The Activism and Social Justice Division (ASJD) of the National Communication Association promotes scholarship (research and teaching) that explores relationships among communication, activism, and social justice. The ASJD seeks submissions that portray, research, and/or enhance the 2026 convention theme of “MOVE/MENTS in Communication.” 

For our 112th Annual Convention, we invite thought-provoking submissions that engage the goals of the theme “MOVE/MENTS in Communication:” (1) to reflect on how we as scholars, teachers, and activists move away from inherited, Euro-American frameworks and move into decolonial and liberatory approaches to communication; (2) to investigate the communicative forces that animate movements; and (3) to consider how communication motivates action and moves us in environments marked by mis/dis/information and global crises. 

The ASJD invites anyone interested in activism and social justice to submit conceptual, theoretical, methodological, empirical, pedagogical, and exploratory/experimental work to the Division that explores the breadth of possibilities of movement(s) in communication scholarship, teaching, community engagement, advocacy, and activism. Further, scholarship is encouraged that explores how our communication scholarship can move beyond current norms and practices to be more inclusive and welcoming of perspectives that have been historically marginalized, ignored, and/or belittled. 

SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

The ASJD will accept the following submission types: (1) individual paper; (2) paper session; (3) panel discussion; (4) individual film; (5) individual performance; (6) performance session; (7) film session, and (8) research in progress roundtable submissions. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central; emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPER 

Submissions must include a 25-page (maximum), double-spaced uploaded copy of the paper. Copies must be uploaded into NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page, or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. Submissions should include title, paper description (abstract), keywords, and author information in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. If a student submission, please select “student” in the electronic form. All authors must be students, in this case. Submitters interested in being considered for Scholar to Scholar session (poster session) should indicate their interest in the electronic submission form. ASJD recognizes the Top Paper and Top Graduate Student Paper each year. 

PAPER SESSION 

Submissions must include a title and overall session description. Submission must include the title, description (abstract), and author(s) and affiliations of each paper. A session chair is required, and a respondent is optional but encouraged. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

PANEL DISCUSSION 

Submissions must include a title and session description. Submissions must include the list of each presenter involved, along with their institutional affiliations. A session chair is required. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. No papers are presented as part of a panel discussion. If papers are a part of the submission, please submit a paper session, instead. 

INDIVIDUAL FILM 

Submissions must include a film title, description, keywords, and film maker information. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. As a supporting file, upload a copy of the script (no more than 100 pages) or a word document that contains a link to the film or film trailer. Do not upload a video file to NCA Convention Central. In the uploaded supporting file, indicate the length of the film. Individual films should be no more than 20 minutes in length. If the film is longer than 20 minutes, consider developing a Film Session submission (see requirements in this call). 

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE 

Submissions must include a title, description, keywords and performers’ information. Performances must be no longer than 20 minutes in length. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. As a supporting file, include a script, link to a video of the performance, or an outline of the performance. 

PERFORMANCE SESSION 

Submissions must include a session title and description. Submissions must include individual performance titles, description, and performers. A chair is required. Please provide a session rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. In the supporting file please indicate the length of the performance(s) within this submission. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

FILM SESSION 

Submissions must include a session title and description, titles of each film, descriptions of each film and film maker(s) information. A session chair is required. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. Do not upload film(s) to Convention Central. Rather, upload a word document that contains a link to the film(s), film trailer(s), or script(s). In the supporting file please indicate the length of the film(s) within this submission. 

RESEARCH-IN-PROGRESS ROUNDTABLES 

This category is intended for projects and manuscripts in the early stages that likely will not be completed by NCA 2026 in November. Accepted abstracts will be connected with senior scholars and mentors before the convention, and the Research-in-Progress session at NCA will be dedicated to networking, connection, and feedback for submitters and senior scholars/mentors. Extended abstract submissions in this category should be 3 to 4 pages, double-spaced, and should include the project’s overview, theoretical approaches, proposed methods, and (if available) preliminary data analysis or implications. 

REMINDER ABOUT SUBMISSIONS 

Papers and panels/sessions can be submitted only to one unit (i.e., division, section, caucus, or affiliate organization), and they should not have been presented previously at another conference or already accepted for publication. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

QUESTIONS? 

For any questions regarding ASJD programming, please contact:
Dr. Alex Rister
Vice Chair, NCA Activism & Social Justice Division
alexrister1@gmail.com 

Division

The African American Communication and Culture Division (AACCD) invites your individual papers, films, performances, panel discussions, paper sessions, and performance sessions for the NCA 112th Annual Convention. The convention theme, “Move/ments in Communication,” is intended to encourage scholars to investigate movement to better understand how movement has been intertwined with various social, cultural, and political changes. As scholars, teachers, students, leaders, and community members, we encourage you to think critically about how “Move/ments in Communication” can in/form our scholarship, activism, politics, and beyond to uplift and highlight the voices of the marginalized. 

Consequently, in reflection of the stated convention theme “Move/ments in Communication,” the following topics are suitable: language, culture, and place; Black Lives Matter; HBCUs and other historically Black institutions; historical Black worship places/spaces/Black/Diasporic religion, religiosity, faith, and spirituality; “What happened to the neighborhood?”: urban development, improvement, and the effects of modern gentrification; voting rights and politics; economic crisis in the village; riots, revolutions, renegades, rallies, and revolts; the challenge of democracy and home-grown terror; health care reform; and/or utilitarian and pragmatic approaches to communication; racial recastings of seemingly settled communication theory. Of course, ideas are not limited to the aforementioned list and work that pushes against the cannon of white heteropatriarchal discourse to expand Black theories and philosophies of communication is encouraged. Finally, consider the ways in which the theme, “Move/ments in Communication,” summons us to reflect upon the move/ments of our discipline. To that end, submitters might engage how movements lay the ground to see “both/and” as well as “assumed risk” that can create possibilities. 

The AACCD encourages submissions that significantly contribute to the convention theme while promoting communication scholarship involving and/or affecting descendants of the African Diaspora. We are especially interested in intersectional scholarship, thus, are working to partner with other divisions to co-sponsor sessions. Please indicate in your submission if your proposal aligns with one or more of the following divisions or caucuses: 

• African Communication Division
• Caribbean Communication Caucus
• Feminist and Gender Studies Division
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communication Studies Division
• American Studies Division
• Disabilities Issues Caucus
• Critical and Cultural Studies Division
• Performance Studies Division
• Activism and Social Justice Division
• Black Caucus
• Women’s Caucus
• International and Intercultural Communication Division
• Asian Pacific American Communication Studies Division & Caucus

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

Please find a description of each submission type and its requirements below. For more information on submission types and best practices, please visit the Convention Resource Library www.natcom.org/conventionresources. 

**NOTE: Audio/Visual requests must be made at the time of submission. No A/V equipment will be provided unless the request is included with the program submission. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Requests should be kept to a minimum. Submitters should screen requests carefully and submit only those essential to the program. NCA will normally approve requests for the following equipment: LCD projector with screen, laptop speakers, and wired Internet connection. NCA will NOT normally approve requests for equipment such as laptops, overhead transparency projectors, CD players, VCR or DVD players, camcorders, satellite links, or teleconference/webinar equipment. 

INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSIONS 

Individual Paper 

A paper submitted directly by an author as a stand-alone paper and not part of a preconceived session. Individual papers are reviewed individually and then grouped into paper sessions by the unit planner for presentation. The AACCD will recognize the Top Paper and Top Student Paper. **NOTE: The AACCD will only consider fully completed papers. 

Individual Paper Requirements: 

• A title and abstract
• Entry of allauthor(s)
• An uploaded copy of the paper: The maximum length of an uploaded paper is 30 pages double-spaced, excluding references, tables, charts, and appendices. No informationidentifyingthe author(s) may appear in the body of your abstract or your paper upload. Instructions on how to prepare a blind copy are provided in the Convention Resource Library. 

Individual Performance 

A performance submitted directly by the performer for consideration as an individual performance and not part of a pre-conceived performance session. Performances must be no longer than 20 minutes in length. Performances are reviewed individually, and unit planners then group performances into performance sessions. 

Individual Performance Requirements: 

• A title and description
• Entry of allperformer(s)
• An uploaded copy of the script or link to the performance should be included.

Individual Film 

A film submitted directly by the filmmaker for consideration as an individual film and not part of a pre-conceived film session. Films are reviewed individually. Unit planners then group films into film sessions. As a supporting file, upload a copy of the script (no more than 100 pages) or a word document that contains a link to the film or film trailer. In the uploaded supporting file indicate the length of the film. Individual films should be no more than 20 minutes in length. If the film is longer than 20 minutes, consider developing a Film Session submission (see requirements in this call). 

Individual Film Requirements: 

• A title and description
• Entry of all creators(s)
• A link to the full film. Please do not attach your film, as the servers cannot handle high volume. Instead,submityour URL address so we can access the film online. 

Paper Session 

A preconceived and complete session of papers surrounding a particular topic in which each author(s) presents their paper. Paper sessions are submitted and reviewed for consideration as a whole. Paper Sessions representing diverse institutional affiliations and interdisciplinary perspectives are strongly encouraged. 

Paper Session Requirements: 

• A title and description
• Rationale
• A Chair and Respondent
• Author, Title, and Abstract for each paper

Panel Session 

A panel discussion is submitted as a preconceived and complete session of presenters discussing a topic or issue. There are no papers presented at a panel discussion. Panels representing diverse institutional affiliations and interdisciplinary perspectives are strongly encouraged. 

Panel Session Requirements: 

• Title & Description
• Rationale
• Chair
• Respondent (optional)
• An uploaded copy of the proposal with a title and abstract for each presenter

Performance Session 

A performance session is submitted as a pre-conceived and complete session with a performer(s), chair(s), and respondent (optional). The performance session is reviewed for consideration as a whole. Panels representing diverse affiliations are strongly encouraged. 

Performance Session Requirements: 

• Session Title & Description
• Rationale
• Chair
• Respondent (optional)
• A Performance Title and Description for each performer

Film Session 

A film session is submitted as a pre-conceived and complete session with the film(s), chair(s), and respondent (optional). The film session is reviewed for consideration as a whole. Film sessions representing diverse affiliations are strongly encouraged. 

Film Session Requirements: 

• Session Title & Description
• Rationale
• Chair
• Respondent (Optional)
• A Film Title, description, and link to the film for each filmmaker 

HOW TO SUBMIT 

All submissions must be submitted electronically via NCA Convention Central, linked at https://www.xcdsystem.com/nca/member/index.cfm 

Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted. Submitters are also encouraged to view the NCA Professional Standards for Convention Participants located in the Convention Resource Library. 

Thank you for considering a submission to the African American Communication and Culture Division for the 2026 National Communications Association Annual Convention themed “Move/ments in Communication.” We look forward to reviewing your submissions and meeting you in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Questions? 

For questions or concerns about your submission specific to the AACCD call, please get in touch with the 2026 Program Planner: 

Dr. Darrian Carroll
Vice Chair, African American Communication and Culture Division
National Communication Association
Email: darrianr.carroll@gmail.com 

African Communication Studies Division 

Call for Submissions 

Division

The African Communication Studies Division (ACSD) of the National Communication Association is committed to fostering scholarship, creative work, and praxis that illuminate the communicative traditions, epistemologies, histories, and futures of the African continent and its diasporas. We understand Africa not as a singular or static cultural entity, but as a dynamic and contested terrain of meaning-making shaped by colonial legacies, liberation struggles, spiritual practices, political movements, and everyday relational life. In this sense, communication is central not only to how African worlds are narrated, contested, and reimagined, but also to how they move. The year 2026 continues to surface political upheavals, social transformations, cultural resurgence, and activist mobilizations across Africa and around the world. Against this backdrop, ACSD invites submissions engaging the NCA 2026 convention theme, “Movements in Communication.” We welcome scholarship, performances, pedagogical reflections, and community-engaged work that explore how communication animates, resists, circulates through, and gives life to African movements—social movements, intellectual movements, aesthetic movements, diasporic movements, religious movements, ecological movements, archival movements, and movement as embodied, affective, or spiritual practice. We invite contributors to reflect on questions such as:

• What movements? Social, political, intellectual, or cultural shape communication in African contexts, and what communicative practices sustain these movements?
• How do African epistemologies and decolonial frameworks shift the very meaning of “movement” in communication studies?• Which voices, collectives, geographies, and analytic traditions become elevated through attention to movement, and which remain obscured or misrecognized?
• How do communication strategies within African movements resist coloniality, authoritarianism, heteropatriarchy, ecological violence, or neoliberal ideology?
• What does it mean to document or theorize African movements in ways that honor opacity, refusal, or the politics of remaining uncontainable?
• How do movements across digital platforms, diasporic circuits, artistic forms, and communal rituals challenge assumptions about the pace, direction, and futurity of social change?
• What new collaborations, solidarities, and theoretical innovations emerge when African communication studies is centered as a site of movement within NCA?

These provocations are intended to inspire a wide range of inquiry and creativity, not to limit it. The division welcomes diverse theoretical, methodological, creative, and political approaches, including exploratory work and submissions from emerging scholars, graduate students, practitioners, and those working outside U.S.-based academic centers. ACSD is especially committed to elevating work grounded in historically marginalized African perspectives. 

SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

The division accepts individual papers, paper sessions, panel discussions, and performance sessions. All submissions must be made through NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions cannot be accepted. 

Please indicate in your submission if it aligns with one or more NCA divisions or caucuses, including (but not limited to): Activism and Social Justice; African American Communication & Culture; American Studies; Applied Communication; Asian/Pacific American Communication Studies & Caucus; Black Caucus; Caucus on LGBTQ Concerns; Communication and Aging; Communication and Sport; Critical and Cultural Studies; Disability Issues Caucus; Ethnography; Family Communication; Feminist and Gender Studies; GLBTQ Communication Studies; Group Communication; Health Communication; Indigenous Caucus; Interpersonal Communication; La Raza Caucus; Latino/Latina Communication Studies; Mass Communication; Nonverbal Communication; Organizational Communication; Performance Studies; Rhetorical and Communication Theory; Women’s Caucus. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS 

Submissions must not exceed 25-pages, double-spaced. It should be uploaded into NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page, or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. We will recognize the Top Paper in our division. Submissions should include title, paper description (abstract), keywords, and author information in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

If it is a student submission, please select “student” in the electronic form. All authors must be students, in this case. Submitters interested in being considered for Scholar to Scholar session (poster session) should indicate their interest in the electronic submission form. Please make sure that your paper is submitted to one division only. It should also not be presented at a different conference. 

PAPER SESSIONS 

Submissions must include a title and overall session description. Submission must include the title, description (abstract), and author(s) of each paper. A session chair is required, but respondent is optional. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

Submissions must include a title and session description. Submissions must include the list of each presenter involved. It should not include presentations included in other sessions. A session chair is required. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. No papers are presented as part of a panel discussion. 

PERFORMANCE SESSION 

Submissions must include a session title and description. Submissions must include individual performance titles, description, and information about performers. A chair is required. Please include a session rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. In the supporting file please indicate the length of the performance(s) within this submission. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

All submitters are encouraged to review the “Professional Standards for Convention Participants” prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

QUESTIONS? 

For questions regarding submissions or other ACSD matters, please contact: 

Godfried Asante
Vice Chair and Program Planner,
African Communication Studies Division
Email: gasante@sdsu.edu 

The American Studies Division invites submissions for individual papers, paper sessions, panel discussions, individual performances, and performance sessions that examine communication associated with the United States and the Americas, broadly construed.

The American Studies Division sees the “United States” as non-unified and “America” as vast. These words name a geographical place with borders that shift over time, a nexus of power, a conjunction of cultures, an idea, and an ever-changing, ever-moving group of people. Because “America” exceeds standard categories of evidence, the American Studies Division encourages interdisciplinary scholarship that uses national, hemispheric, and global frameworks and grapples with big issues: environment and climate, labor, democracy, colonialism and empire, religion, capitalism, carcerality, indigeneity and migration, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, and much more. Submissions related to the convention theme of “Move/ments in Communication” are particularly welcome, as are those that affirm the interdisciplinary nature of American Studies scholarship. Co-sponsorship with other units and/or collaboration with outside organizations or local activists is also encouraged. 

The American Studies Division accepts the following submission types: Individual papers, paper sessions, panel discussions, individual performances, and performance sessions. All individual papers, paper sessions, panel discussion, individual performances, and performance session proposals must be submitted online using the NCA Convention Central system in order to be eligible for review. Individual authors may present only one paper or performance in the American Studies Division. However, authors presenting one paper or performance may also serve as chairs or respondents on other sessions. Any paper session, panel discussion, or performance session should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author, or presenter) in a submission. 

We are especially interested in scholarship that is intersectional; thus, we hope to partner with other allied divisions to co-sponsor sessions. Please indicate in the Special Requests box if your submission aligns with one or more of the following divisions or caucuses:

• Activism and Social Justice Division
• African American Communication & Culture Division
• Asian Pacific American Communication Studies Division & Caucus
• Black Caucus
• Caribbean Communication Caucus
• Caucus on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns
• Critical and Cultural Studies Division
• Disabilities Issues Caucus
• Environmental Communication Division
• Feminist and Gender Studies Division
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communication Studies Division
• Indigenous Caucus
• International and Intercultural Communication Division
• International Chinese Communication Association
• Japan-U.S. Communication Association
• Korean American Communication Association
• La Raza Caucus
• Latino/Latina Communication Studies Division
• Performance Studies Division
• South West Asian/North African, Middle East Caucus
• Women’s Caucus 

INDIVIDUAL PAPER 

Paper submissions should include: 

1. Title, a description/abstract that will be included in the online program, author information, and keywords entered into the appropriate areas of the electronic submission form. 
2. A maximum of 25 pages, excluding notes, references, tables, charts, and appendices uploaded. Do not include information about the author(s) in the uploaded text, including the title page, file extension, or a separate cover page. 
3. Copies must be uploaded into the NCA Convention Central. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. 
4. If a student submission select student in the electronic form. All authors must be students, in this case.
5. If willing to present in the interactive scholar-to-scholar sessions (poster session), indicate their interest in the electronic submission form. 
6. Any other NCA units that would be appropriate co-sponsors for this submission are listed in the Special Requests box. 
7. AV requests must be made at the time of submission.

The American Studies Division offers two awards for competitive papers. Awards for the Top Faculty Paper in American Studies and Top Student Paper in American Studies are presented at the division’s business meeting. 

Paper Sessions 

Paper session proposals should include: 

1. A session title and session description
2. A session chair
3. A respondent (if appropriate)
4. Titles, descriptions (abstracts of papers), and authors’ contact information for each paper presentation
5. A rationale for the paper session acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. 
6. Any other NCA units that would be appropriate co-sponsors for the proposal listed in the Special Requests box 
7. AV requests must be made at the time of submission

Panel Discussions 

Panel discussion proposals should include: 

1. A title and session description.
2. A list of presenters
3. A chair (required)
4. A rationale for the session
5. Any other NCA units that would be appropriate co-sponsors for the proposal listed in the Special Requests box 
6. No papers are presented as part of a panel discussion
7. AV requests must be made at the time of submission

Individual Performances 

Individual performances should include: 

1. A title
2. Performer(s)
3. A description (abstract) of the performance
4. Keywords
5. Performances must be no longer than 20 minutes
6. Uploaded file(s) of the script with a link to the video (NCA’s submission portal will not support direct video upload)
7. Any other NCA units that would be appropriate co-sponsors for the proposal listed in the Special Requests box 
8. AV requests must be made at the time of submission

Performance Sessions 

Performance sessions should include: 

1. A title for the session

2. A description for the convention program

3. A session chair (and respondent, if desired)

4. Titles, performers, abstracts for each of the performances, and, if available, links to video excerpts of the performances

5. A rationale for acceptance of the session

6. Any other NCA units that would be appropriate co-sponsors for the proposal listed in the Special Requests box 

7. In the supporting file please indicate the length of the performance(s) within this session

8. AV requests must be made at the time of submission

Reminder About Professional Standards 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

Questions? 

We look forward to receiving your submissions! 

For any questions regarding the American Studies Division programming, please contact: 

Program Planner for 2026
Max Dosser
maxwell.a.dosser@vanderbilt.edu 

Division

The Applied Communication Division explores how communication theory, research, and/or best practices help inform knowledge and theory about communication for practical issues. Applied communication research builds and tests communication theories, often in naturalistic settings, to better examine a wide range of diverse issues, including the communication needs of organizations, effective social interaction, improvement of health care understandings or delivery, implementation of behavioral interventions, training to improve communication, and activist efforts to achieve social change. Applied communication scholars use a variety of methodological and theoretical approaches to address applied communication issues. 

The theme “MOVE/MENTS in Communication” invites you to consider the nominal form of movement to explore the various social, cultural, and political movements that have come to define the discipline and practice of communication. What sort of movements will emerge in the face of the generational challenges—microbial, political, technological, ecological—we face today? We seek scholarship that examines how applied communication propels movement and shapes environments where individuals and communities can thrive. We invite work that advances theory, develops new methodological approaches, or applies communication to address contemporary challenges, demonstrating how movement within and across communication practices can transform our collective future. However, a connection to the theme is not a condition of acceptance. If your paper or panel has a strong connection to the theme, you may also consider submitting to the special convention theme via NCA Convention Central. 

