Waiver-Eligibility

1. Purpose

The Waiver-Eligibility Policy for the Liberal Journal of Management & Social Science outlines the criteria and procedures for authors seeking financial assistance in the form of publication fee waivers. This policy is designed to ensure that the journal remains accessible to a diverse range of researchers, including those facing financial constraints.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Authors may apply for a publication fee waiver if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

a. Financial Hardship: Authors facing genuine financial hardship that hinders their ability to cover the publication fee.

b. Geographical Location: Authors from low-income countries, as defined by the World Bank classification, may be eligible for a waiver.

c. Student Status: Full-time students, both undergraduate and graduate, may apply for a waiver. Proof of enrollment must be provided.

3. Application Process

a. Authors seeking a waiver must submit a written request at the time of manuscript submission. The request should include a brief explanation of the financial constraints and the category of eligibility being claimed.

b. Requests will be reviewed by the Editorial Board, and a decision will be communicated to the authors before the final acceptance of the manuscript.

4. Documentation

Applicants must provide supporting documentation to substantiate their eligibility. This may include:

a. Income statements or financial documentation demonstrating financial hardship. b. Proof of residency in a low-income country. c. Student ID or enrollment verification for those claiming student status.

5. Decision and Appeals

a. The Editorial Board will evaluate waiver requests based on the provided documentation and the overall merit of the submission.

b. Authors will be notified of the decision, and if approved, the publication fee will be waived.

c. In the case of a denial, authors may submit an appeal with additional information or clarification within 15 days of the decision.

6. Confidentiality

All information provided by authors in support of a waiver request will be treated confidentially. Only members of the Editorial Board directly involved in the review process will have access to this information.

7. Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Editorial Board and may be revised to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.