Students may have noticed flyers across campus and sidewalk chalk promoting The Squawk throughout the spring semester. The Squawk is the latest edition of Rockhurst University’s literary journal, a publication dedicated to showcasing student creative writing and visual art.

Originally established in 2018, the journal has operated under several names and went on hiatus in 2022. This year marks its return under the new title, The Squawk.

The journal is produced by students enrolled in the English course “Creative Writing and the World.” While students develop their own creative work, the primary focus of the class is creating the publication. Students join genre groups, submit their writing, edit and select submissions, build the website and gain hands-on publishing experience.

The English department has expanded the course by hiring a graphic designer to assist with digital formatting, with plans to print and bind future editions. In addition to providing résumé experience, the course fosters a creative community among students interested in writing and the arts.

According to its website, The Squawk aims “to amplify the diverse voices of Rockhurst University students” and “build and celebrate a vibrant student-driven arts community.”

Paige Webb, an English professor helping lead the journal’s revival, said student involvement is central to its mission.

“It’s been incredibly important that the journal—at every level of its production process—is created by and for the students,” Webb said. “The editors have been diligent in using this platform to lift up student voices and make them visible to a wide audience.”

The latest issue, published April 17, 2026, features work from more than 25 student writers and artists. Editors said the experience has been meaningful both professionally and personally.

“I truly enjoyed seeing the different writing styles of everyone and how they view the world around us,” said Grayce Teague, creative nonfiction editor.

Fiction editor Dominic Grisafe-Pont said the variety of submissions stood out.

“I’ve loved how much variety we’ve gotten from all of the writers and their chosen genres,” he said. “It reminded me how different people are and how personal their stories can be.”

The journal includes fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry.

To celebrate the release, editors will host a launch party April 22 in Arrupe Hall. The event will include food and readings from seven student authors.

“I’ll be elated to see the contributors in one space and to hear them read from their work,” Webb said. “The reading will be the highlight.”

The course will continue to be offered each spring semester, allowing students to contribute to future editions. Submissions will open again next year, and the current issue is available online at rockhurstreader.com. Students can also follow The Squawk on Instagram for updates.