Frequently Asked Questions

How often do you publish?

Two issues of Open Ceilings come out each year, with the winter issue launching in November and the summer issue launching in May.

Who can submit their work to Open Ceilings?

Anyone! We aim to provide a platform for creative expression that is available to everyone. We hope to represent a diversity of backgrounds, identities, and individual experiences. Additionally, we encourage interdisciplinary involvement and readership, meaning we’d love to see your work no matter your major or degree program. Although the board works closely with the English Department, our members and contributors are from a variety of major fields. To learn more about submitting your work for the upcoming issue and to view our submission guidelines, visit the Submit page.

Why should I send my work to Open Ceilings?

While seeing your work in print is always a powerful motivator for writers, there are some added benefits surrounding our publication in particular. By investing in what we hope becomes a local creative community, you are helping to create a space where creative writers and artists can share their experiences and challenges. Our editing team works with our writers to make sure that every accepted piece is 100% publication ready. Lending your piece to several levels of content and line editing is an invaluable opportunity to polish your writing that many would happily pay for. And finally, through a variety of individual endorsements and public events, Open Ceilings is finding a larger audience for your work every day. 

What does it mean to be undergraduate-run?

Created by undergraduates, Open Ceilings is completely managed and operated by students in an undergraduate degree program at UC Davis. While we work closely with UC Davis staff and faculty, we are independently responsible for the production of each issue. Each team member on our board is empowered to make important decisions and take an active role in the production and distribution of the magazine. Unsupervised hands-on experience equips our teams to make difficult choices, approach challenges proactively, and produce excellent results. All the while, by sharing the support of their peers, our interns find a unique sense of community that can only exist in a student-run organization.

How can I join the team?

At the end of every publication cycle we select new board members for the upcoming issue. To view positions and download our application, visit the Join Our Team page.

Can I participate in the production of Open Ceilings if I am not an undergraduate student at UC Davis?

Of course! While our central board of directors is limited to registered undergraduate students at UC Davis, our submissions committee is open to readers from any background or location. To learn more about becoming a reader for Open Ceilings, visit the Join Our Team page.

Does Open Ceilings have a newsletter?

Yes! You can stay up to date on our dates and events right by clicking here and subscribing.

For other general questions, email contactopenceilings@gmail.com. For specific inquiries, check out our Contact Us page to find the person who can best answer your question.