All About Penumbra

Since 1991, Penumbra has proudly published poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and visual art by contributors from the Stanislaus region, throughout the U.S., and abroad. Our staff is composed entirely of students: they make all editorial decisions, including which submissions are accepted and how the journal is designed.

Because new students staff the journal every year, Penumbra constantly evolves. Each year, we receive hundreds of art and literary submisions, and through an anonymous voting process, we decide which works to accept. Students are responsible for all editing and design choices, creating the finished journal by the end of the semester.

Every Spring, English 4019: Editing Literary Magazines is open to students with junior or higher academic standing. Students from all majors are welcome: the course offers professional training in areas including art, business, and communications. Annually, we launch the new issue with readings on the CSU Stanislaus campus, near the end of the Spring term.

Thank you to the many contributors of Penumbra 2023. Your talent makes the journal what it is. Please continue sending us your work: submissions will open for Penumbra 2024 later this November.