Because of the move to a Virtual 2020 Convention, aspects of the submission and presentation process will be different due to the limited nature of an on-line platform. Please carefully read the responses below.

Q: Is the convention theme still applicable?

A: Yes. It was always the intention of the planning committee to demonstrate that issues of home, coloniality, and belonging were applicable across contexts. While initially the call was grounded in Puerto Rico and the local context, it speaks to a set of phenomena that are applicable within and beyond Puerto Rico or a  face-to-face context.  

Q: When is the virtual convention?

A: The “live” portion of the convention will be November 17-19, 2020. The “asynchronous” portion will occur between November 9-16, 2020.

Q: What is the proposal submission deadline?

A: Proposals must be submitted (not just started) through All Academic by 11:59 PM PDT on June 19, 2020.

Q: If I previously submitted a proposal for a format that will no longer be used for this year’s convention, will it still be considered?  

A: Yes. You will be receiving a communication from UCEA Headquarters where you can decide whether you would like to have your proposal considered for the virtual convention. If you choose to leave your proposal for consideration it will be reviewed. If accepted, you will have the opportunity to convert your proposal to one of the presentation formats. You will not need to resubmit your proposal.

Q: What session submission types will be included in the virtual convention?

A: In order to maximize the number of proposals included this year, there are three types of submissions available in the virtual convention: Synchronous Research/Inquiry Presentations (Live) for finished research; Asynchronous Research/Inquiry Presentations (Pre-Recorded/On-Demand) for research that is emerging or in progress; Conversations on Critical Issues (Live or Pre-Recorded/On-Demand) 

All Asynchronous presentations need to be recorded (details forthcoming) and papers and any accompanying documents uploaded for the Digital Discussants by October 15.

When you submit your proposal you will be able to select your preference for an “asynchronous” or “synchronous” session.

Q: What are the different types of research being presented?

A. In order to maximize the number of proposals selected and to ensure that presenters receive the most helpful and supportive feedback, this year proposals should indicate if the research is emerging/in process or completed. Emerging/in process indicates that the research is still in conceptualization or in its early stages. Completed indicates that the research is in the final stage of analysis or finished/ready for journal submission.

Q: What is “on-demand”?

On-demand refers to presentations that can be viewed anytime at your leisure, even after the conclusion of the virtual convention. The links to on-demand content will be provided throughout the convention and will be available for a limited time after the convention.

Q: What is the role of the “Digital Discussant”?

A: Unlike the face-to-face convention, the digital discussant will play a much more active role. In the asynchronous sessions, the digital discussant will need to provide each presenter with in-depth feedback regarding the continued development of the research (either emerging or in process). The digital discussants will meet with the presenters the week of November 1-7 with a focus on fostering a rich dialogue to help presenters enhance and strengthen their ongoing research. From November 8-15, digital discussants, presenters, and participants will continue engaging with each other through the use of an online forum.

In the synchronous sessions, the digital discussants will (1) ensure that presenters adhere to the guidelines, (2) monitor the chat windows to bring out questions from audience members, and (3) focus on fostering a discussion about the implications of the research for the field and future research.

Q: What will the convention program look like?

A: The convention program will look much the same as our face-to-face program. All presenters, either in asynchronous or synchronous sessions will be included in the convention program. The Convention Planning Committee will determine the program following the proposal submission deadline of June 19, 2020. The draft of the program will be available later in the summer. 

Who needs to register for the virtual convention?

A: All presenters, either in asynchronous or synchronous sessions are required to register and pay in full. Also, any participants or attendees that would like to participate in live sessions or view recorded presentations are required to register and pay in full.

Q: What is the registration fee?

A: Registration information including rates will be available in August. Click here for the convention registration page. 

Q: What if finals are occurring at my institution during the week of the virtual convention?

A: We realize that many fall schedules are still being developed. If accepted, you will still be able to present your research through the asynchronous (pre-recorded/on-demand) sessions of the convention. This option allows you to present your research and receive feedback if you are unable to present during the synchronous (live) sessions. 

Q: Can I be first author on multiple papers?

A: An individual can be first author on one paper and no more than two times as the role of presenter.

Q: Can graduate students submit to the UCEA Virtual Convention and Graduate Student Virtual Summit?

A: This year, graduate students can submit to either the UCEA Virtual Convention or the Graduate Student Virtual Summit, but not both.

Q: Will the proposals undergo a peer review process? 

A: Yes. Proposals will undergo the same review process as usual. The planning committee, however, is sensitive to the demands on potential peer reviewers because of the extended proposal deadline and changes to the convention itself. 

This year, proposal submitters are not required to review proposals. Please fill out this short form to volunteer as an emergency reviewer.

Q: Are proposal submitters required to review proposals this year?

A: This year, proposal submitters are not required to review proposals. The review process will depend on volunteers who are available given the shortened timeline (June 20-July 3) and who are sensitive to the changes in this year’s convention structure and presentation formats. Please fill out this short form to volunteer as an emergency reviewer.

Please email us here with any questions not covered on this page.