Deliberations

After contributions are submitted to the respective departments, they undergo a preliminary screening, where the editors sort through the materials to choose the ones that will be tackled during the upcoming deliberations (which is known to most staffers as “delibs”).

Delibs are usually held a few times a month, depending on the volume of contributions that come in. Usually, the editors will want a certain number of staffers to be present at delibs, so that each piece up for deliberation can get the discussion it deserves. Only in very few cases do the editors choose to hold deliberations with very few people (think five or less) In attendance. The discussion and analysis of the work itself is largely centered on formalism, which is an approach to analyzing, interpreting and evaluating a certain work of art or literature based on its form. Staffers are given sufficient time to voice their own particular readings and opinions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the work.

After the discussion, a vote is taken among all staffers present at that particular delibs session, to decide whether or not the work is to be published in Heights. For the English and Filipino staffs, the “Yes with revision” vote may also be included, usually with specific items to be revised in mind.

Afterwards, the editors inform the contributors regarding the status of their work. Post-deliberations is an optional procedure the author can choose to go through, if their work was not accepted, wherein they can hear general comments and suggestions made during delibs for the betterment of their work.