APAGS Call for Proposals for the APA Convention

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of program options are available?

A: Program options include poster presentations and programs (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 have an opportunity to browse the displays and talk to the authors. Presenters usually provide handouts. Poster presentations use the same required cover sheet for individual presentations. The cover sheet is available in the Call for Programs in the September Monitor and on the APA Web site.

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

Conversation hours are an opportunity for informal discussion and exchange of ideas between the audience and the presenters. 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 the application of theory to participants. Workshops combine 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 psychology.

Note: Unlike Divisions, APAGS does not offer paper sessions.

Q: Is submitting a proposal to APAGS the same as submitting a proposal to a division?

A: The submission process is similar for divisions and APAGS; each division selects programs that match the specialty interests of the division, based upon their own selection criteria and needs. APAGS operates similarly but is less likely to select programs that only appeal to small
subsets of students or specialty areas/topics. You may not submit the same program to multiple divisions and APAGS unless you are seeking co-sponsorship between more than one group (e.g. one hour from APAGS and one hour from Division X) in which case, you need to indicate the primary group and the request for co-sponsorship. APAGS typically does not co-sponsor programs.

Q: Is it better to submit a proposal to APAGS or to a division?

A: 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 of psychology 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
more appropriate for APAGS. Also, submitting a program to a division requires sponsorship from a full APA member.

Q: Does APAGS accept research reports?

A: Yes, but only if develped into a symposium, workshop, or convention hour. However, research results that pertain only to a narrow subject area are less likely to attract attention from APAGS’ diverse audience and therefore may fit better in division programming. Research topics
that focus on issues important to students across the spectrum of psychology are encouraged and welcomed in APAGS programming.

Q: How long are presentations and what are the options for length?

A: When submitting your proposal, you will have the option to select a 50 minute or 1
hour and minute timeframe. Due to limited programming hours, APAGS rarely accepts 1 hour and 50 minute programs, so you should try to limit your program to 50 minutes, with no more than 4 presenters. The division of that 50-minute allotment is at the discretion of the chair and panel presenting. Occasionally, APAGS will accept 1 hour and 50 minute workshops and symposia if the topic is compelling and the proposal is outstanding.

Q: Do I have to be a member of APAGS to submit a proposal to chair an APAGS session?

A: No, psychologists often chair APAGS programs, but there must always be at least one APAGS member as a presenter on the proposal. However, APAGS members are highly encouraged to chair and organize programs since APAGS is the only group that allows student program
chairs.

If you would like join APAGS now, applications for Student Affiliate membership can be downloaded here.

Q: What topics are especially interesting to the APAGS audience?

A: This year’s APAGS programming will give you some ideas about important perennial topics. Also, consider some recurring questions or issues in psychology that you may have discussed with your peers. What valuable lessons have you learned throughout your graduate school experience that other students might benefit from hearing. Research strategies, CV preparation, and dealing with financial issues often have universal appeal. Notice any gaps in your training
program? Consider leading a discussion on how to fill those gaps.

The possibilities are enormous and you are encouraged to explore new ideas. With all topics, please be sure that you bring some credibility to the program. For example, helping your friends write their CVs may not be as impressive to your future audience as having worked as a recruiter and/or conducted graduate-level research on CV and resume preparation. Or, if you’ve done extensive research on a professional development issue, you’ll bring excellent expertise to a
program on a related topic.

Feel free to contact the APAGS office if you would like to know if your program idea is one that would most likely draw an audience and be accepted (Please note that staff guidance does not guarantee or preclude acceptance).

Q: Can I submit a presentation proposal to APAGS that was accepted last year for a poster session at APA?

A: Yes, if there is compelling new information or additional presenters that extend or add
another perspective on the topic.

Q: When will I know if my submission has been accepted?

A: The APAGS Office will inform the program proposal chair of acceptance and rejection decisions by late February. Proposals may be conditionally accepted (conditions will be outlined in the acceptance letter) or your work may be accepted for APAGS Suite Programming or another program format (e.g. poster).

Q: What is APAGS Suite Programming?

A: Due to a very limited number of regular programming hours available to APAGS, we host many substantive sessions in the APAGS Suite. Social hours, conversation hours, business meetings, Internship Director Discussion Groups, and several excellent programs are scheduled in the APAGS Suite each year. Suite programs are advertised in a two-page ad in the regular convention program book, though are not listed chronologically with other programs. Suite program listings appear in the APAGS Convention Program Schedule available on the APAGS website, at the APAGS Booth, and in gradPSYCH.

Q: Do I have to pay to register for the convention if I am a presenter?

A: Unfortunately, we cannot waive or pay the registration fee for all presenters. APAGS members who are chairs or 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 and as indicated in the acceptance letter.

Q: What if a presenter cannot attend and/or another presenter is added once a program has been accepted?

A: Proposals should be submitted in complete form, with all presenters committed to attending the convention and presenting as indicated on the proposal. Because programs are accepted based on variables including who will be presenting, changes in program presenters are only accepted in unusual circumstances. Any change must be provided in writing and approved
through the APAGS office. There is no guarantee that the change will appear in the convention program and other convention publications.

Please contact the APAGS Central Office via email or at (202) 336-6014 with any questions!

Learn about the Review Process for Proposals
Steps for Submitting a Proposal
Return to APAGS Call for Proposals page
Return to APAGS Convention homepage

This page last updated June 3, 2005