APAGS Call for Proposals: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of programs options are available?
2. Is it better to submit a proposal to APAGS or to a Division?
3. How long are presentations and what are the options for length?
4. Do I have to be a member of APAGS to submit a proposal to chair an APAGS session?
5. What is APAGS Suite programming?
6. Do I have to register and pay for the convention if I am a presenter?

1. What types of programs options are available?

Program options include either a poster presentation or a regular program. Programs include symposia, conversation hours, and workshops.

Poster sessions allow presenters and attendees to engage in extended one-on-one discussions regarding the author’s presentation that is in illustrated format on a poster board. Several posters are displayed simultaneously and attendees can browse the displays and talk to the authors.

Symposiums consist of an introduction to the topic by the chairperson to provide the audience with background for the ensuing discussion. Panelist then present their viewpoints, followed by interchange among panelist and then between the audience and panelists. A symposium is not a paper-reading session. It is intended to generate debate and conversation.

Conversation hours are an opportunity for informal discussions and exchange of ideas between the audience and presenter(s). The audience can ask questions and discuss relevant issues in more detail than is typical in other types of sessions.

Workshops are one- to two-hour programs that teach direct skills and application of theory. Workshops combine theoretical and experiential approaches. Leaders typically offer practical experience to help increase participant understanding/skill in a particular area of psychology.

^ Back to the top

2. Is it better to submit a proposal to APAGS or to a Division?

It depends on the audience you want to attract and the message or training you want to provide. APAGS is broad-based and student focused, therefore program topics that pertain only to students of cognitive psychology or school psychology or any of the other subdisciplines are probably better suited to division programming. However, topics that pertain to psychology students across the range of psychology, or meet the needs of a large segment of students, are appropriate for APAGS. Also, submitting a program to a division requires sponsorship from a full APA member.

^ Back to the top

Presenters have the option to request a 50 minute or 1 hour and 50 minute timeframe. Due to limited programming hours, APAGS rarely accepts 1 hour and 50 minute programs. You should try to limit your presentation to 50 minutes with no more than 4 presenters. Occasionally, APAGS will accept a 1 hour and 50 minute program if the topic is compelling and the proposal is outstanding.

^ Back to the top

No, psychologists often chair APAGS programs, but there must be at least one APAGS member presenter, unless the session is invited or developed by the APAGS Convention Committee. However, APAGS members are highly encouraged to chair programs since APAGS is the only group that allows students to be program chairs.

^ Back to the top

Due to a limited number of regular programming hours available to APAGS, we host many substantive sessions in the APAGS Suite. Social hours, conversation hours, business meetings, discussion groups and several excellent programs are scheduled in the APAGS Suite each year.

^ Back to the top

Unfortunately, we cannot waive or pay the registration fee for all presenters. APAGS members who are first authors on APAGS regular or suite programs will have their pre-registration fees waived or paid by APAGS if the program is accepted and pre-registration materials are submitted on time, as indicated in the acceptance letter.

For additional questions/concerns, please contact APAGS at (202) 336-6014, or by e-mail.

^ Back to the top