Programming

CONFERENCE PROPOSALS SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

The 2011 NMCS program proposal period has ended. The submission process is now closed.

We are accepting proposals for symposia, workshops, and posters. Acceptable proposals may address theory, science/research, practice, and training/education issues. Symposia will be 75 minutes, and workshops can be either 75 or 150 minutes.

Proposals should address any area related to the 2011 NMCS theme or objectives:

  1. To showcase the unique strengths that scientists, practitioners, educators, and policy makers have to offer multicultural psychology.
  2. To engage in difficult dialogues regarding the tensions among psychologists that have challenged the advancement of multicultural psychology.
  3. To create an inclusive atmosphere of support and interpersonal connection by offering networking opportunities.
  4. To illuminate the work of pioneers in multicultural psychology and to honor their historical legacies.
  5. To facilitate collaboration between scientists and practitioners in order to combine theories, methodologies, techniques, and expertise that will impact education and public policy aimed at promoting human welfare.

TYPES OF PROPOSALS

Symposia

A symposium is a focused session in which participants present their views about a common theme, issue, or question; it is not a paper reading session. The views may or may not be adversarial but should be supported by relevant data. The symposium format usually consists of a chairperson introducing the topic to provide the audience with a background for the ensuing discussion. Participants then present their data/viewpoints, followed by interchange among participants and between the audience and participants.

Often the symposium will end with an overview of the proceedings by the chairperson or a discussant. The chair or discussant should not give a separate presentation. Their role is to highlight the essential issues raised by participants, to integrate and interpret the presentations, and to suggest future directions (e.g., what further research needs to be done and how can we use the information in the public’s interest). Submitters should indicate whether any presentation within the symposium should be considered as a poster presentation in the event of a rejection.

Workshops

A workshop is a 75-minute or 2 ½-hour program based on teaching methodology or therapy skills. Workshops can include theoretical and experiential approaches. Leaders typically offer practical experience to help participants increase their understanding and skills in a particular area of current interest in multicultural psychology (e.g., community-based research and culturally-sensitive interventions). Submitters should indicate whether any aspect of the workshop should be considered as a poster presentation in the event of a rejection.

Poster Presentations

A poster presentation provides the opportunity for presenters to share research findings (including preliminary results, replications, and null findings), innovative ideas, and advances in the profession with as many convention attendees as possible. Poster sessions allow presenters and attendees to engage in extended discussions about the author’s presentation. Posters are welcomed from both professionals and students and will be presented in separate sessions. If your submission is accepted for presentation in a poster session, NMCS will send detailed instructions to assist you in preparing your materials in the required format.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Symposia/Workshops

  1. All titles (i.e., the overall title and each presenters’ title) should be 12 words or less.
  2. Identify submissions as either “symposium” or “workshop.”
  3. Symposia and workshop submissions should include a 300-word general summary AND a 300-word summary of each participant's contribution.
  4. Include a 150-word abstract for the program booklet.
  5. All submissions should only include the names, highest educational degree, affiliations, addresses, and contact information (e-mail and phone) of actual presenters. For submissions drawing from research studies, non-presenting co-investigators may be acknowledged during the presentation but will not be listed in the program.
  6. Clearly indicate who is serving as the chair and the discussant, if any.
  7. Indicate any audio-visual requirements (e.g., LCD projector, overhead projector) and accommodation requests.
  8. Indicate if any aspect of the symposium/workshop should be considered as a poster presentation in the event of a rejection.
  9. Proposals will be eligible for CE units and must include 1) a completed proposal form including information on all presenters, 2) CVs for all presenters, and 3) three learning objectives for the program. Continuing education information must be included with the proposal or the proposal will not be reviewed.

Posters

  1. Titles should be 12 words or less.
  2. Include the names, highest educational degree, and affiliation of all co-authors. Specify which author(s) will present the poster.
  3. Poster submissions should include a 500- to 1000-word summary. The text of the summary should include a statement of the problem, subjects used, procedure, results, and conclusions.

SUBMISSION RULES

  1. All proposals must adhere to the above submission guidelines and to APA ethical guidelines
  2. No hardcopies for proposals are being accepted. All proposals must follow the format stipulated on the website.
  3. With all proposal formats, including posters, the Coordinators retain the right to request additional information (including research updates), ask that changes be made to improve a presentation, or decline to review a proposal that does not follow the guidelines for submission. No changes can be made after proposals have been submitted unless the Committee has specifically requested that change.
  4. Proposals based on original research should represent studies that have completed data collection. In the event that data collection has not been completed, submitters should explicitly state the timeline for data collection and certify that completion of data collection will occur well in advance of the conference.
  5. Only the submitter will be notified via e-mail of the acceptance or rejection of the submission. It is the responsibility of the submitter to inform fellow symposium/workshop participants or poster co-authors of their proposal status and other relevant information. If the Coordinators recommend that a symposium submission be considered for a poster presentation instead, the submitter will be notified of this recommendation and each author will be offered the opportunity to present individual presentations as posters.
  6. All decisions will be made by late July 2010.
  7. For accepted symposium/workshop proposals: Assignment within the schedule will be finalized in December. Requests for specific time slots will not be accepted.
  8. All accepted proposals will be submitted for consideration in PsycEXTRA.
  9. All symposia/workshop presenters (including chairpersons and discussants) must register and pay the appropriate conference registration fee. For poster presentations, only the presenting author(s) must register.

Due Date/Time for All Proposals: May 14, 2010 by 11:59pm (EDT)

CHECKLIST BEFORE ENTERING SUBMISSION PORTAL:

Make sure to have the following before entering the submission portal:

Symposia/Workshop

Posters