To the Western States Communication Association Community and 2024 Convention Attendees:

In accordance with the resolution, "Call for Boycott of Israeli Academic Institutions," passed by the WSCA Legislative Assembly in February 2025, the association officially issues this public statement, which has been prepared by the WSCA Executive Council. The Executive Council’s first scheduled meeting since the resolution's passage took place at NCA (November, 2025). The Executive Council is responsible for implementing the public resolutions from the Legislative Assembly and is responsible for authoring and distributing public statements based on those resolutions. 

WSCA acknowledges and apologizes for hosting the 2024 annual convention at the Atlantis Hotel in Reno, NV. This hotel is owned by Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., whose CEO is John Farahi. The Legislative Assembly has identified the hotel as “Zionist owned and operated”, and our use of that hotel as a violation of the BDS movement, which the association has now endorsed.

The association is committed to implementing all directives in the resolution, including expanding our site selection criteria to avoid such conflicts for all future events.

The WSCA Executive Council

Undergraduate Scholars Research Conference &

Graduate Program Open House

Program Planner & WSCA 2nd Vice President: Stephanie L. Gomez, Western Washington University, gomezs5@wwu.edu; Co-Program Planner: Stacey Overholt, University of Utah, stacey.overholt@utah.edu

Dr. Stephanie L. Gomez (Western Washington University), WSCA 2nd Vice President, and her co-program planner, Dr. Stacey Overholt (University of Utah), invite submissions to the 22nd annual Undergraduate Student Research Conference (USRC), which will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 in San Diego, California.

Undergraduate students are invited to submit papers reporting original research (e.g., critical investigation, analysis, or experiment leading to the discovery or creation of new facts; theories or interpretation, or significant revisions of already existing facts; or the practical applications of these new or revised conclusions). Diverse philosophical, theoretical, and methodological approaches are welcome.

The USRC is a bountiful opportunity for undergraduate students to showcase their scholarly work and to receive feedback from experienced scholars in the field writ large. Undergraduate students benefit from participating in the research conference by crafting and sharing a professional presentation, and meeting other undergraduate scholars in the field. The conference concludes with an awards ceremony, and a Graduate Program Open House will be hosted for students who may be interested in pursuing advanced study in Communication.

Undergraduate students are also encouraged to submit research papers that, in some way, speaks to the convention theme: Resistance. In keeping with the spirit of Dr. Cuomo’s theme, we encourage you “to examine how communication facilitates resistance, fosters resilience, and promotes social justice.” Consider the ways that your proposed research engages the concept and act of resistance  in both theoretical and applied ways.

Submission Guidelines for Papers:

Use the WSCA website to submit your work by going to the Convention tab and navigating to the Convention Submission System. Create an account and carefully follow the submission steps to ensure that your paper is successfully submitted.

All authors on the submitted papers must be undergraduate students at the time of submission and cannot be graduate students at the time of presentation. Students should not submit more than one paper for which they serve as the first author. Co-authored papers are welcome, but all coauthors must be undergraduate students.

All papers must be submitted in PDF format, and all identifying information (e.g., name, institutional affiliation) should be removed from both the paper and the file properties. All papers should have an abstract of no more than 200 words, the paper content, references, and tables (if applicable). Papers should be no more than 25 pages in total length. Papers will be judged anonymously by USRC reviewers for completeness and overall quality.

All submissions must be received by Monday, December 15 at 11:59pm PST / 2:59 am EST Tuesday, December 16.

Should you have any questions or queries, please contact me at gomezs5@wwu.edu or visit https://www.westcomm.org/page/USRC for more information.

CALL FOR PAPERS: WSCA 2026 Foundational Course Conference Position Papers

Colleen McGoff Dean, cmcgoff@whatcom.edu

The Western States Communication Association invites submissions for the Foundational Course Conference (FCC) on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the WSCA annual convention in San Diego, California. The Foundational Course Conference (formerly called the Basic Course Conference) focuses on issues in the Foundational Communication course (broadly defined). Colleen McGoff Dean (cmcgoff@whatcom.edu) serves as this year’s Foundational Course Conference Coordinator.

 In keeping with the conference theme, “Resistance” issued by President-elect, Anthony Cuomo, this year's Foundational Course Conference will address topics, concerns, positions, and perspectives in the Foundational Course that might benefit from forms of resistance in teaching and learning practices, in curriculum design, and in assessment practices, as well as resistance in the departmental, institutional and community contexts. The FCC invites position papers and activities (such as G.I.F.T.S. – Great Ideas for Teaching Students) that explore and provide perspectives on the many ways those involved with the Foundational Course, such as course directors, graduate teaching assistants, community college faculty, temporary or term faculty, and others, can respond to the theme of “Resistance” at the individual, course, and disciplinary levels.

 The following information about this year’s theme, provided by Anthony Cuomo, may assist those of you interested in submitting a position paper for the FCC with creating a focused, engaging proposal. The “possible questions to explore” have been adapted for the FCC.

“Communication is an essential tool for social justice and equity. As we navigate a world marked by systemic oppression and inequality, the concept of resistance emerges as a vital and pressing area of inquiry. For our 2026 convention, WSCA invites scholars, educators, and practitioners to explore the multifaceted relationship between communication and resistance, particularly in the context of social justice.

Resistance can take many forms, from vocal opposition to systemic injustices to subtle acts of defiance within everyday interactions. It encompasses the strategies employed to challenge the status quo, the narratives constructed to amplify marginalized voices, and the ways space is created for dialogue and understanding. This year's theme encourages us to examine how communication facilitates resistance, fosters resilience, and promotes social justice.

Possible questions to explore include:

• How does [the Foundation Course] shape our understanding of resistance in various social contexts?

• In what ways can [the Foundation Course] amplify the impact of grassroots movements?

• How can [the Foundation Course] be utilized to empower marginalized communities?

• How do interpersonal communication practices [in the Foundations Course]contribute to or hinder collective resistance efforts?

• In what ways do [the Foundation Course] practices within the classroom setting impact students' ability to engage in discussions about resistance and identity?

• What are the ethical challenges involved in communicating resistance in highly polarized political environments?”

Other possible issues include addressing challenges at a departmental or institutional level through resistance to proposed cuts to Foundational Course offerings, resistance to inadequate training and support for new faculty assigned to teach the FC, or, from a curriculum perspective, exploring ways to cultivate intellectual resistance to polarizing information. Proposals that address the way the Foundational Course  “facilitates resistance, fosters resilience, and promotes social justice” are welcomed.

Position papers submitted for the FCC must: 

1. NOT exceed ONE (1) page in length, single spaced.

2. Include the name, institutional affiliation, e-mail address, and phone number of the participant. Participants are limited to one submission per person, though co-authored submissions are welcome. 

3. Identify how you see yourself positioned relative to the foundational course (for example: are you relatively new to the Foundational Course, are you feeling burned out and in need of new ideas from decades of teaching the course, are you a chair or dean seeking assessment ideas or logistical assistance with the foundational course, are you a graduate student who is new to teaching overall, etc.).

4. Explicitly pose a question, raise an issue, or offer a bid for possibilities within the Foundational Course. This question/issue/bid must be:

1. A single sentence.

1. BOLDED and placed at the top of the position paper. 

1. Then narrate how you would address this question, issue, or bid for change in a way that would aid our focus on resistance at the 2026 Foundational Course Conference. 

We will not be utilizing AV equipment during the FCC; however, participants are welcome to bring handouts if desired. 

Submitted position papers will be assessed on their relevance to the FCC, resonance with the conference theme, quality of writing, and potential for sparking a fruitful discussion at the FCC. Based upon these position papers, accepted participants will then be placed in roundtable discussion groups and/or thematic panels by the Foundational Course Conference Coordinator. We will focus on active participation and interaction from participants rather than making FCC participants passive audience members. 

Given the structure of the FCC, participants selected to join agree to attend and stay for the duration of the event (not to exceed 3 hours). The FCC will be held on the Friday morning of the WSCA conference, so participants should not plan to attend other conflicting Friday events (i.e. the Undergraduate Research Conference, morning or full day pre-conferences, local events, etc.). 

There will be no cost associated with attending the 2026 FCC above and beyond registration for the WSCA convention itself. The FCC will also ensure that all discussion leaders are recognized in the conference program in order to secure institutional support. 

Position papers will be submitted online at westcomm.org, Conventions, 2026 Submissions, and then when you are directed to the XCD system select FCC as the interest group.  All submissions should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Position papers must be received by midnight PST on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Foundational Course Conference Coordinator Colleen McGoff Dean (cmcgoff@whatcom.edu)

Organization for Feminist Research on Gender Communication

2026 Interest Group Planner: Lore/tta LeMaster, Arizona State University, lorelemaster@pm.me

The Organization for Feminist Research on Gender and Communication (OFRGC) invites submissions for program proposals and competitive papers for the Western States Communication Association Convention scheduled for February 27- March 2, 2026 in San Diego, California. OFRGC seeks submissions that speak to both its emphasis on feminist research regarding gender, intersectionality, oppression, and social change, and the convention theme, “Resistance.” 

Submissions should display a substantive commitment to intersectionality, one that infuses the whole of the research, rather than denoting superficial attention to marginalized groups. Of particular interest are 1) papers and panels that challenge or extend understandings of feminist and gender justice advocacy, address the building of critically conscious coalitions, and explore the intersections of gender and race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, sexuality, embodiment, and class; 2) studies centering queer, transgender, and gender nonconforming politics; race and racialization; postcolonial and decolonial theories; dis/ability and debility; labor and social reproduction; transnationalism; and critical examinations of masculinity and other gendered forms of hegemony; and 3) panels and roundtables that discuss ways for making OFRGC more representative of its diverse members and to ensure OFRGC services and benefits are directed at BIPOC scholars.

Paper submission guidelines: Authors are encouraged to submit papers to OFRGC for competitive selection. Papers may employ any humanistic, scientific, and/or other methodologies that develop feminist research on gender and communication. Submitted papers may not have been previously presented, published, or be accepted for presentation or publication elsewhere at time of submission. Paper submissions should not exceed 25 pages (excluding references) and should be anonymized and free of information identifying the author(s) or affiliated institution(s). OFRGC offers $500 awards to the Top Paper, Top Student Paper, and Top Debut Paper recipients, as well as a $250 Brenda Allen Travel Grant for top paper submissions authored by BIPOC students.

All student submissions should be marked as “Student” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page for consideration of the Top Student Paper award. Authors who have not previously presented a paper at any conference or published in a journal should (a) mark their papers as “Debut” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page, (b) indicate their status (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral student), and (c) select “Debut” in the conference submission system. All co-authors must meet the eligibility requirements to be considered a Debut Paper. Student submissions authored by BIPOC author(s) should be marked as “BIPOC Student” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page to be considered for the Brenda Allen Travel Grant.

In the spirit of mentoring and supporting students and early career scholars engaging in feminist research on gender and communication, OFRGC accepts “Research in Progress” in addition to completed research paper submissions. Authors submitting Research in Progress should label the paper with “Research in Progress” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page and indicate the paper’s status in the conference submission system. Research in Progress submissions should not exceed 10 pages (excluding references). Note: Research in Progress submissions will not be considered for top paper awards.

Authors must disclose whether they have obtained Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, organizational approval, or other necessary permissions for any convention submission involving the collection of data on human participants. If no approval was obtained, the reason should be stated. For example, if authors have not obtained IRB approval because their institutions do not have IRBs, that fact should be stated. In addition, OFRGC recognizes that some autoethnographic and/or performative methods may not require IRB. The IRB disclosure statement should be included in a footnote, author note, or submission text. 

Panel and Roundtable Submission Guidelines: Panel and roundtable proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to feminist research, theory, or instruction; we also encourage panel and roundtable submissions that engage the conference theme “Resistance.” Panel and roundtable sessions may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a critic/respondent in a traditional conference format. However, we encourage proposals for public teach-ins, performance activities and events, and/or an innovative programming that provides opportunities for interaction with the broader WSCA and local host communities. We encourage co-sponsorship of panel and roundtable submissions; indicate prospective co-sponsoring interest groups on your submission proposal. Panel and roundtable submissions should include the following information: 1) Thematic title of the panel or roundtable session; 2) Abstract of 50-75 words that identifies the content and purpose of the panel, and that will be printed in the conference program and schedule should it be accepted for presentation; 3) Description and rationale of panel or roundtable session in no more than 500 words, including how it “fits” with OFRGC’s vision and, where applicable, the conference theme; 3) Names and affiliations of all participants; and 4) Title and brief description (100-150 words) of each presentation. Alternative formats are encouraged as are innovative program proposals that provide opportunities for engaged interaction among participants and attendees. 

All submissions will be through the online conference submission system called “XCD” (pronounced “exceed”). Please note that your XCD username and password may be separate from your WSCA log-in information. Follow submission instructions on the website, and stipulate any requests for AV equipment with your initial submission.  Requests for equipment submitted after the submission deadline will not be met. For additional details about the WSCA convention, please consult www.westcomm.org.

All submissions are due no later than September 2, 2025 by 11:59 pm PST in order to be considered.

Western Forensics & Argumentation Association

(Argumentation, Persuasion, and Forensics Interest Group)

Program Planner: Ashley Givens, Salt Lake Community College, ashley.givens@slcc.edu

Argumentation, Persuasion, and Forensics Interest Group (formally Western Forensics & Argumentation Association) welcomes competitive papers, paper sessions, panel sessions, as well as individual and panel performance sessions for the 2026 Western States Communication Association annual conference in San Diego, CA from February 27- March 2 of 2026.  The APFIG seeks submissions that speak to the intersections of argumentation, persuasion, or forensics pedagogy as it intersects with this year's convention theme of “Resistance.”

Echoing the sentiments of WSCA President-Elect, Dr. Anthony Cuomo, “Resistance can take many forms, from vocal opposition to systemic injustices to subtle acts of defiance within everyday interactions. It encompasses the strategies employed to challenge the status quo, the narratives constructed to amplify marginalized voices, and the ways space is created for dialogue and understanding. This year's theme encourages us to examine how communication facilitates resistance, fosters resilience, and promotes social justice.” Resistance, defiance, challenging the status quo, and amplifying narrative is foundational in the studies of Argumentation, Persuasion, and Forensics.  As scholars, educators, coaches, and performers we are constantly called to challenge dominant narratives through critical and constructive dialogue. This year, the interest group is seeking submissions that critically engage with the concept of resistance. Specifically, the interest group is uniquely interested in the following questions: How does communication shape our understanding of resistance in various social contexts? In what ways can communication amplify the impact of grassroots movements? What role does narrative play in reshaping public discourse toward equity? How can communication strategies be utilized to empower marginalized communities? How do rhetorical constructions of resistance shape public discourse, and what strategies do marginalized groups employ to communicate their narratives effectively in the face of dominant cultural narratives? How can we use critical discourse analysis to uncover power dynamics within social justice movements and resistance narratives?

However, the interest group still welcomes submissions that engage with the theme more broadly. APFIG accepts submissions in the following categories: traditional paper submissions (10-25 page papers) that present original research on argumentation, persuasion, forensics, and/or public controversy and conflict; individual competitive performances; performance and panel sessions which may be in various forms: a set of papers on a theme, performances, roundtables, expositions of best practices, discussions, etc.; and forensics performances and position papers (5-10 pages) which focus on contemporary trends in forensics. Each submission category is described in greater detail below.

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES

Competitive Papers: Authors are encouraged to submit papers to APFIG for competitive selection. Papers may employ any humanistic, scientific, and/or other methodology(ies) and may address theoretical developments, critical analyses, disciplinary issues, pedagogical issues, and/or research advancements related to argumentation, persuasion, forensics, public controversy, dis/misinformation studies Papers submitted to APFIG should not be submitted to another interest group. Submitted papers should not include information that identifies the author(s). Papers should typically not exceed 25 pages of text, excluding citations, figures, charts, etc. Competitive papers can include “Research in Progress” submissions. These papers should not exceed 10 pages in length and should clearly indicate that they are submitted as “research in progress” so they can be properly reviewed by the interest group.

Authors who have not previously presented a paper at any conference or published in a journal should mark their papers as “Debut” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page as well as indicate their status (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral student), as well as select “Debut” in the Attendee Interactive system. All co-authors must meet the eligibility requirements to be considered a Debut Paper.

Performance Sessions/Panel Sessions: Performance and panel sessions proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or instruction in argumentation, forensics practice & pedagogy, public controversy, etc. Panel sessions may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a critic/respondent in a traditional conference format. However, we highly encourage proposals for a debate, a round table discussion, a performance activity, or an innovative program that provides opportunities for interaction among participants and attendees.

