Plain Dealer Essay Contest for 2008

Judging will soon begin for the Plain Dealer Essay Contest for 2008. The English Department and the Plain Dealer solicit exceptional pieces of student writing for submission. The Contest invites entries at all undergraduate levels (100 to 400) and from all courses. Please remember that we set aside special, separate categories for first-year and senior-level writing, so 101, 102, and 495 essays are especially welcome. Any work written during 2007 or during this semester before the contest deadline is eligible. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 29.

There are no particular restrictions for length or topic, but the Contest focuses on expository and nonfiction writing. The Plain Dealer judges are particularly interested in essays that speak to issues or concerns that resonate with a broad audience.

Student winners will receive cash awards of varying amounts. Essays that win a prize or receive honorable mention will be included in an anthology published by the Department and edited by Jo Gibson. The judging of essays will take place immediately after Spring break, and awards will be given in early May. If you have any exceptional student work from 2007 (or early 2008), we ask that you consider submitting it.

Please leave all such essays, with student's name, instructor's name, the course number, and indication that it is a Plain Dealer Contest submission, in the mail box of Jeff Karem, Department of English (conveniently located right here in this very room). If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail, to call me (f.karem@csuohio.edu; X 6872), or to stop by (RT 1844). Thank you for your time and consideration. Both the Plain Dealer and the Contest Committee appreciate your help in identifying and recognizing the excellent student writing produced at our university.