The Applied Communication Division accepts the following submission types: Individual Papers, Paper Sessions, Scholar-to-Scholar (S2S) interactive poster sessions, and Panel Discussions. All submissions must be made through NCA Convention Central; emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

The division also strongly encourages participation in Scholar-to-Scholar (S2S) interactive poster sessions. These S2S spotlight sessions bring together presenters into high-density interactive programs, providing sites for free-flowing dialogue, sharing ideas, and building community. In the S2S sessions, top scholars, journal editors, and leaders in the discipline congregate in one place to personally interact with presenters. To have your work considered for S2S check the appropriate agreement box on the electronic submission form. Only individual paper submissions are appropriate for this format. 

Individual papers, paper sessions, and panel discussions may be theoretical, methodological, or empirical in nature. Papers should be written to conceal authorship. Only one paper may be submitted to the Applied Communication Division from any person submitting as first author. Individuals may serve as chairs, respondents, and/or panel members in addition to presenting a single paper. Paper sessions and panel discussions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author, or presenter) in a single submission. 

Top papers and top student papers are formally recognized at the Applied Communication Division Business Meeting. Top student papers will also receive a monetary award. 

SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

To avoid unnecessary problems with submission and review, please read the following guidelines: 

1. All submissions must be submitted electronically to the NCA Convention Central. 
2. Each submission should be made to one unit only.
3. All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants in the Convention Resource Library (www.natcom.org/conventionresources) prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library on the NCA Convention website (www.natcom.org/convention). 

SUBMITTING AN INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIVE PAPER 

Submitted papers should include: 

1. A title
2. A 250-500-word description of the paper
3. Maximum length for uploaded papers: 25 pages, double-spaced (excluding abstract, references, tables, charts, and appendices)
4. Follow APA style (1-inch margins on all sides, Times New Roman 12 pt. font)
5. No information identifying the author may appear in the body of your description or your uploaded paper file. Instructions on how to prepare a blind copy are provided in the Convention Resource Library on the NCA Convention website (www.natcom.org/conventionresources). 
6. Identify student submissions on the title page and on the electronic submission form. Indicate if the student is a graduate or undergraduate student on the title page. 

SUBMITTING A PAPER SESSION** 

Submitted paper sessions should include: 

1. A title for the paper session
2. A description of the session as a whole(no more than 75 words) 
3. A chair is required, and respondent is optional
4. Titles, descriptions, and author(s) information for each paper to be presented in the session. Descriptions should be no more than 350 words. 
5. A rationale for the paper session justifying the significance and theme of the papersession as a whole.

SUBMITTING A PANEL DISCUSSION** 

Submitted panel discussions should include the following: 

1. A title for the panel
2. A description of the panel as a whole
3. A chair and all presenters participating on the panel 
4. A rationale for the panel justifying the significance and theme of the session/panel as a whole. Panel discussion submissions should provide enough information to judge their relevance and quality.

** Paper sessions and panel discussion reviews are not blind. All participants should be identified. 

AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT: Participants are encouraged to keep equipment requests to a minimum. Requests must be submitted online at the same time as papers, paper sessions, and panel discussion submissions. 

NOTE: The NCA Convention Library (www.natcom.org/conventionresources) has a wealth of additional information about the convention, including a guide for how to submit using NCA Convention Central. 

QUESTIONS? 

MINDY WEATHERS, VICE-CHAIR, APPLIED COMMUNICATION DIVISION

 Professor
Communication Department
Western Carolina University
1 University Drive
Cullowhee, NC 28723
mweathers@wcu.edu 

Division

The Argumentation and Forensics Division promotes the work of scholars engaged in research, inquiry, activity, and teaching that enhances understanding of argumentation theory, argumentation criticism, and forensic pedagogy. The Argumentation and Forensics division encourages scholarly work that addresses topics in argumentation and forensics in a broad range of contexts and a variety of methodologies. 

The Argumentation and Forensics Division seeks submissions from a range of theoretical and methodological approaches. In addition to this year’s convention theme – “MOVE/MENTS in Communication” – our division explores argumentation theory, historical trajectories of argumentation, the role of speech and debate activities in the pursuit of public dialogue, argumentation pedagogy, and more. 

The Argumentation and Forensics Division also encourages members to consider submitting to Short Courses, Pre-conferences, Great Ideas for Teaching Students (G.I.F.T.S). and Research in Progress Roundtables. 

Individuals may present only one paper in the Argumentation and Forensics Division, whether submitted as a paper or as a part of a paper session. Individuals may serve within the division as chairs, respondents, and/or participants on non-traditional panels in addition to presenting a single paper. With the exception of chair, a single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., respondent, author, or presenter) in the same submission. In addition, paper sessions and panel discussion sessions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Institutional diversity among participants is a priority for acceptance. 

The Argumentation and Forensics Division will accept the following submission types: Individual Papers, Paper Sessions, Panel Discussions. Panel discussions that emphasize interaction among participants and audience members are especially encouraged as they relate to debate coaching, debate formats, and argumentation and forensics pedagogy. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPER 

Submissions must include a max 25-page, 12-point type, double-spaced uploaded copy of the paper, with the page total excluding pages and references. Copies must be uploaded into NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page, or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. We will recognize the Top Paper and a Top Student Paper in our division. Submissions should include title, paper description (abstract), keywords, and author information in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. If a student submission, select “student” in the electronic form. All authors must be students, in this case. Submitters interested in being considered for Scholar to Scholar session (poster session) should indicate their interest in the electronic submission form. 

PAPER SESSION

Submissions must include a title and overall session description. Submission must include the title, description (abstract), and author(s) of each paper. A session chair is required, respondent is optional. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Submissions must include a title and session description. Submissions must include the list of each presenter involved. A session chair isrequired. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. A top panel will be recognized. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. No papers are presented as part of a panel discussion.

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

For any questions regarding the Argumentation and Forensics Division programming, please contact: 

Dr. Tim Michaels
Argumentation and Forensics Division Planner
trm5449@psu.edu 

Division

The Asian/Pacific American Communication Studies Division (APACSD) of the National Communication Association invites submissions for the 112th Annual Convention to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 19-22, 2026. 

The purpose of the Asian/Pacific American Communication Studies Division (APACSD) is to advance scholarship on various cultural issues, political dynamics, and engagement strategies within Asian/Pacific American (A/PA) culture, while examining power relationships among cultural communities. It promotes research that fosters dialogue on diasporic and transnational challenges, and explores the intersection of diverse cultural identities within the inter-Asia/Americas context. It further supports transnational connections between communities in the Americas and globally, including the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Indigenous communities across these regions. Our work addresses the complexities of culture, globalization, identity, and politics both within and beyond the United States. 

Considering the 2026 convention theme, the Asian/Pacific American Communication Studies Division encourages submissions that interrogate and connect to this year’s theme, “MOVE/MENTS in Communication,” introduced by NCA’s First Vice President, and past Chair of APACSD, Dr. Shaunak Sastry. The convention theme invites us to “consider the nominal form of movement to explore the various social, cultural, and political movements that have come to define” A/PA communities’ particular historical and contemporary conditions. 

Submitters may consider the following guiding questions, among others: How does our scholarship move to realize potential within A/PA communities? What does it mean to move away from our received view of Communication and to move into new conceptual frameworks? How do we move to delink/decolonize/decouple the field into new liberatory possibilities? What sort of movements will emerge in the face of the generational challenges–microbial, political, technological, ecological–we face today within A/PA communities? How will A/PA communication practice emerge and evolve out of such movements? 

Movement is inherently political – Communication scholars have so much to say about the ability and agency to move one’s body through spaces, places, borders, and institutions. Who can and cannot move? Who gets (re)moved? What are the barriers to movement? What makes movement the norm? Exploring movement also opens the door to think of movement’s connection to mobility, to agency, to dis/ability. Thus, this call also invites conversations about what has been ignored, dismissed, or devalued in A/PA communities within the discipline, alongside investigating what should be given more consideration. 

The Asian/Pacific American Communication Studies Division will accept the following submission types: Individual Papers, Paper Sessions, Panel Discussions, and Performance Sessions. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted. 

COMPETITIVE INDIVIDUAL PAPER 

A full original paper is submitted, which will be reviewed anonymously. If accepted, it will be paneled by the program planner alongside other competitively selected papers. When preparing a submission, please observe the following: 

• Manuscripts must be original material, not presented at any other scholarly conference, and not published or accepted for publication at the time of submission.
• Submissions must include a maximum 25-page, double-spaced uploaded copy of the paper, with 1-inch margins and 12-point font (excluding references, tables, figures, cover page, and footnotes).
• Each paper must contain an abstract of up to 150 words. 
• Submissions should include a title, paper description (abstract), and keywords in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form. 
• To ensure anonymous review, the uploaded paper file must not contain information identifying the author. Submitters should remove their name(s) from the paper, including the title page and headers, and clear the document’s embedded properties before uploading. Author information will be collected separately in the system. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. 
• AV requests must be made at the time of submission.
• For student paper submissions, please select “student” in the electronic form. All authors must be students in this case.

Top Paper Recognition: APACSD awards the top papers and top student papers competitively. To be eligible for the top student paper award, all authors listed on the submission must be enrolled students at the time of submission. The submitter must identify themselves as “students” by clicking the appropriate box on the electronic submission form. 

Scholar-to-Scholar Consideration: For authors who wish to be considered for a “Scholar-to-Scholar” interactive presentation format, which utilizes posters and emphasizes interactive discussion, please check the agreement box at the time of submission. 

PAPER SESSIONS (NOT ANONYMOUS)

A paper session is submitted with around four papers together as a single session. If accepted, each author will present their individual paper. These papers should focus on a common theme. When preparing a submission, please observe the following: 

• Submissions should include a session title, a description of the session (75 words maximum), a rationale for the session (500 words maximum), and name and affiliation of the session chair (and respondent, if applicable). A session chair is required, while a respondent is optional.
• Submissions must include titles, descriptions (500 words maximum), and author(s) information for each paper.
• Paper sessions should include individuals representing multiple institutions. 
• A single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author) in a submission.
• AV requests must be made at the time of submission.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS (NOT ANONYMOUS)

A panel discussion is submitted as a pre-arranged and complete session where panelists discuss a specific topic or issue. When preparing a submission, please observe the following: 

• Submissions should include a session title, a description of the session (75 words maximum), a rationale for the session (500 words maximum), and name and affiliation of the session chair. A session chair is required.

• Submissions should include the names and affiliations of all presenters.

• Panel discussions should include individuals representing multiple institutions. A single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author) in a submission. 

• AV requests must be made at the time of submission.

PERFORMANCE SESSIONS (NOT ANONYMOUS)

A performance session is submitted as a panel of performances featuring this year’s convention theme and specific topic of interest to APAC/SD. Performance can be understood broadly that includes (but not limited to) poetry/spoken word, (auto)ethnographic embodiment, or any other creative activity. When preparing a submission, please observe the following: 

• Submitted performance sessions should include a session title, a description of the session (75 words maximum) for the online convention program, a rationale for the session (250 words maximum), and the name and affiliation of the session chair (and respondent, if applicable). A session chair is required, while a respondent is optional. 
• Submissions should include separate performance titles, performance descriptions (250 words maximum), and performer’s information for each performance included in the session. 
• Performance sessions should include individuals representing multiple institutions. 
• A single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, performer, etc.) in a submission.
• AV requests must be made at the time of submission.

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

As a side note, while the Asian/Pacific American Communication Studies Division (APACSD) and the Asian/Pacific American Caucus (APAC) frequently collaborate as APAC/SD, their focuses differ. APACSD is dedicated to advancing scholarship, whereas APAC aims to cultivate connections among scholars and empower historically marginalized voices within the caucus. Therefore, submitters for Competitive Individual Papers and Paper Sessions are encouraged to consider APACSD, while those for Panel Discussions and Performance sessions are encouraged to consider APAC. Nevertheless, submitters are welcome to submit any type of submission listed above. 

For any questions regarding the Asian/Pacific American Communication Studies Division programming, please contact: 

Colby Miyose
APAC/SD Vice Chair & Program Planner
colby.miyose@hawaii.edu 

Division

The purpose of the Basic Course Division is to promote the teaching, assessment, administration, and scholarship of the basic course. Broadly, basic courses focus on teaching fundamental communication skills and theory to undergraduate students, often meeting a General Education requirement, and are taught to both non-major and major students. The Basic Course Division is concerned with a broad spectrum of issues relevant to the maintenance and development of quality basic courses to benefit students, instructors, researchers, and the discipline. 

The Basic Course Division seeks submissions that address its mission and encourages authors to consider the ways in which their submission aligns with this year’s convention theme, “Move/ments in Communication.” 

The Basic Course Division will accept the following three submission types: 

• Research Proposals
• Individual Papers
• Panel Discussions

All submissions must be uploaded to NCA Convention Central (e-mailed submissions will not be accepted) and should NOT include any identifying information. Do NOT upload a separate cover page, or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Resource Library. 

RESEARCH PROPOSALS

Research proposals are extended abstracts that present a research idea or a work in progress but is not yet a completed study. Submissions should be no longer than 2500 words (in a typed and double-spaced document) and include the following components: (1) introduction/rationale, (2) objectives of the proposed study, (3) review of literature overviewing the proposed study’s variables and/or theoretical framework, (4) potential hypotheses/research questions, (5) proposed research method/study design, (6) expected results/implications, and (7) references. When uploading your submission to NCA Convention Central, provide a title and description to be used in the convention program. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

Individual papers are a completed research study, critical essay, or a full-length academic paper. Submissions should be no longer than 8000 words (in a typed and double-spaced document) including all references, tables, figures, footnotes, and endnotes. (Title pages and abstracts do not count toward the word limit). Submissions should include title, paper description (abstract), keywords, and author information in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. The highest-rated individual paper will receive the “Top Paper Award.” 

• If the paper is a student submission, submitters should select “student” in the electronic submission form. To be considered a student submission, all authors must be students at the time of submission. The highest rated student-authored individual paper will receive the “Dr. Lawrence W. Hugenberg Top Student Paper Award” and will be forwarded for consideration for the “Donald P. Cushman Memorial Award.” 
• Submitters interested in being considered for a Scholar to Scholar session (poster session) should indicate their interest in the electronic submission form. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Panel discussions center on a group of panelists discussing a topic; no papers are presented as part of a panel discussion. Submissions must include a title, a session description, a rationale outlining the importance of the submission, and a list of each presenter involved (including their affiliation) along with a brief description of the unique contribution or perspective each presenter plans to share. A session chair is required. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. The highest rated panel discussion will receive the “Top Panel Award.” 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

QUESTIONS

For any questions regarding the Basic Course Division programming, please contact: 

Scott A. Myers, Ph.D. 

Basic Course Division Vice Chair and Program Planner
Professor
Department of Communication Studies
West Virginia University
scott.myers@mail.wvu.edu 

Division

The Communication and Aging Division (CAD) invites submissions for the 112th NCA Annual Convention. 

CAD is interested in scholarship that examines issues related to healthy and successful aging. Topics may include communication issues throughout the lifespan and contexts such as adolescents, young adults, adult children, retirement, later life transitions, end of life discussions, and intergenerational communication. We are also interested in the influence of media on aging, public policy, agism in the workplace, cultural influences on aging and identity. 

The Communication and Aging Division seeks submissions that portray, research, or enhance the convention theme, “MOVE/MENTS in Communication.” Submissions directly related to the convention theme are strongly encouraged, and full details of the theme can be found in the official NCA Convention Call. 

Please keep in mind two considerations regarding the personnel identified as participants in panel and paper sessions. First, participants should not serve in more than one capacity for any given session (e.g., a paper author should not also be chairing a session). Second, session coordinators/submitters should strive to include participants who are at different career stages and who represent different universities. NCA discourages the submission of session proposals that largely comprise colleagues from the same institution. 

All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. No matter which type of submission you create, please include any AV requests at the time of submission. For a definition of submission types, please refer to the step-by-step “How-to-Submit” instructions provided in the convention resource library. Please also familiarize yourself with NCA’s expectations for conference participants. In particular, keep in mind there is an expectation that if you submit your work you will register for and attend the conference, and that you are submitting original work that has not already been published, accepted for publication, presented at another conference, or submitted to another division. 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

The Communication and Aging Division will accept the following submission types: Individual Papers, Paper Sessions, and Panel Discussions. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPER 

To ensure your paper receives proper consideration, please:

• Enter title, paper description and author(s) information in the electronic form.
• Specify whether you are a student author.
• Limit your paper to a maximum of 25 pages of text (12 point font). The page limit does not include references and tables.
• Remove all identifying author information from uploaded documents to ensure blind review.
• Conform to APA guidelines and include an abstract and title in the uploaded document.
• Indicate whether you are willing (or would prefer) to present your work in the Scholar-to-Scholar sessions. 

Top papers from submissions will be selected to present on the Top Paper Panel, one of which will be a student-led paper (the first author must be a student while additional authors may or may not be students). 

Please note that instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. 

PAPER SESSIONS

To ensure your paper session proposal receives proper consideration, please:

• Include a title, brief description, chair (required)/respondent (optional), and rationale for the session.
• Include a title, description, and author information for each paper presentation. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

To ensure your panel discussion proposal receives proper consideration, please:

•  Include a title for the panel, brief description, extended rationale for panel discussion, list of panel presenters, and a chair for the panel. Panel proposals should be 500 words or less. 

For any questions regarding the Communication and Aging Division programming, please contact: 

Ivan Gan
2026 Communication and Aging Division Program Planner
gani@uhd.edu
Associate Professor, Department of Arts & Communication
University of Houston-Downtown 

Communication and Social Cognition Division 

The Communication and Social Cognition (CSC) Division requests submissions of competitive individual submissions (full papers and extended abstracts), paper sessions, and panel discussions that highlight social cognition and communication—the psychological mechanisms that subserve the storage, processing, and retrieval of information as it pertains to the production and processing of messages in human interaction. 

Submissions can have any research objective (e.g., empirical reports, methodological advancements, meta-analyses, theoretical syntheses) but must elucidate social cognitive processes in a communicative modality (face-to-face, mediated, etc.) or context (interpersonal, intergroup, health, etc.). 

Potential topics include, but are not limited to: 

• Message production and processing, including linguistic analyses

• Decision making

• Riskperceptionand communication 

• Affective processes

• Attitude formation and change

• Media processes and effects

• Impression formation and personperception

• Stereotyping and prejudice

• Activation and effects of knowledge structure(s)

• Individual differences in communication production or processing

• Persuasion and social influence

• Computational methods that help uncover social cognitive processes

We encourage authors to draw on literature from various disciplines when applicable and to demonstrate relevant implications of their work. Consistent with the division’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) initiatives, we encourage scholarship that highlights, promotes, or expresses IDEA and relevant perspectives. 

In alignment with NCA 2026’s theme, “Movement and Communication,” submissions are encouraged, but not required, to engage with the generative idea of movement as a defining feature of 21st-century human experience. This theme invites scholars to consider how movement shapes communication across borders, bodies, ideas, cultures, and technologies. Contributors are invited to explore how communication practices both reflect and shape the movement of people, cultures, and meanings across local, national, and global contexts. 

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIVE SUBMISSIONS 

All individual submissions must include a title, paper description (abstract), 3-5 keywords (to assist with review selection), and author information in the appropriate sections of the online submission form. You will also indicate in the online submission form whether your submission is written by a student author (the lead author must be a student at the time of the submission) and/or suitable for the Scholar to Scholar format. Copies of the submission must be uploaded to the online submission form and must not include identifying information. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. 

All submissions should adhere to the latest version of APA style. Underneath the abstract on the first page, please include a list of 3-5 keywords to assist with reviewer selection. Individual submissions (full papers and extended abstracts) may also be considered for presentation in poster sessions. To opt out of this consideration, please specify “panel presentation only” in the upper right corner of the first page of the manuscript. We will recognize the top paper and the top student papers in our division. 

FULL PAPERS 

We will consider full manuscripts that are a maximum of 30 double-spaced pages, excluding the front matter (e.g., title, abstract, keywords), references, appendices, tables, and figures. 

• Exclusively theoretical or methodological contributions arewelcomed, butcan only be submitted as full papers. 

• Full papers are eligible for top paper awards.

• Please ensure that full paper submissions have page numbers.

EXTENDED ABSTRACTS 

We will consider brief research reports of 1000 words or fewer, excluding the front matter, references, appendices, tables, and figures. 

• Extended abstracts shouldcontainat least a preliminary data analysis with the expectation of presenting complete results at the time of the conference. 

• Extended abstracts are not eligible for top paper awards.

• Please provide a word count as part of your submission.

PAPER SESSIONS AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

Proposals for paper sessions and panel discussions are welcomed. More than one institution should be represented in a proposed paper session or panel discussion. Respondents should only be included if absolutely necessary. If a respondent is included, the proposal should make clear the issues the respondent will address during the response. 

