Voices of USU is a program exclusively for students enrolled in English 1010, 2010, and 2020. The program encourages writers to celebrate the power of words in research, creation, and persuasion. Each semester, Voices of USU hosts two venues for student presentations and publication. Since its inception in 2007, the program has published hundreds of writers in the annual editions of Voices of USU: An Anthology of Student Writing, and hosted up to 50 student presentations each semester at the Emerging Scholars Conference.
Students see an actual outlet for the writing they produce in the classroom. The program invites students to contribute their voices to critical conversations while celebrating the power of words.
The Emerging Scholars Conference
An academic conference hosted at USU.
Voices of USU: An Anthology of Student Writing
A collection of English 2010 essays published annually and used as a textbook in some English 2010 classes.
Emerging Scholars Conference
Each semester, Voices of USU invites English 2010 and 2020 students to present at the Emerging Scholars Conference (ESC).
ESC, like other academic conferences, offers students the opportunity to present innovative and creative ideas with a specific audience in mind. Our goal is to celebrate the writing, thinking, and scholarship done in English 2010 and 2020 classes.
English 2010 and 2020 students may submit an abstract for an oral presentation or poster on any project they work on in those classes. Presentations and posters, located in the USU Library, may be research-based, persuasive, and/or creative.
- April 13 sessions will be held at 8:30 am, 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 1:30 pm.
- April 14 sessions will be held at 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:30 pm.
Students typically present when their scheduled class is held; however, those interested may indicate a preference for day and time.
Dates & Deadlines
- Call for Abstracts (March 4-25, 2026): English 2010 and 2020 students who would like to present at the conference may submit a 100-150 word abstract
- Presenters Invited (end of March 2026): Students whose abstracts were accepted will receive an invitation to present at one of the sessions
- Sessions Announced (April 3, 2026): The conference schedule will be announced
- Emerging Scholars Conference (April 13-14, 2026): The conference will be held in the library with concurrent sessions on both days of the event.
Voices of USU: An Anthology of Student Writing
Each year, the Voices of USU program invites English 1010, 2010, and 2020 students to submit the essays they write in their classes for publication. The essays that are selected are published in the annual edition of Voices of USU: An Anthology of Student Writing, a text used in many English 1010, 2010, and 2020 courses.
How to Get Published
Voices publishes writers who discuss creative, innovative, unique, and relevant ideas in a variety of genres aimed toward specific audiences. We look for original perspective and insight, presented from a unique angle with a strong personal connection. Submit an essay(s) completed in English 1010, 2010, or 2020 by the end of the semester.
- Fall Semester: December 31
- Spring Semester: May 15
Contact Voices of USU
For any questions, contact our Voices of USU Director:
History of Voices of USU
John Engler, senior lecturer in USU's Department of English, had an idea about a writing contest for English 2010 students. He approached Susan Andersen, fellow senior lecturer, with the proposal.
John and Susan collaborated on a proposal and submitted it to the student-centered Innovation Grant, for which they were awarded $16,800.
The program is now self-sustaining, serving hundreds of students, employing interns, and publishing authors annually.