Panel session proposals must contain the following:

1. Thematic title of the panel session;

2. Names and affiliations of all participants;

3. Title and brief description of each presentation;

4. An abstract of 50-75 words that identifies the content and purpose of the panel, which will be

printed in the program book. If accepted, additional explanations or details may be included in a

separate panel session leaflet or handout made available at the panel session presentation;

5. Equipment needed for the panel session. Please keep in mind that equipment availability is

extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your

submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether or not you will

have AV.

Individual Performances/ Performance Sessions must contain the following:

1. Thematic title of the performance/ performance session 

2. Names and affiliations of the performer(s)

4. An abstract of 50-75 words that identifies the content and purpose of the panel, which will be

printed in the program book. If accepted, additional explanations or details may be included in a

separate panel session leaflet or handout made available at the panel session presentation;

5. A script(s) of the proposed performance(s)

6. A link to a video except of performance (not to exceed five minutes) 

5. Equipment needed for the panel session. Please keep in mind that equipment availability is

extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your

submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether or not you will

have AV.

Forensics Performances & Position Papers: The APFIG also supports undergraduate scholarly endeavors. This year, we welcome submissions from undergraduate students who are encouraged to submit forensics performances or position papers to APFIG for competitive selection. Forensics position papers may address a wide range of issues related to forensics, including forensics pedagogy and practice, examinations of forensics organizations and culture, and/or performances that highlight the intellectual richness of competitive forensics.

Submissions should not include information that identifies the authors/performers. However, they should indicate “forensics position paper” or “forensics performance” in the top corner of the submission.  Papers should not exceed 10 pages in length and performances should not exceed 10 minutes each*

*Please see the above requirements for individual papers/performances. 

AWARDS

To encourage more submissions to the APFIG section of the Western States Conference, will offer the following awards 

1. Top Paper in Argumentation, Persuasion, and Forensics 

2. Top Student Paper in Argumentation, Persuasion, and Forensics

3. Top Debut Paper 

4. Top Contributed Performance

Additionally, to further our engagement with this year's theme of support, the APFIG seeks nominations for the following two awards. 

1. Outstanding Forensics Competitor 

2. Outstanding Graduate Forensics Coach/Educator.

Nominations for these awards should include: 

1. Name and Affiliation of the Nominee   

2. A letter of nomination/recommendation from a member of the nominee’s team/coaching staff. 

Nominations can be sent to the APFIG 2026 IG Chair/Program Planner: 

Ashley Givens, Salt Lake Community College

Ashley.givens@slcc.edu

Rhetoric, Culture, and Advocacy

Program Planner: 2026: Sarah Dweik, Penn State University, sxd5679@psu.edu

The Western States Communication Association (WSCA) will take place in San Diego, California, which is located on the traditional homelands of the Kumeyaay Nation. As stated in the San Diego State University Kumeyaay Land Acknowledgement, “We stand upon a land that carries the footsteps of millennia of Kumeyaay people. They are a people whose traditional lifeways intertwine with a worldview of earth and sky in a community of living beings. This land is part of a relationship that has nourished, healed, protected and embraced the Kumeyaay people to the present day. It is part of a world view founded in the harmony of the cycles of the sky and balance in the forces of life. For the Kumeyaay, red and black represent the balance of those forces that provide for harmony within our bodies as well as the world around us.” 

As genocide, colonization, and other systemic oppressions continue across the globe, we have always witnessed the rise of resistance to end such marginalization. Communication is an essential tool for social justice and liberation, providing WSCA space to consider how discussions surrounding resistance have evolved in today’s contemporary moment. Our convention theme, “Resistance,” asks us to begin with how oppression has been responded to across time and today, and the role that communication and rhetoric play within it. Fights of resistance, resilience, and liberation all invite us to consider what possibilities can exist absent oppression, creating collective futures in sustainable ways for our communities, cultures, languages, and world. Given the rhetorical constructions that exist to manufacture consent for oppression, whether that be domestically or internationally, this theme asks us to consider how communication can be critically used to uplift and reflect marginalized groups. We invite submissions that are interdisciplinary, international, community-based, and academic-based. 

We encourage proposals from students and faculty at colleges, universities, and tribal colleges, as well as from community-based scholars, elders, and professionals actively engaged in the field. We encourage explorations of support across a diverse range of topics and interests, focusing on texts, methods, cultural phenomena, identities, bodies, voices, experiences, aesthetics, and sensibilities that have been historically marginalized in academia and rhetoric. We especially welcome submissions by and about people and communities for whom support is often inaccessible, foreclosed, policed, or otherwise risky to obtain, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, queer, trans, and two-spirit folks, women, folks with disabilities, transnational scholars, and submissions that center and advocate for the livability of these peoples, communities, and lifeworlds. Under this theme, we especially encourage submissions that challenge traditional canons regarding resistance and social justice and utilize community and cultural voices to inform research.   

Further information about the conference theme and the general Call for Papers can be found at http://www.westcomm.org/; however, submissions to the Rhetoric, Culture, and Advocacy Interest Group should adhere to the following guidelines:

I. COMPETITIVE PAPERS

Authors are invited to submit competitive papers relevant to the theory, history, criticism, and/or production of rhetoric, culture, and advocacy (broadly construed). In addition, we especially encourage competitive papers that speak to and against the conference theme from a diverse array of theoretical, methodological, or critical perspectives within rhetorical studies, including ecological rhetoric, environmental rhetoric, digital rhetoric, critical/cultural studies, rhetoric and civic engagement, argument and advocacy, public address, visual and material rhetoric, public memory, and rhetoric of identity and difference, among others.

 Competitive Papers must:

- Not exceed 30 pages (including figures, images, notes, references, etc.).

- Include a 100-200 word abstract of the paper (directly beneath the paper’s title).

- Be free of any and all identifying information to ensure a fair and anonymous peer review.  In other words, submitters must ensure the author’s name(s) and any other identifying information is not listed on the paper’s first page, in headers or footers, in the document’s metadata, etc. Author names will be entered separately through the online submission system

Competitive Papers must not:  

- Have been submitted to any other interest group.  

- Have been presented at another conference or convention.    

- Have been accepted for publication.  

- Have been published.  

*Only one competitive paper submission per author is allowed*  

Note on Student Papers: If all authors of a competitive paper are or were a student at the time of submission to WSCA, the paper is considered a student submission and is eligible for recognition by RCA. If this is the case, the competitive paper should be marked “STUDENT” in the upper-right hand corner of the title page. Please also indicate whether each author is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral student. NOTE: ALL AUTHORS of a competitive paper must meet the eligibility requirement for student status in order for the paper to be eligible for award consideration.    

Note on Debut Papers: If all the authors of a competitive paper “have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national, or international convention, or published in any academic journal,” the paper is considered a debut submission and is eligible for recognition by RCA and the WSCA Executive Club. If this is the case, the competitive paper should be marked “DEBUT” in the upper-right hand corner of the title page. Please also indicate whether each author is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral student. NOTE: ALL AUTHORS of a competitive paper must meet the eligibility requirement for debut status in order for the paper to be eligible for award consideration.    

Audio-visual technology: please request only if necessary. NOTE: Audio-visual equipment is extremely limited and expensive. Therefore, be judicious in requesting technology only if essential for a successful presentation.      

II. PROGRAM (PANEL) PROPOSALS  

Program proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to the theory, history, criticism, and/or production of rhetoric (broadly defined). The RCA Interest Group welcomes program proposals from a wide array of perspectives within rhetorical studies, including ecological rhetoric, environmental rhetoric, digital rhetoric, critical/cultural studies, rhetoric and civic engagement, argument and advocacy, public address, visual and material rhetoric, public memory, and rhetoric of identity and difference, among others.  

Programs can take many forms. Be creative. For instance, they can include a chair and/or a critic/respondent, but they may not. Programs may look a lot of ways, too. This can include: a panel of performances, a panel featuring papers engaging a common theme, roundtable discussions engaging current and/or future-oriented concerns in rhetoric, culture, and advocacy. Unique program formats press us to re-consider and imagine innovative possibilities for what “conferencing” involves are especially encouraged. We are especially interested this year in program formats that involve mentorship from qualified scholars in service of younger scholars. In alternative program formats, respondents may be included or omitted as appropriate.      

Program proposal submissions must include in ONE (1) single document:  

- The thematic title of the program (as it will appear in the program, if accepted).  

- A 250-500-word rationale for the program as a whole.  

- Names, affiliations, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of all participants.  

- For paper and performance panels, include a title and a brief description (no more than 250 words) of each paper and/or performance.  

- As appropriate AND necessary, a statement requesting audio-visual technology. NOTE: Audio-visual equipment is extremely limited and expensive. Please be judicious in requesting technology only if essential for a successful presentation.  

- If appropriate, include a note indicating possible co-sponsoring interest group(s).  

COMPETITIVE PAPER/PROGRAM PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROCESS  

Competitive paper or program proposals must be submitted online through the WSCA Website. (Details for making submissions will be available at www.westcomm.org/) All submissions should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.

Competitive Papers and Program Proposals must be received NO LATER THAN 11:59 PM on September 2, 2025 to receive full consideration.

If you have any questions or concerns about RCA or the submission process, please contact the RCA Chair, Sarah Dweik, sxd5679@psu.edu.

Performance Studies

Program Planners: Tyler Rife, St. Lawrence University, Trife@stlawu.edu; Ana Isabel Terminell Iberri, San Francisco State University, atermineliberri@sfsu.edu; Michael Tristano, Towson University, Mtristano@townson.edu

For questions or concerns: please contact Tyler Rife, at trife@stlawu.edu

“For the party exists and goes on

Amidst the terror. 

When the world calls us;

To fight us,

To fuck us,

And to kill us,”

(Ramirez, 2025, p. 183)

The Performance Studies Interest Group invites submissions of competitive papers, performances, and program proposals for the 2026 Western States Communication Association Convention in San Diego, California.  Submission Deadline: September 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. All submissions must be made using the WSCA 2025 abstract management system.

We write as a collective in the wake of the devastating loss of our friend, comrade, and the 2026 Chair of the Performance Studies Interest Group, Pablo Ramirez. Pablo was and continues to be an unlimited number of things to all of us, personally and professionally. This collective work (and this call) is not meant to be an exhaustive tribute to him and his memory but rather to honor two critical, structuring components of Pablo’s professional life: 1) he deeply believed and embodied the project of critical performance in all of its immense potential and 2) he loved WSCA. We write this call with these commitments in mind as Pablo continues to inspire us and as we embrace the revolutionary potential of performance in times of mourning and crisis. 

This year’s conference theme “Resistance” comes at a critical time as fascist projects gain strength within the United States and beyond, oppressing members of society who fail to align with the purity logics of white supremacist cisheteropatriarchy and colonial-capitalism. As marginalized members of our society face increasing violence at the hands of fascism, we are called to ask, what is the role of communication in resistance? More specifically, what is the role of performance in resisting the oppressive discursive and material conditions we currently face? 

“Manifesting Freedom;

Manifesting Mother;

Manifesting Revolution;

Manifesting Entanglements;

Manifesting Life;

I do not want the party to end.”

(Ramirez, 2025, p. 185-186)

Performance, the relationship between a body and the world, animates possibilities not only for resistance but also for what comes after the revolution. What will our party look like? What is the role of joy in performing the future? How will our life-worlds prioritize the land and the water beyond passive consumption? How can performance offer an emplaced, enfleshed, and culturally-reflexive lens through which to imagine living and loving otherwise? We believe performance is uniquely situated to robustly respond to both the theme of this year’s convention and the many crises facing us. It is our sincerest hope to hone the critical/cultural promise of performance studies at the 2026 convention in San Diego; to resist against the death machine via the power of performance. After all, even stripped of everything, the body can still perform. So let’s party. 

Programs and/panels co-sponsored with other interest groups are encouraged as they increase opportunities for inter-/intradisciplinary dialogue and may also allow for more submissions recommended for acceptance to be paneled. Mark the top left of submission with name of the potential co-sponsor interest group. Some interest groups we would be interested in co-sponsoring with include, but are not limited to: Communication, Identities, and Difference; Communication and Instruction; Environmental Communication; Health Communication; Intercultural Communication; OFRGC; and Rhetoric, Culture, and Advocacy.

Submission Instructions:

I. COMPETITIVE PAPERS

• Scholar-artists are encouraged to submit papers to the Performance Studies Interest Group for competitive selection. Papers should have a performance studies research focus and can utilize any methodology and/or theoretical perspective. We welcome diverse and creative approaches to academic research (e.g., critical/cultural, indigenous, queer, feminist, poetic, personal narrative, autoethnography, performance ethnography, among others). Competitive Papers should not: (1) have been presented at another conference or convention; (2) have been published; and (3) have been accepted for publication. All submissions should use APA, MLA, or Chicago style.

• Debut Award: The Performance Studies Interest Group welcomes and encourages debut competitive papers. The WSCA Executives Club Award is made to the author or co-authors of a paper presented as the convention “who have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national, or international convention, or published in any academic journal.” Papers presented at student-only conferences are exempt from this requirement. All authors of a co-authored paper must meet these eligibility requirements for a paper to be considered a Debut Paper. Papers eligible for the Debut Award should be marked “DEBUT” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page. Indicate whether each author is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral student.

• All papers should be submitted online via the WSCA website, using the selection “Individual Paper Submissions”. When submitting, participants will be asked to include:

• A list of all authors

• Audio-visual requests only if absolutely necessary for your presentation or performance. (You are encouraged to bring your own audio- visual equipment(s) whenever possible. Equipment availability is extremely limited and expensive. See the WSCA policy on Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions in the Policies and Procedures Manual on the website http://www.westcomm.org/)

• The paper, including a 100-250 word abstract, and a maximum of 25 pages of text. Remove authors’ names from the paper.

• Please submit individual and debut papers no later than  September 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

II. PANEL PERFORMANCES

• We invite scholar-artists to submit completed scripts for performances to be scheduled on panels. Panel performances should be between 10-15 minutes and can be in various modes (e.g., critical/cultural, indigenous, queer, feminist, poetic, personal narrative, performance (auto)ethnography, multimedia, digital, etc.). While you are invited to submit program panels featuring a number of short performances (see program proposals below), panel performances are intended for individuals (or groups) with 10-15 minute performances interested in being programmed with other 10-15 minute panel performances.

• All papers should be submitted online via the WSCA website, using the selection “Individual Paper Submissions”. When submitting, participants will be asked to include:

• A list of all performers (listed as authors)

• Audio-visual requests only if absolutely necessary for your performance. (You are encouraged to bring your own audio- visual equipment(s) whenever possible. Equipment availability is extremely limited and expensive. See the WSCA policy on Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions in the Policies and Procedures Manual on the website http://www.westcomm.org/)

• The completed script (uploaded in the paper section). Please remove author and performer names from the script and be sure to add “_PP” to the end of the script title when uploading to indicate that it should be considered as part of a panel performance.

• Ex: “NarrativeTearsScript_PP.docx”

• Please submit panel performances no later than September 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

III. SOLO/ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES

• We invite scholar-artists to submit completed scripts and for solo and/or ensemble performances. Solo/ensemble performances are intended to fill an entire panel slot (75 minutes, preferably including time for discussion and/or questions) and can assume various modes (e.g., critical/cultural, indigenous, queer, feminist, poetic, personal narrative, performance (auto)ethnography, multimedia, digital, etc.).

• To submit a solo/ensemble performance for consideration, submit the following information using the selection “Panel Submissions”:

• A list of all performers (listed as authors)

• Audio-visual requests only if absolutely necessary for your performance. (You are encouraged to bring your own audio- visual equipment(s) whenever possible. Equipment availability is extremely limited and expensive. See the WSCA policy on Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions in the Policies and Procedures Manual on the website http://www.westcomm.org/)

• The completed script (uploaded in the paper section). Please remove author and performer names from the script and be sure to add “_Perf” to the end of the script title when uploading to indicate that it should be considered as a panel performance.

• Ex: “SabotagePanel_Perf.docx”

• Please submit solo/ensemble performances no later than September 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

IV. PANEL PROPOSALS

• Program proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or instruction in Performance Studies. Programs may consist of a chair, individual presenters/performers, and a critic or respondent in a format traditionally presented at conferences. However, ensemble or solo performances, debates, round table discussions, performance activities, or other unique formats are encouraged. Innovative program proposals, especially those that provide opportunities for interaction among participants and attendees, are encouraged.

• To submit a panel proposal for consideration, submit the following information using the selection “Panel Submissions”:

• A list of all panel participants

• A named moderator/lead individual

• Audio-visual requests only if absolutely necessary for your performance. (You are encouraged to bring your own audio- visual equipment(s) whenever possible. Equipment availability is extremely limited and expensive. See the WSCA policy on Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions in the Policies and Procedures Manual on the website http://www.westcomm.org/)

• The proposal, including descriptions of performances, abstracts, or scripts, etc. fitting the format of the proposed program. Remove author names, please.