PAPER SESSIONS 

All paper sessions must include a session title, session chair (who is not also an author or respondent on the session), an overall session description, session rationale, and the titles, abstracts, and author(s) of each individual paper presentation. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

All panel discussions must include a panel title, panel presenter information, an overall panel description, panel rationale, and a chair who is not also a panelist or respondent on the panel. 

GENERAL GUIDELINES 

All competitive individual submissions, paper sessions, and panel discussion proposals must be submitted online using the NCA Convention Central website. 

NCA Convention Central can be accessed via the NCA Convention website at http://www.natcom.org/convention/. 

Submitters can visit https://www.natcom.org/call-submissions to view the submission deadline. 

All authors of a submission are expected to complete reviews for the division. Authors can visit https://www.natcom.org/reviewers to complete the “NCA 2025 Reviewer Sign up Form.” 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. 

All AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the NCA Convention Resource Library. 

A NOTE FROM CSC LEADERSHIP 

As many of our members know, our slot allocations for the last three conferences have been disproportionately small relative to our (rapidly growing) submission numbers. We have been informed that one way we can increase our slot allocations moving forward (and thus accept more of your work), is to ensure that those who submit to our division have checked that they are members of the division. Given this, we would greatly appreciate it if you and your coauthors could check your membership status as you’re planning your submission to ensure you’ve ticked the box next to our division’s name. This should not incur additional cost on top of your membership so long as you are a member of five or fewer divisions. Thank you! 

QUESTIONS? 

Please direct questions about submission or review processes to Chen (Crystal) Chen, CSC Division Research Committee Chair (ccc257@miami.edu). 

Division

The Communication Anxiety & Apprehension (CAA) division of NCA promotes and furthers awareness, teaching, research, and scholarship of Communication Anxiety and Apprehension throughout the human experience across communication situations to promote understanding, empowerment, and advocacy. We are committed to exploring communication anxiety and apprehension across a variety of situations, through an array of approaches and methodologies, and with an intentional focus on learning more about these experiences to empower and support one another. 

CAA welcomes submissions for papers and interactive discussion panels for the 2026 annual convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

SUBMISSION TYPES

The CAA invites submissions that address its mission and encourages authors to consider the ways in which their work aligns with this year’s convention theme of “MOVE/MENTS in Communication.” We invite the following submission types: 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

Completed research study, critical essay, or other full-length academic paper. Submissions must include a max 30-page, double-spaced uploaded copy of the paper. Copies must be uploaded into NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page, or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. The highest rated individual paper will receive the “Top Paper Award.” The highest rated student authored individual paper will receive the “Top Student Paper Award.” 

Submissions should include title, paper description (abstract), keywords, and author information in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. If a student submission, select the student option in the electronic form. All authors must be students, in this case. Submitters interested in being considered for Scholar to Scholar session (poster session) should indicate their interest in the electronic submission form. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

A group of panelists discussing a topic. Submissions must include a title and session description. Submissions must include the list of each presenter involved. A session chair is required. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. The highest rated panel discussion submission will receive the CAA “Top Panel Award.” AV requests must be made at the time of submission. No papers are presented as part of a panel discussion. 

CO-SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

QUESTIONS?

For questions or concerns about your submission specific to this section, please contact the 2026 Program Planner, Jessica Welsh, at: 

Jessica Welsh, Ed.D. 

  Vice Chair, Communication Anxiety and Apprehension Division
National Communication Association
Assistant Professor of Business & Director of Graduate Programs in Business and Leadership
Viterbo University
jmwelsh@viterbo.edu 

Division

The Communication and Law Division promotes the development of scholarship regarding communication in legal contexts. We encourage diverse approaches to scholarly investigations and invite submissions from scholars of communication, as well as legal professionals, activists, and scholars of law.

We invite you to submit work to be presented at the 2026 NCA Annual Convention. Specifically, we encourage submissions of individual research and panel sessions that examine and promote the understanding of communication’s central role in legal institutions, discourses, and processes.

The theme for the 2026 NCA Convention is “Move/ment in Communication.” We welcome submissions that use the convention theme as an opportunity for inspiration, but incorporation of this theme is not required. As this is a midterm election year, we hope to highlight scholarship in the upcoming election.

Possible topics could include, but are not limited to:

• The legality of Donald Trump’s candidacy and how that is being decided by the courts.
• Trump’s legal troubles and his alleged involvement with the January 6th Insurrection and how that may impact his electability.
• The question of the 25th amendment and the issue of presidential competency with regards to Joe Biden and Donald Trump as they are the oldest candidates for president in the history of the U.S.
• How abortion rights may affect elections in red/purple states or districts that went to Trump in 2016 and 2020 and the rhetorical strategies used by pro-choice versus pro-life candidates at all levels of the election.
• The impact of Gerrymandering on the election in states with new maps or maps rejected by the courts.
• How anti-trans legislation will affect the rhetoric of candidates in states with these types of laws and states that have enshrined protections for trans people.
• How the House impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Chief Alejandro Mayorkas will affect election rhetoric by both parties given the Senate’s refusal to pass immigration reform and enhance border security.
• SCOTUS decision on Trump’s eligibility to be on the Colorado state election ballot for president.
• How down ballot candidates will be affected by the rhetoric of the leaders of the two major parties.

TYPES OF SUBMISSIONS

The Communication and Law Division accepts three types of submissions for competitive review:

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

Individuals may make only one individual paper submission to the Communication and Law Division.

We will recognize the Top Paper, and Top Student Paper for the individual paper submissions. They will be presented at the Communication and Law Division’s business meeting.

Each individual competitive paper submitted must adhere to the following requirements:

1. No information identifying the author or authors should be included in the paper for purposes of anonymous review.
2. Length should be no longer than 4500 words (excluding notes and citations). Individuals are encouraged to limit their page count to what would represent their own delivery of a 10–12 minute presentation.
3. Enter title, description, author(s) information, and keywords into the electronic submission form. The title should be no longer than 20 words. Please identify a student paper submission on the electronic submission form (not in the body of the paper itself).
4. Papers must be formatted using 12-pt. type, 1-inch margins on all four sides, using correct APA, MLA, Bluebook, or Chicago note-bibliography format/style.

If you wish to be considered for Scholar-to-Scholar, select the appropriate agreement box during the electronic submission process. AV requests must be made at the time of submission.

PAPER SESSION

Each paper session submitted for consideration must include the following information:

1. A title for the session (20 words maximum).
2. A session description identifying the relevance to Communication and Law (75 words maximum).
3. A session rationale (250 words maximum).
4. The name of a chair who will be expected to coordinate with each individual author.
5. Title, extended abstract (250-500 words), and author information for each paper.
6. Please note other units for possible co-sponsorship in the Special Requests tab.

AV requests must be made at the time of the submission. Individuals involved in the paper session should only have one role (whether presenter, chair, or respondent).

PANEL DISCUSSION

There are no papers presented at a panel discussion, although the chair is encouraged to provide brief opening remarks. The goal for the panel is to engage the audience in meaningful interaction. Each panel discussion submitted for consideration must include the following information:

1. A title for the discussion (20 words maximum).
2. A description for the discussion (75 words maximum).
3. A rationale for the discussion (500 words maximum), adequately justifying its significance and relevance to furthering the goals of the Communication and Law Division.
4. A list of presenters and affiliations. Institutional diversity is strongly encouraged.
5. The name of a chair who will be expected to coordinate with each presenter.
6. Submissions are encouraged to include collaboration among presenters and audience members. (7) Please note other units for possible co-sponsorship in the Special Requests tab.

AV requests must be made at the time of the submission. Individuals involved in the panel session should only have one role (whether presenter or chair).

NOTES

If you would like to submit an individual paper, paper session, or panel discussion to the division that does not comply with the page requirement, please contact the division planner, Sam Martin (samartin@boisestate.edu).

Submissions to the Communication and Law Division may not be sent to another unit.

We look forward to your submissions!

Thank you,
Sam Martin

Division

The 2026 Communication and Military Divisions Call for Submissions is coming soon.

For questions, contact Kayla Rhidenour at Kayla_Rhidenour@baylor.edu

Division

The Communication and Social Cognition (CSC) Division requests submissions of competitive individual submissions (full papers and extended abstracts), paper sessions, and panel discussions that highlight social cognition and communication—the psychological mechanisms that subserve the storage, processing, and retrieval of information as it pertains to the production and processing of messages in human interaction. 

Submissions can have any research objective (e.g., empirical reports, methodological advancements, meta-analyses, theoretical syntheses) but must elucidate social cognitive processes in a communicative modality (face-to-face, mediated, etc.) or context (interpersonal, intergroup, health, etc.). 

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Message production and processing, including linguistic analyses
• Decision making
• Risk perception and communication
• Affective processes
• Attitude formation and change
• Media processes and effects
• Impression formation and person perception
• Stereotyping and prejudice
• Activation and effects of knowledge structure(s)
• Individual differences in communication production or processing
• Persuasion and social influence
• Computational methods that help uncover social cognitive processes 

We encourage authors to draw on literature from various disciplines when applicable and to demonstrate relevant implications of their work. Consistent with the division’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) initiatives, we encourage scholarship that highlights, promotes, or expresses IDEA and relevant perspectives. 

In alignment with NCA 2026’s theme, “Movement and Communication,” submissions are encouraged, but not required, to engage with the generative idea of movement as a defining feature of 21st-century human experience. This theme invites scholars to consider how movement shapes communication across borders, bodies, ideas, cultures, and technologies. Contributors are invited to explore how communication practices both reflect and shape the movement of people, cultures, and meanings across local, national, and global contexts. 

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIVE SUBMISSIONS 

All individual submissions must include a title, paper description (abstract), 3–5 keywords (to assist with review selection), and author information in the appropriate sections of the online submission form. You will also indicate in the online submission form whether your submission is written by a student author (the lead author must be a student at the time of the submission) and/or suitable for the Scholar to Scholar format. Copies of the submission must be uploaded to the online submission form and must not include identifying information. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. 

All submissions should adhere to the latest version of APA style. Underneath the abstract on the first page, please include a list of 3–5 keywords to assist with reviewer selection. Individual submissions (full papers and extended abstracts) may also be considered for presentation in poster sessions. To opt out of this consideration, please specify “panel presentation only” in the upper right corner of the first page of the manuscript. We will recognize the top paper and the top student papers in our division. 

FULL PAPERS 

We will consider full manuscripts that are a maximum of 30 double-spaced pages, excluding the front matter (e.g., title, abstract, keywords), references, appendices, tables, and figures.

• Exclusively theoretical or methodological contributions are welcomed, but can only be submitted as full papers.
• Full papers are eligible for top paper awards.
• Please ensure that full paper submissions have page numbers. 

EXTENDED ABSTRACTS 

We will consider brief research reports of 1,000 words or fewer, excluding the front matter, references, appendices, tables, and figures.

• Extended abstracts should contain at least a preliminary data analysis with the expectation of presenting complete results at the time of the conference.
• Extended abstracts are not eligible for top paper awards.
• Please provide a word count as part of your submission. 

PAPER SESSIONS AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

Proposals for paper sessions and panel discussions are welcomed. More than one institution should be represented in a proposed paper session or panel discussion. Respondents should only be included if absolutely necessary. If a respondent is included, the proposal should make clear the issues the respondent will address during the response. 

PAPER SESSIONS 

All paper sessions must include a session title, session chair (who is not also an author or respondent on the session), an overall session description, session rationale, and the titles, abstracts, and author(s) of each individual paper presentation. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

All panel discussions must include a panel title, panel presenter information, an overall panel description, panel rationale, and a chair who is not also a panelist or respondent on the panel. 

GENERAL GUIDELINES 

All competitive individual submissions, paper sessions, and panel discussion proposals must be submitted online using the NCA Convention Central website. 

NCA Convention Central can be accessed via the NCA Convention website at http://www.natcom.org/convention/. 

Submitters can visit https://www.natcom.org/call-submissions to view the submission deadline. 

All authors of a submission are expected to complete reviews for the division. Authors can visit https://www.natcom.org/reviewers to complete the “NCA 2025 Reviewer Sign up Form.” 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. All AV requests must be made at the time of submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the NCA Convention Resource Library. 

A NOTE FROM CSC LEADERSHIP 

As many of our members know, our slot allocations for the last three conferences have been disproportionately small relative to our (rapidly growing) submission numbers. We have been informed that one way we can increase our slot allocations moving forward (and thus accept more of your work) is to ensure that those who submit to our division have checked that they are members of the division. Given this, we would greatly appreciate it if you and your coauthors could check your membership status as you’re planning your submission to ensure you’ve ticked the box next to our division’s name. This should not incur additional cost on top of your membership so long as you are a member of five or fewer divisions. Thank you! 

QUESTIONS? 

Please direct questions about submission or review processes to Chen (Crystal) Chen, CSC Division Research Committee Chair (ccc257@miami.edu). 

Division

The Communication and Sport Division of the National Communication Association seeks submissions for the NCA’s 112th Annual Convention in New Orleans, LA, November 19–22, 2026. This year’s convention theme of “Move/Ments in Communication” welcomes all scholarly, pedagogical, and service-related endeavors pertaining to connections between communication practices and their complex relationship to sport. 

Topics include (but are not limited to) interpersonal and group interactions within sport, sport and health, media and sport, the relationships between communication and the discourses surrounding sport, representations of athletes in media, identity-oriented relationships facilitated and/or impeded by sport, the social and communicative construction of sport as community, power relations within the practice of sport, and communicative practices leading to marginalization/exclusion or serving as a tool for inclusion in sport. Work from all epistemological, theoretical, and methodological traditions fits within the parameters of the division’s aims and scope. 

All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted. Please refer to the Convention Resource Library for live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit. 

The Communication and Sport Division accepts the following submission types: Individual Papers, Paper Sessions, Panel Discussions, and—for the first time—Extended Abstracts/Research in Progress. We also highly encourage submitters to indicate their willingness to participate in Scholar-to-Scholar presentations (poster session) should their manuscript not be accepted into a session. This can be indicated by checking the Scholar-to-Scholar box during submission. 

Deadline: March 25 — 11:59 p.m. Pacific / 2:59 a.m. Eastern (March 26) 

COMPETITIVE SUBMISSIONS 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS 

Submissions are limited to 25 double-spaced pages (abstract, references, tables, and figures are not included in the 25-page limit). Papers should follow either APA or Chicago Manual of Style. Copies must be uploaded into NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information anywhere in the document text or properties. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Resource Library. 

Submissions should include title, paper description (abstract), keywords, and AV requests. Identifying author information (names, institutions, hidden document properties) must be removed. The Top Paper and Top Student Papers will be recognized at the division meeting. 

PAPER SESSIONS 

Submissions must include a session title, a rationale statement of 250 words or less, a session description for the online convention program of 75 words or less, abstracts for each paper of 120 words or less, a chair, and a respondent. Submitted sessions should include participants representing multiple institutions. A single individual should not serve more than one role (chair, respondent, or presenter) in a submission. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

Panel discussions must include a panel title, presenter information (names and affiliations), an overall panel description (maximum 75 words) for the NCA program, a panel rationale (maximum 1,000 words), and a chair who is not also a participant. Panels should represent multiple institutions, and individuals should not serve more than one role in the session. 

EXTENDED ABSTRACT / RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 

Extended Abstract/Research in Progress submissions are designed for projects that are fully conceptualized but are prior to or in the early stages of data collection, analysis, interpretation, or critique. These sessions are intended to foster discussion that supports the development of exceptional research. 

Submissions should be 500–700 words (excluding title, keywords, and references) and provide evidence of a fully rationalized research idea. Authors should be prepared to read the submissions of other presenters prior to the session to cultivate productive discussion. Please use the “Extended Abstract” option for Research in Progress submissions. Audiovisual aids will not be available for this submission type. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

We are excited to review all the great work submitted and to showcase the best of our division in New Orleans! 

CONTACT 

Rikishi Smith-Rey
Vice Chair and Division Planner, Communication and Sport Division
Clemson University
rrey@clemson.edu 

Division

The Communication and the Future (CATF) Division is dedicated to exploring communication research as it intersects with future-oriented thinking. We particularly invite proposals that engage our division mission and the National Communication Association’s 2026 theme of Movement(s).

“At the 112th convention of the National Communication Association in New Orleans, LA, you are invited to explore movement(s) in the field of Communication. Movement indexes the defining feature of humans in the 21st century. We are a species on the move – as migrants, tourists, refugees, workers, asylees, and students. Movement brings flux, assumes risk, implies intermixing, and sows the seeds for ‘both/and’ thinking. an idea, movement is full of interpretive possibilities for scholars, teachers, and practitioners of communication. Our field is in the midst of a reckoning – at a moment of moving away from a parochial, statist, and EuroAmerican view of Communication studies –into the multiple, cosmopolitan, and pluriversal versions of what it means to study communication. What does it mean to move away from our received view of Communication and to move into new conceptual frameworks? How do we move to delink/decolonize/decouple the field into new liberatory possibilities?” -NCA.

The CATF Division accepts a variety of topics and methodological orientations, including critical, interpretive, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies. The division seeks to synthesize examinations of new communication issues in conjunction with established theories in the field. CATF’s mission is intentionally broad; many research endeavors have the potential to speak to the future of communication, and CATF seeks papers that explicitly do so, regardless of their topical or methodological focus. Many of our presentations have historically focused on the ways that communication technologies guide future developments in communications, but papers that speak to how post-national global trends shape human relationships, or other phenomena not explicitly related to technologies, are equally as valued.

Our field remains committed to interdisciplinary projects that may bridge interests from a number of divisions or interest groups. If you would like to be considered for co-sponsored panels (sponsored by more than one division), please note it in your abstract or first page.

The Communication and the Future will accept the following submission types:

1. Individual Competitive Papers,
2. Panel Discussions, and
3. Extended Abstracts that explore future developments in communication practices, publics, content, industries, and technologies.

Special consideration will be given to submissions that reflect the convention’s theme, as well as those that advance future-oriented communication-related research. Submissions may explore the future of any chosen topic in the field of communication.

* All submitters are required to serve as reviewers for the division.

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

Maximum Length: 25 pages, not including end material; including a 100-200 word abstract (APA format). We invite format-free paper submissions to facilitate a variety of methods, but we encourage authors to include a short section with the heading “Implications for the Future” following the “Discussion” section or equivalent in which they explain the way that their work informs our understanding of the future of communication.

Additional Information: The division is particularly supportive of theoretical efforts that go beyond the norm; beyond the usual; beyond the comfortable conceptual and theoretical; in short, be creative in your thinking and estimation of possible future developments for communication. Top Paper Awards and Student Top Paper Awards are given to individual papers that represent the best kind of research in accordance with the division’s mission. Special consideration will be given to those submissions that reflect the convention theme with a clear future-oriented application and focus. Work already published or accepted for publication should not be submitted. Copies must be uploaded into NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page, or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties.

Scholar-to-Scholar: It is strongly encouraged that paper submitters also check the designated box to participate in a Scholar-to-Scholar session. Scholar to Scholar (S2S) presentations create a unique opportunity for questions and exchanges not available in more formal sessions. Presenters have a 4’ by 6’ bulletin board on which they can pin their presentation; presenters should make their posters as visually appealing and easy to read as possible. Submissions will be peer reviewed and evaluated by the planner and other reviewers. To have your work considered for S2S, check the designated box during the online “Competitive Paper” submission process.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

A panel discussion is submitted as a preconceived and complete session for presenters discussing a topic/issue. There are no papers presented at a panel discussion.

Panel discussion proposals must:

• include a specific overall title for the panel discussion;
• include a description for the convention program (maximum 100 words);
• a list of panelists and a session chair;
• include a rationale for the overall proposed submission that outlines the importance of the panel discussion (maximum 500 words);
• include a rationale for the proposed submission for the division that relates the subject of the panel for the future of communication (maximum 200 words); and
• per convention guidelines, submissions should not consist of panelists solely from one institution, unless the panel involves a special circumstance.

Panel discussions will be competitively evaluated and special consideration will be given to those submissions that reflect the convention theme with a clear future-oriented application and focus.

EXTENDED ABSTRACTS

The division is accepting submissions of extended abstracts of either a) completed projects or b) works in progress. Extended abstract submissions should be no more than 1500 words in text length (i.e., not including the title page, references, charts, or tables). Extended abstracts are especially encouraged for works in progress; authors submitting works in progress should note the stage of work that they are in (e.g. conceptualization, data conceptualization) and work that needs to be done. Like full paper submissions, we encourage extended abstract submissions to include a short section in which they make an explicit reference to the ways in which their work speaks to the future of communication. If accepted, extended abstracts may be presented in high density or research roundtable sessions, and are not eligible for top paper awards. Extended abstracts longer than 1500 words will not be reviewed. Work already published or accepted for publication should not be submitted. Extended abstracts must be submitted as a blind review copy (see instructions here).

Audio/Visual Equipment: All audiovisual equipment requests must be made at the time of submission. Late requests cannot be accommodated.

