BeanSwitch, UTM’s literary and visual arts magazine, opened its first meeting to a diverse staff of various majors on Thursday, Sept. 9, in the Writing Center, discussing plans and expectations for the magazine and events for the upcoming year as well as changes that have occurred.
“I want to get more majors involved this year besides just English majors,” said Jonathan Riley, executive editor for BeanSwitch and a senior English major, echoing the sentiment of its members and faculty advisers. Traditionally, BeanSwitch has been published in the English department with only one issue a year. However, this year there have been some changes. BeanSwitch will continue to be advised by the English Department, but its production will be handled by the Office of Student Publications, according to Dr. Leslie Lachance, faculty adviser. However, BeanSwitch will remain primarily an English Department publication.
“These changes will have positive effects,” said Lachance. ”Changes that will occur will be a payroll for staff members as well as being able to draw from staff in other departments, for example, The Pacer.”
“Another change that will occur is that BeanSwitch will publish two issues this year in fall and spring. Also, we will have a bigger staff and more opportunity for people to publish,” said Lachance. “In addition, we are looking to change the format, maybe to a smaller edition, a little less catalogue-looking and more unique.”
Another faculty adviser has joined BeanSwitch this year. John Glass, a new faculty member in the English department, has volunteered to help.
“This year is another year, another publication office and a new faculty member,” Lachance said.
Staff members are still needed for BeanSwitch, including an art editor and other art staff as well. For more information, contact Lachance in the English Department or Riley. All are welcome to apply. Future events were discussed for BeanSwitch, including a “Get Your Bean On” night at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, to make “Bean Pod” flier advertisements for BeanSwitch that are short, literary pieces accompanied by a photograph collage. All are welcome to attend for a fun-filled, creative night. Bring photographs from magazines, your original writing, magazines, or be prepared to do collaborative writing for the Bean Pods. Future events discussed included plans for an open mic night, a publication party and possibilities for a bake sale.
Past events included poster projects, Bean Pods, an open mic poetry reading accompanied last year by an art show, which was a collaborative effort by the English and Art departments. ”This event brought both poetry and art people together,” Lachance said. Last year BeanSwitch also hosted a Haiku Cupcake Bake Sale. “Instead of just getting baked goods, you got a poem along with it,” said Lachance about the event.
BeanSwitch will be requesting short, one-act plays and oddball screenplays for publication in addition to poetry and short stories.

BeanSwitch will have meetings weekly at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. All are welcome to attend.