• Please submit panel proposals no later than September 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time

References

Ramierz, P. (2025). “We’re gonna party: a poetic review on Johsua Chambers-Letson’s After the Party: A Manifesto of Queer of Color Life. Text and Performance Quarterly, 45(2), 1 82-186.

Organizational Communication

Program Planner: 2026: Laura Martinez, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada laura.martinez.1@umontreal.ca

The Organizational Communication Interest Group of the Western States Communication Association seeks competitive papers, panel proposals, and research-in-progress papers for the 2026 annual convention in San Diego, California. The 2026 conference theme is Resistance. Resistance can take many forms, from vocal opposition to systemic injustices to subtle acts of defiance within everyday interactions. It encompasses the strategies employed to challenge the status quo, the narratives constructed to amplify marginalized voices, and the ways space is created for dialogue and understanding. This year’s theme encourages us to examine how communication facilitates resistance, fosters resilience, and promotes social justice. The purpose of this year’s theme is to foster dialogue that interrogates the practices, challenges, and possibilities of resistance through communication. As we convene for our 96th convention in San Diego, CA, let us reflect on how our collective efforts can

contribute to a more just and equitable society.

All competitive papers, panel proposals, and research-in-progress should be submitted online through X-CD. 

I. Competitive Papers (deadline: received by 9/2/25 end of day Pacific Time)

II. Panel Session Proposals (deadline: received by 9/2/25 end of day Pacific Time)

III. Research in Progress Papers (deadline: received by 9/2/25 end of day Pacific Time) 

For specific information about submitting to interest groups, visit the WSCA website http://www.westcomm.org/

I. COMPETITIVE PAPERS 

1. Authors are encouraged to submit papers to the Organizational Communication Interest Group for competitive selection. Papers may employ any methodology(ies) and may address theoretical developments, critical analyses, disciplinary issues, pedagogical issues, or research advancements. Papers that expand upon the conference theme, Resistance, are strongly encouraged. Submit each paper to one interest group only. Competitive papers should not: (1) have been presented at another conference or convention; (2) have been published; and (3) have been accepted for publication. 

2. Submissions should include:   

1. A 100-200 word abstract of the paper (with title appearing on this page); 

2. A maximum of 25 pages of text, excluding figures, tables, and references. 

3. For blinded review purposes, no information in the paper should identify the author(s) beyond that which appears in Attendee Interactive, and please do not include a Title Page. 

4. Authors must disclose whether they have obtained Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, organizational approval, or other necessary permissions for any convention submission involving the collection of data on human participants. If no approval was obtained, the reason should be stated. For example, if authors have not obtained IRB approval because their institutions do not have IRBs, that fact should be stated. The IRB disclosure statement should be included in a footnote, author note, or submission text.

5. Equipment needed for the presentation. Equipment availability is extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether or not you will have AV. 

6. Competitive paper submissions must be submitted using the Attendee Interactive system no later than midnight PT on September 2nd, 2025. Please address any session proposal questions, comments, or concerns to the Interest Group Planner, Dr. Laura V. Martinez. 

3. Students: The Organizational Communication Interest Group strongly encourages student submissions. Interested students should mark their papers as “STUDENT” in the header (if multi-authored, all authors should be students). If a student paper also qualifies as a debut paper (see section D below), then it should be labeled “DEBUT” in the header as well. 
   
   

4. Debut Award: The WSCA Executives Club Debut Award is made to the author or co-authors of a paper presented at the convention “who have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national or international convention, or published in any academic journal.” Papers presented at student-only conferences are exempt from this requirement. All authors of a co-authored paper must meet these eligibility requirements for a paper to be considered a Debut Paper. Papers eligible for the Debut Award should be marked “DEBUT” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page. Please also indicate whether each author is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral student. 

II. PANEL SESSION PROPOSALS 

1. Panel session proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or instruction in the area of the sponsoring interest group. Panel sessions may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a critic/respondent in a traditional conference format. However, we encourage proposals for a debate, a round table discussion, a performance activity, or an innovative panel that provides opportunities for interaction among participants and attendees. We welcome panels co-sponsored with other interest groups. We particularly solicit panels that relate to the 2026 convention theme, Resistance.
   
   

2.  Panel session proposals must contain the following:

1. Thematic title of the panel session;

2. A title page with the names and affiliations of all participants;

3. Title and brief description of each presentation;

4. An abstract of 50-75 words that identifies the content and purpose of the panel, which will be printed in the program book. If accepted, additional explanations or details may be included in a separate panel session leaflet or handout made available at the panel session presentation;

5. Equipment needed for the panel session. Equipment availability is extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether or not you will have AV. 

6. Panel session proposals must be submitted online using the Attendee Interactive system no later than midnight PT on September 2nd, 2025. Please address any session proposal questions, comments, or concerns to the Interest Group Planner, Dr. Laura V. Martinez. 

III. RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

1. Research in Progress papers are intended to provide researchers, both new and seasoned, an opportunity to receive feedback on their work and spark collaboration and innovation with other scholars and practitioners. We especially encourage submissions for those wanting input on the use of particular methods and/or theory. Please note that research-in-progress papers do not qualify for awards. 

1. Submissions should include:   

1. A 100-200 word abstract of the paper (with title appearing on this page); 

2. A maximum of 10 pages of text, excluding figures, tables, and references. 

3. For blinded review purposes, no information in the paper should identify the author(s) beyond that which appears in Attendee Interactive. 

4. Equipment needed for the presentation. Equipment availability is extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether or not you will have AV. 

5. Competitive paper submissions must be submitted using the Attendee Interactive system no later than midnight PT on September 2nd, 2025. Please address any session proposal questions, comments, or concerns to the Interest Group Planner, Dr. Laura V. Martinez. 

3. Please submit Research in Progress papers to the Competitive Papers section of the site, adding “Research in Progress” to the Notes box on the submission.

1. Please also add “Research in Progress” to the header of your submission

3. Acceptance of the paper obligates at least one author to attend the conference and present the paper, regardless of A/V request accommodation.

Laura V. Martinez, PhD

Interest Group Planner

WSCA Organizational Communication Interest Group

laura.martinez.1@umontreal.ca

Media Studies

Program Planner: Aryana Gooley-Carson | Sierra College agooleycarson@sierracollege.edu

The Media Studies Interest Group (MSIG) invites submissions to the 2026 Western States Communication Association annual conference in San Diego, CA February 27th - March 2nd. This year’s conference theme is “Resistance.” Learn more about the conference theme at https://www.westcomm.org. In thinking about resistance and the many forms it takes, we recognize how media affords us with a myriad of opportunities to examine how media facilitate resistance, fosters resilience, and promotes social justice. The interplay between media and resistance is crucial in shaping personal identity, community, and the promotion of social justice through coalition building. Such research includes examinations of mediated narratives of resistance, media used to cultivate space for individual and group social resistance, activist organizing, education, and the possibility of community connection through social media networks to occur for local communities, states, nations, and internationally. As we explore the relationship between media and resistance, we uncover both the potential benefits and implications of mass communication messages.

The MSIG welcomes competitive papers, paper panels, interactive media, digital media (i.e., art, design work, photos, video, animation, etc.), and creative productions relating to communication and media studies. Embracing our 2022 conference theme, we invite submissions that explore and explicate the relationship between communication, media, and resistance. The deadline for all types of MSIG Submissions is Tuesday September 2nd 11:59pm PST.

Submission Instructions

Interactive media, digital media (i.e., art, design work, photos, video, animation, etc.), and creative production submissions may have been presented at a prior conference or exhibition.

Paper submissions should include: 

1. An abstract between 150-250 words as your first page

2. A maximum of 30 pages, including all references, figures, tables, and/or images

3. No information identifying the author(s) in the paper’s content (remove prior to submission)

4. No information identifying the author(s) in the file properties. You can find instructions to aid you with this at: Word (https://www.howtogeek.com/180849/how-to-remove-the-hidden-personal-information-microsoft-office-adds-to-your-documents/), PDF (https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/pdf-properties-metadata.html), or Pages (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3529537)

5. Authors submitting papers to WSCA must disclose whether they have obtained Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, organizational approval, or other necessary permissions for any submission involving the collection of data on human participants. The IRB disclosure statement should be included in a footnote, author note, or submission text. If no approval was obtained, the reason should be stated. For example, if the work does not involve human subjects, if it is exempt, or if approval was not obtained because the authors’ institutions do not have IRBs, this should be specified. 

Audio/Visual Requests

List audio/visual requests on the page with your abstract. Be aware projector availability is limited due to cost and is spread thin between the various interest groups. Visual media presentations will have priority over paper presentations. We will do our best to accommodate your request but cannot guarantee your panel will have a projector. If your panel is allowed a projector, be sure to bring a cable or adaptor that will be able to connect your computer to a standard HDMI input port. If you have accessibility needs, please email the program planner, Aryana Gooley-Carson at agooleycarson@sierracollege.edu

Student Submissions
Follow the directions for Competitive Paper Submissions. In addition: 

1. Mark/Note “STUDENT” when you submit your paper online.

Debut Submissions
Your paper is eligible for consideration for the WSCA Executives Club Debut Award if no author of the paper has “published in any academic journal” AND no author of the paper has “presented a paper at a state, regional, national or international convention” before (note: student-only conferences are exempt from this requirement). If all authors meet both of these criteria, then follow the instructions for paper submissions, as detailed above. In addition: 

1. Mark “DEBUT”  when you submit your paper.

2. If you are a student and your submission meets the requirements for a debut submission, as well, follow the instructions for both Student and Debut paper submissions.

Deadline

All competitive paper submissions must be submitted online by September 2, 2025 11:59pm PST. Competitive papers may not be submitted via email.

1. Thematic title for the panel

2. A short abstract/description for the program (50-75 words) 

3. If your panel will require that attendees bring a device, include that request in the short abstract.

4. Names, e-mail addresses, and institutional affiliations for all participants

5. For traditional panels or interactive/innovative panels with individual presenters:

   • a 300-500 word explanation of the unifying themes of the panel along with a title and abstract (150-200 words each) for every individual paper or presentation, or

6. For interactive or innovative panels without individual portions: the format the panel will employ (e.g., fishbowl, roundtable, etc.) and a 500-1500 word explanation of the unifying themes and goals of the panel.

7. Any accessibility needs

8. All audio/visual requests: equipment availability is extremely limited due to cost. Be very specific with your A/V requests. If your panel is allowed a projector, be sure to bring a cable and adaptor if needed that will be able to connect your computer to a standard HDMI input port. 

Panel proposals must be submitted online by  September 2, 2025 11:59pm. Panels may not be submitted via email.

Digital media production submissions should include an abstract and the following (submit as a competitive paper): 

1. The submission’s title 

2. A 400-600 word abstract that discusses the interactive/digital media production’s audience/market, explicates its purpose and features, depicts its effectiveness at communicating a message to its audience, and establishes its significance to communication and media studies.

3. Ideally, a link to the interactive/digital media project will be provided after the abstract. If a link is not included with the abstract, please include the abstract as part of a separate PowerPoint presentation on the production with screen caps or photos of key elements of the submission (maximum of 10 slides).

4. Audio/visual requests: Equipment availability is limited due to cost but will be provided if feasible. Bring a cable or adaptor that will be able to connect your computer to a standard HDMI input port. You are welcome to bring a small sound system that can run off of your computer if needed. 

5. Any accessibility needs

Competitive digital media production submissions must be submitted via Attendee Interactive by September 2, 2025 11:59pm. Proposals may not be submitted via email.

The MSIG looks forward to reviewing your paper, panel, or digital media submissions, and we hope you will join us in San Diego for the WSCA conference in 2025. Please direct any questions about submitting to MSIG in 2022 or other general questions to the MSIG Vice Chair and 2025 Program Planner, Aryana Gooley-Carson (Sierra College) at agooleycarson@sierracollege.edu

Language, Self, and Social Construction

Program Planner: Kyle Gutzmer, San Diego State University, kgutzmer@sdsu.edu

Language, Self, and Social Construction (LSSC) is the new incarnation of the interest group formerly known as Language and Social Interaction (LSI). Our division investigates how diverse social problems get raised, responded to, and interactionally managed in real-world contexts for theoretical and empirical research that includes pragmatic possibilities for translating basic LSCC findings into interventions that can promote positive outcomes and well-being in diverse populations and enhance public good. We invite submission of papers, extended abstracts, and program panels for the upcoming annual conference for the 2026 Annual Conference in San Diego, California. LSCC emphasizes:

• Language, language use, and social interaction as primary resources to study and enact communication and communicative practices;

• Emotion and affect construction and management individually and collectively in social interaction;

• Embodied action, objects/material resources, and the built/fashioned environment as integral resources for contextualized communication;

• Methodological exploration using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods that include humanistic/rhetorical, naturalistic, post-positive, interpretive, and critical paradigmatic approaches in Communication Studies;

• Diversity of data types to document and transform understanding about language and communication including recordings or ethnographic observations of naturally-occurring interaction, Conversation Analytic (CA), Discourse Analytic (DA), Ethnography of Communication (EoC), Cultural Discourse Analysis (CUDA), Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Discursive Psychology (DP), sociolinguistic, pragmatic, rhetorical, performance studies, and other language-related issues related to social media and online language use, interviews or surveys of perceptions about the meaning of language and other communication practices;

• Identity construction exploring how selves and social identities are created, enacted, and performed in and through language, conversation, communication, and technology.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

All submissions will be peer reviewed and should be sent through the online submission system September 2, 2025, no later than 11:59pm Pacific Time. If you have questions about submission the process, feel free to contact the program planner (lsi.wsca@gmail.com). In the new online submission system, you will be asked to provide the following information: 

1. The names of the submitting author/panel organizing chair

1. Contact information (address, phone, e-mail, and affiliation) for each author

1. Student or Debut paper status if applicable (Please be careful to follow WSCA guidelines for marking papers as student or debut papers!)

1. Title of the Individual Paper, Extended Abstract, Panel Proposed submission

1. Text for an Individual Paper, Extended Abstract, or Panel Proposal that is 

1. Audio-visual needs for an accepted presentation, such as speakers for playing audiovisual media. Please keep in mind requests are subject to availability.

Submission Types

The body text for submissions should be anonymized, meaning that all author names and identifying information about authors or institutions have been removed or concealed for blind peer review. To remove hidden data, please refer to guidelines for “sanitizing document” from Microsoft Word and PDF documents. Non-anonymized submissions will be returned and may be rejected. All submissions will undergo blind peer review to determine acceptance.

1. Individual Papers

Individual Papers are competitive submissions that will be fully written scholarly manuscripts. Individual Papers will be eligible for LSSC awards. A complete submissions will include: 

1. Title Page that includes the submission title and author information, including all author e-mails and institutional affiliations

1. Structured or Unstructured abstract limited to 300 words

1. Text body limited to 25 double-spaced pages of text, excluding references, figures, tables, and transcripts, and appendices

1. For Student and First Time (e.g., Debut) submissions, indicate either STUDENT or DEBUT in the upper right-hand corner of the Title Page. Student papers designate current students or for work conducted while a student. Debut papers designate the first ever submission to an academic conference. No author of a debut paper will have presented previously at an academic convention.

2. Extended Abstracts

Extended Abstracts are assumed to be early drafts of manuscripts or a substantial working analysis of a current project. Extended Abstracts are limited to 1000-2500 words, including Title Page, text body, References, Figures, and Tables. Extended Abstracts are most effective when they include at least two working analytic sections that include example excerpts of language data, analyses, and scholarly references. Extended abstracts are not eligible for LSSC awards.

3. Panel Proposals

We invite program or panel proposals focusing on a unifying theme relevant to an applied language-related problem, LSI theory, or related instructional approaches. Programs proposed will consist of roughly four presenters, and an organizing chair. An invited respondent for the panel is optional. Roundtable discussions and other formats that encourage interaction among panelists and/or audience members are of interest for this division. These submissions will not qualify for awards, and should include:

1. Title Page that identifies the name of the panel with all presenting authors names, e-mails, and institutional affiliations

1. Rationale limited to 300 words describing the area, topic, and type of panel. 

1. Roundtable Discussion panels must justify the scholarly merit of the topic. 

1. Paper panels must additionally include titles of each included paper and a 50-word description of each paper.

We look forward to seeing you in San Diego, February 2026!

Interpersonal and Family Communication

Western States Communication Association

Interpersonal & Family Communication
Interest Group

Call for Submissions: Papers and Program Proposals

2026 Convention – San Diego, CA

 February 27 – March 2, 2026

Convention Theme: Resistance

The Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group (IFC) invites submissions for competitive papers and panel session proposals for the 2026 Western States Communication Association convention in San Diego, CA (February 27 - March 2). 