Submitting for Blind Review: Competitive Papers, Scholar-to-Scholar, and Extended Abstract submissions MUST be submitted as a blind review copy. All personal information or references to personal information must be eliminated from the submission before uploading it into the system. Please include all personal information in the NCA Convention Central electronic forms and not with the submission itself. Many submitters fail to properly remove personal information from their paper’s internal properties. Please examine the detailed instructions NCA provides on Preparing an Unidentifiable Copy for Submission.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library.

For more information, follow the CATF Facebook page.

QUESTIONS?

For any questions regarding the Communication and the Future Division programming, please contact:

Dr. Josh T. L. Anderson

Vice-Chair/Planner, Communication and the Future Division

jtlanderson@arizona.edu

Division

National Communication Association 112th Annual Convention 
Convention Theme: Movements in Communication
Convention Location: New Orleans
Convention Dates: November 19-22, 2026
NCA Convention Central Opens for Submissions: January 30, 2026
Deadline: Wednesday, March 25th by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. No extensions. 

The Communication as Social Construction (CASC) Division invites individual papers (complete or under construction) and panel discussions that explicitly cite social construction literature and use social construction approaches to study face-to-face, cultural, and mediated communication. This year’s convention theme, “Movements in Communication” invites us to explore the myriad opportunities for the role of social construction in our social worlds. 

Members of the CASC Division are committed to promoting conversation and community among scholars whose work advances the idea that we create and recreate social worlds through interaction. Our division was created as a result of the NCA Summer Institute on Social Construction, “Catching Ourselves in the Act,” which was held in Albuquerque, NM, in August, 2006. CASC scholars take a Communication Perspective to acknowledge communication processes as central to academic inquiry and practice with recognition of the transformative potential of communication teaching and research. The division is interested in topics related to social constructions of identity and relationships, discord and transformative conflict, and social constructions of the contexts we live in today. Examples of socially constructed contexts to examine may include relationships, media, technology, health, organizations, the classroom, and culture. Referencing foundational texts of social construction is highly encouraged. Some influential scholars may include, but are not limited to the following: Chen, V.; Cronen, V.; Gergen, K.J.; Gergen, M.; Leeds-Hurwitz, W.; Littlejohn, S.W.; Pearce, W.B.; and Spano, S. 

This year we especially welcome submissions that address questions posed in the broad convention call for participation by NCA Second Vice President Shaunak Sastry: What does it mean to move away from our received view of Communication and to move into new conceptual frameworks? What sort of movements will emerge in the face of the generational challenges–microbial, political, technological, ecological– we face today? How will communication practice emerge and evolve out of such movements? Movement is inherently political – Communication scholars have so much to say about the ability and agency to move one’s body through spaces, places, borders, and institutions. Who can and cannot move? Who gets (re)moved? What are the barriers to movement? What makes movement the norm? Exploring movement also opens the door to think of movement’s connection to mobility, to agency, to dis/ability. 

Please do not hesitate to contact our division program planner, Natasha Rascon, via e-mail at Natasha.Rascon@indstate.edu for more information or to discuss possible ideas for panels, especially ones that could enable us to collaborate with other NCA divisions and/or that uniquely fit with the convention theme. We welcome creative approaches to encouraging dialogue and exploring intersections with our communication colleagues and with others in communities beyond NCA. 

SUBMISSION FORMATS 

CASC encourages scholars and practitioners interested in social construction to submit individual papers (completed and under construction) and panel discussion proposals for competitive review and selection. In addition, we urge potential contributors to submit CASC-related work directly to other special programming outlets for the 2026 NCA convention; more information can be found on the NCA Convention Central website. Contact the appropriate planners with ideas or for more details. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

The CASC Division is inviting two types of individual papers: Full Papers and Papers Under Construction. The division has a Papers Under Construction section to allow “Works in Progress” submissions that are consistent with our social constructionist philosophy. Papers chosen will be compiled for a paper panel session at the conference and will engage in a more interactive session designed to both showcase and propel the research forward by engaging those seeking to complete a CASC-focused study. Individual works in process should demonstrate a clear understanding and application of a social constructionist approach and draw upon appropriate literature (as described above in the call). The requirements for each type of individual paper submission are detailed below: 

1) Full Paper: Full papers are completed papers that follow these criteria: 

1. Along with the title at the top of the first page, include the words “full paper.”
2. No more than 25 pages, not including titlepage or references.
3. Remove all information that could identify the author(s) from the uploaded file prior to submission.
4. DO NOT include a cover page (Note: submitters will enter paper titles and author-related information on the website during the submission process).
5. The first page of the uploaded submission file should contain only the paper’s title and description (of no more than 250 words).
6. Font needs to be Times New Roman, 12 pt., and double spaced.
7. Student submitters will indicate “student paper” in the electronic submission form. 

2) Papers Under Construction: “Papers Under Construction” are papers in progress that follow these criteria: 

1. Along with the title at the top of the first page, include the words “Paper Under Construction.”
2. Length cannot be more than 10 succinctly written pages, not including title page or references.
3. Proposals must include five components: (1) Title; (2) a description of the research project; (3) a statement identifying where this project is in the research process; (4) an explanation of how this project is appropriate for the Communication as Social Construction Division; and (5) references of cited in the three-page project description.
4. Remove all information that could identify the author(s) from the uploaded file prior to submission.
5. DO NOT include a cover page (Note: submitters will enter paper titles and author-related information on the website during the submission process.)
6. Font needs to be Times New Roman 12 pt., and double-spaced. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

A panel discussion is a session with a group of panelists discussing a specific topic. 

Submissions must include:

• The panel title and list of presenters with their names, institutional affiliations, and email addresses. A chair is required. For a panel discussion to be considered for inclusion in the convention program, participants must come from more than one institution.
• An overall panel description of no more than 150 words.
• A rationale statement that provides an overall justification for the significance of the panel discussion of no more than 400 words.
• Panel discussions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author, performer, filmmaker, or presenter) in a submission.
• If you think that the session might be a good candidate for co-sponsorship with another division, caucus, or affiliate organization, please identify the potential co-sponsor in the Special Requests box. 

All AV requests must be made at the time of submission in the electronic submission form. 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants (https://www.natcom.org/sites/default/files/NCA_Convention_Resources_Convention_Standards.pdf) prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, also are available in the Convention Resource Library (https://www.natcom.org/convention-events/convention-resources/convention-resource-library). 

Submissions will be reviewed for a CASC top student paper and top panel certificates. 

For questions about this call, please contact the 2026 Vice-Chair and Program Planner of the CASC Division: 

Natasha Rascon (she/her/ella)
Indiana State University
Natasha.Rascon@indstate.edu 

Division

The Communication Assessment Division equips National Communication Association (NCA) members with tools, strategies, and resources to navigate the diverse assessment world. We recognize that “assessment” carries multiple meanings, yet its influence resonates in every communication department through state requirements, program reviews, or regional accreditation mandates. Broadly defined, communication assessment encompasses a spectrum of practices:

• departmental and program-level assessment
• general education and institutional assessment initiatives
• student needs and retention assessments, and
• innovations in pedagogical assessment/advocacy.

This year’s theme, “Movements in Communication,” provides a unique lens through which we can explore how assessment elevates learning, engagement, and our discipline. We encourage submissions addressing topics such as:

• Program Assessment Strategies/Preparedness: How might programs prepare for external review or contribute to institutional accreditation review?
• Field and Departmental Impact: How does assessment shape departmental culture, communication pedagogy, and the field?
• A Historical Lens: What is the history of assessment practices within communication departments and institutions?
• Advocacy for Stronger Practices: How can assessment findings drive institutional or departmental improvements?
• Assessing Community Engagement: How does assessment measure the impact of community-based learning or engagement initiatives?
• Innovations in Course or Classroom Assessment: How can educators incorporate assessment practices that enhance learning outcomes and teaching strategies?

We highly encourage submissions in the following areas:

• Program review and program-level assessment
• Community college classroom/program assessment
• K-12 educator classroom/program assessment
• Innovations in pedagogical, student needs, and retention-variable assessment 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

The Communication Assessment Division accepts various submission types to embrace the conference’s spirit. We encourage discussion-based panels that allow individuals to share assessment ideas. We are also accepting Individual Papers, Paper Sessions, and Panel Discussions. Submissions for individual papers may deviate from a standard research paper format, including assessment-related narratives, case studies, extended abstracts, research briefs, etc. 

A high-intensity session may be formed depending on how many competitive papers we receive that focus on the scholarship or innovative practice of assessment. In addition, a “DATE” session (Developing Assessment Techniques for Excellence) on best assessment practices may be held, depending on the types of submissions. Structured like a “GIFTS” session, this program will feature 10-15 best assessment practices. Each presenter will prepare a 2–3-page handout for distribution at the session and spend about 4-5 minutes describing the practice. If you would like to submit a proposal to be added to the DATE session, please indicate that on the submission by following the instructions outlined below. 

All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted. For a definition of submission types, please refer to the Convention Library. We accept the following types of submissions: 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS  

Submissions must include a max 25-page, double-spaced, uploaded copy of the paper. Copies must be uploaded into NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Members are also encouraged to submit alternative paper formats such as assessment-related narratives, case studies, extended abstracts, or research briefs. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page, or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. We will recognize the Top Paper in our division if one emerges. Traditional paper submissions should include title, paper description (abstract), keywords, and author information in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. If a student submission, select “student” in the electronic form. All authors must be students, in this case. Submitters interested in being considered for Scholar to Scholar session (poster session) should indicate their interest in the electronic submission form. 

PAPER SESSIONS

Submissions must include a title and overall session description. Submission must include the title, description (abstract), and author(s) of each paper. A session chair is required, respondent is optional. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

Submissions must include a title and session description. Submissions must include the list of each presenter involved. A session chair is required. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. No papers are presented as part of a panel discussion.

DATE SESSION  

Submissions must include (a) a title, (b) a two-paragraph description of your technique, and (c) a rationale, including how it connects to best assessment practices in your uploaded document. Submitters should select “individual paper” as their submission type in NCA Convention Central. Please include the words “DATE;” in the title of your paper. For example, “DATE: How to survive assessment in program reviews.” 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

For any questions regarding the Communication Assessment Division programming, please contact: 

Lance Rintamaki
Communication Assessment Division Planner
rlance@buffalo.edu 

Division

The Communication Centers Section of the National Communication Association welcomes submissions for the 2026 annual convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s conference theme is “MOVE/MENTS in Communication,” highlighting a “both/and” approach that celebrates ongoing movement, innovation, and transformation in our field. Submitters are encouraged to learn more about the inspiration for this theme in NCA’s Call for Participation to reflect on ways they might celebrate MOVE/MENTS in the Center. 

We invite submissions that explore this theme and its connection to communication center research, teaching, and practice. 

The Communication Centers Section will accept submissions for Individual Papers (completed preferred, in-progress accepted), Paper Sessions, Panel Discussions, and Scholar-to-Scholar Presentations. 

GENERAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

• All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central
• Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted.
• Audio/Visual requests should be made at the time of submission.
• Each submission should be made to one unit only; however, submitters are encouraged to offer co-sponsorship recommendations.
• No individual should serve in multiple roles in any session.

INDIVIDUAL PAPER SUBMISSIONS 

(papers may be co-authored; “individual” refers to a single paper submission rather than a session)

Individual papers submissions, including original research, thematic literature reviews, or critical essays, will be competitively reviewed and compiled into paper sessions by the program planner. All paper submissions should include all required fields (title, author(s), description/abstract, keywords, AV requests, and Scholar-to-Scholar consideration). 

Additional submission instructions: 

1. Upload a minimum of 4 pages (double-spaced) and a maximum of 25 pages (double-spaced) of text, not including title page and references. Completed papers are preferred, though research in progress will be considered. Indicate “research in progress” on the title page if applicable. 
2. Submissions should NOT include any identifying information in the manuscript. Instructions on how to prepare an identifier-free copy are provided in the Convention Resource Library.
3. Indicate whether the paper is student-authored. In the case of a co-authored paper, all authors must be students in order to be considered a student paper. 

The Top Paper in our section will be recognized at the convention. 

PAPER SESSION SUBMISSIONS 

Paper Sessions should include 3-5 individual papers connected by a shared theme (e.g., research focus, methodological approach, theoretical framework, or other relevant connections). All papers in the session will be reviewed collectively. Preference will be given to sessions that include authors from diverse institutions. 

Submission requirements include: 

1. Title of the session
2. Session description (no more than 75 words)
3. Name of the session chair and respondent (if applicable)
4. Titles, descriptions, and author(s) information for each paper
5. A rationale of no more than 250 words explaining the connection between papers and how the proposed session contributes to the section and/or convention theme. The more specific the description, the more helpful it is to reviewers.

PANEL DISCUSSION SUBMISSIONS 

Panel Discussions should facilitate engaged, interactive discussion among participants about important issues facing communication centers. Preference will be given to sessions that include panelists from diverse institutions. 

Submission requirements include: 

1. Title of the session
2. Session description (no more than 75 words)
3. Names of the session chair and respondent (if applicable)
4. Names and institutional affiliations of all presenters
5. A rationale of no more than 250 words explaining how the proposed panel connects to the section and/or convention theme. The more specific the description, the more helpful it is to reviewers.
6. Please indicate if your panel session could be considered for co-sponsorship with another division, section, or caucus. Identify potential co-sponsors explicitly. 

The Top Panel in our section will be recognized at the convention. 

Please submit your Communication Centers GIFTS to the GIFTS section. 

SCHOLAR TO SCHOLAR (S2S) CONSIDERATION 

The Scholar to Scholar (S2S) format allows presenters to share their work in a highly visible and interactive poster-style format. Wandering scholars (e.g., experts in the field) typically engage participants in discussion and provide feedback about their work. If you would like your paper to be considered for S2S, check the designated box during the online submission process. Audiovisual equipment is not provided for the S2S format. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

QUESTIONS? 

For questions or concerns regarding the Communication Center Section programming, please contact the 2025 Program Planner: 

Shelby Broberg
Vice Chair, Communication Centers Section
National Communication Association
Communication Center Director
George Mason University
sbroberg@gmu.edu 

Division

The Communication Ethics Division invites submissions of scholarly research for presentation at the 112th annual convention of the National Communication Association in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 19-22, 2026. 

The division promotes research and teaching related to ethical issues in all aspects of human communication. 

This year’s theme is “Move/ments in Communication,” which is elaborated in the official description of the theme: “We are a species on the move – as migrants, tourists, refugees, workers, asylees, and students. Movement brings flux, assumes risk, implies intermixing, and sows the seeds for ‘both/and’ thinking. As an idea, movement is full of interpretive possibilities for scholars, teachers, and practitioners of communication … The theme invites you to consider the nominal form of movement to explore the various social, cultural, and political movements that have come to define the discipline and practice of communication. What sort of movements will emerge in the face of the generational challenges–microbial, political, technological, ecological– we face today? How will communication practice emerge and evolve out of such movements?“ 

We invite perspectives on communication ethics from across the discipline and from any methodological perspective or tradition. Papers that engage the theme are especially encouraged. 

The Communication Ethics Division will accept the following submission types: Individual Papers, Paper Sessions, Performance Sessions, and Panel Discussions. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central by the deadline of March 25th, 2026 (11:59 pm Pacific time). Emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPER REQUIREMENTS 

These papers are stand-alone and are not associated with any other paper sessions or panel discussions. Please complete the required electronic submission fields, including title, description, author(s), and keywords. Please indicate if your submission is a student paper on the electronic submission form. Paper submissions must include no more than a 30-page (excluding references), double-spaced uploaded copy of the paper. On your title page, please indicate what outside sources (if any) are funding your research. Copies must be uploaded to NCA Convention Central and must NOT include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Resource Library (http://www.natcom.org/conventionresources/). Papers that contain identifying information will be returned to the author for proper preparation. 

Based on the results of the peer reviews, the Division’s 2025 convention planner will use the individual papers to create a few paper sessions, including the top paper panel. Scholar-to-Scholar (S2S) is typically presented in a poster format. If your work lends itself better to visual presentation, one-on-one discussion, or you are looking for personal feedback on your ideas, check the Scholar-to-Scholar (S2S) agreement box in NCA Convention Central. At the convention, division/caucus leaders, journal editors and other experts, known as Wandering Scholars, will circulate at S2S and interact with participants and their work, seeking to energize, enhance, and expand collective thinking as they make connections with your presented work. 

PAPER SESSION REQUIREMENTS 

This session is composed of approximately 3-5 papers presented together, based on a particular theme. Paper sessions are evaluated as a whole. A respondent for these sessions is highly recommended, while a chair is required. Submissions must include: 

• a session title
• an overall session description
• the name of the session’s chair (chair may also be a session author)
• the name of the session’s respondent (if you have one)
• a title, description for each individual paper, and author’s information
• a rationale for the session outlining the importance of the submission as it relates to the convention theme and communication ethics research.

PANEL DISCUSSION REQUIREMENTS 

This type of session is a group of approximately 3-6 people, creating a theme around which to discuss their particular ideas and/or expertise regarding communication ethics. Papers are not presented during a panel discussion. Submissions must include: 

• a panel title
• a general description of the panel discussion topic
• the name of the session’s chair (chair may also be a panel presenter)
• the name of each individual on the panel 
• a rationale for the panel discussion’s importance as it relates to the convention theme and communication ethics interests

PERFORMANCE SESSION REQUIREMENTS 

This session is composed of a single or multiple performances based on a particular theme. Performance sessions are evaluated as a whole. A respondent for these sessions is highly recommended and a chair is required. Submissions must include: 

• a session title
• an overall session description
• the name of the session’s chair (chair may also be a session performer)
• the name of the session’s respondent (if you have one)
• a title, description for each individual performance, and performer’s information
• a rationale for the session, outlining the importance of the submission as it relates to the convention theme and communication ethics research
• the length of the performance

Please note audio-visual or other special requests within your submission. 

The Communication Ethics Division recognizes excellence in communication ethics scholarship with an annual award for top conference papers. Based on reviewers’ responses, a top papers panel will be created by the Division’s convention planner. A top paper by a scholar(s) and a top paper by a graduate or undergraduate student will be presented. The top paper by a scholar(s) will receive a certificate of achievement, and the top student paper will receive a small cash award and certificate during the panel presentation. Both recipients are recognized during our business meeting. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants, located in the Convention Resource Library, prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are also available in the Convention Resource Library (http://www.natcom.org/conventionresources/). 

QUESTIONS? 

Any questions about this call or process may be directed to the Communication Ethics Division 2026 convention program planner, Austin D. Hestdalen (ahestdal@purdue.edu). 

Division

The Community College Section of the National Communication Association promotes dialogue and scholarship about the transformative role of communication education within community college settings. Our section supports work that explores the unique intersections between two-year institutions and their surrounding communities, while also engaging with broader disciplinary conversations and the changing landscape of higher education. We sponsor conference programs, encourage relevant research, and share practical insights on topics including program and course development, student-centered pedagogy, shifting student demographics, administrative challenges, equity and social justice, and the influence of community colleges within higher education.The Community College Section invites submissions that respond to the 2026 convention theme, “MOVE/MENTS in Communication.”

We welcome scholarship and creative work that considers how movement — literal, metaphorical, conceptual, institutional, pedagogical, or political — shapes our communication practices, our students’ lived realities, and the evolving missions of community colleges. We especially encourage submissions that highlight collaboration across interest groups, institutions, disciplinary areas, and community partners.

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, questions such as:

• How do community college educators and students experience movement — as migrants, commuters, career-changers, first-generation students, displaced workers, or returning scholars?
• What does it mean to move away from traditional, Euro-American, or “received” views of Communication studies and toward more cosmopolitan, community-rooted, and pluriversal approaches?
• How do communication practices enable mobility, access, and agency? Conversely, who is systematically denied movement, opportunity, or inclusion?
• What social, cultural, or political movements intersect with two-year institutions, and how do they shape the work we do?
• What forms of communication move us — into empathy, action, or engagement — and how does that influence our pedagogy and scholarship?• How do community colleges act as sites of movement, transition, and transformation for diverse student populations?• How might the historical and cultural movements embedded in our 2026 host city, New Orleans, inform the work we bring to this convention?

Submission Types: The Community College Section accepts the following types of submissions:

• Individual Papers
• Paper Sessions
• Performance Sessions
• Panel Discussions

All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Definitions of submission types and detailed instructions are available in the Convention Library.  

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

Submissions must include a complete blind manuscript (maximum 30 pages). Blind copies must be uploaded to NCA Convention Central with all identifying information removed. Instructions for preparing a blind copy are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

Submissions should include a title, author(s) information, abstract/description, and keywords. Please indicate whether you are willing to present in Scholar-to-Scholar. AV requests must be submitted at the time of submission. 

If more than ten papers are received, a Top Paper Award will be given. 

PAPER SESSIONS

Submissions must include a session title, an overall session description, and author(s) information for each paper. A session chair is required; a respondent is optional. 

Please include a rationale explaining how the session connects to: 

• the 2026 convention theme “MOVE/MENTS in Communication,” and
• the Community College Section’s areas of interest.

AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

PERFORMANCE SESSIONS

For groups of related performances around a shared theme, submit as a Performance Session. 

