Author Meets Critics Session

Author Meets Critic Sessions are designed to bring authors of recent books considered to be important contributions to the study of social problems and the advancement of social justice together with discussants chosen to provide different viewpoints.  Only books published during the previous two years from the conference meeting are eligible for nomination.  Only SSSP members may submit nominations; self-nominations are not accepted. No more than two (2) Author Meets Critics sessions will be offered by the Program Committee each year.  At the discretion of the Program Chair, the Committee may invite authors whose work is particularly relevant to the year’s theme.

Author Meets Critics Session proposals must be submitted to the Program Committee by the deadline date for the annual meeting.  Proposals must include:

  • Title of Book (include publisher and publication date)
  • Brief statement (about 200 words) about the book’s importance to the study of social problems and the advancement of social justice in general, as well as the relevance of the book for the annual meeting’s theme
  • Session Organizer(s)—authors cannot serve as session organizers
  • A list of potential critics, including their e-mail addresses
Submitting Previously Published Papers

Papers are not eligible for presentation or division competitions or awards/scholarships/fellowships if they have been published or accepted for publication before being submitted for consideration.

Multiple Submissions of the Same Paper

Papers are not eligible if they have been presented previously at SSSP or presented or accepted for presentation at other professional meetings, unless they have been revised substantially with new data, findings, or theoretical contributions.

Excursions and Tours

Only tours organized by the Local Arrangements Committee in relative proximity to the meeting site will be permitted.  Individual attendees can make their own tour arrangements, if desired.

Video Conferencing at the Annual Meeting

As a rule, virtual presentations are not permitted at the annual meeting, but the Program Committee, in consultation with the President of the Board of Directors, will consider rare exceptions in instances where the circumstances preventing the participation of a presenter/panelist and the importance of their contribution are such as to warrant an exception.

Virtual Permissions Policy (Virtual Meeting Only)

By participating as a presenter or audience member in this digital environment, you agree to be recorded. If you do not wish to be recorded, please do not participate.

Your participation in SSSP virtual sessions indicates consent to the following terms regarding aspects of the virtual session:

SSSP may record the presentations by video and audio. Any recordings, if available, may be accessible after the meeting.

Presenters must have rights to the content in their presentation and thus give SSSP copyright permission to promote the materials and/or recording to SSSP websites and to SSSP accounts on third-party websites (including but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn). Presenters retain all ownership rights, including copyright, patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property of content uploaded to these sites.

Presenters have no right of approval, no claim for compensation, and no claim (including, without limitation, claims based upon invasion of privacy, defamation, or right of publicity) arising out of or in connection with, any use, editing, or use in any composite form. Presenters agree and acknowledge that in the event any claims of action arise with respect to their materials or any other actions related to participation in the conference, they act in sole and individual capacity and that SSSP does not assume liability for presenters and audience member actions.

Liability Waiver

By registering for the Annual Meeting, I freely and voluntarily agree and acknowledge that I am undertaking participation in the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP) events and activities as my own free and intentional act and I am fully aware that possible physical injury, exposure or infection with an infectious disease, including, but not limited to, COVID-19 (or its variants), might occur to me as a result of my actions or those of other attendees or participants including the Venue’s employees and the SSSP’s officers, directors, staff, or agents. I do hereby assume responsibility for my own well-being. I also agree not to allow any other individual to participate in my place. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 or other infectious disease exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), senior citizens and individuals with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. I hereby release, for myself, my heirs, and personal representatives, and do forever discharge, indemnify and hold harmless the SSSP, its directors, officers, staff, agents, members, and representatives, from any and all claims, liabilities, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of, in connection with, or relating to my attending or participating in the Annual Meeting including, without limitation, any illness, damages, or injury resulting from my travel to and from, and attendance at, the Annual Meeting, participation in events related to the Annual Meeting, exposure to an infectious disease (including COVID-19) or the manner in which the Annual Meeting or its related events and activities are conducted (collectively, “Claims”). I understand and agree that this Waiver includes any Claims based on the actions, errors, omissions, or negligence of the SSSP, its directors, officers, staff, agents, members, and representatives.

I acknowledge that it is my obligation to follow all recommended health and safety measures while attending the Annual Meeting, including but not limited to CDC guidelines, SSSP requirements, as well as statutes, regulations, and other mandates applicable to the Annual Meeting (collectively, “Guidance”). I understand that the Guidance will continue to evolve over time. By registering, I attest that I have read this waiver, understand that I am waiving important rights, and agree to abide by its requirements.