The IFC encourages submissions of competitive papers and panel session proposals across methodological, theoretical, and metatheoretical perspectives addressing all areas of interpersonal and family communication (research, theory, applied, and/or pedagogy). The Interest Group values scholarship that includes marginalized identities and underrepresented populations. You may submit papers and panel session proposals that can be co-sponsored with other interest groups. 

Special consideration will be given to work related to the 2026 convention theme “Resistance.” Further information about the conference theme and the general Call for Papers can be found through the association website: www.westcomm.org.  

All papers and proposals should be submitted online in XCD no later than 11:59 PM (Pacific Standard Time) on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 

IFC Submission Opportunities

Competitive Papers

Competitive papers may employ any scientific, humanistic, and/or other methodologies. Papers may address theoretical developments and contributions, disciplinary issues, pedagogical issues, critical cultural analyses, and/or research advancements relevant to the study, practice, and instruction of interpersonal and family communication.  

Submitted papers should include: 

1. A title page without identifying author information (and please remove embedded authorship information in the document).

2. 100-200 word abstract of the paper.

3. A maximum of 25 pages of text (not including abstract, references, tables, figures, etc.).

4. If appropriate for your paper’s methodological or theoretical commitments, you may include a positionality statement to help frame the study and/or the interpretation of findings/results. This is not required nor is it assessed as part of determining top paper awards.

Competitive papers should not (1) have been presented at another conference or convention, (2) have been published, or (3) have been accepted for publication. A competitive paper can only be submitted to one WSCA interest group.

The IFC encourages student-authored papers. 

• If your submission is authored solely by students, you qualify as a student paper. 

• If you are a student author (or group of student authors) who have not yet presented at a state, regional, national or international convention, or published in any academic journal you are also qualified as a debut paper. 

• If an author on the paper is an instructor, faculty member, etc. then the paper does not qualify as a student or debut paper. 

If you qualify, please select the student and/or debut options in XCD and write the word debut on the first line of your submission so your paper can be considered for organization-wide awards (e.g., WSCA Executives Club Debut Award). 

Panel Session Proposals

Panel session proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or instruction in interpersonal and family communication. Panel sessions may be in a traditional conference format (i.e., consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a critic/respondent if desired). However, IFC encourages other creative panel session formats (e.g., a debate, a round table discussion, a performance activity, etc.) that provide opportunities for interaction among participants and attendees. We welcome programs co-sponsored with other interest groups. We particularly solicit programs that relate to the 2026 convention theme, “Resistance.”

Panel session proposals must contain the following:

1. Thematic title of the panel session,

2. Names and affiliations of all participants (panel sessions submissions are not anonymous)

3. A title and brief description for each presentation

4. An abstract of 50-75 words that identifies the content and purpose of the panel, which will be printed in the program. If accepted, you may provide additional explanations or details in a separate panel session leaflet or handout made available at the panel session presentation.

WSCA Pre-Conference Submission Opportunities

Pre-Conference Workshop Proposals

A workshop is intended as a training or informational short course that can be presented in a three-hour or six-hour time block concerning teaching innovations, an area of research, a new theoretical perspective, the application of a body of knowledge, skill development, or another clearly focused topic. Workshop leaders are encouraged to advertise their workshops and solicit participation.

Workshops are scheduled as a pre-conference activity on Friday, February 27, 2026. Participants pay a modest registration fee that covers only the direct costs (photocopying, materials, etc.) incurred in conducting the workshop.

For more information review the complete call on the WSCA webpage (www.westcomm.org).

Undergraduate Scholars Research Conference (USRC)

The USRC is a special opportunity for undergraduate students to showcase their scholarly work and receive feedback from experienced scholars in the field. Undergraduate students benefit from participating by crafting and sharing a professional presentation, meeting other undergraduate scholars in the field, and learning about graduate studies in Communication. For the USRC, all authors of the submitted papers must be undergraduate students at the time of submission. The deadline for submission is 11:59 pm PST, Monday, December 15, 2025. 

The USRC occurs on Friday, February 27, 2026 at the WSCA annual convention. 

For more information review the complete call on the WSCA webpage (www.westcomm.org).

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Authors must disclose whether they have obtained Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, organizational approval, or other necessary permissions for any convention submission involving the collection of data on human participants. If no approval was obtained, the reason should be stated.

For example, if authors have not obtained IRB approval because their institutions do not have IRBs, that fact should be stated. The IRB disclosure statement also should be included in a footnote, author note, or text of your submission.

Audio-Visual Equipment Requests

Equipment availability is extremely limited. Please be aware that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available for your presentation. If your submission is accepted, your program planner will do their best to inform you whether or not you will have AV available.

Want to be more involved in WSCA?   

The Interpersonal & Family Communication Interest Group is always in need of volunteers to serve!

• Panel Chairs/Facilitators welcome the audience, introduce the panelists, and keep track of time during one paper or panel session. 

• Paper reviewers are responsible for anonymously reviewing competitive paper and panel submissions in September 2025. 

• Consider being an interest group officer. A Call for Officer Nominations to serve as an officer will be sent closer to the date of the convention. At our meeting in 2026, we will be looking to fill 2 officer positions: (1) Chair-Elect and (2) Secretary. Chair-elect serves for two years—one as the Chair-Elect and one as the Chair. The Secretary term is one year.

If you are willing and available to serve as a chair/facilitator or as a paper reviewer for IFC, please contact Leslie Nelson at lrnelson@calpoly.edu

For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the program planner:

Leslie R. Nelson, Ph.D.

2026 Program Planner & IFC Chair

California Polytechnic State University, SLO

lrnelson@calpoly.edu

Intercultural Communication

Convention Information

Western States Communication Association 95th Annual Convention

Location: San Diego, California (The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter)

Date: February 27—March 2, 2026

Submission Deadline: September 2, 2025, 11:59 P.M. (PST)

IG Chair and Program Planner: Tomide Oloruntobi, Arizona State University (toloruntobi@asu.edu) 

Call for Submissions

The Intercultural Communication Interest Group (ICIG) invites submissions from intercultural communication teachers, scholars, and practitioners who examine different cultural phenomenon within trans/national contexts that provide nuanced understanding of the world we live in. ICIG also supports co-sponsored programs with other interest groups that consider the conference theme.

The 2026 convention theme is RESISTANCE. “Resistance” encompasses social justice-centered acts, practices, and inquiries that carefully examine how we view, understand, respond to, and make sense a world marked by systemic oppression and inequalities. Resistance can take many forms, from vocal oppositions to systemic injustices to subtle acts of defiance within everyday interactions. It encompasses the strategies employed to challenge the status quo, the narratives constructed for/about marginalized identities, and the regime of systemic and, indeed, blatant suppression of non-dominant, different voices. Resistance calls for ways to amplify marginalized voices and the ways space is created for dialogue and understanding. Therefore, ICIG asks members to critically engage with the role of resistance (in its various forms) in intercultural communication to facilitate resistance, foster resilience, and promote social justice. Submitters may consider the following questions, including but not limited to: 

• How does intercultural communication shape our understanding of resistance in various social contexts? 

• What role does narrative play in reshaping public discourse toward equity? 

• How can communication strategies be utilized to empower marginalized communities? 

• In what ways do digital platforms serve as spaces for resistance and what are their ethical implications? 

• What are the shifting boundaries of “legitimate” diversity discourse in U.S. public institutions and politics and how can intercultural communication strategies be utilized to facilitate resistance within this climate? 

• How can we critically analyze the complexities of resistance and its impact on social justice movements? 

• How does communication within transnational communities shape collective identities, and what role does this play in fostering or challenging resistance movements across borders? 

• How do communication practices among international diasporas influence resistance movements at national borders, and what role does intercultural dialogue play in shaping these dynamics? 

• In what ways do communication practices within the classroom setting impact students’ ability to engage in discussions about resistance and identity? 

• How do rhetorical constructions of resistance shape public discourse, and what strategies do marginalized groups employ to communicate their narratives effectively in the face of dominant cultural narratives? 

• How can we use critical discourse analysis to uncover power dynamics within social justice movements and resistance narratives? 

• How do communication practices in authoritarian regimes differ from those in democratic societies in the context of resistance and dissent? 

• How do competing knowledge systems and power structures shape what counts as “legitimate” forms of resistance? 

• How do we facilitate transformative dissent? 

• In what ways is resistance contained and what rhetorical and ideological strategies facilitate this containment? 

• What are the ethical challenges involved in communicating resistance in highly polarized political environments? 

• In what ways can intercultural communication amplify the impact of grassroots movements? 

Instructions to Submit:

Please turn in your submissions through the WSCA website: www.westcomm.org. The following formats are accepted.

I. COMPETITIVE PAPERS

A. All authors are encouraged to send their papers to the Intercultural Communication Interest Group for competitive selection. Papers should reflect the conference theme and may include research employing any methodology, theoretical developments, critical analysis as well as critiques. Please submit each paper to only one interest group. All papers should be submitted via the online submission system of the WSCA website by the deadline. Please do not email your submissions to the interest group planner. Your electronic submission should include two separate attachments.

Attachment 1: Cover Page

a) The paper’s title

b) Names of all authors, affiliation(s), email address (es), phone number(s)

c) Any audio-visual requests. This information should be included for each author. Since, equipment availability is extremely limited, please provide a brief rationale for AV requests. See the WSCA policy on Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions in the Policies and Procedures Manual.

Attachment 2: Paper with all author identification removed

a) A 100-200 word abstract of the paper (with title appearing on this page);

b) A maximum of 30 pages of text;

c) No information in the paper that identifies the author(s) beyond that which appears on the title page.

B. Student/Debut Papers: The Intercultural Communication Interest Group welcomes student and debut papers. If your paper is a student or debut paper, please note this on the title page under the title of the paper. In addition, please indicate whether each author is a bachelors, masters, or doctoral student.

II. PROGRAM (PANEL) PROPOSALS

A. Program proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or instruction in intercultural communication. Programs such as panels may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a respondent in a format traditionally presented at conferences. However, debates, roundtable discussions, performance activities, or other unique formats are encouraged. Innovative program proposals, especially those that provide opportunities for interaction among participants and attendees, are encouraged. Programs co-sponsored with other interest groups are encouraged. Programs that relate to and extend the convention theme are encouraged.

B. Proposals should be submitted via the online submission system of the WSCA website by Monday, September 2, 2025. Please do not email your submissions to the interest group planner. 

Your proposal submission should include:

a) Thematic title of the program/panel and 150-word abstract. 

b) Names, addresses, phones, e-mail addresses, and affiliations of all participants. 

c) Up to 400-word rationale for the panel. 

d) Title and brief description/abstract of each presentation on the panel. 

e) Equipment needed for the panel (because equipment may be limited, please provide a brief rationale for AV requests). 

Health Communication

Program Planner: Colin Storm, Pepperdine University, colin.storm@pepperdine.edu

The Health Communication Interest Group (HCIG) of the Western States Communication Association invites submissions for competitive papers, research-in-progress, extended abstracts, and panel proposals. The deadline for all submissions is Tuesday, September 2, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The HCIG invites work exploring any aspect of issues related to health and communication. The interest group is particularly interested in papers that:

• Reflect the convention theme of Resistance (e.g., in the context of health and well-being, community, belongingness, resilience, identity, agency, health care systems, inequities, and advocacy)

• Represent diverse methodologies, theories, and perspectives.

• Examine the intersection of theory and practice.

• Include health practitioners and professionals.

Submissions

In 2026, we will be using a newer system known as XCD (pronounced “exceed”) for our submissions. This is the same system that the National Communication (and other regional associations) use for their submissions. Please see the Western States Communication Association website for more information.

Thematic Spotlight Panels

This year, interest group program planners are being asked to nominate the session (competitive paper or panel session) from their panels that most creatively connects to the convention theme. From the panels nominated by interest groups, some will be selected as Thematic Spotlight Panels by the President-elect and will be featured in the program and in WSCA marketing. Therefore, please consider and emphasize how your research advances our understanding of “Resistance.” Those submitting are encouraged to make themselves available to chair or act as a respondent in other panels. For questions about submitting, contact the President Elect, Dr. Anthony P. Cuomo.

In the following sections, you will find information about submitting competitive papers, research-in-progress, extended abstracts, pre-conference and panel proposals to the HCIG.

I. Competitive Papers

Authors are encouraged to submit papers for competitive selection. Papers may employ any humanistic, scientific, and/or other methodologies and may address theoretical developments and contributions, critical cultural analyses, disciplinary issues, pedagogical issues, and/or research advancements. Competitive papers should be submitted to one interest group. Submitted papers should not include information that identifies the author(s). Competitive papers should not have been presented previously at another conference (with the exception of a student-only conference), and accepted for publication at the time of submission, or have been published at the time of submission. Submissions should be anonymized and include the following:

1. An abstract of the paper (250-500 words; title appearing on this page).

2. A maximum of 30 pages of text, including tables and figures but excluding
   References.

1. The paper should not include any information that identifies the author(s). Remove any identifiers (such as the author’s name) from the paper and electronic file from the header or on the file label.

2. Follow APA format guidelines.

3. Any paper that exceeds 30 pages will not be reviewed.

Debut Award: The WSCA Executives Club Debut Award is made to the author (or co-authors) of a paper presented at the convention “who have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national or international convention, or published in any academic journal.” Papers presented at student-only conferences are exempt from this requirement. All authors of a co-authored paper must meet these eligibility requirements for a paper to be considered a Debut Paper. Papers eligible for the Debut Award should mark “debut” in the online submission system. Student Papers: The HCIG also presents an award to the top student paper. When applicable, put “STUDENT” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page and mark your submission as “Student”. All authors must be students to be considered a student paper.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval: Authors must disclose whether they have obtained Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, organizational approval, or other necessary permissions for any convention submission involving the collection of data on human participants. If no approval was obtained, the reason should be stated. For example, if authors have not obtained IRB approval because their institutions do not have IRBs, that fact should be stated. The IRB disclosure statement should be included in a footnote, author note, or submission text.

Acceptance of a submission obligates at least one author to attend the conference and present the work, regardless of whether A/V requests can be accommodated. Competitive papers must be submitted online using the WSCA submission system no later than 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, September 2, 2024. Please address any competitive paper submission questions, comments, or concerns to the Interest Group planner, Dr. Colin Storm, or the Primary Program Planner, Dr. Anthony P. Cuomo. Equipment availability is extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your submission is accepted, you will be informed whether or not you will have AV.

II. Research-In-Progress

Authors are also encouraged to submit research-in-progress papers for competitive selection. Papers submitted as research-in-progress should not exceed ten pages in length. This submission type is designed for projects that are fully conceptualized but have not reached the stages of analysis/interpretation/data collection. This enables discussion and feedback in support of study development. Research-in-progress papers should be submitted to one interest group. Submitted papers should not include information that identifies the author(s) and should not have been presented previously at another conference (with the exception of a student-only conference). Submissions should be anonymized and include the following:

1. A brief abstract of the paper (250-500 words; title appearing on this page).

2. Clearly label this paper as “Research-in-Progress” on the title page.

3. A maximum of 10 pages of text, including tables and figures but excluding references.

4. Follow APA format guidelines.

5. Any research-in-progress paper that exceeds page count specifications will not be reviewed.

1. The paper should not include any information that identifies the author(s). Remove any identifiers (such as the author’s name) from the paper and electronic file from the header or on the file label.

Research-in-progress papers must be submitted online using the WSCA submission system no later than 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, September 2, 2024. Please upload Research-in-progress papers to the Competitive Papers section of the site, indicating that this paper should be considered as “Research in Progress” in the ‘notes’ box within your online submission. Please address any research-in-progress submission questions, comments, or concerns to the Interest Group planner, Dr. Colin Storm, or the Primary Program Planner, Dr. Anthony P. Cuomo.

Equipment availability is extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your submission is accepted, you will be informed whether or not you will have AV.

III. Extended Abstracts

Authors also have the option to submit extended abstracts. Extended abstracts may employ any humanistic, scientific, and/or other methodologies and may address theoretical developments and contributions, critical cultural analyses, disciplinary issues, pedagogical issues, and/or research advancements. This submission type is designed for projects that are complete and manuscript is in-development. This enables discussion and feedback in support of preparing a manuscript for publication.

Extended abstracts should be submitted to one interest group. Extended abstracts should not include information that identifies the author(s) and should not have been presented previously at another conference (with the exception of a student-only conference). Submissions should be anonymized and include the following:

1. A brief abstract of the paper (250-500 words; title appearing on this page).

2. Clearly label this paper as “Extended Abstract” on the title page.

3. An overview of the main finding(s) and analysis.

4. A maximum of 10 pages of text, including tables and figures but excluding references.

5. Follow APA format guidelines.

6. Any extended abstract that exceeds page count specifications will not be reviewed.

1. The extended abstract should not include any information that identifies the author(s). Remove any identifiers (such as the author’s name) from the paper and electronic file from the header or on the file label.