Submissions must include: 

• session title and session description
• performance titles
• descriptions of each performance (75 words max each)
• a rationale connecting the session to the convention theme (250 words max)
• list of performers, chair, and (optional) respondent

All AV needs must be requested at the time of submission. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Submissions must include a session title, session description, and a rationale outlining the session’s relevance to the 2026 convention theme and Community College Section interests. Include the names of all participants and identify the required chair. 

Panels must include participants from multiple institutions. Panels composed entirely of presenters from a single institution will not be accepted. Panel discussions do not include the presentation of individual papers. 

AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

GUIDELINES AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Paper sessions, panel discussions, and performance sessions should include presenters from multiple institutions. When possible, individuals should not serve in more than one role (chair, respondent, author, performer, filmmaker, presenter) within a single submission. 

All submitters are encouraged to review NCA’s Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Recorded and step-by-step submission instructions are available in the Convention Library. 

Presenters must request all AV needs during submission. NCA will provide standard equipment as available. Presenters must bring their own laptop and any additional equipment required. 

All submitters must indicate willingness to attend the convention. If a presenter cannot attend, it is their responsibility to arrange a proxy to deliver the work. 

QUESTIONS?

For more information or assistance, please contact: 

Michelle Dawn Brownlee
Vice Chair & Planner, Community College Section
National Communication Association
Email: brownlmd@laccd.edu 

Division

The Critical and Cultural Studies Division views communication and culture as mutually constitutive, and we are dedicated to fostering critical and interdisciplinary approaches to a broad range of topics. We invite the submission of competitive individual papers, panel discussions, paper sessions, performance sessions, and film sessions that investigate topics related to identities, communities, cultures, infrastructure, technology, politics, economics, and/or spaces for the 2026 National Communication Association’s (NCA) Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Submissions that emphasize materiality, reflexivity, and relationality are especially welcome. We also invite submissions that engage with local, national, and transnational histories of structural violence and resistance. Furthermore, we seek papers and sessions that align with CCSD’s commitment to empowering historically marginalized voices within our division and the association. We champion work that scrutinizes how discourses and practices impact individuals and communities, embodies insightful interpretation, and generates productive theorizing. 

We also welcome submissions that engage with the convention’s theme of “MOVE/MENTS in Communication.” Please see the NCA call for submissions for more details on this theme. Given CCSD’s commitment to scholarship that examines and challenges agency and power relations in a variety of contexts, critical engagement with the 2026 convention theme would consider agency and power as well as positionality and language. 

The Division is especially interested in original scholarship that is daring, nuanced, imaginative, and visionary; work that has the potential to create anew or overturn fundamental paradigms. Submissions should challenge ‘conventional’ wisdom, lead to unexpected insights which may offer us new methodologies, techniques, theoretical perspectives, and/or redefine disciplinary/area boundaries. We hope this year’s theme, combined with reviewers who are excited for transformative research, will invite submissions that advance, or move forward, Critical/Cultural scholarship. We encourage submitters to be ambitious in their analyses and to stray from primary paths of research into areas/scholarship previously unknown to them or historically and systemically excluded by our professional structures. 

We welcome submissions that utilize diverse methodologies and theoretical perspectives, and we very strongly encourage panels/sessions that represent scholarship from multiple institutions. This year, as always, we are interested in scholarship that also appeal to members of other divisions and caucuses. Please indicate in your submission what other divisions this submission would fall under so that we can appropriately match sponsoring divisions and caucuses. 

GENERAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

1. All submitters are invited to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful online resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available at the Convention Library.
2. All papers, panels, and proposed sessions must be submitted electronically to the NCA Convention Central. Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted.
3. Each submission should be made to one unit only. Submitters should offer co-sponsorship recommendations and rationales in the Special Requests box.
4. Submitters can also indicate if they would be willing to present their work at a Scholar-to-Scholar poster session.
5. All audiovisual equipment needs must be requested at the time of submission. Late requests cannot be accommodated.
6. With the exception of individual paper submissions, all submissions for sessions should include scholars representing multiple institutions rather than just one or two institutions. Additionally, a single person should not serve more than one role in a submission.
7. Papers that include data from participants must include concrete reflection on the demographic diversity of the sample (or lack thereof) and must speak in theoretically rich ways about the ways in which sample demographics shape the boundaries of the conclusions being reached, as per criterion of sample representativeness. This reflection must go beyond the limitations sections in the discussion. Papers with data from participants that do not meet this requirement will not be paneled. 

TYPES OF SUBMISSIONS 

INDIVIDUAL PAPER

Submitted papers should include: 

1. Paper title
2. Author(s) full information
3. A 75-word description of the paper for the program
4. Abstract (150 words maximum) and approximately 5 keywords
5. Maximum 25 pages of double-spaced text with 1-inch margins using 12-point font (not including abstract, references, and/or notes). To ensure proper peer review, please do not include any identifying information in the paper or the document’s “properties.”
6. If the paper is a student submission, please indicate so on the electronic submission form and not on the paper itself. 

PAPER SESSION

Submitted paper sessions should include: 

1. Session title
2. Description of the session (75 words maximum) for the program
3. A chair (required) and a respondent
4. Titles, abstracts (150 words maximum), and author(s) full contact information for each paper
5. Rationale for the session (250 words maximum). This should include an explanation for how the session relates to the CCSD and/or the convention theme and how the configuration of your panel evinces a material commitment to the themes espoused in your session. Co-sponsorships are always encouraged, though not required. 

PANEL DISCUSSION

Submitted panel discussions should include: 

1. Title of the panel
2. Description of the panel (75 words maximum) for the program
3. A list of presenters and full contact information, including a chair (required) and a respondent
4. Rationale for the panel (250 words maximum) focused on the significance and coherence of the panel. Include an explanation for how the panel relates to the CCSD and/or the convention theme and how the configuration of your panel evinces a material commitment to the themes espoused in your session. If needed, a longer rationale (750 words maximum) can be uploaded as an attachment with your submission.

PERFORMANCE SESSION

Performances are not submitted or reviewed individually; the entire session is reviewed for consideration as a whole. Submitted performance sessions should include: 

1. Title of the session
2. Description of the session (75 words maximum) for the program
3. Rationale for the session (250 words maximum). This should include a discussion of how the session relates to the CCSD (and other divisions if co-sponsorship is suggested) and/or the convention theme and how the configuration of your panel evinces a material commitment to the themes espoused in your session. If needed, a longer rationale (750 words maximum) can be uploaded as an attachment with your submission.
4. A list of title(s), description(s), and full contact information for performer(s) for each performance, and a session chair (required) and respondent

FILM SESSION

Film(s) are not submitted or reviewed individually; the entire session is reviewed for consideration as a whole. Submitted film sessions should include: 

1. Title of the session
2. Description of the session (75 words maximum) for the program
3. A list of title(s), description(s) – include a link to the film or a trailer, and full contact information for participants, including a session chair (required) and respondent
4. Rationale for the session (250 words maximum). This should include a discussion of how the session relates to the CCSD (and other divisions if co-sponsorship is suggested) and/or the convention theme and how the configuration of your panel evinces a material commitment to the themes espoused in your session. If needed, a longer rationale (750 words maximum) can be uploaded as an attachment with your submission.

BUSINESS MEETING 

All reviewers, submitters, authors, and presenters are encouraged to attend the CCSD business meeting at the convention. During this session officers will present awards, members will elect new officers, and we will have time to fellowship with each other. 

QUESTIONS?

For more information or questions specific to this CCSD call, please contact the 2026 Program Planner: 

Claire Sisco King
Vice-chair, Critical and Cultural Studies Division
claire.s.king@vanderbilt.edu 

Division

The Death and Dying Division brings together scholars from all disciplinary and methodological backgrounds in the field of Communication Studies to support research about all manners of death, dying, grief, loss, and bereavement-related topics. In addition to issues of literal physical death and dying (including medical experiences of death and meaning-making during end-of-life and postmortem), our scholars also study monuments, memorials, built environments and spaces of death and grief, grief, mourning, bereavement, more-than-human loss and grief, environmental loss and grief, death in the digital, death in media, narratives, and performances about death and loss, bio/necropolitics as they relate to the death of individuals, groups, and institutions, and death and grief-related discourse. 

The Death and Dying Division seeks submissions that extend death, dying, and grief research in line with the 2026 “MOVE/MENTS in Communication” conference theme. For the 2026 conference, we will find ourselves in New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is well known for its jazz funeral and second line traditions, in which brass bands parade through the city to lead the deceased and their loved ones to the deceased’s final resting site. These traditions, born of African and Caribbean practices, combine mourning rituals with end-of-life celebrations and have become representative of New Orleans’ rich and diverse cultural landscape. It is the perfect location for scholars to reflect on the possibilities of movement within and surrounding death, dying, and grief. From advocacy work, to the literal movement of funeral practices, to the transformation inherent in both death and grief, “MOVE/MENTS in Communication” encourages us to explore the varying facets of end-of-life communication scholarship. 

While in Louisiana, we look forward to having enriching discussions about death, dying, and grief research that highlights marginalized, historically and systemically overlooked, and diverse and innovative understandings and experiences of end-of-life, death, dying, grief, and postmortem topics. 

We will accept the following submission types: Individual Papers, Paper Panels, Individual Creative Projects, Creative Sessions, and Roundtable Discussions. All submissions must be submitted using NCA’s Convention Central. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

Paper submissions must include a completed anonymized draft of no more than 30 pages, double-spaced, standard margins uploaded to the NCA Convention Central. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Panelists should expect to be allotted 10-12 minutes to present if their paper is accepted. Submissions should include a title, abstract, keywords, and author information in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form. 

PAPER PANELS

Submissions must include a title, brief panel description (100-150 words), extended panel rationale (up to 500 words), list of presenters, presentation titles, and presentation descriptions (100-150 words each). A chair is required, a respondent is optional. 

INDIVIDUAL CREATIVE PROJECTS

Creative submissions include but are not limited to: performances, film, poetry, creative writing, and art portfolios. Submissions must include the complete creative work (performance script, film, art portfolio, etc.) which should not exceed 30 pages, double-spaced or 20 minutes in length. Additionally, submissions should include a project rationale (up to 500 words) that explains both the exigence for the project as well as the method of presentation. Submissions should be anonymized. 

CREATIVE SESSIONS

Submissions must include a title, brief session description (100-150 words), extended session rationale (up to 500 words), and a list of presentations with titles, presenter info, and presentation abstracts (100-150 words). A chair is required, a respondent is optional. Creative sessions should not include traditional papers. Creative sessions can take the form of a panel, a participatory workshop, a pedagogy session, a performance session, etc. 

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

Submissions must include a title, brief session description (100-150 words), extended session rationale (up to 500 words), and a list of participants. A chair is required, and a respondent is optional. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

In addition to a top paper for the best individual paper submission, the Death and Dying Division will also be awarding a Distinguished Scholar Award, an Outstanding Article Award, and others. A call for award nominations will be sent out in spring 2026. 

Please review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants before submitting. All submitters are expected to attend the 2026 NCA conference in person if their work is accepted (bearing unexpected emergencies). For assistance submitting, please utilize the Convention Resource Library before contacting the Program Planner. 

Nicole Costantini
Death and Dying Division Vice Chair and Program Planner
costantini.nicole@gmail.com
nicolecost28@gmail.com 

Division

The Economics, Communication, and Society Division (ECS) of the National Communication Association invites submissions for the 112th Annual Convention, to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from November 19 to 22, 2026. 

The ECS division promotes scholarship on diverse communicative dimensions of economic theory and practice, as well as economies of communication. The division aims to support four major areas of research: the rhetoric of economics, cultural studies of the economy, the political economy of communication, and critical organizational communication. ECS invites scholarship that uses interdisciplinary methods and explores a range of topics. We are interested in work that intersects with other fields in communication (e.g., economics and the environment; cultural identity and economics; organizational communication; gender and the economy; digital cultures and economics; media coverage of economic issues, etc.). 

The 2026 convention theme, “MOVE/MENTS in Communication,” offers a timely opportunity for ECS scholars to examine how economic systems, communicative practices, and social forces shape and are shaped by the movements that organize contemporary life. Movement can refer to the circulation of capital and labor, the migration of people, the mobilization of social and political action, the flow of information and technologies, and the shifting discourses that construct economic meaning. These movements reveal how communication mediates access, agency, inequality, and power, influencing who is able to move freely and whose movements are constrained, surveilled, or erased. The meeting location of New Orleans, a city shaped by displacement, cultural creativity, environmental vulnerability, and economic transformation, further invites work that situates communication and economics within histories of struggle, resilience, and change. ECS welcomes submissions that engage this theme by interrogating the rhetoric of economics, cultural narratives of value, political economic structures, and organizational dynamics that produce and regulate movement in its many forms. 

TYPES OF SUBMISSIONS AND SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

We invite submissions of (1) individual papers, (2) paper sessions, and (3) panel discussions. An individual should submit no more than one paper to ECS, and that paper should not have been submitted to another division for this convention, nor should the work have been presented at another conference. Submitters are not required to be members of ECS, but we strongly encourage you to join! Submissions should address one of the four broad research areas of the division: rhetoric of economics, cultural studies of the economy, the political economy of communication, and critical organizational communication. 

All submissions must be completed via the NCA Convention Central Portal by March 25, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

Individual papers are completed, unpublished research papers. The Vice-Chair will organize accepted individual papers into thematic panels and assign a chair and respondent. Paper submission guidelines are as follows: 

1. Please complete the required submission fields, including title, abstract, author(s), and keywords.
2. The maximum length for submitted papers is 25 double-spaced pages, excluding title page, notes, and illustrations.
3. To ensure anonymous review, upload a copy of your paper that has all identifying information removed. To remove identifying data, make sure you: (a) remove author(s) identifying information such as the title page or personal references, (b) remove author(s) identifying information from the file name of the document, (c) remove author(s) information from the document properties, and (d) re-save the file and confirm that the properties changes have been updated. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Resources.
4. Preview your submission to ensure all information is correct before finalizing the submission.
5. If the paper is written fully by graduate or undergraduate student(s), please select “student” on the electronic form. ECS encourages student submissions and aims to arrange panels involving both students and faculty members.
6. ECS encourages all paper submitters to mark the Scholar-to-Scholar option if their work can be effectively presented in a poster format. Papers that we otherwise would not have room to place in a session slot may be accepted if this box is checked on the electronic submission form.
7. All audio/visual (A/V) requests must be made at the time of submission.

Completed papers that are accepted for presentation and then uploaded by the submitter should be available to respondents via NCA Convention Central prior to the convention. 

PAPER SESSIONS

A paper session involves a group of presenters with titled papers centered on a common theme. This submission type is ideal for scholars working on ongoing or recently completed research as they move it forward. Paper sessions that include participants at varied career stages across different universities and geographical regions, and that include diversity in race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other identity positions, are strongly encouraged. ECS encourages submissions that are particularly resonant with the conference theme, for they may be candidates for additional panel slots selected by the overall convention planner. Proposals must include: 

1. A title and description for the paper session.
2. Names of a chair (required) and a respondent (optional).
3. Titles, abstracts, and author information for each paper.
4. A rationale that provides an overall justification for the significance of the paper session.
5. If the paper session isa good candidatefor co-sponsorship with another division, caucus, or affiliate organization, please identify the potential co-sponsor on the special requests tab.
6. All audio/visual (A/V) requests must be made at the time of submission.

PANEL DISCUSSION

A panel discussion involves a group of panelists discussing a specific topic, but panelists do not present individually titled papers. This submission type is ideal for presenting a current debate, question, or site of inquiry that multiple scholars can convene upon. We strongly encourage panel sessions that include participants of varied career stages across different universities and geographical regions, as well as those that include diversity of race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other identity positions. ECS encourages submissions that are particularly resonant with the conference theme, for they may be candidates for additional panel slots selected by the overall convention planner. Proposals must include: 

1. A title and description for the panel discussion.
2. The names of the chair and all presenters.
3. A rationale that provides an overall justification for the significance of the panel discussion.
4. If the panel discussion isa good candidatefor co-sponsorship with another division, caucus, or affiliate organization, please identify the potential co-sponsor on the special requests tab.
5. All audio/visual (A/V) requests must be made at the time of submission.

TOP PAPER AWARDS 

The ECS Division offers two awards for submitted papers: a top student paper and a top paper. Awards are presented at the ECS business meeting, and top papers will be presented in a special session at the convention. 

We look forward to receiving your submissions! 

QUESTIONS? 

For any questions regarding the Economics, Communication, and Society Division programming, please contact: 

Menglu Lyu
Economics, Communication, and Society Division Program Planner
lyu.menglu@gmail.com 

Division

The Emeritus/Retired Members Section invites submissions from all interest groups for the 112th National Convention in New Orleans, LA, November 19-22,2026. The theme, “Move/ments in Communication,” invites you “to consider the nominal forms of movement to explore the various s social, cultural, and political movements that have come to define the discipline and practice of communication.” How does communication move us into action? Inaction? Empathy? Disengagement? 

The Section accepts submissions for panels and performances. Proposals must be submitted on the form found on the NCA website. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted. 

Deadline for submissions is March 25, 2026. 

For more information, please visit the NCA website or contact: roberta.crisson@live.kutztown.edu 

Division

The Environmental Communication Division (ECD) of the National Communication Association (NCA) promotes scholarship, research, dialogue, teaching, consulting, service, and awareness in the area of environmental communication. Environmental communication scholars and practitioners assume that all communication involves an environmental dimension, because symbolic and natural systems are mutually constituted. Humans are one part of the broader ecosystems and cultures we inhabit, both defining and shaped by our corporeal, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical alienation from and proximity to those spaces and communities.

To explore these connections, we invite submissions to the 2026 NCA Convention in New Orleans, LA, that showcase and advance our understanding of the production, reception, contexts, or processes of environmental communication. Proposals that reflect the conference theme of “Move/ments” are especially encouraged. For the 2026 NCA Convention, ECD invites submissions in six formats: individual papers; paper sessions; panel discussions; film sessions; scholar-to-scholar presentations; and extended abstracts. Please review the submission requirements for each format (see below) carefully before submitting. 

All submissions to the ECD will be competitively reviewed. Review criteria include writing quality, from clarity of prose to overall coherence; topical relevance to the ECD; scholarly thoroughness (theoretical and analytical and/or empirical); and overall contribution to environmental communication theory and/or practice. 

Additional Information 

• In some cases, the ECD program planner will collaborate with program planners from other caucuses, divisions, and interest groups on co-sponsoring sessions. Submitters will be notified when co-sponsorship affects their submission. All AV requests must be made at the time of submission.
• Aceptamos ensayos en inglés o en español para apoyar investigaciones en varios idiomas. (We are accepting work in English or Spanish to support research in several languages.) If you are interested in submitting in a language other than English or Spanish, please contact the Program Planner.
• Only individual paper submissions are eligible for consideration for Top Paper and Top Student Paper awards.
• All audio/visual requests must be made at the time of submission.

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS (REVIEWED ANONYMOUSLY) 

• Individual papers should be no more than 25 pages (double-spaced, 12-point font), excluding the abstract, keywords, and references.
• Include an abstract, not exceeding 150 words, to be included in the convention program, and up to 5 keywords.
• No information identifying the author may appear in the uploaded paper file. To ensure anonymous review, submitters should remove their name(s) from the paper (including title page and headers) and the document’s embedded properties before uploading the document. Author information is collected elsewhere in the system.
• Pleaseindicateif author(s) is/are student(s). To be eligible for a top student paper award, all authors on a submission must be currently enrolled students at the time of submission.
• Papers that include data from participants must incorporate concrete reflection on the demographic diversity of the sample (or lack thereof) and must speak in theoretically rich ways about the ways in which sample demographics shape the boundaries of the conclusions being reached, as per criterion of sample representativeness. This reflection must go beyond the limitation sections in the discussion.
• Individual papers that are not selected for inclusion in the ECD’s program remain eligible for inclusion in the Scholar-to-Scholar program. Authors of individual papers are encouraged to consider opting into this interactive presentation format, which utilizes posters and emphasizes interactive discussion. If interested in this format, please check the agreement box at the time of submission. 

PAPER SESSIONS (NOT ANONYMOUS) 

• Title for the paper session
• Name, job title, affiliation, and email for each paper author
• A description of the session in two sentences to be included in the convention program
• A rationale for paper session
• 5 keywords
• Titles for each paper to be presented
• Abstracts for each paper
• Paper sessions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. 

PANEL DISCUSSION PROPOSALS (NOT ANONYMOUS) 

• A title for the panel discussion
• Name, job title, affiliation, and email for each presenter
• A description of the session in two sentences to be included in the convention program
• A rationale for panel discussion. Rationales should include a brief description of the proposed format (e.g., Q&A, audience participation, workshop, etc.)
• 5 keywords
• Panel discussions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. 

FILM SESSION PROPOSALS (NOT ANONYMOUS) 

• A title for the film session
• A rationale for the film session
• A description of the session in two sentences to be included in the convention program
• A title and brief (no more than a paragraph) description for each film to be included in the film session. Descriptions should also include total run time for each film.
• Name job title, affiliation, and email address for each presenter
• 5 keywords
• Cumulative run time for all films in a single session should not exceed one hour in length.

