Journal Policies

Policies

Statement on Ethics
Journal Policies
Peer Review Process
Reviewer Guidelines
Statement on Open Access & APCs

Quality is at the heart of the Journal of International Students. Over the past 15 years, personal funds and in-kind support/donations supported the operations of the journal. However, in light of current financial commitments and the increasing technical and non-technical operational costs, we had to make a difficult decision to  introduce an article processing charge (APC) to cover the operational expenses. If you are interested in applying for the Humane Letters Grant to cover your publication needs, or have any further questions, please feel free to reach out at editor@jistudents.org

As such, this journal will ask authors to pay an APC (article processing charge) for accepted manuscript prior to publications. We strongly believe in the quality of the work and the journal will never publish works in exchange for gifts or money; never falsely claim to represent another person or entity; and never use your data without consent

Authorship

An author is considered anyone involved with initial research design, data collection and analysis, manuscript drafting, and final approval. However, the following do not necessarily qualify for authorship: providing funding or resources, mentorship, or contributing research but not helping with the publication itself. The primary author assumes responsibility for the publication, making sure that the data are accurate, that all deserving authors have been credited, that all authors have given their approval to the final draft; and handles responses to inquiries after the manuscript is published. All persons who made substantial contributions to the work reported in the manuscript (such as technical help, writing and editing assistance, general support) but who do not meet the criteria for authorship must not be listed as an author, but should be acknowledged in the "Acknowledgements" section after their written permission to be named as been obtained. The corresponding author should ensure that all appropriate co-authors and no inappropriate co-authors are included in the author list and verify that all co-authors have seen and approved the final version of the manuscript and agreed to its submission for publication.

Screening for Plagiarism

Authors are encouraged to check plagiarism before uploading your mansucript to the journal. Manuscripts submitted to the Journal of International Students will be screened for plagiarism using SafeAssignments/Turnitin/CopyScape/Similarity Check/iThenticate plagiarism detection tools. This journal will immediately reject papers leading to plagiarism or self-plagiarism.

Data Sharing

Journal of International Students requests all authors to make available “all data underlying the findings described in their manuscripts.” Authors are encouraged to maintain the anonymity of the participants in both qualitative and quantitative data before sharing it with the editors or the public. The research method is at the core of editor and peer evaluation of manuscripts. This journal adopts the data sharing policy as recommended by the 2011 AERA Council and its Code of Ethics, which stated:

(a) Education researchers share data and pertinent documentation as a regular practice. Education researchers make their data available after completion of the project or its major publication for verification or other analyses by other researchers, except where proprietary agreements with employers, contractors, or clients preclude such accessibility or when it is impossible to share data in any useful form.

(b) In sharing data, education researchers take appropriate steps to protect the confidentiality of the data and the identity of research participants. When appropriate future use necessitates access to identifiable data, researchers take steps to ensure that the data are accessible under appropriate restrictions where the confidentiality of research participants can be secured.

(c) Education researchers anticipate data sharing as an integral part of a research plan whenever data sharing is feasible.

Research Ethics Policy

Our Research Ethics Policy establishes the principles and guidelines for conducting ethical research within our community. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, accountability, and respect for all participants involved in research activities. The policy outlines procedures for obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and addressing potential conflicts of interest. It also provides a framework for the ethical review and approval of research proposals, ensuring compliance with legal and professional standards.

Additionally, the policy includes specific guidelines for the use of AI tools in research. It mandates that researchers ensure transparency and fairness in the deployment of AI technologies, adhere to ethical standards in data collection and analysis, and prevent biases that may arise from the use of AI. Proper citations and a thorough review process are required to validate AI-driven research findings. This policy serves as a cornerstone for fostering a culture of ethical research, promoting trust, and safeguarding the rights and well-being of research subjects, while responsibly integrating AI tools in the research process.

Informed Consent Policy (IRB certification)

Our Informed Consent Policy outlines the essential procedures and requirements for obtaining voluntary, informed consent from research participants. It emphasizes the importance of providing clear, comprehensive information about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. Researchers must ensure that participants understand their rights, including the right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.

All empirical articles or manuscripts that involve human participants, such as students and teachers, in qualitative or quantitative research must have the approval of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) certification. This requirement ensures that ethical standards are upheld, and participants' autonomy and well-being are protected throughout the research process.

Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Expressions of Concern

This section details the process for handling cases that require corrections, retractions, and editorial expressions of concern in our journal. We are committed to maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the academic record. Corrections are issued to rectify errors that do not invalidate the research findings. Retractions are published when significant errors or ethical violations compromise the reliability of the findings. Editorial expressions of concern are used to alert readers to potential issues in a publication while an investigation is ongoing. Each case is carefully reviewed by the editorial board to ensure appropriate and timely action, upholding the highest standards of scholarly publishing.

Publication

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. Published articles are listed in major databases such as ERIC, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, OCLC/WorldCat, Questia, Scopus, UlrichsWeb, Google Scholar, and Cabell’s Directory.

Authors receive an electronic copy of published articles. You may order hard copies directly from the online sources (e.g.,  Amazon.comWalmart.comGoogle Play, or Barnes & Noble) or from our headquarters via email at contact@jistudents.org

Advertising Policy

Our Advertising Policy outlines the guidelines and standards for advertisements featured in our journal. Advertisements must be relevant to our readership and maintain a high standard of integrity and quality. We prohibit ads that are misleading, inappropriate, or in conflict with our journal's values. All advertisements are subject to review and approval by the editorial board to ensure they do not compromise the scholarly content and credibility of the journal. This policy ensures that advertising contributes positively to the reader's experience while supporting the journal's mission and values.