The best writing and research is never "merely academic", but contains an inflection of humanity; provides a crucial, new vision of a subject; and finds expression in its own discovery. Whether by a student or teacher, the best writing and research expresses formative conversations -- with individuals, with the discourse and ideas of a discipline -- both at Goucher and in the larger world.

Verge was created to provide a platform for such conversations. Faculty- and student-nominated, and faculty- and student-advised, the journal collects the best of both academic, research-based writing and more creative nonfiction work. The journal’s interdisciplinary approach is intended to emphasize the links between different disciplines, as well as the links between the curiosities, inquiries, and achievements of individuals who might not otherwise know about each other's work. In this way, Verge is not only a celebration of undergraduate writing, but a virtual meeting place for the many exciting explorations in which Goucher students are engaged.

This year Verge received 75 submissions from a wide range of departments and programs. Students and faculty from many departments helped to review, select, and copyedit articles for publication. Verge 4 contains more papers than ever from the sciences, and we are also publishing our first papers from Judaic studies and two papers written during study abroad programs. Verge continues to reflect the best writing being done across the curriculum.

Verge 4 also marks the first issue where more papers were student-nominated than faculty nominated, continuing the trend of giving students a more central role in what is truly becoming their journal. We hope to continue this trend in Verge 5 with an even more diverse group of active student reviewers and editors. If you are interested in helping with Verge 5, please contact verge@goucher.edu . We hope to find a place for you!