EXTENDED ABSTRACTS (ANONYMOUS) 

• Extended abstracts should be no more than 5 pages (double-spaced, 12-point font), excluding the abstract, keywords, and references.
• Include an abstract, not exceeding 150 words, to be included in the convention program, and up to 5 keywords.
• No information identifying the author may appear in the uploaded paper file. To ensure anonymous review, submitters should remove their name(s) from the paper (including title page and headers) and the document’s embedded properties before uploading the document. Author information is collected elsewhere in the system.
• Pleaseindicateif author(s) is/are students or early career.
• Papers that include data from participants must include concrete reflection on the demographic diversity of the sample (or lack thereof) and must speak in theoretically rich ways about the ways in which sample demographics shape the boundaries of the conclusions being reached, as per criterion of sample representativeness. This reflection must go beyond the limitations in the discussion.

All submissions must be made electronically through NCA Convention Central. 

Please direct questions to the 2026 program planner, Dr. Joshua Trey Barnett, at barnett@psu.edu. 

Division

The Ethnography Division of the National Communication Association (NCA) invites submissions for the 2026 convention in New Orleans, Louisiana addressing the theory, research, and/or pedagogy of ethnographic research and its related approaches. Ethnography includes autoethnography, participant observation, narrative, and personal narrative, among other forms of scholarship, pedagogy, or activism.

This year’s convention theme is “MOVE/MENTS in Communication.” 

Submissions that directly and creatively address the theme are encouraged. Such submissions may engage the concept in a variety of ways, including works that move beyond traditional research presentations and that engage audiences in interesting, perhaps provocative ways. Given the connections between ethnography and cultural understandings, and given the current historical moment of the field, we especially invite submissions that examine and interrogate intersectional power, privilege, and oppression in addition to bodies, relationalities, and communities culturally marked by race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, age, (dis)ability, nationality, and/or socioeconomic status. 

The Ethnography Division will accept the following submission types:

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

These papers are submitted directly by an author or authors for consideration as an individual paper and not as part of a pre-conceived paper session. The papers are competitively reviewed, and we will recognize the Top Paper in our division. Submissions must include a paper of no more than 30 double-spaced pages (excluding title page, abstract, and references but inclusive of all tables, images, and figures). Please remove all identifying information from the document properties before uploading the document to NCA Convention Central. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Submitters should include title, description, keywords, author(s) information and AV requests in the appropriate electronic fields. 

Student submitters should indicate their student status on the title page and in the relevant box on the submission form. The Ethnography Division awards the highest ranked competitive student paper for each year’s convention with the John T. Warren Top Student Paper in Ethnography. 

PAPER SESSIONS

A paper session is submitted as a pre-conceived and complete session of papers. The papers are not submitted or reviewed individually and are not submitted by the author(s) but rather by the individual submitting the paper session. The paper session is reviewed for consideration as a whole. Submissions must include:

1. the session title
2. an abstract of no more than 75 words
3. a rationale of no more than 250 words; and
4. paper titles, abstracts (75 words), and author name(s) and affiliations for each paper.

The 250-word rationale should articulate the importance of the paper session as a whole—what does it seek to accomplish? A session chair is required. Preference will be given to submissions that feature presenters from multiple institutions. AV requests should be made at the time of submission. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

A panel discussion is submitted as a pre-conceived and complete session of presenters discussing a relevant topic or issue. There are no papers presented at a panel discussion. Submissions must include a:

1. Session title;
2. names and affiliations of the panelists;
3. session description or abstract of 75 words; and
4. a 250-word rationale.

The session rationale should include a summary of the topic or issue to be discussed and its relevance to the division and/or convention theme. The rationale should include an explanation for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission, and the credentials of presenters leading the discussion. A session chair is required, and a respondent is optional. Preference will be given to submissions that feature presenters from multiple institutions. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

PERFORMANCE SESSIONS

A performance session is a pre-conceived and complete session. The performance session is reviewed for consideration as a whole. Submissions must include

1. session title;
2. names and affiliations of the presenters or performers;
3. session description or abstract of 75 words;
4. a 250-word rationale outlining the importance of the session; and
5. title(s) and description(s) of each performance.

A session chair is required, and a respondent is optional. Preference will be given to submissions that feature presenters from multiple institutions. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

INDIVIDUAL FILMS

The Ethnography Division accepts short film submissions that explore, represent, and embody ethnographic research and the ethnographic spirit of inquiry. Individual films are not part of a pre-conceived film session and will be reviewed individually. These submissions must include:

1. a title page;
2. a description, abstract, or rationale of no more than 250 words; and
3. a URL link to the film on an accessible platform (for example, YouTube).

As individual films will be paneled by the Division planner with other films or papers, submissions must adhere to a strict 10-minute time limit. Presenters may show an excerpt of the film to fit this time limit, and this should be noted in the submission along with the specific time frame of the excerpt for viewing. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

FILM SESSION

The Ethnography Division accepts film session submissions that explore, represent, and embody ethnographic research and the ethnographic spirit of inquiry. A film session is submitted as a pre-conceived and complete session of films. The films are not submitted or reviewed individually and are not submitted by the author(s) but rather by the individual submitting the film session. The film session is reviewed for consideration as a whole. Submissions must include:

1. the session title;
2. an abstract of no more than 75 words;
3. a rationale of no more than 250 words; and
4. film titles, abstracts (75 words), and filmmaker name(s) and affiliations for each film;
5. a URL link to each film on an accessible platform (for example, YouTube).

A session chair is required, and preference will be given to submissions that feature presenters from multiple institutions. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. AV requests should be made at the time of submission. 

EXTENDED ABSTRACTS

The Ethnography Division accepts extended abstracts for incomplete works in progress. The abstracts will be reviewed for inclusion in a works in progress panel. Submissions must include abstracts of no more than 750 words. Please remove all identifying information from the document properties before uploading the document to NCA Convention Central. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Submitters should include title, description, keywords, author(s) information and AV requests in the appropriate electronic fields. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted. All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Library. 

Paper session, panel discussions, performance sessions, and film sessions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author, performer, filmmaker, or presenter) in a submission. 

QUESTIONS?

Please see the general convention call or contact the Ethnography Division Vice Chair and 2026 Program Planner, Laura V. Martinez, at laura.martinez.1@umontreal.ca 

Division

The Experiential Learning in Communication Division of NCA welcomes your submissions for our 2026 sessions in New Orleans, Louisiana. Experiential learning involves creating and facilitating direct, practical learning experiences for students and asking them to reflect on the learning process. This division focuses on the practice of experiential learning with the goal of understanding the process and impacts of the communication process in our world.

Forms of experiential learning include:

• Community-Based Learning
• Internships and Practicum
• Study Abroad
• Service-Learning
• Simulations (Immersive Technology, Narrative Experiences, etc.)

The division would like to especially encourage

1. research and essays related to the role, value, opportunities, challenges, and assessed outcomes of experiential learning,
2. research and essays that highlight the contribution of experiential learning to communication theory and practice,
3. SPARK interactive session contributions (a hallmark of the Experiential Learning Division), designed to share teaching and project ideas related to service-learning and other types of experiential pedagogy,
4. Play! Interactive session contributions designed to inspire learning through participating in games and engaged learning activities, and
5. submissions from those in divisions across the association that feature experiential learning as a core pedagogy.

Reviewers will look for submissions that show evidence of:

• Theoretical and/or practical contribution to experiential learning•
• New directions in experiential learning practice
• Connections to experiential learning across other areas of the discipline
• Connections to this year’s conference theme of Move/Ments in Communication 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. AV requests must be made at the time of the submission. All submitters are encouraged to also review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Library. Emailed submissions will not be accepted. Character limits are standardized by NCA Convention Central.

The Experiential Learning in Communication Division welcomes the following types of submissions: 

1. Individual Papers
2. Individual SPARK: Innovations in Practice submissions
3. Individual Play!: Innovations in Practice submissions 
4. Paper Sessions

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS 

Individual Paper submissions will withhold identifying information, and submitters should: 

• Complete the required electronic submission fields including title, description, author(s), and keywords. Please indicate at the top of the manuscript if your submission is a student paper. 
• Upload a completed copy of your (30-page maximum) manuscript, double-spaced, 12-point font. The title page and file name should not include identifying information about the author(s). Indicate on the first page or with a header if you are a student. Student-authored papers should select the student-authored status on the electronic submission form.
• Papers that include data from participants should include reflection on the demographic diversity of the sample (or lack thereof) and should consider how sample demographics influence the conclusions being reached, as per criterion of sample representativeness.
• Students whose submission is based on a larger work (e.g., thesis or dissertation) should adhere to generally accepted standards for convention papers/research articles regarding length, organization, and style. 
• Please indicate if you are willing to present the paper in a Scholar to Scholar interactive format (poster session) by checking the appropriate agreement box. These highly interactive sessions encourage dialogue and discussion about your research results and teaching ideas. Presenters from across the Association are clustered together and share their ideas one-on-one with session attendees. Wandering Scholars will engage presenters and provide feedback on the projects. 

Our division offers a Top Paper Award. We also offer a Top Student Paper Award: The Dr. Rozell Duncan Award for Excellence in Research, which honors the memory and substantial contributions of Dr. Duncan to the Experiential Learning Division and to her students. 

SPARK: INNOVATION IN PRACTICE SUBMISSION 

SPARK submissions will withhold submitter names. 

Submitters should select “Individual Paper” as the submission type when making a SPARK Submission. In order to ensure that your Submission is correctly reviewed, the first word of the Submission Title MUST be “SPARK.” 

This session, similar to GIFTS Discussion Circles, has been highly successful as it invites participants to share exemplary experiential learning practice innovations in a group setting where attendees can interact with the presenters. The concept is to “SPARK” new ideas for shaping experiential learning that might include specific projects, the development of a course with experiential learning at its core, innovations in Study Abroad experiences, techniques for reflection, suggestions for evaluating experiential projects, or tools and resources developed to support experiential learning (i.e, guides to working with community partners). 

If accepted for inclusion in the SPARK Innovation in Practice Session, each presenter will give a 3-minute quick summation of their project/course. After the brief presentations, the audience will then visit presenters based on their interests/needs to learn more about specific projects. 

Upload a completed copy of your (10-page maximum) SPARK submission, double-spaced, 12-point font. While you do not need to remove any identifying information about your university or program, submitters should not include their name in the supporting file document. 

Your SPARK submission (10 pages maximum) must include the following in the uploaded supporting file document: 

A two-to-three-page narrative that identifies the elements below that are relevant: 

• The form of experiential learning being employed
• The goals of using experiential learning in this context
• How this represents an innovation in practice (i.e., how the submission highlights an innovative project, pedagogical approach, partnership, related assignments, reflection practices, learning outcomes, assessment, etc.) 
• The participants –class, level of students, number of students
• Any audience or community partners (if applicable)
• The ways that reflection is used to connect service and learning or to advance the experiential learning cycle
• Up to seven (7) pages of related material that help describe and highlight the project and helps reviewers assess the quality and scope of the project
• Submitters will be best determined what to include but you might consider such things as the course description, explanation of major assignments, reflection questions/prompts, examples of final projects, assessment data, reflections from students and/or community partners 

Incomplete submissions will not be considered for the convention. 

If accepted to the program, presenters agree to provide either electronic files or hard copies of a one-page handout to participants at the Spark session. 

The Division offers a Top SPARK Award. 

PLAY! SUBMISSION 

Play! submissions will withhold submitter names. 

Submitters should select “Individual Paper” as the submission type when making a Play! Submission. In order to ensure that your Submission is correctly reviewed, the first word of the Submission Title MUST be “Play!” 

This session, similar to GIFTS Discussion Circles, invites participants to share exemplary experiential learning practice innovations in a group setting where attendees participate in games and activities that inspire learning through movement and engagement. 

Play! Sessions give everyone the opportunity to Play! John Dewey said, “Give the students something to do, not something to learn, and the doing is such of a nature as to demand thinking, learning naturally results.” In today’s world, the time to play and enjoy ourselves is necessary and sometimes elusive. This is also true in our classrooms. As educators, we forget that we can teach, learn and enjoy. 

Presenters will provide an activity or series of activities that participants can engage in. Stations will be set up around the room so that all participants can play and learn. A focus on having fun while learning is critical to the format of the submission. The format of Play! is intentionally designed to get participants engaged and moving while learning about how to use experiential activities in the classroom. As participants arrive, they will work through the stations, getting to “Play!” and learn about how they might use these activities in their own classrooms. 

If accepted for inclusion in the Play! session, each presenter will give a 3-5 minute quick summation and interaction with the attendees. Time will be called and participants will then visit another presenter based on their interests/needs to play again. Presenters are responsible for bringing whatever props or handouts they need to explain and demonstrate their activity. 

Upload a completed copy of your (3-page maximum) Play! submission, double-spaced, 12-point font. While you do not need to remove any identifying information about your university or program, submitters should not include their name in the supporting file document. 

Your Play! submission must include the following in the uploaded supporting file document: 

A one- to two-page narrative that identifies the elements below that are relevant: 

• The name of the activity or game;
• Goals of using experiential learning in this context;
• How to utilize the game or activity in a course. Provide details that give the reader a good sense of what the game or activity is, how it is used and other ways it could be used as applicable; 
• The participants –class, level of students, number of students; and
• The ways that reflection is used to connect the activity to the course concepts to advance the experiential learning cycle.

You can provide up to three (3) pages of related material that help describe and highlight the activity and how it might be used in other communication courses. 

Incomplete submissions will not be considered for the convention. 

If accepted to the program, presenters agree to provide either electronic files or hard copies of a one-page handout to participants at the Play! session. 

PAPER SESSIONS 

Paper sessions, which feature three to five presenters and a chair, are reviewed with identifying information included and should provide the following information in an uploaded document: 

• The title of the session
• A description of the session
• If applicable, a suggestion of another NCA division that may be interested in co-sponsoring this session
• A chair who will moderate the session
• The title, brief abstract and author(s) information for each paper presentation
• A rationale of the session’s importance, purpose, and theme

* Please note that Paper Sessions should include a diversity of scholars and all session members should NOT be from the same college or university. Further, no participant in a session will have multiple roles (such as chair and presenter). If you fail to adhere to this, the panel will not be accepted. 

Like individual paper submissions, if your paper in a paper session includes data from participants, authors should include reflection on the demographic diversity of the sample (or lack thereof) and should consider how sample demographics influence the conclusions being reached, as per criterion of sample representativeness. 

Whether advancing your own scholarship, looking for connections between your interests and those of other scholars, seeking new ideas for your own research and teaching, or reconnecting with old friends and colleagues, we look forward to your participation! 

Submission deadline is March 25, 2026, 11:59 PM 

REVIEWING 

We invite volunteers to review submissions. Please sign up on the NCA Reviewer Sign-up Portal by Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 11:59 PM 

QUESTIONS? 

For any questions regarding the Experiential Learning in Communication Division programming, please contact: 

Dr. Heather J. Hether
Experiential Learning in Communication Division Planner
hjhether@ucdavis.edu 

Division

The Family Communication Division invites you to submit individual papers, paper sessions, extended abstracts (work in progress), and panel discussions addressing theory, research, community engagement, and/or pedagogy relevant to family communication in national and international contexts. We highly encourage innovative and cross-disciplinary submissions. 

The Division welcomes scholarship from diverse (meta)theoretical and methodological approaches. We value scholarship that embraces the diversity of families, includes marginalized identities and underrepresented groups, and acknowledges the effects of author positionality. We encourage members to embrace the 2026 Convention theme (“Move/Ments in Communication”) in creative ways. 

GENERAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

All paper and panel proposal submissions must be completed electronically through Convention Central (please refer to the step-by-step “How to Submit” instructions: http://www.natcom.org/conventionresources). 

Student-authored papers are welcome! Please specify student and/or debut papers by marking them as “student” and/or “debut” in the upper right corner of the first page of the manuscript. ”Student papers” are those authored exclusively by undergraduate and/or graduate students; “debut papers” are authored exclusively by those who are submitting to NCA for the first time. Please identify student papers by checking the appropriate box in Convention Central, as those papers will be considered for the top student paper award. 

Requests for any audiovisual needs must be requested at the time of submission. Note that these requests may not be able to be granted. 

Please designate paper presenters carefully. These designations, in part, determine when a paper can be paneled, so designating too many presenters can make it difficult to schedule. 

SPECIFIC SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

Below are guidelines for submitting (1) individual papers, (2) paper sessions, (3) panel discussions, and (4) research in progress: 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS 

Individual Papers are original papers written by an author or authors, submitted directly by the author(s), reviewed individually, and, if accepted, presented with other individual papers in a panel. Individual papers must be original material that has not been published or accepted for publication at the time of submission and has not been presented publicly at a scholarly conference. 

• Please submit a single anonymous (blinded by authors) document including:
• A title, but not a title page or any other author-identifying information to protect the anonymous peer review process.
• Please do not upload a separate document with author information—this gets added to the document sent to reviewers and means it is no longer anonymous.
• Make sure that university and location information is removed from the method section.
• An abstract of 250 words or fewer.
• A maximum of 30 pages of text, exclusive of title page, abstract, references, tables, and figures.
• Double-spaced text throughout in 12-point, Times New Roman font.
• A note on presentation formats: 

Individual papers may also be considered for Scholar-to-Scholar sessions. In these sessions, scholars present their work through interactive media formats such as videos, slide shows, experiential activities, or posters. To be considered for a Scholar-to-Scholar session, please check the appropriate box on the submission form in Convention Central. Find more information about Scholar to Scholar sessions here:
https://www.natcom.org/convention-events/convention-resources/convention-resource-library/scholar-scholar-faqs-and-tips

Individual papers may also be considered for paneling on blitz/high-density or roundtable sessions. To opt out of this consideration, please specify “traditional presentation only” in the upper right corner of the first page of the manuscript. 

PAPER SESSIONS 

Paper Sessions are a group of papers submitted as a preconceived session centered on a common theme. Papers are reviewed collectively and accepted as a group. 

Please submit a single document including: 

• A title for the entire session.
• A session description (maximum length: 75 words).
• A rationale for the session (maximum length: 1000 words), justifying the significance and theme of the session. For sessions related to the conference theme, include the connection to the theme in the rationale.
• A statement confirming that each presenter has committed to attend and participate.
• For each paper, include: a title, a short description (of 75 words or fewer to be included in the NCA online program), authors, and their affiliations. 

Note: The Division encourages paper sessions to include authors who represent multiple institutional affiliations. Each person should not serve in more than one role in a session. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

Panel Discussions involve a group of panelists who discuss a specific topic without formal paper presentations. 

Please submit a single document including: 

• A title for the entire panel.
• A list of presenters/authors and their affiliations.
• A short description of the panel (maximum length: 75 words) to be included in the NCA program.
• A rationale for the panel (maximum length: 1000 words), justifying the significance and theme of the panel. For panels related to the conference theme, include the connection to the theme in the rationale.
• A statement confirming that each presenter has committed to attend and participate. 

Note: The Division encourages panel discussions to include authors who represent multiple institutional affiliations. Each person should not serve in more than one role in a session. 

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS (Extended Abstract) 

This type of submission is designed for projects that are fully conceptualized but prior to or in the early stages of analysis/interpretation/critique/data collection so that we may engage in discussions that support the development of exceptional research. 

Submissions should be 500-700 words (excluding title, keywords, and references) and provide evidence of a fully rationalized research idea. 

Authors should be prepared to read the submissions of the other presenters before the session to cultivate a productive discussion during the session itself (facilitated by a chair). 

Please use the “Extended Abstract” option for Research in Progress submissions. 

AWARD CALLS FORTHCOMING 

Calls for nominations for division awards are forthcoming and will be disseminated via newsletter and social media (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ncafamilycommunication). Division awards include: 

Kathleen M. Galvin Distinguished Teaching and Mentoring Award
Sandra Petronio Dissertation Excellence Award
Distinguished Article Award
Dawn O. Braithwaite Distinguished Book Award
Leslie A. Baxter Early Career Award 

RESOURCES 

Be sure to visit the Convention Resource Library to find resources and guides to the submission process (https://www.natcom.org/convention-events/convention-resources/convention-resource-library). 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Please review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants before submitting (https://www.natcom.org/sites/default/files/NCA_Convention_Resources_Convention_Standards.pdf). 

QUESTIONS

Please contact the Family Communication Division Program Planner with questions or concerns: 

Trevor Kauer
Mayo Clinic Florida Comprehensive Cancer Center
Kauer.trevor@mayo.edu / tbkauer@gmail.com 

Division

The Feminist and Gender Studies Division is interested in themes related to feminist and gender studies in communication. We encourage and support research, action, and understandings of the profession that address intersections of power, agency, representation, and voice, including (but not limited to) race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, technology, nationality, and transnationalism. The division also welcomes work that challenges existing theoretical paradigms that have excluded the voices of marginalized experiences, especially those that intersect with gender and sexuality in myriad contexts globally. 

