2025 Call for Papers - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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| Deadline for submission of papers/extended abstracts to session organizers | January 31, 2025 |
| Session organizers start reviewing papers/extended abstracts on | February 1, 2025 |
| Session organizers must accept or refer all papers/extended abstracts by | February 15, 2025 |
| Session/paper titles and contact information for each author must be in the Administrative Office by | March 1, 2025 |
| Program Committee makes final placement of referred papers by | March 15, 2025 |
| Program submitters are notified of their program participation by | April 15, 2025 |
| Preliminary program will be distributed to all current members via e-mail by | May 15, 2025 |
| Program participants must register for the annual meeting by | June 1, 2025 |
| Deadline for paper authors to send their paper to the session presider and/or discussant | June 30, 2025 |
| 2025 SSSP Annual Meeting | August 8-10, 2025 |
| Deadline for names of session organizers for the 2026 Annual Meeting | September 15, 2025 |
May I attend the 2025 meeting virtually?
No. The 2025 SSSP Annual Meeting does not have virtual components and will take place in Chicago, Illinois.
How do I submit my paper/extended abstract?
Papers/extended abstracts for presentations must be submitted to a session via our online submission process no later than 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on January 31, 2025, in order to be considered. Once submitted, a paper may not be moved.
Am I required to submit a full paper?
No. Papers are not required for the initial submission. However, all accepted papers must be sent to the session presider and/or discussant by June 30.
How many times can I appear on the program?
A participant may appear on the program twice as a sole-author. There is no limit on co-authored papers.
In addition, a participant may also appear on the program as an organizer, presider, facilitator, moderator, discussant, presider/discussant, panelist, or critic.
Can I submit an individually proposed session?
No. The Program Committee will not be accepting individually proposed sessions.
What does it mean to submit to a “Works in Progress” or a “Research Feedback Forum” session?
These session types have previously been called Papers in the Round. These sessions are usually comprised of several tables, each with a different theme. Each roundtable consists of 5 to 6 presentations and may have an established scholar serving as presider and/or discussant. Discussion proceeds simultaneously at all tables. These are informal opportunities to present and discuss works in progress or gain feedback on ongoing research and are somewhat self-organized. Authors or presenters should start with a 10-15 minutes overview of their projects, papers, or research, after which participants around the table are invited to offer suggestions, reflect on content, and provide constructive feedback.
Papers in the Round, Works in Progress, and Research Feedback Forum sessions will not have audio-visual equipment.
What does it mean to submit to a “Critical Dialogue” session?
Critical Dialogue sessions include short (5 minute) presentations by up to 8 authors followed by facilitated dialogue that critically explores connections among the papers. The audience will have an opportunity to participate in the dialogue as well. Emphasis is placed on exploring interesting connections between papers with a broadly similar theme. This provides the opportunity for both presenters and the audience to make new and deeper connections from their own unique insights and presented ideas. The presider/discussant (same person serves in both roles) has an important role of moderating and facilitating the dialogue, while being sure that presentation times are followed.
Critical Dialogue sessions will not have audio-visual equipment.
How do I get instructions or more information on the online submission process?
Instructions are provided on each screen of the online submission process. If you need more information or assistance with this process, contact the IT Specialist at ssspit@utk.edu.
How do I get more information on the 2025 Annual Meeting Program?
Questions relating to the program should be directed to Program Chair Assata Zerai, SSSP2025ProgramChair@unm.edu. When sending an e-mail, place SSSP in the subject line.
What is the deadline to submit a paper/extended abstract?
All papers/extended abstracts must be submitted using the online submission portal no later than11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on January 31, 2025, in order to be considered.
Can I submit my paper/extended abstract more than once to different sessions?
No. Do not submit the same paper/extended abstract more than once. If your submission is not accepted to your 1st choice session, your submission will be forwarded to your 2nd choice organizer.
How many papers can I submit to the 2025 Annual Meeting Program?
A participant may appear on the program twice as a sole-author. There is no limit on co-authored papers.
How many sole-authored papers can I submit?
At a maximum, a person may appear on the program twice as a sole-author.
How many co-authored papers can I submit?
There is no limit on co-authored papers.
Is there a requirement for the length of a paper or extended abstract?
No. There is neither a minimum requirement nor a maximum limit.
What information should be included in an extended abstract?
See examples of featured abstracts.
If I attach a complete paper, do I also have to submit an extended abstract?
Yes. An extended abstract is required even when uploading a complete paper.
If I abort the submission process before submitting, is the information I have entered saved or will I have to start over again?
You have the option to save information you enter without submitting and returning at a later date to edit your paper and author information and complete the submission. However, all papers must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on January 31, 2025, in order to be considered.