Extended abstracts must be submitted online using the WSCA submission system no later than 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, September 2, 2024. Please upload Extended Abstracts to the Competitive Papers section of the site, indicating that this paper should be considered as an “Extended Abstract” in the ‘notes’ box within your online submission. Please address any extended abstract submission questions, comments, or concerns to the Interest Group planner, Dr. Colin Storm, or the Primary Program Planner, Dr. Anthony P. Cuomo.

Equipment availability is extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your submission is accepted, you will be informed whether or not you will have AV.

IV. Panel (Paper and Discussion) Session Proposals
Panel paper or discussion session proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or instruction in the area of health communication. Panel sessions may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a critic/respondent in a traditional conference format. However, we encourage proposals for a debate, a round table discussion, a performance activity, or an innovative program that provides opportunities for interaction among participants and attendees. We particularly solicit proposals that relate to the 2026 convention theme, “Resistance.” Panel session proposals must contain the following:

1. Thematic title of the panel session.

2. Names and affiliations of all participants.

3. For panel paper proposals only: Title and brief description of each presentation; If panel discussion proposal, include a rationale for the content and format of the discussion panel. This statement must not exceed 750 words.

4. An abstract of 50-75 words that summarizes the overall content and purpose of the panel, which will be printed in the program book. If accepted, additional explanations or details may be included in a separate panel session leaflet or handout made available at the panel session presentation;

5. Equipment needed for the panel session. Equipment availability is extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your submission is accepted, you will be informed whether or not you will have AV.

Panel proposals must be submitted online using the online system no later than 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, September 2, 2024. Please address any session proposal submission questions, comments, or concerns to the Interest Group Planner, Dr. Colin Storm, or Primary Program Planner, Dr. Anthony P. Cuomo.

Freedom of Expression and Political Communication

2026: Chris Earle, University of Nevada, Reno, cearle@unr.edu

Submission Deadline: September 2, 2025

The Freedom of Expression and Political Communication (FOE-PC) Interest Group of WSCA invites competitive paper submissions and panel session proposals for the 2026 Annual Convention in San Diego, California. The theme for this year’s conference is “Resistance.”

Freedom of expression is once more at the center of political debate and conflict. In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled, “Restoring Free Speech and Ending Federal Censorship.” The order sets out to “secure the right of the American people to engage in constitutionally protected speech,” asserting that “Government censorship of free speech is intolerable in a free society.” At the same time, the administration, federal government, and some states have arguably encroached upon free speech rights: whether in the arrests and detainment of student activists, including Mahmoud Kahlil and Rumeysa Ozturk; the use of federal power and funds to coerce universities to discipline student protest and punish antisemitic speech; the scrutinizing of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-related views not only in campus admissions and programming but also in secondary and post-secondary classrooms; the prohibition of federal agencies from issuing “statements,” “communications,” or “messages” that “promote or otherwise inculcate gender ideology,” which despite being limited to the speech of federal agencies, may have a chilling-effect on or otherwise influence the expression of private citizens. These matters are not unique to the current administration, whose actions dovetail with long-standing and contemporary attacks on free expression (e.g., laws to curtail protests, drag shows, teaching diversity, tenure/academic freedom, censure in state legislatures, etc.), freedom to assemble (e.g., collective bargaining at universities and global corporation sites), the role and responsibility of media and especially social media companies in discouraging mis/disinformation, and other laws and legislation that address what counts as protected speech. 

In the spirit of “Resistance,” FOE-PC welcomes submissions that explore attacks on freedom of expression; the practices, challenges, and possibilities for defending free expression against such attacks and for resisting state censorship of marginalized voices and perspectives; and, more broadly, the relationship between free expression, resistance, and social justice. FOE-PC further welcomes submissions from all theoretical and methodological areas, and encourages interdisciplinary approaches/scholars. Given the theme, panels that would discuss, deliberate, debate, or workshop the practices and possibilities of resistance for scholarship, advocacy, or directions in political communication, deliberation, First Amendment, legal communication, citizenship, or the intersections of topics under these broad areas are encouraged. This includes, but is not limited to:

• The meaning, nature, and/or limits of “freedom of expression.”

• Developing democratic and participatory culture.

• The connections and tensions between freedom of speech and academic freedom.

• How race, class, sex, ability, et al. are entwined with agency and ability to participate in democracy.

• The current state and future of journalism and the fourth estate.

• Social media, new technologies, and surveillance.

• The function and status of the Supreme Court.

• Definitions of protest through partisan lenses, including defining civility.

We encourage submissions from people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, scholars with disabilities, and other historically marginalized and underrepresented groups whose perspectives can challenge, undermine, enrich, and expand current understandings of political communication and free speech.

Further information about the conference theme and the general Call for Papers can be found at https://www.westcomm.org

Submissions to the Freedom of Expression and Political Communication Interest Group should adhere to the guidelines listed below. 

Competitive Papers:

In adherence of WSCA convention guidelines, competitive papers should (1) not have been submitted to any other interest group; (2) not have been presented at another conference or convention; (3) not have been published; or (4) not have been accepted for publication. Please follow the additional guidelines below when preparing a submission. 

Competitive Papers must: 

1. Be no longer than 30 pages (including figures, notes, references, etc.). 

1. Include a 150-200-word abstract of the paper (directly beneath the paper’s title). 

1. Be free of any and all identifying information to ensure a fair and anonymous peer review. In other words, ensure the author’s name(s) and any other identifying information is not listed on the paper’s first page, in headers or footers, in the document’s metadata, etc. Author names will be entered separately through Attendee Interactive. 

Note: Those with paper proposals or research in progress are encouraged to collaborate with others and submit a panel session.

Student Papers: If all authors of a competitive paper are or were a student at the time of submission to WSCA, the paper is considered a student submission and is eligible for recognition by FOE-PC. If this is the case, the competitive paper should be marked “STUDENT” in the upper-right hand corner of the title page. Please also indicate whether each author is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral student. NOTE: ALL AUTHORS of a competitive paper must meet the eligibility requirement for student status in order for the paper to be eligible for award consideration. 

Debut Papers: If all the authors of a competitive paper “have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national, or international convention, or published in any academic journal,” the paper is considered a debut submission and is eligible for recognition by FOE-PC and the WSCA Executive Club. If this is the case, the competitive paper should be marked “DEBUT” in the upper-right hand corner of the title page. Please also indicate whether each author is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral student. NOTE: ALL AUTHORS of a competitive paper must meet the eligibility requirement for debut status in order for the paper to be eligible for award consideration. 

IRB approval: Authors must disclose whether IRB approval was obtained. 

Panel Session Proposals

Submissions for paper panels (including works in progress), roundtable discussions, debate, deliberation, or innovative/interactive workshops are submitted under this category. Sessions should be under a unified theme, and exploring the conference theme of “Resistance” is especially encouraged.

For panel session proposals, submit a document with the following:

1. Thematic title of the panel session;

2. Names and affiliations of all participants, indicating roles as applicable (chair, respondent, etc.);

3. An abstract of 50-75 words that identifies the content and purpose of the panel, which will be printed in the program book. If accepted, additional explanations or details may be included in a separate panel session leaflet or handout made available at the panel session presentation; and 

4. A 500-word maximum rationale for the program as a whole including explanation for any alternative format procedures. Include whether the panel would be appropriate to be co-sponsored by other interest groups.

5. For paper panel sessions including research in progress sessions:  also provide title and brief description for each presentation (maximum 300 words).

Audio-visual equipment: Is extremely limited and expensive. Therefore, be judicious in requesting technology only if essential for a successful presentation. Technology cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to honor your request. 

Process & Deadline: Competitive paper or panel session proposals must be submitted online through Attendee Interactive. 

NOTE: all Attendee Interactive usernames and passwords are separate from WSCA log-in information. All submissions should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. 

Competitive Papers and Program Proposals must be received NO LATER THAN 11:59 PM on September 2, 2025 to receive full consideration. 

For questions or concerns about FOE-PC or its submission process, please contact the FOE-PC program planner, Chris Earle, cearle@unr.edu

Environmental Communication

2026: Megan Cullinan, University of Montana, megan.cullinan@mso.umt.edu

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION INTEREST GROUP

Western States Communication Association Convention

February 27-March 2, 2026, in San Diego, CA

Submission deadline: September 2, 2025 (11.59 p.m. PST)

The Environmental Communication Interest Group encourages scholars of environmental communication to submit papers, panel session proposals, and alternative format proposals for the 2026 meeting of the Western States Communication Association. The theme of the conference is “Resistance.” A complete description of the conference theme, details about the annual meeting, and a link to the submission site (X-CD Systems) can be found at https://www.westcomm.org  

Competitive Papers 

Scholarly papers about any aspect of environmental and science communication are welcome. Papers may employ any theoretical or methodological approach. Papers may employ any theoretical or methodological approach. Papers should not have been presented previously. Paper submissions must not be published previously, accepted for publication, or submitted to another interest group. Papers should: be no more than 30 double-spaced pages long, including references/works cited/notes; include a title page with an abstract; and be free of any identifying information (i.e., de-identified and anonymous). 

The Environmental Communication Interest Group annually bestows two awards for the best competitive paper submissions: a Top Paper Award and a Top Student Paper Award.
Papers submitted by students must include, on the title page, the words “Student Paper” to be considered for the Top Student Paper Award. The Interest Group may also bestow a Top Debut Paper Award. A “debut paper” is a paper submitted by any individual who has never submitted a paper to a scholarly conference before. The words “Debut Paper” must appear on the title page of any eligible paper to be considered for the Top Debut Paper Award. 

Panel Session Proposals 

Panel session proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or instruction in the area of environmental communication. Panel sessions may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a critic/respondent in a traditional conference format. However, we also encourage proposals for a debate, a round table discussion, a performance activity, or an innovative program that provides opportunities for interaction. 

Panel session proposals must contain the following: (1) a title; (2) the names and affiliations of all participants; (3) a title and brief description of each presentation/contribution; (4) an abstract of no more than 75 words that identifies the content and purpose of the panel; and (5) information about any audio-visual equipment needed for the panel session. (Please note that audio-visual equipment is extremely limited. Requesting audio-visual equipment is not a guarantee that it will be available. If your submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether you will have AV.) 

Extended Abstracts/Research in Progress

Extended abstract/Research in Progress submissions should be a minimum of 1500 words, but not exceed 10 pages in length (inclusive to references). These submissions must also be free of any identifying information (i.e., de-identified and anonymous). The extended abstracts should include the following elements, using relevant subheadings in the submission:

1. The purpose of the research 

2. Significance of the research

3. A brief literature review 

4. The guiding research question(s) or hypotheses

5. The (proposed) methodology for the research

6. Note the next stages, outcomes, implications, etc. for the research 

Alternative Format Proposals

If you are interested in proposing an event or activity that does not fall neatly into either the competitive paper, panel session, or extended abstract formats, please reach out the program planner, Dr. Megan Cullinan at megan.cullinan@mso.umt.edu. 

Direct any questions to the program planner, Dr. Megan Cullinan at megan.cullinan@mso.umt.edu

Community College

Program Planner: Kristen StoutHart, Missouri State University, Kristenstout@missouristate.edu 

Panels, Roundtables, and G.I.F.T.S.

The Community College Interest Group (CCIG) invites submissions of thematic panels, roundtables, and G.I.F.T.S. for programming at the 2026 WSCA Convention, being held in San Diego, CA. We encourage submissions that are linked with the 2026 Convention theme of Resistance (but linking to the theme is not required).

Regarding the theme, our WSCA President-Elect and Primary Program Planner, Anthony Cuomo, stated: 

Communication is an essential tool for social justice and equity. As we navigate a world marked by systemic oppression and inequality, the concept of resistance emerges as a vital and pressing area of inquiry. For our 2026 convention, WSCA invites scholars, educators, and practitioners to explore the multifaceted relationship between communication and resistance, particularly in the context of social justice.

Resistance can take many forms, from vocal opposition to systemic injustices to subtle acts of defiance within everyday interactions. It encompasses the strategies employed to challenge the status quo, the narratives constructed to amplify marginalized voices, and the ways space is created for dialogue and understanding. This year's theme encourages us to examine how communication facilitates resistance, fosters resilience, and promotes social justice.

The purpose of this year’s theme is to foster dialogue that interrogates the practices, challenges, and possibilities of resistance through communication. As we convene for our 96th convention in San Diego, CA, let us reflect on how our collective efforts can contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Possible questions to explore include:

• How does communication shape our understanding of resistance in various social contexts?

• In what ways can communication amplify the impact of grassroots movements?

• What role does narrative play in reshaping public discourse toward equity?

• How can communication strategies be utilized to empower marginalized communities?

• In what ways do digital platforms serve as spaces for resistance and what are their ethical implications?

• How do interpersonal communication practices contribute to or hinder collective resistance efforts?

• How can we critically analyze the complexities of resistance and its impact on social justice movements?

• How does communication within transnational communities shape collective identities, and what role does this play in fostering or challenging resistance movements across borders?

• How do communication practices among international diasporas influence resistance movements at national borders, and what role does intercultural dialogue play in shaping these dynamics?

• In what ways do communication practices within the classroom setting impact students' ability to engage in discussions about resistance and identity?

• How do rhetorical constructions of resistance shape public discourse, and what strategies do marginalized groups employ to communicate their narratives effectively in the face of dominant cultural narratives?

• How can we use critical discourse analysis to uncover power dynamics within social justice movements and resistance narratives?

• How can humor, satire, and art be used as tools of resistance, and what impact do these forms of communication have on shifting cultural paradigms?

• How do communication practices in authoritarian regimes differ from those in democratic societies in the context of resistance and dissent?

• What are the ethical challenges involved in communicating resistance in highly polarized political environments?

Panel Proposals: Thematic Panels and Roundtable Discussions

Thematic panels should focus on a unifying theme relevant to the membership of the Community College Interest Group, and ideally pertinent to the 2026 theme. These panels might consist of a chair and individual presenters, and possibly a respondent. 

Individual presenters might have a short paper or scholarly position they are summarizing. Co-sponsorship with other interest groups is strongly encouraged. Individuals or panels who have a sound idea and want to flesh it out can contact our Community College Interest Group leadership team: Kristen StoutHart, Michelle Brownlee, Nikki Morrison-Fountain & Kevin “Chesko” Briancesco (contact at the bottom of this call). 

Information you should have ready for submission includes:

• Thematic title of the panel and brief abstract of the overall panel focus

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and affiliations for ALL participants 

• Defined roles of all participants (i.e. chair, presenter, respondent)

• Title and brief description of each participant’s contribution (please be sure there is no identifying information about the submitter(s) on any attached documents so the proposal can be reviewed anonymously).

Equipment needed for the panel (NOTE that equipment availability is extremely limited. Refer to the WSCA Policy on Use of Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions)

Submissions open July 1st and are due 11:59 PST September 2nd

Roundtables are designed to create a dialogue between participants and the audience. These panels should be on a relevant topic to the Community College Interest Group, and ideally be pertinent to the 2026 theme. To present a robust discussion, participants of a roundtable will ideally have a diversity of ideas surrounding the topic being discussed. Those with roundtable ideas needing assistance building a group of panelists should contact the Community College Interest Group leadership team: Kristen StoutHart, Michelle Brownlee, Nikki Morrison-Fountain & Kevin “Chesko” Briancesco (contact at the bottom of this call). 

Information you should have ready for submission includes:

• Thematic title of the roundtable

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and affiliations for ALL participants

• Defined roles of all participants (i.e. chair, presenters)

• Brief description and rationale of the roundtable (please be sure there is no identifying information about the submitter(s) on any attached documents so the proposal can be reviewed anonymously).

Equipment needed for the panel (NOTE that equipment availability is extremely limited. Refer to the WSCA Policy on Use of Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions)

Submissions open July 1st and are due 11:59 PST September 2nd

Paper Proposals: Research Papers and G.I.F.T.S. Submissions

G.I.F.T.S. Proposals should provide insightful, pragmatic, and innovative techniques for teaching students in the communication classroom. While a link to the conference theme would be nice, such links are not required for programming in G.I.F.T.S. Individuals who have a sound idea and want to flesh it out for submission are encouraged to contact the G.I.F.T.S. Planner and CCIG Vice Michelle Brownlee - email contact information is at the bottom of this call. Please carefully review CCIG communication and WSCA submission instructions to ensure that your submission is easily and appropriately identifiable as a “GIFTS” submission.

GIFTS submissions should include the following information:

• A descriptive title of the GIFTS

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and affiliations for all submitter(s)

• A brief abstract of the G.I.F.T.S. including the courses for which the GIFT is intended for use, the materials needed to execute the GIFT,  an overview of the method and procedure of the GIFT, and outcome and debrief strategies of the GIFT. (please be sure there is no identifying information about the submitter(s) on any attached documents so the proposal can be reviewed anonymously).

