Ask the Professor guidelines

With Ask the Professor pieces, we're trying to pose and answer topical/controversial/helpful questions and showcase the amazing expertise of members of the Wolf Pack. Answers should be pretty high level (i.e., we're hoping for answers that school children / the average community member can wrap their heads around). Questions may be provided to you.

• Length: 300 to 500 words
• Tone: Third-person POV, knowledgeable yet approachable, respectful, accessible, and readable/entertaining
• Byline: Please include your name, a quick (around 50 words) bio, and a link to your faculty page
• Images: Beyond your faculty photo, you may want to include an image with your answer. This isn't necessary, but please feel free to attach anything you think might augment your piece. Images should be high res.
• Publishing timeline: Unless your answer is especially timely, it will be added to the queue and published within a few weeks of submission.

Tips for a successful submission

• Establish your main message early.
• Be descriptive. Don't just tell readers. Use language that shows and explains.
• Deal in concrete examples. Provide description.
• Avoid self-promotion. Self-promotion is best served cold, in your bio.
• Give credit. Check quotations. Double­ check facts. Cite sources in a "journalistic" style rather than an "academic" style.
• Use the Associated Press Stylebook as your guide. (We'll be editing these on our end, so don't worry too much about this.)