Conference FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do you accept creative writing?

Answer: Yes, we do! The 2025 conference will be the first year that we accept creative work submissions, and they will have their own

Question: I am an undergraduate, do I really have to submit the whole paper?

Answer: Yes. Please remember that it is okay if the paper is not on the annual theme. We accept papers on any topic. Do not worry!

Question: What is an abstract?

Answer: An abstract is a 150-200 word description of your paper. Use your abstract to highlight the main points and purpose of your paper. This can include the methodology you used, the research focus, the argumentative framework, or anything else you might find best highlights your paper.

Question: I wrote a dozen poems, can I submit them all?

Answer: We ask that you limit creative work submissions to what can be read in roughly ten minutes.

Question: I wrote a novel, can I read multiple chapters from it?

Answer: We ask that you limit creative work submissions to what can be read in roughly ten minutes.

Question: What is an artist statement?

Answer: An artist abstract is a 150-200 word description of your creative work. Similar to an abstract, the artist’s statement highlights the main themes of your work. However, this can also contain research done, styles and genres explored, notes of inspiration, or points of purpose.

Question: I want to do a poster presentation, what do I need to do?

Answer: Submit an abstract on the presentation and let us know if it will be a traditional poster presentation or if you will be doing a digital poster presentation when/ if you are accepted.

Question: The poster presentation sessions are longer. Why?

Answer: Poster presentations, by design, are non-standard. They can be accessed at various points and and people may have more or fewer questions than a standard presentation. Poster presentation sessions, therefore, are scheduled to allow for the natural flow of visitors to your presentation.

Question: I am graduate/ undergraduate student, and I submitted an abstract or proposal, but I haven’t heard back yet, why?

Answer: Graduates and undergraduate students need to also send their full paper to the TPA secretary. Their email is official.tpa.secretary@outlook.com.

Question: How do the undergraduate sessions differ from the others?

Answer: The undergraduate sessions run for the same amount of time overall; however, each paper is given 10 minutes for presentation rather than 20 minutes. We do this because, traditionally, the papers produced by undergraduate students will be shorter in length and we want you to feel comfortable and confident in your work.

Question: When will I hear back about my submission?

Answer: All responses for submissions will be send to applicants at the same time. We try to make sure that everyone has a response approximately two weeks after the submission deadline; however, this may be impacted by the number of submissions we receive.

Question: I missed the submission deadline, will you still consider my paper?

Answer: In some cases, we will extend the submission deadline; however, this is not a guarantee. If there is room in the schedule and time, considerations may be made for late submissions received before the application forms close; however, this is not guaranteed.

Question: Can I give you money when I get to the conference?

Answer: For a number of reasons we are no longer accepting conference start payments. If you would like to make a digital payment, you may contact the Treasurer.

Question: Can my parent/ significant other/ friend come to see me present my paper?

Answer: We do have a non-voting member fee for visitors ($10). This allows your visitor to stay with you for the entirety of the conference (both days!). If you have a specific need, please do reach out to the President or the Secretary to discuss it with them.

Question: I have a visible/ invisible disability, can I come? Will the conference be accessible?

Answer: We make every effort to ensure that our conference is accessible for all in attendance. If you have specific needs or questions, please reach out to the President or the Secretary to discuss those.