Equipment needed for the panel (NOTE that equipment availability is extremely limited. Refer to the WSCA Policy on Use of Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions)

Submissions open July 1st and are due 11:59 PST September 2nd

Paper Session Proposals should be intended to share research papers on topics of interest to Community College Interest Group members and the WSCA community at large. These could be research projects about community college issues, essays about equity and diversity in the classroom, or any other papers written by or for CCIG members. Papers should be submitted to CCIG as a “Panel” submission.

Paper Session submissions should include the following information:

• A descriptive title of the paper

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and affiliations for all submitter(s)

• A brief abstract of the paper as well as the full manuscript (please be sure there is no identifying information about the submitter(s) on any attached documents so the proposal can be reviewed anonymously).

Equipment needed for the panel (NOTE that equipment availability is extremely limited. Refer to the WSCA Policy on Use of Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions)

Submissions open July 1st and are due 11:59 PST September 2nd

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any questions contact one of us:

Kristen StoutHart, Chair and Program Planner: kristenstout@missouristate.edu
Michelle Brownlee, Vice Chair & G.I.F.T.S. Planner: brownlmd@laccd.edu
Nikki Morrison-Fountain, Communications Director: n.morrisonfountain@gmail.com
Kevin “Chesko” Briancesco, Social Media Director: professorchesko@gmail.com 

Please read the full call with detailed submission instructions on the WSCA website: https://www.westcomm.org/cfp

Communication Theory and Research

Program Planner: Reeham R. Mohammed, Arizona State University, rrmohammed@asu.edu

The Communication Theory and Research (CTR) Interest Group of the Western States Communication Association welcomes submissions for competitive papers, program proposals, and research in progress for the 2026 annual convention in San Diego, California. The CTR Interest Group invites submissions that reflect research seeking to advance the understanding and development of communication theory; studies that significantly advance or reconceptualize theories and/or that introduce new and/or innovative methodologies; and especially work that introduces new theories or theoretical concepts. 

In line with this year’s convention theme, “Resistance”, we also seek panelists who would like to join one of the following theme panels: 

• Resisting Theoretical Stagnation: A roundtable on forging bold new and/or reforming old frameworks 

• Scholarship as Resistance: Engaged theory and practice in service of community empowerment

• Methodological Resistance: Crafting methods sections that challenge and subvert dominant paradigms

The CTR Interest Group welcomes suggestions from submitters regarding possible interest groups who could be invited to co-sponsor papers and panels.

For questions or concerns about CTR or its submission process, or to volunteer for a theme panel, please contact 2026 program planner Reeham R. Mohammed at rrmohammed@asu.edu. And Vice chair Arielle L. Leonard Hodges at ahodges@georgefox.edu. 

SUBMISSION PROCESS & DEADLINE: Competitive papers, research-in-progress, or panel proposals must be submitted online through the WSCA Website

Papers, works in progress, and panel/roundtable proposals must be received NO LATER THAN 11:59 PM PDT on September 1, 2025 to receive consideration.

Competitive Paper Proposals: In adherence of WSCA convention guidelines, competitive papers should (1) not have been submitted to any other interest group; (2) not have been presented at another conference or convention; (3) not have been published; or (4) not have been accepted for publication. CTR offers competitive paper awards for overall top paper and top student paper. The recipients will be announced at the Division’s business meeting in Albuquerque. Acceptance of a paper obligates at least one author to attend the conference and present the paper. Please follow the additional guidelines below when preparing a submission:

a) The paper should be no longer than 35 page; follow a commonly-accepted style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) in terms of formatting, figures, notes, references, etc.

b) Regardless of style used, should include a 150-200 word abstract of the paper (directly beneath the paper’s title).

c) Be free of all identifying information to ensure a fair and anonymous peer review. Please ensure the author name(s) and any other identifying information is not listed on the paper’s first page, in headers or footers, or in the document’s metadata. Author names will be entered separately through the online submission system.

d) Student Papers: If all authors of a competitive paper are a student at the time of submission, the paper is considered a student submission and is eligible for recognition by CTR. If this is the case, the competitive paper should be marked “STUDENT” in the upper-right hand corner of the title page. All authors of a competitive paper must be students at the time of submission for the paper to be eligible for award consideration.

e) Debut Papers: If all the authors of a competitive paper have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national, or international convention, or published in any academic journal, the paper is considered a debut submission and is eligible for recognition by CTR and the WSCA Executive Club. If this is the case, the competitive paper should be marked “DEBUT” in the upper-right hand corner of the title page. 

Panel Proposals may consist of a chair, individual paper presenters, and a critic/respondent. As well, round-table discussions, performances, debates, or other unique formats are welcomed. In alternative program formats, respondents may be included or omitted as desired. Submit a program proposal in one (1) single attachment that includes the following information:

a) The title of the panel;
b) A 500-word (or less) rationale for the program explaining how the papers and/or presenters are thematically linked;
c) Names, affiliations, and e-mail addresses of all participants;
d) For paper panels, in addition to sub-points “a-c”, also provide title and brief description for each presentation (maximum 250 words per paper);
e) An abstract of 50-75 words that identifies content and purpose of the panel, which would be printed in convention program if panel accepted.

Research in Progress submissions provide scholars an opportunity to receive feedback on their unfinished work prior to submission for publication, data collection, or other presentation. Research-in-progress papers do not qualify for awards. The submissions must follow these guidelines:

a) Submissions should be no more than 10 pages that follow a common style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) including formatting, figures, notes, references, etc.
b) Regardless of the style used, include a 150-200 word abstract of the paper or project (directly beneath the paper’s title).

c) Be free of all identifying information to ensure a fair and anonymous peer review. Please ensure the author name(s) and any other identifying information is not listed on the paper’s first page, in headers or footers, or in the document’s metadata. Author names will be entered separately through the online submission system.

Call for Nominations: 2026 Interest Group Awards

In addition to our top paper and top student paper awards, the Communication Theory and Research Interest Group is proud to announce two new biennial awards that recognize excellence in theoretical innovation and engaged scholarship. These awards will be presented at the 2026 CTR Business Meeting.

Outstanding Scholar in Communication Theory Award

This biennial award recognizes a CTR member whose sustained research program has made significant and influential contributions to communication theory. Eligible nominees must have:

• Demonstrated theoretical innovation, refinement, or advancement;

• A record of analytically rigorous scholarship;

• At least one publication in a WSCA-sponsored journal;

• Documented engagement with the CTR Interest Group.

Nominations (including a nominating letter and CV) are due September 1, 2025. Self-nominations are welcome. Please send the nomination materials directly to the interest group planner and not through the online submission system.

Engaged Theory and Scholarship Award

This biennial award honors a CTR member whose work meaningfully bridges communication theory and applied contexts, demonstrating a commitment to engaged scholarship. Recipients should have:

• A sustained record of scholarship that connects theory with real-world practice;

• Evidence of collaboration with communities or organizations;

• Impact on both theoretical development and public or community-facing outcomes;

• At least one publication in a WSCA-sponsored journal and active CTR engagement.

Nominations (including a nominating letter and CV) are due September 1, 2025. Self-nominations are welcome. Please send the nomination materials directly to the interest group planner and not through the online submission system.

Recipients for all interest group awards will be recognized at the CTR Business Meeting in San Diego.

Communication, Identities & Difference

Program Planner: Carrie E. Mulderink, University of New Mexico, cmulderink@unm.edu

Communication is an essential tool for social justice and equity. Specifically, communication marks the ways in which identities are created, recreated, and are resisted across time and space. The concept of resistance emerges as a necessary and urgent means for the merging of theory and praxis to center diverse forms of communication. Resistance can take many forms. This year, the Communication, Identities, and Difference Interest Group invites scholars and/or practitioners to focus on how ideologies of able-bodiedness are embedded in how we, as communicators, understand resistance. For example, what constitutes resistance? Who has access to it? How can the rhetorical construction of resistances be shifted to be more inclusive of identities, particularly around disability? 

Other possible questions for exploration include but are not limited to: 

• How does communication, identities, and difference shape our understandings of resistance in various social contexts? 

• In what ways can communication amplify the impact of grassroots movements?

• What roles do narratives play in reshaping communication, identities, and difference? 

• How can communication strategies be utilized to empower marginalized communities in humanizing ways?

• In what ways do communication practices within the classroom setting impact students’ ability to engage in discussions about identities and differences?

•  How can critical discourse analysis be used to uncover power dynamics within social justice movements and resistance narratives?

The Communication, Identities, and Difference Interest Group is accepting competitive papers and panel discussions. This interest group is open to all theoretical and methodological approaches and perspectives.

Submissions to the Communication, Identities, and Difference Interest Group should adhere to the guidelines listed below. Under the Bylaws of CID, one submission, paper, or panel, per author/submitter, is accepted. 

I. Competitive Papers: 

1. In adherence to WSCA convention guidelines, competitive papers should: (1) not have been submitted to any other interest group; (2) not have been presented at another conference or convention; (3) not have been published; or (4) not have been accepted for publication. 

2. Please follow the additional guidelines below when preparing a submission. Competitive papers must: a. Be between 9,000 and 11,000 words pages (including figures, notes, references, etc.). b. Include a 150-200 word abstract of the paper (directly beneath the paper’s title). c. Be free of all identifying information to ensure a fair and anonymous peer review. In other words, ensure the author’s name(s) and any additional identifying information is not listed on the paper’s first page, in headers or footers, in the document metadata, etc. Author names will be entered separately through the online system. d. Student Papers: If all authors of a competitive paper are or were a student at the time of submission to WSCA, the paper is considered a “student submission” and is eligible for recognition by CID. NOTE: All authors of a competitive paper must meet the eligibility requirement for student status for the paper to be eligible for award consideration. e. Debut Papers: If all the authors of a competitive paper “have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national, or international convention, or published in any academic journal,” the paper is considered a “debut submission” and is eligible for recognition by CID and the WSCA Executive Club. NOTE: All authors of a competitive paper must meet the eligibility requirement for debut status for the paper to be eligible for award consideration. f. IRB approval: Authors must disclose whether IRB approval was obtained when appropriate. h. Co-sponsorship: CID welcomes author interest in co-sponsorship with other interest groups. 

II. Panel Proposals: 

1. Panel Proposals may consist of a chair, individual paper presenters, and a respondent. In addition, round-table discussions, performances, debates, or other unique formats are welcome. In alternative program formats, respondents may be included or omitted as appropriate. Panels co-sponsored with other interest groups are also invited. 2. Submit a panel proposal in one (1) single attachment. Panel proposals must include the following information: 

1. The thematic title of the panel; b. A 500-word rationale for the panel as a whole; c. Names, affiliations, and e-mail addresses of all participants; d. If requesting panel co-sponsors, state all interest group sponsors and primary interest group to which panel is submitted for review on the title page, e. For paper panels, in addition to sub-points “a-c,” also provide title and brief description for each presentation (maximum 300 words); f. An abstract of 50-75 words that identifies content and purpose of the panel, which would be printed in convention program if panel is accepted.

Papers and proposals should be submitted online to the WSCA website, www.westcomm.org (click on convention) by September 2nd, 2025 at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time. 

Any questions should be directed to Dr. Carrie Mulderink, Chair of the Communication, Identities, and Interest Group for the 2026 convention, at cmulderink@unm.edu

Communication and Instruction

Program Planner: Kendra Dyanne Rivera, (Joseph)Lane Community College, riverak@lanecc.edu

The Communication & Instruction Interest Group of WSCA seeks submissions for competitive research papers, creative and meaningful submissions, and program panels for the 2026 Western States Communication Association convention. The 2026 WSCA theme is well-suited for complex exploration of communication and instruction, and we encourage and will give strong consideration to submissions that highlight this year’s convention theme: Resistance.

Proposals for scholarship and creative activity submitted to the Communication & Instruction Interest Group should address topics in communication education (how we teach the discipline of communication), instructional communication (how we use communication in the process of teaching/learning), and/or critical communication pedagogy (engaging the critical paradigm to address questions of power).  Our interest group encourages research that integrates multiple disciplinary perspectives and/or multiple methodologies.

These research trajectories share a focus on the constitution of knowledge through communication; they also share a focus on the distinctive communication contexts that emerge, or are entailed by, learning situations. Therefore, proposals centering on the theme of Resistance might explore the following:

●  Explorations of resistance within the classroom context or academe

●  Ways to challenge and critically consider dominant narratives of resistance (e.g., cultural expectations/stereotypes)

●  Teaching resistance to students

●  Andragogies/pedagogies of resistance

●  How resistance is disciplined or silenced

●  Academic freedom as resistance,

●  Organizing resistance movements in support of students, colleagues, or the community

●  Ways to resist the administration

●  Resistance and AI

●  Conceiving of how instructors resist through teaching (e.g., community engaged learning, OERs, assignments, interdisciplinarity, etc.)

●  Resistance as status quo

COMPETITIVE PAPERS

I. Authors are encouraged to submit original research essays to the Communication & Instruction Interest Group. Our interest group offers awards for Top Competitive Paper, Top Debut Paper, and Top Student Paper. Please identify if your competitive paper submission qualifies as a Debut Paper and/or a Student Paper when submitting online.

II. Competitive papers should not have been presented previously at another conference, be accepted for publication, or have been published. Please use your ethical common sense.

III. All manuscripts should be submitted through the online submission system no later than 11:59 pm PST on Monday, September 2. You’ll be asked to submit the title of your manuscript, your name, phone number, email address, and institutional affiliation.  Audio-visual requests will be included on the submission site, where you’ll provide  a brief rationale/explanation of how the technology will be utilized in your presentation. NOTE: Equipment availability is extremely limited. See WSCA Policy on the Use of Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions.

Please use PDF or Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format for all documents. Submitted manuscripts should include a 75 – 100 word abstract and should not exceed a maximum of 30 pages of text including references, appendices, tables, and charts. The essay should be prepared following the most recent APA, Chicago, or MLA guidelines.

Be sure to remove author names and any identifying information from the manuscript. Manuscripts with identifying information will not be considered for review.

PANEL PROPOSALS

Panels connected to the conference’s theme are encouraged and generally expected. Panels may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a respondent/facilitator. However, round-table discussions, co-sponsored panels, and other unique formats are encouraged.

1. Panel proposals should contain the following in a submitted document:

   1. Thematic title of the panel;

   2. Abstract: 50 – 75 words for the convention program that identifies the content and purpose of the panel;

   3. List of presenters with contact information;

   4. Title and brief description of each presentation/contribution; and

   5. Audio-visual requests will be included on the submission site, where you’ll provide a brief rationale/explanation of how the technology will be utilized in your presentation). . NOTE: Equipment availability is extremely limited. See WSCA Policy on the Use of Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions.

2. All program proposals should be submitted through the online submission system no later than 11:59 pm PST Monday, September 2. Please use PDF or MS Word (.doc or .docx) format for all documents.

The Organization for Feminist Research on Gender and Communication (OFRGC) invites

submissions for competitive papers and program proposals for the Western States

Communication Association Convention February 14-17 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. OFRGC

seeks submissions that speak to both its emphasis on feminist research regarding gender,

intersectionality, oppression, and social change, and the convention theme, “Support.” 

Submitted papers should display a substantive commitment to intersectionality, one that infuses

the whole of the research, rather than denoting superficial attention to marginalized groups. Of

particular interest are 1) papers and panels that challenge or extend understandings of feminist

and gender justice advocacy, address the building of critically conscious coalitions, and explore

the intersections of gender and race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, sexuality, embodiment, and

class; 2) studies centering queer, transgender, and gender nonconforming politics; race and

racialization; postcolonial and decolonial theories; dis/ability; labor; transnationalism; and

critical examinations of masculinity and other gendered forms of hegemony; and 3) panels and

roundtables that discuss ways for making OFRGC, higher education, and feminist political

movement representative of diverse identities and to ensure OFRGC services and benefits are

directed to BIPOC scholars.

Paper submission guidelines: Submitted papers may not have been previously presented,

published, or be accepted for presentation or publication elsewhere at time of submission. 

Authors who have not previously presented a paper at any conference or published in a journal

should mark their papers as “Debut” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page as well as

indicate their status (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral student), as well as select “Debut” in

the X-CD system. All co-authors must meet the eligibility requirements to be considered a Debut

Paper. 

OFRGC offers $500 awards to the Top Paper, Top Student Paper, and Top Debut Paper recipients, as well as a $250 Brenda Allen Travel Grant for top submissions from BIPOC students. All student submissions should be marked as “Student” in the upper right-hand corner

of the title page for consideration of the Top Student Paper award. All BIPOC student

submissions should be marked as “BIPOC Student” in the upper right-hand corner of the title

page to be considered for the Brenda Allen Travel Grant, in addition to the Top Student Paper or

Top Debut Paper award.  