This year’s convention theme, MOVE/MENTS in Communication, invites a critical rethinking of communication and media studies by challenging the field’s Euro-American foundations. What futures could communication studies imagine if we embrace the fluidity of global movements and center solidarity across borders—redefining the field as a transformative force that amplifies marginalized voices, dismantles systemic and gendered inequities, and fosters transnational knowledge-sharing for collective liberation? How might the discipline evolve if we approach it from a perspective of flux—prioritizing intersectional empowerment and collaborative strategies that challenge Eurocentric paradigms? Through a transnational feminist lens, communication studies can envision futures where knowledge production resists colonial structures, centers diverse lived experiences, and builds global networks of solidarity for justice and liberation. Focusing on a feminist ethics of care, the division’s call highlights critical interventions addressing the historical, local, and contextual factors shaping knowledge production. It simultaneously invites us to advance collective understanding and communication practices rooted in empathy, prioritizing the needs of gendered bodies, children, disabled individuals, and caregivers. Feminist and gender studies scholarship has always advocated for effective communication strategies that acknowledges and addresses intersectional identities, making interactions more inclusive and understanding. As such, this call encourages communicative strategies that give space to these intersectional and/or marginalized voices, dismantling hierarchies that silence or devalue them. The division invites submissions that foster participatory dialogues where learning is co-constructed, valuing lived experiences alongside theoretical knowledge. Thus, submissions that emphasize inclusive dialogue, critical awareness, and transformative interactions aligned with the theme “MOVE/MENTS in Communication,” are highly encouraged. These contributions should serve as frameworks to actively advance feminist and gender studies agendas, bridging theory and practice. 

Innovative scholarship outlining specific strategies to foster, cultivate, engage, and deepen ongoing dialogue among feminists is especially appreciated. Research that addresses the intersection of various strands of national and transnational feminisms, the linked discourses of race-class-ethnicity-gender-sexuality, embodied feminist research and activism, feminist politics and scholarship, feminist historical movements and their significance to contemporary politics and perspectives, and interdisciplinarity is strongly recommended. 

While participants are encouraged to consider the 2026 theme “MOVE/MENTS in Communication,” all submissions relating to feminism(s), Black feminism(s), womanism(s), women’s studies, transnational feminism(s), non-Western feminism(s), women of color feminism(s), trans feminism(s), and queer feminism(s), among others, are welcome. Feminist perspectives on masculinities and comparative research on gender and sexuality across communication contexts are also encouraged. 

For panels and sessions that include individual participants’ names, we encourage contributors to include their gender pronouns along with their affiliations. 

The Division solicits for submission: 

1. Individual Papers
2. Paper Sessions
3. Panel Discussions
4. Performance Sessions

Additional details about submissions in each format is included below: 

The Feminist and Gender Studies Division is especially interested in scholarship that is intersectional; thus, we will continue to partner with other divisions and caucuses to co-sponsor a wider variety of sessions. Please indicate in your submission if your panel discussion, paper session proposal, or performance session aligns with one or more of the following divisions and caucuses: 

• Activism and Social Justice Division
• African American Communication & Culture Division
• American Studies Division
• Asian Pacific American Communication Studies Division and Caucus
• Black Caucus
• Disability Issues Caucus
• Communication and Military Division
• Critical and Cultural Studies Division
• Caucus on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communication Concerns
• Environmental Communication Division
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communication Studies Division
• Health Communication Division
• Indigenous Caucus
• International and Intercultural Communication Division
• Latina/o Communication Studies Division
• La Raza Caucus
• Performance Studies Division
• Women’s Caucus 

Submissions must be made through NCA Convention Central. 

• All submissions must be completed via the NCA Convention Central
• Please observe NCA guidelines and do not submit the same submission to more than one division. 
• Sessions must include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from a single or a couple of institutions. 
• A single person should not serve more than one role in a session (i.e., chair, respondent, or presenter). 
• Participants are encouraged to keep equipment requests to a minimum. Requests for specific AV equipment must be submitted online at the time of submission. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS 

• No information identifying the author may appear in the uploaded paper file. To ensure anonymous review, submitters should remove their name(s) from the paper (including title page and headers) and the document’s embedded properties before uploading the document. Author information is collected elsewhere in the system.
• Include both a TITLE and 250-word ABSTRACT of the paper on the cover sheet.
• The maximum paper length is 30 double-spaced pages including front matter, back matter, and notes. Participants are reminded that the time limit for presentation for most papers at the convention is 12-15 minutes.
• Please follow an appropriate scholarly style guide (e.g., MLA, Chicago, or APA)
• Submissions must be uploaded into NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. 

Scholar-to-Scholar Consideration: Please indicate if you are willing to present in a Scholar-to-Scholar session by checking the appropriate electronic agreement box. Similar to an interactive poster session, NCA’s “Scholar-to-Scholar” sessions highlight interactive forms of presentation that lend themselves well to visual modes of presentation and promote one-on-one engagement between presenters and audience members. 

Top Paper Recognition: The Division recognizes the top competitively submitted paper and the top student-authored paper submitted competitively. Students who are currently enrolled at an academic institution and who wish to be considered for the top student paper award should identify themselves as “student” when making their submission by clicking the appropriate box on the electronic submission form. 

PAPER SESSIONS 

The paper session format encourages a thoughtful coordination of multiple papers around a central topic of interest to the FGSD. Typically, paper sessions should include at least four papers in addition to a chair and respondent. Due to the nature of paper sessions, the participants are not anonymous to the reviewing pool. Sessions must include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from a single or couple of institution(s). A single person should not serve more than one role on a session (i.e., chair, respondent, or presenter). 

Paper Session Proposals must include: 

1. Paper session title.
2. Session description of no more than 75 words.
3. A rationale of no more than 250 words for the session. This statement should include an overall rationale for the significance of the session (including, when appropriate, a brief overview of relevant scholarship).
4. A session chair must be included and should be identified along with their affiliation. If the session will include a respondent, also identify this person and their affiliation.
5. The title and abstract for each paper to be presented along with each author’s affiliation.

Note: If the session is a good candidate for co-sponsorship with another division, caucus, or affiliate organization please, include that information in the special requests box. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

Panel discussion formats encourage interaction among panelists and with audience members around a central topic of interest to the FGSD. No papers are presented during a panel discussion. Due to the nature of panel discussions, the participants are not anonymous to the reviewing pool. Sessions must include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from a single or couple of institution(s). A single person should not serve more than one role on a session (i.e., chair, respondent, or presenter). 

Panel discussions must include: 

1. Panel discussion title.
2. Session description of no more than 75 words.
3. A rationale of no more than 250 words for the panel. This statement should include an overall rationale for the significance of the panel (including, when appropriate, a brief overview of relevant scholarship and rationale for the appropriateness of the participants for the topic).
4. If this panel will be guided primarily by a series of questions/ prompts suitable for a roundtable discussion, please include a representative list of those questions as part of your proposal. 
5. The session chair must be identified along with their affiliation. 
6. Include each participant’s name and affiliation, and information about each participant that demonstrates their expertise as a panelist and the general scope of what they bring to the panel discussion. 

Note: If the session is a good candidate for co-sponsorship with another division, caucus, or affiliate organization please, include that information in the special requests box. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

PERFORMANCE SESSIONS 

The performance session format encourages multiple performances that engage a central topic of interest to the FGSD. Due to the nature of performance sessions, the author(s) are not anonymous to the reviewing pool. Sessions must include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from a single or couple of institution(s). A single person should not serve more than one role on a session (i.e., chair, respondent, or presenter). 

Performance sessions must include: 

1. Performance session title.
2. Session description of no more than 75 words.
3. A rationale of no more than 250 words for the session. This statement should include an overall rationale for the significance of the session (including, when appropriate, a brief overview of relevant scholarship).
4. A session chair must be included and should be identified along with their affiliation. If the session will include a respondent, also identify this person and their affiliation. 
5. The title, description, and brief abstract for each performance should be included along with each performer’s name and affiliation.

Notes: If the session is a good candidate for co-sponsorship with another division, caucus, or affiliate organization please, include that information in the special requests box. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants (URL:https://www.natcom.org/sites/default/files/NCA_Convention_Resources_Convention_Standards.pdf) prior to submission. 

Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instruction on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library (URL: https://www.natcom.org/convention-events/convention-resources/convention-resource-library/scholar-scholar-faqs-and-tips). 

QUESTIONS? 

For any questions regarding the Feminist and Gender Studies programming, please contact: 

Darshana Sreedhar Mini (she/They)
Feminist and Gender Studies Division Program Planner
dmini@wisc.edu 

Division

The Freedom of Expression Division of the National Communication Association promotes the research and study of free expression and the First Amendment. The division provides an academic home for scholars interested in legal, ethical, rhetorical, historical, and other approaches to the study and application of free expression in society. The division welcomes investigation, analysis, and dialogue among communication scholars concerned with issues pertaining to free expression. 

The division acknowledges achievements in scholarly excellence by awarding the Robert M. O’Neill Top Paper Award as well as a Top Student Paper Award. The division also collaborates with and advocates for the journal Communication and Democracy, a peer-reviewed NCA journal that publishes original essays contributing to theory and policy on all aspects of free speech. Scholars interested in joining the Freedom of Expression listserv for announcements, discussion, and collaboration should contact the program planner or division officers. 

The Freedom of Expression Division welcomes submissions that reflect the 2026 NCA convention theme, “MOVE/MENTS in Communication,” and encourages work addressing freedom of expression issues. Submissions should be institutionally diverse, and participants should not serve in more than one role on a panel. 

We encourage individual papers, panel discussions, and paper sessions that explore scholarly and pedagogical issues related to historical and contemporary free speech concerns. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the evolution of judicial opinions on the First Amendment, philosophical influences on judicial thinking, regulation of expressive opportunities in physical and virtual spaces, academic freedom, the impact of key cases on public thought and policy, and contemporary cultural challenges to free speech theory and law. We look forward to creative proposals that offer intellectually engaging opportunities for audiences within and beyond academic communities. 

SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

To avoid unnecessary problems with submission and review, please carefully review the following guidelines: 

1. Papers and sessions must besubmittedelectronically via NCA Convention Central. Compressed or zip files will not be accepted. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions, are available in the Convention Resource Library (http://www.natcom.org/conventionresources).
2.  Each submission should be made to one unit only. Only one submission may be made to this division.
3. All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. 

SUBMITTING AN INDIVIDUAL PAPER 

Submitted papers should include: 

• Title of the paper
• Minimum of one keyword
• 250–500 word abstract/description
• Author(s) information, including affiliation
• 1,000–6,000 words of main text uploaded as a supporting file
• Identification of student submissions on the electronic form 

Note: No information identifying the author(s) may appear in the abstract or uploaded paper file. 

SUBMITTING A PANEL DISCUSSION 

Submissions for a roundtable panel discussion should include: 

• Panel title
• Minimum of one keyword
• Panel description (75 words maximum) for the online convention program
• Name and affiliation of the chair and all panel discussants
• Panel rationale (500 words maximum) justifying the significance, theme, and fit with the division 

SUBMITTING A PAPER SESSION 

Submissions for a paper session should include:

• Paper session title
• Minimum of one keyword
• Paper session description (75 words maximum) for the online convention program
• Paper session rationale (500 words maximum) explaining the significance and fit with the division
• Name and affiliation of the chair and all individual paper presenters
• Titles and abstracts (250 words maximum) for each individual paper 

AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT 

Participants are encouraged to keep audiovisual requests to a minimum. Requests for specific equipment must be submitted online and must meet the same submission deadlines as paper and panel proposals. 

Program Planner:
Ben Medeiros, State University of New York at Plattsburgh
bmede001@plattsburgh.edu 

Division

The purpose of the Game Studies Division is to promote scholarship that highlights communicative behavior in video games, simulations, virtual environments, analog games, and massive online worlds. Members are concerned with video game use and exposure effects, motivations for playing, games as a social laboratory, serious games, and the rhetorical, theoretical, critical, and feminist dimensions of this widely popular but still controversial technology. 

The Game Studies Division encourages creative submissions that describe and analyze innovative approaches to video or analog game-related issues, as well as submissions that foster opportunities for collaboration among attendees. Submissions that portray, research, or enhance the convention theme, “Movements in Communication,” are especially encouraged. 

For 2026, the Game Studies Division will accept four types of submissions: Individual Papers, Extended Abstracts, Panel Discussions, and Performance Sessions. While some sessions will consist of traditional paper presentation formats, Individual Papers and Extended Abstracts may also be programmed into high-density sessions in which 8–10 papers are presented in five-minute formats (based on submission volume and available slots). 

Only Individual Papers are eligible for Top Paper awards. Panel Discussions must be submitted as complete proposals consisting of four to six scholars on a topic of specific interest to Game Studies scholarship; panels will be chaired and moderated by the Division’s program planner. Performance Sessions include playtests, play sessions, or other interactive activities that expand Game Studies scholarship and/or connect to the conference theme. Acceptance of Panel Discussions and Performance Sessions is not guaranteed. 

All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central and adhere to the submission requirements outlined below. 

For answers to common submission questions, please consult the “Convention Submission Process” instructions available in the Convention Library. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPER REQUIREMENTS 

1. Submissions must include a double-spaced document with 1-inch margins, using Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point font.
2. A strict 30-page limit applies and includes all paper elements (paper body, references, tables, and figures). Title pages and abstracts are not required, as this information is entered directly into Convention Central.
3. At least one author must agree to serve as a reviewer for Game Studies Division submissions. Failure to review when called may result in disqualification. Student submitters will be given lower priority for reviewer selection.
4. All submissions must include a one- to two-sentence citation statement explaining how citations include historically marginalized voices or subject matter. “I don’t know” is an acceptable statement and will not impact review outcomes. This statement should appear at the top of the document following the label “Citation Statement.”
5. Papers must be uploaded to Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions for preparing anonymous submissions are available in the Convention Resource Library. Submissions must include title, paper description, keywords, and AV requests. Authors should indicate willingness to participate in Scholar-to-Scholar when prompted in the system.
6.  Student paper submissions must select “yes” to the student submission question in Convention Central. 

The Game Studies Division will recognize Top Papers (student and faculty) during a special paper session. 

EXTENDED ABSTRACT REQUIREMENTS 

1. Submissions must include a double-spaced document with 1-inch margins, using Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point font.
2. Submissions may not exceed 2,500 words, including all paper elements (paper body, references, tables, and figures). Title pages and abstracts are entered directly into Convention Central. Submissions must describe the project’s current stage and significance.
3. At least one author must agree to serve as a reviewer for Game Studies Division submissions. Failure to review may result in disqualification. Student submitters will receive lower priority for reviewer selection.
4. All submissions must include a citation statement addressing the inclusion of historically marginalized voices, following the same guidelines as Individual Papers.
5. Extended Abstracts must be uploaded anonymously to Convention Central and include title, paper description, keywords, and AV requests.
6. Student extended abstract submissions must select “yes” to the student submission question. 

Extended Abstracts are not eligible for Top Paper awards. 

PANEL DISCUSSION REQUIREMENTS 

Panel submissions must include a panel title; names, contact information, and institutional affiliations of all panelists; a panel description (approximately 100 words); and a detailed rationale (approximately 1,500 words) for peer evaluation. Panels should be entered directly into Convention Central; no documents should be uploaded. Panels should include the Game Studies Division program planner as chair, though a co-chair may also be named. Four to six panelists are recommended, with preference given to panels demonstrating institutional diversity. 

PERFORMANCE SESSION REQUIREMENTS 

Performance Session submissions must include a session title; names, contact information, and institutional affiliations of session facilitators; a session description (approximately 100 words, indicating whether it is a playtest or play session); a detailed rationale (approximately 1,500 words); and a link to the game or gameplay video if available. Original creations may alternatively include a 200-word, single-spaced description of the game format and intended player experience. Submissions must be entered directly into Convention Central; no documents should be uploaded. 

All submissions will be peer reviewed. Individual Papers and Extended Abstracts will be reviewed anonymously, while Panel and Performance Session submissions will include identifying information. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. These resources are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

QUESTIONS? 

Questions may be directed to the Game Studies Division Program Planner:
Jorge Peña
Vice-Chair, Game Studies Division
University of California, Davis
jpena@ucdavis.edu 

Division

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (GLBTQ) Communication Studies Division invites submissions for NCA’s 112th Annual Convention. Various types of submissions will be considered, including: (1) individual papers, (2) paper sessions, (3) panel discussions, (4) performance sessions, and (5) research in progress. 

Anti-GLBTQ bills continue to be introduced and passed at the state and federal level in the United States, and GLBTQ people face oppression and discrimination worldwide. While it is easy to focus on continued threats to the GLBTQ community, expressions of queer joy also remind us of the creativity and resilience of GLBTQ people. The division seeks submissions that raise up GLBTQ voices and show support for those who cannot speak. 

The GLBTQ Communication Studies Division invites submissions that engage the conference both nationally and internationally. We encourage authors to consider how the intersections of identity (race, ability, gender, citizenship, class, religion, sexuality) illuminate transformative possibilities for queer and trans people. 

Because the conference encompasses a variety of disciplinary perspectives, the division especially welcomes submissions that spark dialogue across units through innovative programming that treats queerness and transness as essential to the study of communication. We continue to prioritize work centered on transnationality and decoloniality in theorizing queerness and trans experiences. 

The division seeks co-sponsored panels and encourages authors to indicate alignment with one or more of the following divisions or caucuses:

• International and Intercultural Communication Division
• Feminist and Gender Studies Division
• Latino/Latina Communication Studies Division
• African American Communication & Culture Division
• Disabilities Issues Caucus
• Critical and Cultural Studies Division
• Performance Studies Division
• Activism and Social Justice Division
• American Studies Division
• Family Communication Division
• Interpersonal Communication Studies Division
• Environmental Communication Division
• Indigenous Caucus
• Caucus on LGBTQ Concerns
• Black Caucus
• La Raza Caucus
• Women’s Caucus
• Asian Pacific American Caucus & Studies Division 

The GLBTQ Communication Studies Division will accept the following submission types: individual papers, paper sessions, panel discussions, performance sessions, and research in progress. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS 

Individual Paper submissions should: 

• Be complete research papers (not abstracts only)
• Include a title and a description of no more than 300 words
• Identify all author(s)
• List three keywords
• Upload a paper not exceeding 30 pages (12-point font), including notes, references, figures, and tables
• Exclude identifying information from the description and uploaded document (student papers should be designated as “student authored” in the electronic submission process)
• Indicate willingness to present in Scholar-to-Scholar (S2S) sessions by checking the appropriate agreement box 

Student and student debut papers should be clearly marked in the upper right corner of the uploaded document. 

PAPER SESSIONS 

Paper Session proposals should:

• Provide a session title
• Include a session description for the convention program (under 75 words)
• Identify a session chair (required) and respondent (optional)
• Include the title, description (under 500 words), and author(s) for each paper
• List three keywords
• Provide a session rationale (under 1,000 words) 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

Panel Discussion proposals should:

• Provide a panel title
• Include a session description for the convention program (under 75 words)
• List presenters and identify a session chair (required) and respondent (optional)
• Provide a rationale for the panel or performance, including each discussant’s qualifications (under 1,000 words) 

PERFORMANCE SESSIONS 

Performance Session proposals should: 

• Provide a session title
• Include a session description for the convention program (under 75 words)
• Identify a session chair (required) and respondent (optional)
• Include the title, description (under 500 words), and performer(s) for each performance
• Provide a session rationale (under 1,000 words)
• Note that each submission must be made to one unit only and that all AV requests must be made at the time of submission 

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 

Research in Progress submissions should:

• Be abstracts of fully conceptualized research projects in early stages of analysis, interpretation, critique, or data collection
• Include a title
• Identify all author(s)
• List three keywords
• Be 500–700 words (excluding title, keywords, and references)
• Demonstrate a fully rationalized research idea
• Require authors to read fellow presenters’ submissions prior to the session to support productive dialogue
• Use the “Extended Abstract” option in Convention Central 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

QUESTIONS? 

For questions about the submission process, please contact the unit planner:
Dr. Beck Banks, Warren Wilson College
bbanks@warren-wilson.edu 

Division

The Group Communication Division examines group and intergroup communication across a variety of contexts. The Division conceives of group communication broadly and welcomes submissions that focus on diverse group and intergroup contexts, including but not limited to organizational work teams; crisis management teams; family, religious, educational, and recreational activities; non-profit groups; sports teams; student groups; activist and social movements; and online and virtual environments. 

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, decision-making, information sharing, relational communication, language and argument, intergroup relations, conflict, collaboration, competition, coordination, identity, leadership, participation, facilitation, technology, and social networks. 

The division welcomes papers and proposals from a wide range of research methodologies. We encourage the study of group communication across areas of the discipline and welcome proposals for panels that may be co-sponsored with another NCA unit. We also encourage papers that align with the 2026 NCA conference theme: MOVE/MENTS in Communication. 

