The Undergraduate Review (UR) is the oldest arts publication on campus and is currently preparing for the release of its 30th volume.  

But even after running for 30 years, the publication isn’t immune to its issues. 

Thanks to its long-standing history at Queen’s, the UR is considered a mainstay on campus by many as it provides an opportunity for students to express their artistic side regardless of background or training. It’s focus on the arts means what you see in its pages explores the thoughts of its everyday contributors as they share their creative output. 

Despite its unique artistic focus and enduring history as a Queen’s publication, the UR has had its fair share of complications. Posing a unique challenge for the year ahead, the publication is currently missing an Editor-in-chief and a website.

Last year’s UR Editor-in-chief Ramolen Laruan told The Journal of her initial concerns about how little had been done at the UR so far, especially the current lack of a functioning website. 

“During summer it’s important to start getting contributors and posting online to increase awareness,” she said. 

Without the summer work, there will be some well-needed catchup to be done.

Laruan added “you might not feel time-pressed right now in September but a lot of things do happen towards the end of the year and it’s best to be comfortable editing people’s work as early as possible.” 

Controlled by the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS), the UR is directly under the ASUS Academics Commissioner Bianca Chauhan. 

With four years of service at ASUS, Chauhan has a lot of dedication and knowledge for the UR. While she does have many responsibilities as the Academics Commissioner, she predicts the publication will be as strong as ever in the upcoming year despite its early hiccups. 

“[It is] one of the only arts publications on campus, and not just for writing, but other media as well,” she said. “It’s vital and allows anyone to explore their interests outside of the class, too” said Chauhan. 

She added that “there will 100 per cent be a website this year” but that she was still figuring out the publication’s overall budget which is why the site isn’t currently running.  

Chauhan said she couldn’t delve further into the ASUS hiring policies but did say that the year’s Editor-in-chief will be chosen next week. The applications for the position close Friday, September 18 at 4pm and can be found under www.queensasus.com/apply. 

“I am not looking to make too many decisions because it is the editor’s baby” Chauhan said about the seeming lack of progress made on this year’s iteration of the publication. 

The oldest arts publication on campus is in poor shape but its creative talent and the prompt hiring of an Editor-in-chief may pull it out of its current slump.