

As an undergraduate, Fisanick was the editor of her campus’ literary magazine, and she said this continues to benefit her in her work as both a professor and a writer.  

In fact, Fisanick thinks everyone needs good writing skills along with the opportunity to share them, which is exactly what she hopes this club will provide for students.  

“Some of the best writers I have had in class come from the sciences,” said Fisanick. “All you need to be part of the club is a love of writing.” 

Currently, Robertson said ten people have officially signed up for the club, but he has also received a lot of verbal support from students and faculty.  

Robertson even spoke to PennWest President Jon Anderson who, according to Robertson, liked the idea of creating a club that will help in providing a place for English majors on campus.  

Robertson said he has been to SAI (Student Association Inc.) a few different times to ask questions about the process of starting a club, and he has also had the proposed constitution for the club, which was viewed by the President of SGA (Student Government Association), Sydney Cochran.  

SAI provides support for the activities of clubs and organizations on campus, according to their website. SGA, according to their Engage, “sponsors programs and activities that enrich campus life, as well as provide opportunities to develop new leadership and community service skills.” 

The process of starting a club requires a student to submit a constitution along with a signature sheet and some other paperwork to SAI for review, where they will also send the constitution to SGA for review and a vote by Senators.  

Robertson submitted the paperwork to SAI on Oct. 16 and will be speaking at one of the upcoming SGA meetings concerning the constitution.   

The Pen Club Literary Magazine aims to become a staple for the campus community and synonymous with PennWest California in the upcoming months. 

“The literary magazine will be a great way for the campus to come together around writing,” according to Fisanick.  

Students interested in joining or learning more about this club can email Manasseh Robertson at [email protected].