Paper submissions should not exceed 25 pages, including references and notes, and should be

free of information identifying the author(s).

OFRGC endeavors to mentor and support students and early career scholars engaging in feminist research, and as such also accepts works in progress. Authors submitting a work in progress should label the paper with “Work in Progress” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page.

Please read the full call with detailed submission instructions on the WSCA website: https://www.westcomm.org/cfp

The Western Forensics and Argumentation Association (name change pending to: Argumentation, Persuasion, and Forensics Interest Group (APFIG)) welcomes competitive papers, paper sessions, panel sessions, as well as individual and panel performance sessions for the 2025 Western States Communication Association annual conference in Albuquerque, NM from February 14-17th of 2025.  The APFIG seeks submissions that speak to the intersections of argumentation, persuasion, or forensics pedagogy as it intersects with this year's convention theme of “Support.”

        Echoing the sentiments of WSCA President-Elect, Dr. Justin Boren, “the concept of support has many meanings, depending on its use as a noun or verb. When used as a noun, supportdenotes the things that form a base, foundation, or items of assistance. When used as a verb, support calls to the communicative and physical processes humans engage in to build. Support allows us to build communities, relationships, health, arguments, identities, and ourselves.” Support, at its core, is a critical question of Argumentation, Persuasion, and Forensics.  As scholars, educators, coaches, and performers we are constantly called to consider how it is that we provide support for each other, our students, and ourselves. This year, the interest group is seeking submissions that critically engage with the concept of support. Specifically, the interest group is uniquely interested in the following questions: How can we critically evaluate the meanings and mechanisms of support? How do we support our students and our discipline? How can we use argumentation and persuasion to further support social movements? What does support mean for varying identities? What happens when support fails or is used for harm? However, the interest group still welcomes submissions that engage with the theme more broadly. APFIG accepts submissions in the following categories: traditional paper submissions (10-25 page papers) that present original research on argumentation, persuasion, forensics, and/or public controversy and conflict; individual competitive performances; performance and panel sessions which may be in various forms: a set of papers on a theme, performances, roundtables, expositions of best practices, discussions, etc.; and forensics performances and position papers (5-10 pages) which focus on contemporary trends in forensics. Each submission category is described in greater detail below.

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES

Competitive Papers: Authors are encouraged to submit papers to WFAA for competitive selection. Papers may employ any humanistic, scientific, and/or other methodology(ies) and may address theoretical developments, critical analyses, disciplinary issues, pedagogical issues, and/or research advancements related to argumentation, persuasion, forensics, public controversy, dis/misinformation studies Papers submitted to APFIG should not be submitted to another interest group. Submitted papers should not include information that identifies the author(s). Papers should typically not exceed 25 pages of text, excluding citations, figures, charts, etc. Competitive papers can include “Research in Progress” submissions. These papers should not exceed 10 pages in length and should clearly indicate that they are submitted as “research in progress” so they can be properly reviewed by the interest group.

Authors who have not previously presented a paper at any conference or published in a journal should mark their papers as “Debut” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page as well as indicate their status (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral student), as well as select “Debut” in the Attendee Interactive system. All co-authors must meet the eligibility requirements to be considered a Debut Paper.

Performance Sessions/Panel Sessions: Performance and panel sessions proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or instruction in argumentation, forensics practice & pedagogy, public controversy, etc. Panel sessions may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a critic/respondent in a traditional conference format. However, we highly encourage proposals for a debate, a round table discussion, a performance activity, or an innovative program that provides opportunities for interaction among participants and attendees.

Panel session proposals must contain the following:

1. Thematic title of the panel session;

2. Names and affiliations of all participants;

3. Title and brief description of each presentation;

4. An abstract of 50-75 words that identifies the content and purpose of the panel, which will be

printed in the program book. If accepted, additional explanations or details may be included in a

separate panel session leaflet or handout made available at the panel session presentation;

5. Equipment needed for the panel session. Please keep in mind that equipment availability is

extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your

submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether or not you will

have AV.

Individual Performances/ Performance Sessions must contain the following:

1. Thematic title of the performance/ performance session 

2. Names and affiliations of the performer(s)

4. An abstract of 50-75 words that identifies the content and purpose of the panel, which will be

printed in the program book. If accepted, additional explanations or details may be included in a

separate panel session leaflet or handout made available at the panel session presentation;

5. A script(s) of the proposed performance(s)

6. A link to a video except of performance (not to exceed five minutes) 

5. Equipment needed for the panel session. Please keep in mind that equipment availability is

extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your

submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether or not you will

have AV.

Forensics Performances & Position Papers: The APFIG also supports undergraduate scholarly endeavors. This year, we welcome submissions from undergraduate students who are encouraged to submit forensics performances or position papers to APFIG for competitive selection. Forensics position papers may address a wide range of issues related to forensics, including forensics pedagogy and practice, examinations of forensics organizations and culture, and/or performances that highlight the intellectual richness of competitive forensics.

Submissions should not include information that identifies the authors/performers. However, they should indicate “forensics position paper” or “forensics performance” in the top corner of the submission.  Papers should not exceed 10 pages in length and performances should not exceed 10 minutes each*

*Please see the above requirements for individual papers/performances. 

Awards

To encourage more submissions to the APFIG section of the Western States Conference, will offer the following awards 

1. Top Paper in Argumentation, Persuasion, and Forensics 

2. Top Student Paper in Argumentation, Persuasion, and Forensics

3. Top Debut Paper 

4. Top Contributed Performance

Additionally, to further our engagement with this year's theme of support, the APFIG seeks nominations for the following two awards. 

1. Outstanding Forensics Competitor 
2. Outstanding Graduate Forensics Coach/Educator.

Nominations for these awards should include: 

1. Name and Affiliation of the Nominee   
2. A letter of nomination/recommendation from a member of the nominee’s team/coaching staff. 

Nominations can be sent to the APFIG 2025 IG Chair/Program Planner: 

Damon Mitchell Gage Darling, University of Utah. 

Damon.Lawson@utah.edu

Please read the full call with detailed submission instructions on the WSCA website: https://www.westcomm.org/cfp

The Western States Communication Association (WSCA) will take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is located on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. As stated in the University of New Mexico Indigenous Peoples’ Land and Territory Acknowledgment, “The original peoples of New Mexico – Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache – since time immemorial, have deep connections to the land and have made significant contributions to the broader community statewide.” Additionally, the University of New Mexico acknowledges “the traumatic history of forced labor of Black Americans who have advanced our country,” further underscoring our indebtedness to the enslaved and exploited African Americans whose labor continues to shape ongoing social, organizational, and cultural landscapes and formations.

 Over the past few years, WSCA has provided a space for us to consider the communicative processes of agitation for justice, how we cultivate growth and sustainability in community, the role of communication in establishing and promoting individual and community wellness and well-being, and what possibilities exist for imagining and creating collective futures. Our convention theme, “Support,” asks us to begin with strengthening and re-establishing the foundational elements of these relational networks, which extend back to the “original instructions” of the land that sustains our lives and all inhabitants. We invite submissions that are interdisciplinary, international, community-based, and academic-based.

We encourage proposals from students and faculty at colleges, universities, and tribal colleges, as well as from community-based scholars, elders, and professionals actively engaged in the field. We encourage explorations of support across a diverse range of topics and interests, focusing on texts, methods, cultural phenomena, identities, bodies, voices, experiences, aesthetics, and sensibilities that have been historically marginalized in academia and rhetoric. We especially welcome submissions by and about people and communities for whom support is often inaccessible, foreclosed, policed, or otherwise risky to obtain, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, queer, trans, and two-spirit folks, women, folks with disabilities, transnational scholars, and submissions that center and advocate for the livability of these peoples, communities, and lifeworlds.    

Further information about the conference theme and the general Call for Papers can be found at http://www.westcomm.org/; however, submissions to the Rhetoric, Culture, and Advocacy Interest Group should adhere to the following guidelines: 

I. COMPETITIVE PAPERS 

Authors are invited to submit competitive papers relevant to the theory, history, criticism, and/or production of rhetoric, culture, and advocacy (broadly construed). In addition, we especially encourage competitive papers that speak to and against the conference theme from a diverse array of theoretical, methodological, or critical perspectives within rhetorical studies, including ecological rhetoric, environmental rhetoric, digital rhetoric, critical/cultural studies, rhetoric and civic engagement, argument and advocacy, public address, visual and material rhetoric, public memory, and rhetoric of identity and difference, among others. 

 Competitive Papers must:
- Not exceed 30 pages (including figures, images, notes, references, etc.).
- Include a 100-200 word abstract of the paper (directly beneath the paper’s title).
- Be free of any and all identifying information to ensure a fair and anonymous peer review.  In other words, submitters must ensure the author’s name(s) and any other identifying information is not listed on the paper’s first page, in headers or footers, in the document’s metadata, etc. Author names will be entered separately through the online submission system 

Competitive Papers must not:   
- Have been submitted to any other interest group.   
- Have been presented at another conference or convention.    
- Have been accepted for publication.  
- Have been published.   

*Only one competitive paper submission per author is allowed*  

Note on Student Papers: If all authors of a competitive paper are or were a student at the time of submission to WSCA, the paper is considered a student submission and is eligible for recognition by RCA. If this is the case, the competitive paper should be marked “STUDENT” in the upper-right hand corner of the title page. Please also indicate whether each author is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral student. NOTE: ALL AUTHORS of a competitive paper must meet the eligibility requirement for student status in order for the paper to be eligible for award consideration.    

Note on Debut Papers: If all the authors of a competitive paper “have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national, or international convention, or published in any academic journal,” the paper is considered a debut submission and is eligible for recognition by RCA and the WSCA Executive Club. If this is the case, the competitive paper should be marked “DEBUT” in the upper-right hand corner of the title page. Please also indicate whether each author is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral student. NOTE: ALL AUTHORS of a competitive paper must meet the eligibility requirement for debut status in order for the paper to be eligible for award consideration.    

Audio-visual technology: please request only if necessary. NOTE: Audio-visual equipment is extremely limited and expensive. Therefore, be judicious in requesting technology only if essential for a successful presentation.       

II. PROGRAM (PANEL) PROPOSALS   

Program proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to the theory, history, criticism, and/or production of rhetoric (broadly defined). The RCA Interest Group welcomes program proposals from a wide array of perspectives within rhetorical studies, including ecological rhetoric, environmental rhetoric, digital rhetoric, critical/cultural studies, rhetoric and civic engagement, argument and advocacy, public address, visual and material rhetoric, public memory, and rhetoric of identity and difference, among others.   

Programs can take many forms. Be creative. For instance, they can include a chair and/or a critic/respondent, but they may not. Programs may look a lot of ways, too. This can include: a panel of performances, a panel featuring papers engaging a common theme, roundtable discussions engaging current and/or future-oriented concerns in rhetoric, culture, and advocacy. Unique program formats press us to re-consider and imagine innovative possibilities for what “conferencing” involves are especially encouraged. We are especially interested this year in program formats that involve mentorship from qualified scholars in service of younger scholars. In alternative program formats, respondents may be included or omitted as appropriate.       

Program proposal submissions must include in ONE (1) single document:  
- The thematic title of the program (as it will appear in the program, if accepted).   
- A 250-500-word rationale for the program as a whole.   
- Names, affiliations, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of all participants.   
- For paper and performance panels, include a title and a brief description (no more than 250 words) of each paper and/or performance.   
- As appropriate AND necessary, a statement requesting audio-visual technology. NOTE: Audio-visual equipment is extremely limited and expensive. Please be judicious in requesting technology only if essential for a successful presentation.   
- If appropriate, include a note indicating possible co-sponsoring interest group(s).   

COMPETITIVE PAPER/PROGRAM PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROCESS   

Competitive paper or program proposals must be submitted online through the WSCA Website. (Details for making submissions will be available at www.westcomm.org/) All submissions should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. 

Competitive Papers and Program Proposals must be received NO LATER THAN 11:59 PM on September 2, 2024 to receive full consideration. 

If you have any questions or concerns about RCA or the submission process, please contact the RCA Chair, Liahnna Stanley, lstanley3@unl.edu.

Please read the full call with detailed submission instructions on the WSCA website: https://www.westcomm.org/cfp

The Performance Studies Interest Group invites submissions of competitive papers, performances, and program proposals for the 2025 Western States Communication Association Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Submission Deadline: September 2, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. All submissions must be made using the WSCA 2025 abstract management system.

This year’s conference theme “Support,” compels communication and performance scholars and practitioners to critically consider how support underpins our capacity for creativity and worldmaking. As Dr. Boren’s statement on the conference theme articulates, “Human communication is at the center of personal relationships, expressions of love and compassion, the capacity to organize, feelings of belonging, advocating for justice, and our ability to give and receive support. Looking back at the last five years of convention themes, WSCA has asked us to consider the communicative processes of agitation for justice, how we cultivate ourselves and our communities, what role communication has in the various features of well-being, and what possibilities exist as we move toward the future. For 2025, let us build upon these prior themes by exploring the interplay between communication and support. The concept of support has many meanings, depending on its use as a noun or verb. When used as a noun, support denotes the things that form a base, foundation, or items of assistance. When used as a verb, support calls to the communicative and physical processes humans engage in to build. Support allows us to build communities, relationships, health, arguments, identities, and ourselves. Our 2025 convention theme encourages us to explore how communication and support are connected and what that can mean for scholars, educators, and practitioners. Possible questions we may explore include: How can we critically evaluate the meanings and mechanisms of support? How and why is social support linked to health? How do we support our students and our discipline? How can we use communication to further support social movements? What does support mean for our identities? What happens when support fails or is used for harm? How can communication contribute to the study and practice of support? What deficits exist in the ways that our institutions support us? In what ways can WSCA continue to support members? My hope is that we can interrogate the foundations and assumptions of support as well as connection and community through these questions and more as we come together for our 95th convention in Albuquerque, NM.”

Programs and/panels co-sponsored with other interest groups are encouraged as they increase opportunities for intradisciplinary dialogue and may also allow for more submissions recommended for acceptance to be paneled. Mark the top left of submission with name of the potential co-sponsor interest group. Some interest groups we would be interested in co-sponsoring with include, but are not limited to: Communication, Identities, and Difference; Communication and Instruction; Environmental Communication; Health Communication; Intercultural Communication; ORWAC; and Rhetoric, Culture, and Advocacy. 

Submission Instructions: 

I. COMPETITIVE PAPERS 

1. Scholar-artists are encouraged to submit papers to the Performance Studies Interest Group for competitive selection. Papers should have a performance studies research focus and can utilize any methodology and/or theoretical perspective. We welcome diverse and creative approaches to academic research (e.g., critical/cultural, indigenous, queer, feminist, poetic, personal narrative, autoethnography, performance ethnography, among others). Competitive Papers should not: (1) have been presented at another conference or convention; (2) have been published; and (3) have been accepted for publication. All submissions should use APA, MLA, or Chicago style. 

2. Debut Award: The Performance Studies Interest Group welcomes and encourages debut competitive papers. The WSCA Executives Club Award is made to the author or co-authors of a paper presented as the convention “who have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national, or international convention, or published in any academic journal.” Papers presented at student-only conferences are exempt from this requirement. All authors of a co-authored paper must meet these eligibility requirements for a paper to be considered a Debut Paper. Papers eligible for the Debut Award should be marked “DEBUT” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page. Indicate whether each author is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral student. 

3. All papers should be submitted online via the WSCA website, using the selection “Individual Paper Submissions”. When submitting, participants will be asked to include: 

   1. A list of all authors 

   2. Audio-visual requests only if absolutely necessary for your presentation or performance. (You are encouraged to bring your own audio- visual equipment(s) whenever possible. Equipment availability is extremely limited and expensive. See the WSCA policy on Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions in the Policies and Procedures Manual on the website http://www.westcomm.org/) 

   3. The paper, including a 100-250 word abstract, and a maximum of 25 pages of text. Remove authors’ names from the paper. 

4. Please submit individual and debut papers no later than September 2, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. PST. 

II. PANEL PERFORMANCES 

1. We invite scholar-artists to submit completed scripts for performances to be scheduled on panels. Panel performances should be between 10-15 minutes and can be in various modes (e.g., critical/cultural, indigenous, queer, feminist, poetic, personal narrative, performance (auto)ethnography, multimedia, digital, etc.). While you are invited to submit program panels featuring a number of short performances (see program proposals below), panel performances are intended for individuals (or groups) with 10-15 minute performances interested in being programmed with other 10-15 minute panel performances. 

