Instructions for Submitting a Preorganized Panel

Preorganized panels on a common theme or problem are strongly encouraged. Preorganized panels should have a maximum of five papers (four is optimum), a chair and discussant. It is preferable that neither the chair nor discussant be paper presenters. Panels with fewer than four papers are discouraged. The program committee reserves the right to add papers to preorganized panels that include fewer than four papers. Sessions will be accepted or rejected in their entirety.

The program committee will consider "double panels" where the breadth of coverage of a topic warrants it. Double panels occupy two panel time slots (about 4 hours) and typically include 8 papers and (sometimes) multiple chairs/discussants. If you are submitting a double session, please indicate such in your panel abstract.

A complete submission includes:

1. panel details form and panel abstract (from the organizer; preferably submitted in advance of the paper presenter forms)
2. paper presenter form and paper abstract (from each paper presenter)
3. chair/discussant details form (from the chair and/or discussant; these do not have to be submitted by the deadline. You can add a chair/discussant at any time)
4. current membership and pre-registration for ALL panelists (membership | registration)

When your submission is complete, staff at the Secretariat will assemble and forward it to the program committee for review.

All of the above must be electronically submitted to MESA by 5:00 p.m. MST on Friday, February 15, 2008. Late submissions will not be considered.

Questons? Contact Mark Lowder at mlowder@u.arizona.edu or 520-626-6290.

Preparing Panel and Paper Abstracts: The Most Critical Step

Panel Abstract

The panel abstract must be maximum of 400 words, typewritten and single-spaced. It should fit on a single 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper; no attachments or additional pages will be considered.

REVIEW CRITERIA: The panel abstract should exhibit a clear, scholarly focus and should give a clear description of the overall purpose of the panel. Each paper must relate to the presented theme and be academically strong.

Because MESA's review process is a blind one (i.e. the program committee does not know the identity of the organizer or panelists), the panel abstract cannot include the name of any participant or organizer. If it does, it automatically will be disqualified. Panels organized in honor of an individual cannot include the individual's name anywhere on the materials to be reviewed if the honored individual is to participate on the panel. If the panel is accepted on its academic merits, the organizer can request permission from the program committee to name the panel in honor of the individual.

Paper Abstract

The paper abstract should be a maximum of 400 words, typewritten and single-spaced. It should fit on a single 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper; no attachments or additional pages will be considered.

REVIEW CRITERIA: The program committee will be looking for abstracts that are scholarly, with a strong, focused statement of thesis or significance, clear goals and methodology, well-organized research data, specified sources, and convincing, coherent conclusions.

Because MESA's review process is a blind one (i.e. the program committee does not know the identity of the panelists), the paper abstract cannot include the name of the author or any other participant on the panel.. If it does, the entire panel automatically will be disqualified.