Cover for Issue One of “Either/Or”

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will hold an official release party for “Either/Or,” a new national literary journal, on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Roberta’s Gallery on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center.

Produced by faculty and undergraduate students in the university’s Department of Literature, Writing, and Film, the release marks a new chapter for the region’s arts scene by including internationally acclaimed novelists.

While many national journals are housed at the graduate level, “Either/Or” places the editorial, design, and production process in the hands of UW-Whitewater undergraduates. Under the vision and mentorship of UW-Whitewater faculty members Nicholas Gulig, a former Wisconsin Poet Laureate, and Barrett Swanson, an acclaimed essayist, the students involved in “Either/Or” compiled a powerhouse roster of contributors. Lauren Groff, National Book Award finalist, Sheila Heti, acclaimed novelist and Guggenheim Fellow, Claire Vaye Watkins, Story Prize winner, and Becca Rothfeld, non-fiction critic for The Washington Post, are among those featured.

The release party offers the local community a first look at a journal that bridges the gap between UW-Whitewater undergraduate students and the highest tiers of the contemporary literary world.

The release party is open and free to the public. Appetizers and light refreshments will be served. Registration is not required, but it is encouraged at this link. “Either/Or” is available for purchase at www.eitherormagazine.com.

The Department of Literature, Writing, and Film at UW-Whitewater offers a robust Creative Writing program alongside majors in Literature, English Education, Professional Writing and Publishing, and Film Studies.