2. All papers should be submitted online via the WSCA website, using the selection “Individual Paper Submissions”. When submitting, participants will be asked to include: 

   1. A list of all performers (listed as authors) 

   2. Audio-visual requests only if absolutely necessary for your performance. (You are encouraged to bring your own audio- visual equipment(s) whenever possible. Equipment availability is extremely limited and expensive. See the WSCA policy on Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions in the Policies and Procedures Manual on the website http://www.westcomm.org/) 

   3. The completed script (uploaded in the paper section). Please remove author and performer names from the script and be sure to add “_PP” to the end of the script title when uploading to indicate that it should be considered as part of a panel performance. 

      1. Ex: “NarrativeTearsScript_PP.docx” 

3. Please submit panel performances no later than September 2, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. PST.

III. SOLO/ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES 

1. We invite scholar-artists to submit completed scripts and for solo and/or ensemble performances. Solo/ensemble performances are intended to fill an entire panel slot (75 minutes, preferably including time for discussion and/or questions) and can assume various modes (e.g., critical/cultural, indigenous, queer, feminist, poetic, personal narrative, performance (auto)ethnography, multimedia, digital, etc.). 

2. To submit a solo/ensemble performance for consideration, submit the following information using the selection “Panel Submissions”:

1. A list of all performers (listed as authors) 

2. Audio-visual requests only if absolutely necessary for your performance. (You are encouraged to bring your own audio- visual equipment(s) whenever possible. Equipment availability is extremely limited and expensive. See the WSCA policy on Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions in the Policies and Procedures Manual on the website http://www.westcomm.org/) 

3. The completed script (uploaded in the paper section). Please remove author and performer names from the script and be sure to add “_Perf” to the end of the script title when uploading to indicate that it should be considered as a panel performance. 

1. Ex: “SabotagePanel_Perf.docx”

3. Please submit solo/ensemble performances no later than September 2, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. PST.

IV. PANEL PROPOSALS 

1. Program proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or instruction in Performance Studies. Programs may consist of a chair, individual presenters/performers, and a critic or respondent in a format traditionally presented at conferences. However, ensemble or solo performances, debates, round table discussions, performance activities, or other unique formats are encouraged. Innovative program proposals, especially those that provide opportunities for interaction among participants and attendees, are encouraged. 

2. To submit a panel proposal for consideration, submit the following information using the selection “Panel Submissions”: 

   1. A list of all panel participants 

   2. A named moderator/lead individual 

   3. Audio-visual requests only if absolutely necessary for your performance. (You are encouraged to bring your own audio- visual equipment(s) whenever possible. Equipment availability is extremely limited and expensive. See the WSCA policy on Audio-Visual Equipment at Conventions in the Policies and Procedures Manual on the website http://www.westcomm.org/) 

   4. The proposal, including descriptions of performances, abstracts, or scripts, etc. fitting the format of the proposed program. Remove author names, please. 

3. Please submit panel proposals no later than September 2, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. PST.

For questions, please contact the Chair/Program Planner of the Performance Studies Interest Group: Dr. Tyler S. Rife at trife@stlawu.edu

Please read the full call with detailed submission instructions on the WSCA website: https://www.westcomm.org/cfp

Interested in Reviewing? Please follow this link! https://forms.gle/8jsr45cVdcLGDsk2A

The Organizational Communication Interest Group of the Western States Communication Association seeks competitive papers, panel proposals, and research-in-progress papers for the 2025 annual convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 2025 conference theme is Support, pointing our attention to creating Support in communication. The concept of support has many meanings, depending on its use as a noun or verb. When used as a noun, support denotes the things that form a base, foundation, or items of assistance. When used as a verb, support calls to the communicative and physical processes humans engage in to build. Support allows us to build communities, relationships, health, arguments, identities, and ourselves. Our 2025 convention theme encourages us to explore how communication and support are connected and what that can mean for scholars, educators, and practitioners.

All competitive papers, panel proposals, and research-in-progress should be submitted online through X-CD.

I. Competitive Papers (deadline: received by 9/2/24 end of day Pacific Time)
II. Panel Session Proposals (deadline: received by 9/2/24 end of day Pacific Time)
III. Research in Progress Papers (deadline: received by 9/2/24 end of day Pacific Time)

For specific information about submitting to interest groups, visit the WSCA website http://www.westcomm.org/

I. COMPETITIVE PAPERS

A. Authors are encouraged to submit papers to the Organizational Communication Interest Group for competitive selection. Papers may employ any methodology(ies) and may address theoretical developments, critical analyses, disciplinary issues, pedagogical issues, or research advancements. Papers that expand upon the conference theme, Support, are strongly encouraged. Submit each paper to one interest group only. Competitive papers should not: (1) have been presented at another conference or convention; (2) have been published; or (3) have been accepted for publication.

B. Submissions should include:
1. A 100-200 word abstract of the paper (with title appearing on this page);
2. A maximum of 25 pages of text, excluding figures, tables, and references.
3. For anonymous review purposes, no information in the paper should identify the author(s) beyond that which appears in X-CD, and please do not include a Title Page.

4. Authors must disclose whether they have obtained Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, organizational approval, or other necessary permissions for any convention submission involving the collection of data on human participants. If no approval was obtained, the reason should be stated. For example, if authors have not obtained IRB approval because their institutions do not have IRBs, that fact should be stated. The IRB disclosure statement should be included in a footnote, author note, or submission text.

5. Equipment needed for the presentation. Equipment availability is extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether or not you will have AV.

6. Competitive paper submissions must be submitted using X-CD no later than midnight PT on September 2nd, 2024. Please address any  questions, comments, or concerns to the Interest Group Planner, Rebecca Rice.

C. Students: The Organizational Communication Interest Group strongly encourages student submissions. Interested students should mark their papers as “STUDENT” during the submission process (if multi-authored, all authors should be students). If a student paper also qualifies as a debut paper (see section D below), then it should be labeled “DEBUT” as well.

D. Debut Award: The WSCA Executives Club Debut Award is made to the author or co-authors of a paper presented at the convention “who have not presented a paper at a state, regional, national or international convention, or published in any academic journal.” Papers presented at student-only conferences are exempt from this requirement. All authors of a co-authored paper must meet these eligibility requirements for a paper to be considered a Debut Paper. Papers eligible for the Debut Award should be marked “DEBUT” during the submission.

Please also indicate whether each author is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral student.

II. PANEL SESSION PROPOSALS
A. Panel session proposals should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research, theory, or instruction in the area of the sponsoring interest group. Panel sessions may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a critic/respondent in a traditional conference format. However, we encourage proposals for a debate, a round table discussion, a performance activity, or an innovative panel that provides opportunities for interaction among participants and attendees. We welcome panels co-sponsored with other interest groups. We particularly solicit panels that relate to the 2025 convention theme, Support.

B. Panel session proposals must contain the following:
1. Thematic title of the panel session;
2. A title page with the names and affiliations of all participants;
3. Title and brief description of each presentation;
4. An abstract of 50-75 words that identifies the content and purpose of the panel, which will be printed in the program book. If accepted, additional explanations or details may be included in a separate panel session leaflet or handout made available at the panel session presentation;
5. Equipment needed for the panel session. Equipment availability is extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether or not you will have AV.
6. Panel session proposals must be submitted online using the online system no later than midnight PT on September 2nd, 2024. Please address any session proposal questions, comments, or concerns to the Interest Group Planner, Rebecca Rice.

III. RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
A. Research in Progress papers are intended to provide researchers, both new and seasoned, an opportunity to receive feedback on their work and spark collaboration and innovation with other scholars and practitioners. We especially encourage submissions for those wanting input on the use of particular methods and/or theory. Please note that research-in-progress papers do not qualify for awards. 

B. Submissions should include:
1. A 100-200 word abstract of the paper (with title appearing on this page);
2. A maximum of 10 pages of text, excluding figures, tables, and references.
3. For anonymous review purposes, no information in the paper should identify the author(s) beyond that which appears in X-CD.
4. Equipment needed for the presentation. Equipment availability is extremely limited. Note that an AV request is not a guarantee that AV will be available. If your submission is accepted, your interest group planner should inform you whether or not you will have AV.
5. Research in progress submissions must be submitted using the online system no later than midnight PT on September 2nd, 2024. Please address any questions, comments, or concerns to the Interest Group Planner, Rebecca Rice.

C. Please submit Research in Progress papers to the Competitive Papers section of the site, adding “Research in Progress” to the Notes box on the submission.
         a. Please also add “Research in Progress” to the header of your submission
D. Acceptance of the paper obligates at least one author to attend the conference and present the paper, regardless of A/V request accommodation. 

Please read the full call with detailed submission instructions on the WSCA website: https://www.westcomm.org/cfp

The Media Studies Interest Group (MSIG) invites submissions to the 2025 Western States Communication Association annual conference in Albuquerque, NM. This year’s conference theme is “Support.” Learn more about the conference at  https://www.westcomm.org In preparing for the WSCA 2025 convention, we turn our attention to support and the many avenues and forms through which support is facilitated by and through media. In approaching support, we expand on the 2024 theme of “possibilities,” and work to show the possibilities and avenues through which media communication engages with and provides possibilities for support. 

The interplay between media and support is crucial in shaping personal relationships, community building, and the promotion of social justice. Such research includes examinations of media potential in spreading awareness and providing spaces for individual and group social support, activist organizing, education, and the possibility of community connection through social media networks to occur for local communities, states, nations, and internationally. As we explore the various ways media can act as support systems, we uncover both the potential benefits and challenges inherent in these processes.

In alignment with the 2025 convention theme, “Support,” scholars, teachers, and students of media studies are uniquely positioned to explore how media practices can foster support systems and structures within society. Support, both as a noun and a verb, involves the foundations that assist individuals and communities, as well as the processes that build and sustain them. Within media studies, examining the mechanisms of support offers opportunities to investigate how media can promote health, well-being, social movements, and a sense of belonging. 

The MSIG welcomes competitive papers, paper panels, interactive media, digital media (i.e., art, design work, photos, video, animation, etc.), and creative productions that explore and explicate the relationship between media and support. The deadline for all types of MSIG Submissions is September 2, 2024, at 11:59pm PST. 

Submission Instructions
=====================================================

Competitive Papers
Authors may submit scholarly papers relating to any area of media studies for competitive selection. Papers may employ any humanistic and/or social scientific methodology and may build or refine theory, conduct critical analyses, discuss disciplinary trends or issues, innovate pedagogically, and advance scholarly conversations or research. Papers must use either APA, MLA, or Chicago style for text and references.

Competitive papers may be submitted to only one interest group. Papers most suited to MSIG focus on one or more of the following: message creation, the medium, message effects, or the message receivers as the primary areas of inquiry. 

Competitive papers should not have been presented at another conference or convention, have been published, or have been accepted for publication, including work under contract or already accepted for publication as part of a larger project.

Interactive media, digital media (i.e., art, design work, photos, video, animation, etc.), and creative production submissions may have been presented at a prior conference or exhibition. Paper submissions should include: 

A) An abstract between 150-250 words as your first page
B) A maximum of 30 pages, including all references, figures, tables, and/or images
C) No information identifying the author(s) in the paper’s content (remove prior to submission) 
D) No information identifying the author(s) in the file properties. You can find instructions to aid you with this at: Word (https://www.howtogeek.com/180849/how-to-remove-the-hidden-personal-information-microsoft-office-adds-to-your-documents/), PDF (https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/pdf-properties-metadata.html), or Pages (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3529537)

E) Authors submitting papers to WSCA must disclose whether they have obtained Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, organizational approval, or other necessary permissions for any submission involving the collection of data on human participants. The IRB disclosure statement should be included in a footnote, author note, or submission text. If no approval was obtained, the reason should be stated. For example, if the work does not involve human subjects, if it is exempt, or if approval was not obtained because the authors’ institutions do not have IRBs, this should be specified. 

Audio/Visual Requests 
List audio/visual requests when you submit. Be aware projector availability is limited due to cost and is spread thin between the various interest groups. Visual media presentations will have priority over paper presentations. We will do our best to accommodate your request but cannot guarantee your panel will have a projector. If your panel is allowed a projector, be sure to bring a cable or adaptor that will be able to connect your computer to a standard HDMI input port. If you have accessibility needs, please contact the current MSIG chair, Olivia Roe at aroe@unm.edu or oliviaclaireroe@gmail.com

Student Submissions:
Follow the directions for Competitive Paper Submissions. In addition: 
1) Mark “STUDENT” when you submit your paper online.

Debut Submissions:
Your paper is eligible for consideration for the WSCA Executives Club Debut Award if no author of the paper has “published in any academic journal” AND no author of the paper has “presented a paper at a state, regional, national or international convention” before (note: student-only conferences are exempt from this requirement). If all authors meet both of these criteria, then follow the instructions for paper submissions, as detailed above. In addition: 

1) Mark “DEBUT” when you submit your paper.
2) If you are a student and your submission meets the requirements for a debut submission, as well, follow the instructions for both Student and Debut paper submissions. 

Deadline 
All competitive paper submissions must be submitted via Attendee Interactive by September 2, 2024 at 11:59pm PST. Competitive papers may not be submitted via email.

=====================================================
PANEL PROPOSALS

Panel proposals should unify around a theme relevant to theory, research, or instruction in Media Studies. Panels relating to the conference theme, “Support” are particularly welcome, but all panel or program proposals relating to media studies will be considered. 

Panels may employ a traditional, interactive, or innovative format. Traditional panels may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a respondent. Interactive panels may adopt formats such as roundtable discussions, debates, or performances. Innovative panels may employ short presentations and foster more discussion (e.g., fishbowls, speed talks, and pecha kucha), incorporate instructional components to enhance media literacies or production skills, or engage in critical play. 

If your panel has potential for co-sponsorship with other interest groups, please indicate the other interest group(s) that you see connecting with your panel when you submit

Panel proposals must contain: 
1) Thematic title for the panel
2) A short abstract/description for the program (50-75 words) 
3) If your panel will require that attendees bring a device, include that request in the short abstract.
4) Names, e-mail addresses, and institutional affiliations for all participants
5) For traditional panels or interactive/innovative panels with individual presenters: a 300-500
word explanation of the unifying themes of the panel along with a title and abstract (150-200 words each) for every individual paper or presentation, or 
6) For interactive or innovative panels without individual portions: the format the panel will
employ (e.g., fishbowl, roundtable, etc.) and a 500-1500 word explanation of the unifying themes and goals of the panel.
7) Any accessibility needs 
8) All audio/visual requests: equipment availability is extremely limited due to cost. Be very specific with your A/V requests. If your panel is allowed a projector, be sure to bring a cable and adaptor if needed that will be able to connect your computer to a standard HDMI input port. 

Panel proposals must be submitted online by September 2, 2024 at 11:59pm. Panels may not be submitted via email.

=====================================================
COMPETITIVE INTERACTIVE & DIGITAL MEDIA
MSIG recognizes that expression through a range of media yields diverse perspectives and can add value to our conversations. Creators, authors, artists, and producers are encouraged to submit interactive and digital projects for competitive selection: games, apps, podcasts, e-books, websites, blogs, short videos, digital films, documentaries, comics, graphic novels, photography, etc. 

Competitive media projects may have been presented at another conference, festival, or convention previously. However, they may not be submitted to more than one interest group at WSCA, and they should not have been marketed for profit. 

Production submissions will be evaluated based on the ability to communicate a message(s) to a defined public, aesthetics, production values, usability, and function of the design.  Competitive interactive and digital media projects will be allotted an 18-minute presentation window in which to present. Clips from longer media projects edited to fit within this time limit are acceptable. Creators, authors, artists, and producers should make every effort to remove information identifying themselves from their submissions to facilitate the review process.  

Digital media production submissions should include an abstract and the following (submit as a competitive paper): 

1) The submission’s title 
2) A 400-600 word abstract that discusses the interactive/digital media production’s audience/market, explicates its purpose and features, depicts its effectiveness at communicating a message to its audience, and establishes its significance to communication and media studies 
3) Ideally, a link to the interactive/digital media project will be provided after the abstract. If a link is not included with the abstract, please include the abstract as part of a separate PowerPoint presentation on the production with screen caps or photos of key elements of the submission 
(maximum of 10 slides).
4) Audio/visual requests. Equipment availability is limited due to cost but will be provided if feasible. Bring a cable or adapter that will be able to connect your computer to a standard HDMI input port. You are welcome to bring a small sound system that can run off your computer if needed. 
5) Any accessibility needs 
Competitive digital media production submissions must be submitted online by September 2, 2024 at 11:59pm. Proposals may not be submitted via email.

The MSIG looks forward to reviewing your paper, panel, or digital media submissions, and we hope you will join us in Albuquerque, NM for the WSCA conference in 2025. Please direct any questions about submitting to MSIG in 2025 or other general questions to Olivia Claire Roe at aroe@unm.edu or oliviaclaireroe@gmail.com