I copied my submission from a Microsoft Word document into the extended abstract field, and some of the text is missing. What should I do?
You may either paste into the extended abstract field (the text box) as plain text, or you may upload a .pdf version of your paper. Please note, if you upload a paper, you must enter an abstract in the space provided on the online submission form.
What if I cannot find an appropriate session for my paper/extended abstract?
Each submitter is required to identify a 1st choice session for the closest fit and then a 2nd choice session for the next closest fit.
What happens if my paper/extended abstract is not accepted by my 1st choice session organizer?
If your paper submission is NOT accepted into your 1st choice session, the session organizer will forward your information to the 2nd choice organizer that you selected.
What happens if my paper/extended abstract is not accepted by my 2nd choice session organizer?
If your paper submission is NOT accepted into your 2nd choice session, the session organizer will forward the paper to the paper repository where it may be placed in a session by the Program Committee.
When will the Program Committee make a decision regarding papers in the repository?
The Program Committee makes final placement of referred papers by March 15.
When will I be notified if my paper/extended abstract was accepted?
All submitters will be notified of their program participation by April 15.
Can I submit a paper/extended abstract if I am not currently a member of SSSP?
Yes. However, acceptance of papers is contingent upon being a current member and registering for the annual meeting. All program participants (except individuals from community, labor, and comparable organizations working on social problems or social justice issues who have been invited by a session organizer to serve on a panel or to make a presentation) must be current members of the Society (you may join upon acceptance of your presentation) and must register (paying the guest registration fee is not an option for program participants) for the annual meeting by June 1. Persons failing to register by June 1 will have their presentations deleted from the final program.
Can I submit a previously published paper?
No. 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.
Can I submit the same paper to multiple professional meetings?
No. 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.
Which participants are eligible for an exemption from paying the registration fees?
All exemption requests must be submitted by May 15. Exemptions from paying registration fees will be considered for:
- Non-students who are unemployed and/or receiving monthly financial assistance to meet living expenses;
- Program participants from community, labor, and comparable organizations working on social problems or social justice issues who have been invited by a session organizer to serve on a panel or to make a presentation. The exemption applies only to one individual – the paper presenter – when there are multiple authors on the paper;
- Non-U.S. and non-Canadian scholars residing in economically disadvantaged countries who without these funds would be unable to attend the meeting;
- Co-authors of papers who will not be attending the meeting. One of the co-authors must be a paid registrant. Both co-authors must pay if both expect to attend the meeting; or
- Persons excused by direct request of the Program Chair
When can I register for the annual meeting?
Registration will open in early 2025.
What if I need to make a change to my paper/extended abstract after I have submitted it?
No changes can be made once a paper/extended abstract has been submitted. Please review your information carefully before submitting. Participants whose submissions are accepted will have an opportunity to review and update their paper title and author information before the program is finalized.
How will I know if my paper/extended abstract was submitted successfully?
Upon successful completion of the submission process, an e-mail acknowledgement will be sent to the person submitting the paper/extended abstract.
If my paper is accepted, can I choose the date/time I will present at the annual meeting?
No. Individual preferences for dates/times for presentations cannot be accommodated. Sessions will be assigned to a day of the conference that works best for the Program Committee and the Administrative Officer, which are charged with ensuring the overall coherence of the program and maximizing the number of sessions and papers included in the program.
What audio-visual equipment will be available in the meeting rooms?
LCD projectors and screens will be available for all traditional sessions. Papers in the Round, Works in Progress, Research Feedback Forum, and Critical Dialogue sessions will not have audio-visual equipment.
For all traditional sessions, presenters and/or session organizers must bring their own laptop (and the connection cord if you have an Apple computer or HDMI connection cord). SSSP does not have laptops or cords available for use.
We recommend saving your presentation to a thumb drive in the event you need to use a fellow participant’s computer for your presentation. Powered speakers for audio will not be available for any sessions; as such, we discourage the inclusion of short video clips in your presentation due to accessibility purposes (it will be difficult for the audience to hear them).
Internet access will be available in all meeting spaces in the conference hotel.
What if my paper is accepted, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to attend the annual meeting?
Registration fees will be refunded to persons who notify the Administrative Office that they will not attend the annual meeting prior to July 15. Once the participant packets have been prepared, processing costs have occurred. Unfortunately, under no circumstances will SSSP issue refunds for no-shows.
Membership dues are non-refundable.
Who should I contact with questions?
Questions relating to the program should be directed to Program Chair Assata Zerai, SSSP2025ProgramChair@unm.edu. When sending an e-mail, place SSSP in the subject line.