The Group Communication Division invites submissions of competitive individual papers, extended abstracts, paper sessions, and panel discussions on topics of general interest to the Division’s membership. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

GENERAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

To avoid unnecessary problems with the submission and review process, please carefully follow these guidelines: 

1. Completed papers (or extended abstracts), paper sessions, and panel discussions must besubmittedelectronically through NCA Convention Central, which is linked from the main NCA webpage at www.natcom.org/convention.
2. Each submission should be made to only one unit.
3. All submissions should provide a list of keywords, including keywords related to methodology. 

COMPLETED INDIVIDUAL PAPERS AND EXTENDED ABSTRACTS 

Please complete the required electronic submission fields, including title, description, author(s), and keywords. Upload a copy of your manuscript after removing title pages and any identifying information. 

Clearly identify extended abstract submissions by including “Extended Abstract:” in the title on the first page of the uploaded manuscript. If all authors are students, identify the submission as “Student Authored Paper:” on the first page and in the electronic submission form. All authors must be students to use this label. 

Manuscript Format 

Completed papers must be a maximum of 25 pages, double-spaced, using 12-point font (excluding title page, references, figures, and tables) and must follow APA format. 

Extended abstracts must be between 5 and 12 pages, double-spaced, using 12-point font (excluding title page, references, figures, and tables) and must follow APA format. 

PAPER SESSION SUBMISSIONS 

Paper sessions include three or four papers organized around a common theme and are reviewed as a complete submission. These sessions are not blind-reviewed. 

Paper session submissions must include:

• A session title and short description for the online program
• A chair (required) and respondent (optional)
• Titles, descriptions, and author information for each paper
• Keywords
• A session rationale explaining the session’s contribution to group communication theory, research, practice, and/or pedagogy 

Paper sessions should represent multiple institutions. A single individual should not serve more than one role (chair, respondent, author, or presenter). 

PANEL DISCUSSION SUBMISSIONS 

Panel discussions engage multiple panelists in a formal, interactive discussion related to group communication theory, research, practice, and/or pedagogy. Panel submissions are not blind-reviewed. 

Panel discussion submissions must include:

• A session title and short description for the online program
• A chair (required) and respondent (optional)
• Names of all presenters
• Keywords
• A session rationale explaining the panel’s contribution to group communication 

Panel discussions should include participants from multiple institutions. A single individual should not serve more than one role. 

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS 

• Papers involving participant data must include a theoretically grounded reflection on demographic diversity and sample representativeness beyond a standard limitations section.
• Individual papers may not besubmitted to more than one division.
• Awards are given for top papers and top student papers; extended abstracts are not eligible for top paper awards.
• All audiovisual requests must be made at the time of submission. 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

QUESTIONS? 

For questions regarding Group Communication Division programming, please contact:
Dron M. Mandhana
Group Communication Division Vice Chair and 2026 Program Planner
dron.mandhana@villanova.edu 

Division

The Health Communication Division invites submissions related to the practice, critique, theory, research, and teaching of health communication. We welcome a variety of theoretical, empirical, and methodological approaches in several formats, including Extended Abstracts for Research in Progress (Collaboration Spaces), Individual Papers, and Panel Discussions. 

This year, NCA Vice President Dr. Shaunak Sastry encourages submitters to consider the convention theme, “Movements in Communication.” The theme invites exploration of the social, cultural, and political movements that have come to define the discipline and practice of communication. 

We invite the following types of submissions:

1. Research in Progress (Collaboration Spaces)
2. Papers
   1. Traditional Papers
   2. Data Blitz Papers
3. Panels
   1. Traditional Panels
   2. Spotlight Panels 

Submissions must observe NCA submission guidelines as well as the specific requirements outlined below. Student-only submissions (all authors are students) are eligible for the Top Student Paper Award. Student-led submissions (student first author with faculty co-author) are eligible for the Top Paper Awards. All submitters are expected to serve as reviewers. 

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS (COLLABORATION SPACES) 

This submission type is designed for projects that are fully conceptualized but prior to or in the early stages of analysis, interpretation, critique, or data collection. These sessions support discussion-oriented collaboration and feedback. 

Submission requirements:

• Submissions should be 500–700 words (excluding title, keywords, and references) and demonstrate a fully rationalized research idea.
• Authors should be prepared to read fellow presenters’ submissions prior to the session to support productive discussion (facilitated by a chair).
• Please use the “Extended Abstract” option in NCA Convention Central for Research in Progress (Collaboration Spaces) submissions. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS 

Competitive individual papers may be presented in traditional paper sessions or Data Blitz sessions. In Data Blitz sessions, presenters share results in 3–4 minutes, with the remainder of the session devoted to discussion. 

Submission requirements:

• Only complete papers will be considered.
• Papers must be no longer than 25 double-spaced pages with 1-inch margins and 12-point font (abstract, references, tables, and figures are excluded from the page limit).
• Papers must conform to APA 7th Edition guidelines and be uploaded as a PDF.
• All identifying author information (names, institutions, hidden document properties) must be removed; submissions that include identifying information will not be reviewed.
• Authors must specify if all authors are students in the electronic submission form.
• Authors should specify on the title page if they wish the paper to be considered for the Data Blitz format. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

The Health Communication Division welcomes panel discussions featuring scholars, practitioners, or combinations of both. We encourage submissions that align with key areas of health communication and/or the conference theme. 

Panel formats include:

• Traditional Panels
• Spotlight Panels (indicate “Spotlight Panel” in the panel title) 

Spotlight Panels should:

• Engage health communication through diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g., mentoring and survival for scholars at the margins)
• Bring together scholars from diverse institutional contexts to discuss teaching health communication
• Showcase how health is performed in everyday life, locally and globally
• Bridge health-related issues across multiple NCA units (e.g., co-sponsored panels) 

Panel submission guidelines:

• Include a title, chair, AV requests, and presenter names and affiliations.
• Traditional panels require a 250-word (maximum) abstract for each paper.
• Spotlight panels require a 75-word abbreviated panel abstract and a rationale of up to 500 words.
• Panels should include at least five presenters representing a minimum of three institutions.
• A single individual should not serve more than one role (chair/facilitator or presenter).
• Submitters may upload optional supporting documents (e.g., short panelist bios).
• Spotlight panels should include a panel facilitator responsible for guiding discussion and audience engagement. 

QUESTIONS?

Division

The Human Communication and Technology Division (HCTD) of the National Communication Association invites submissions for the 112th Annual Convention to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from November 19-22, 2026. 

The HCTD promotes research, theory, pedagogy, and other applications regarding the implications of technologically-mediated communication for relationships, communities, classrooms, organizations, and other social contexts. Our members employ diverse methodological approaches and are concerned with a wide range of topics, including (but not limited to): computer-mediated communication, social media, online dating, (micro)blogging, artificial intelligence, virtual communities, gaming, mobile technologies, text messaging, virtual collaboration, information literacy, as well as international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary perspectives related to human communication and technology. The tie that binds research presented within the HCTD is an explicit focus on, and core placement of, questions pertinent to technologically-mediated communication. The HCTD also welcomes submissions that speak to the 2026 convention theme, “Movements in Communication.” Accepted papers are expected to be presented in-person in New Orleans. 

The HCTD will accept the following submission types: Individual Papers, Paper Sessions, and Panel Discussions. Extended abstracts are not accepted in this division. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

Individual paper submissions will be competitively evaluated. Please complete the required electronic submission fields including title, abstract, author(s), keywords. Please indicate whether your submission is a student paper (i.e., all of the authors are students). Additionally, please indicate whether you want your paper to be considered for a Scholar-to-Scholar presentation. Papers must

• be prepared for blind review, removing any identifying information,
• be no more than 8,000 words in length (excluding references, tables, and figures), and
• be prepared using 7th Edition APA style.

The HCTD does not accept work written in part or in whole by artificial intelligence. Instructions on how to prepare a blind copy are provided in the Convention Resource Library. Papers that include data from participants are encouraged to include a concrete reflection on the demographic diversity of the sample (or lack thereof) in a theoretically rich way within the discussion of the paper, including ways in which sample demographics shape the boundaries of the conclusions being reached. The Top Paper and the Top Student Paper will be presented at respective Top Paper and Top Student Paper panels and will be recognized at the HCTD’s business meeting. The Top Student Paper author(s) will also receive a cash award. 

PAPER SESSIONS

Submissions that involve a thematic collection of papers will be competitively evaluated. Paper sessions must include

• a title and description for the overall session;
• a session chair (required) and respondent (optional);
• titles, description (maximum 500 words), and authorship information for each paper involved in the session; and
• a rationale for the overall proposed session submission that outlines the importance of the session (maximum 500 words).

Paper sessions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author, performer, filmmaker, or presenter) in a submission. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Submissions that involve a group of panelists discussing a specific topic will be competitively evaluated. No papers are presented in a panel discussion. Panel discussions must include

• a specific overall title for the panel discussion,
• a description for the convention program (maximum 100 words),
• a list of panelists and a session chair, and
• a rationale for the overall proposed submission that outlines the importance of the panel discussion (maximum 500 words).

Panel discussions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author, performer, filmmaker, or presenter) in a submission. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

QUESTIONS

For any questions, please reach out to the Human Communication & Technology Division Vice Chair & Program Planner: 

Katy Coduto, Ph.D. 

Boston University
kdcoduto@bu.edu 

Division

The purpose of the Instructional Development Division (IDD) is to explore how practices of communication intersect with practices of teaching and learning at various stages in learners’ lives. Members seek to use instructional settings (e.g., Sprague, 2002) as a vehicle for understanding communication processes, behaviors, and outcomes. Simultaneously, division members seek to use scholarly dialogue about communication to better understand fundamental processes involved in teaching and learning.

IDD invites submissions for the 112th Annual Convention of the National Communication Association. We encourage submissions that reflect or enhance the convention theme, “MOVE/MENTS in Communication.” Describing movement as the “defining feature of humans in the 21st century,” NCA 2nd Vice President Dr. Shaunak Sastry invites us to consider not only the social, cultural, and political movements that have come to define our discipline, but also to examine how our generation’s challenges will shape the scholarship, teaching, and practice of communication in years to come. Other questions posed by Dr. Sastry in this theme concern the politics of movement and associated barriers (“Who can and cannot move?”), the affective dimensions of movement (“What sort of communication moves us?” “How does communication move us into action?”), and how this theme relates to the history and identity of our host city, New Orleans. This convention theme inspires us to explore the myriad “possibilities of movement” in Communication Studies as a field broadly, but also in IDD specifically. 

Honoring this theme, IDD welcomes all varieties of well-designed, theoretically, and/or methodologically sound submissions related to instructional communication, pedagogy, and the teaching and/or learning processes at various developmental stages in individuals’ lives and in varied instructional contexts. IDD will consider three types of competitively reviewed submissions: individual papers, panel discussions, and paper sessions. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

Include complete reports of original research, thematic reviews of literature, or theoretical essays/position papers. Papers must include all required fields on the electronic form (title, author(s), description, keywords, audiovisual, and scholar-to-scholar agreement). Submitters must upload a completed copy of their paper including an abstract and a maximum of 30 double-spaced pages. References, tables, figures, or appendices do not count toward the 30-page maximum. There is no minimum page limit. Individual paper submissions should remove all identifying information (e.g., author name, university affiliation) from the PDF file that is uploaded. The paper must be in PDF format (no Word or Pages documents will be accepted for review). A paper may ONLY be submitted to one (1) NCA division or unit for review. All submissions must be original work, not previously presented at NCA or any other professional conferences, and not previously published. If you are willing to be considered for a Scholar-to-Scholar (S2S) session, please indicate this during the submission process (via NCA Convention Central). S2S papers should meet typical standards for high-quality scholarship. In S2S sessions, wandering scholars (e.g., experts in the field) engage participants, stimulate discussions, and provide personal feedback. The S2S format also allows presenters to experiment with alternative presentation formats such as video, interactive media, slide shows, experimental activities, as well as posters describing their scholarship. Awards will be presented for Top Papers and Top Student Papers. Please indicate whether this is a solely student-authored paper when submitting to NCA Convention Central to be included in the review for Top Student Papers. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Are ideal for research or theoretical projects still under development (where fully developed paper submission is not possible), and/or research topics that might stimulate and benefit from audience interaction and engagement with scholars serving as panelists. For the 2026 conference, we encourage “research in progress discussion panels” that highlight current scholarship that is still developing and might not be completed by the conference, along with innovative discussion panels highlighting important topics related to instructional communication. Proposals must contain: (1) a title; (2) description (75 words or less); (3) rationale for the panel (250 words or less); (4) list of individual presenters and a chair, along with their institutional affiliations; and (5) a brief abstract of each participant’s role in the panel discussion (100 words or less) uploaded as a supporting file. Preference will be given to panels featuring representation from multiple institutions rather than those that include speakers from a single institution and, again, connection to the conference theme is strongly encouraged. 

PAPER SESSIONS

Should comprise 3-5 fully developed individual papers relevant to a common theme, topic, or research area. Proposals must contain: (1) session title; (2) description of the session; (3) name of session chair; (4) name of respondent (if applicable); (5) title and an abstract (125 words maximum) for each paper presentation along with author information; and (6) rationale for the session which describes the overarching theme of the papers that are being presented. Similar to panel discussions, preference will be given to integrated paper sessions that include authors/speakers from multiple institutions and connect to the conference theme. 

All materials must be submitted online through NCA Convention Central. Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted. Proposals for special programming, short courses, pre conferences, seminars, or GIFTS (i.e., Great Ideas for Teaching Students) should be submitted directly to the program planners for those areas (see NCA Convention Central for contact information). Please confirm your email address listed in NCA Convention Central before submission as all correspondence will be sent to this email address. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

For additional instructions on completing a submission, please refer to the step-by-step “Convention Submission Process” instructions provided in the NCA Convention Resource Library. All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Character limits are standardized by NCA Convention Central.

QUESTIONS?

For any questions regarding the Instructional Development Division programming, please contact: 

Dr. Sara LaBelle
IDD Vice Chair and Program Planner
Associate Professor
School of Communication
Chapman University
labelle@chapman.edu 

International and Intercultural Communication Division 

Division

The International and Intercultural Communication Division (IICD) of the National Communication Association invites scholarly submissions that examine, question, and/or critique communication in and across cultural, intercultural, and international contexts. 

The 2026 convention theme encourages scholars, teachers, practitioners, and performers in the field of international and intercultural communication to share new ideas, pursue new lines of inquiry, engage diverse theoretical and methodological approaches, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and produce transformative scholarship. First Vice President Shaunak Sastry invites us to explore movements in communication. Through its variety of theoretical and methodological approaches that specifically highlight colonialism and migration, the ensuing intermingling of cultures, and issues of social justice, the international and intercultural communication division is a great platform to examine any and all of these aspects of movements in communication. 

We especially encourage submitters to critically consider what the contributions of the field of international and intercultural communication have been to these issues and what are the challenges that persist in addressing them. How can our discipline continue to move forward in addressing these challenges and pushing the boundaries, especially when it comes to tackling the rising challenges of global anti-immigration sentiment and supporting those who are most harmed by the ensuing policies? How is intercultural communication responding to the attacks on racial justice movements and programs in the current political climate? How do we move forward with international and intercultural communication while thinking about social justice? How can our discipline exhibit leadership in moving others to action, both within and outside of academia? 

The division welcomes diverse theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. We also encourage innovative and interdisciplinary scholarship that invites co-sponsorship with other divisions. Please indicate in your submission if your proposal aligns with one or more of the NCA divisions and caucuses. IICD is also interested in submissions that engage the 2026 convention location, New Orleans, LA, in meaningful ways. 

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Four kinds of submissions will be considered this year: (1) individual papers, (2) paper sessions, (3) panel discussions, and (4) performance sessions. The following are the specific requirements for each submission category for the International and Intercultural Division: 

1. Individual Papers: Individual papers are complete manuscripts submitted directly by the author(s) and are eligible for Top Paper recognition in the division. Submissions should not exceed 25 double-spaced pages (not including title page, appendices, references, and tables). The title, paper description (abstract – 100 word limit), keywords, and author information should be entered in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form.
   1. All submissions should ensure a blind review where all personal or identifiable information is removed from the submission, including personal information in the File/Properties field. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library.
   2. If it is a student submission (all authors must be students), select “student” in the electronic form to be eligible for top student honors in the division as well as the Donald P. Cushman Award for top student paper in NCA.
   3. Submitters interested in being considered for a Scholar to Scholar poster session should indicate their interest in the electronic submission form.
   4. Only one paper per author will be accepted, with one additional co-authored paper permitted for the division; if two solo-authored papers are submitted, the highest-ranked will be accepted. The same paper may not be submitted to more than one NCA division.
2. Paper Sessions: Paper sessions are preconceived sessions of 3 to 5 papers focused around a particular topic and then reviewed as a whole. Submissions must include
   1. an overall session title,
   2. a general description of the paper session as a whole (75 words),
   3. the name of the session chair (required) and respondent (optional),
   4. a title, author(s), and 200-word abstract/description for each individual paper, and
   5. a 400-word rationale for the paper session that justifies its importance and relevance to the Division.
3. Panel Discussions: Panel discussions are preconceived sessions in which presenters address a particular issue in a conversational style but without individually titled presentations. Submissions must include
   1. An overall panel title,
   2. a 75-word description for the entire panel,
   3. the name of the session chair (required) and respondent (optional),
   4. a list of each presenter, including their affiliation, and
   5. a 400-word rationale outlining the importance of the submission and its relevance to the Division
4. Performance Sessions: A performance session is a preconceived, complete session of 3 to 5 performances (e.g., poetry reading, dance, music, theatre, skits, and expression of research through art) focused on a particular topic, in which each presenter has a titled performance and delivers their work. Submissions must include
   1. An overall session title,
   2. a 75-word description of the entire session,
   3. the name of the session chair (required) and respondent (optional),
   4. a list of each individual performance with a title, description, and performer(s) names with affiliation, and
   5. a 400-word rationale outlining the importance of the submission and its relevance to the Division. 

Additional guidelines regarding submissions: 

• All submissions should be the author’s original work, not previously presented at this or other conferences, and not previously published.
• All submissions must list any A/V requirements at the time of submission.
• For Paper Sessions and Panel Discussions, each person should only serve in one role within each submission. For example, one person should not be a panelist and a chair (or performer and a respondent) etc. Sessions should strive to include a diverse set of participants with respect to personal identities, ranks, institutions, institution type, and so forth.
• Submissions must be formatted as a PDF or Microsoft Word document andsubmittedto NCA’s Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.
• Submissions open January 30th and close March 25th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the NCA Convention Resource Library. 

If you have any questions about submitting your scholarship to the International and Intercultural Communication Division, please contact the unit planner and vice chair, Dr. Anjana Mudambi (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) at mudambi@uwm.edu 

Division

The Interpersonal Communication Division defines interpersonal communication broadly and welcomes submissions related to communication across all types of personal relationships, interaction processes, methodological approaches, and metatheoretical perspectives. We encourage interpersonal communication research that includes marginalized identities and underrepresented populations. Interdisciplinary research that demonstrates the relevance of interpersonal communication in other contexts (e.g., health, mediated communication) is also welcome.

This year, NCA’s First Vice President Dr. Shaunak Sastry encourages submitters to consider the convention theme of “MOVE/MENTS in Communication” in their submissions. Consider these guiding questions as you complete your submissions: What does it mean to move away from our received view of communication and to move into new conceptual frameworks? How do we move to delink/decolonize/decouple the field into new liberatory possibilities? How does communication move us into action? What sort of communication moves us? Conversely, are there limits to what moves us? 

Submissions to the division may be theoretical, empirical, and/or methodological in nature. The division encourages a variety of theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. As relevant, authors are requested to report participant demographic information when possible (e.g., race, socio-economic class, sexual orientation, education levels). If demographic information is not available, researchers are asked to address in the discussion section how the results may be biased or limited. The division also encourages authors to consider the applied implications of their work when relevant. 

GENERAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

Visit NCA’s website at https://www.natcom.org/call-submissions for relevant deadlines, character counts, and other submission details. Please ensure all authors and presenters are represented in submissions. All submissions must be completed electronically through NCA Convention Central, accessible through the NCA website. Be sure to visit the Convention Resource Library to find resources and guides to the submission process. Prior to submission, all submitters are encouraged to review the NCA Professional Standards for Convention Participants document posted in the Convention Resource Library. 

SUBMISSION TYPES 

The Interpersonal Communication Division invites the submission of competitive individual papers, paper sessions, research in progress, and panel discussions that are of general interest to the membership of the division. 

COMPETITIVE INDIVIDUAL PAPERS 

Original papers written by an author or authors are reviewed individually and, if accepted, presented with other individual papers on a panel assembled by the division. Submissions should include (1) a title page with author names removed for anonymous review, (2) an abstract of 250 words or fewer, and (3) a maximum of 30 pages of text (not including references, tables, figures, and title page). Please stay within word and character limits imposed by NCA as a matter of fairness to both the reviewers and other submitters. Authors are encouraged to include a positionality statement that includes how the framing of the study and/or the interpretation of their results might be affected by their own identity or positionality. All competitive papers should follow standard procedures for removing information that identifies the author and/or the institution within the paper and within any document metadata. Please specify any audiovisual needs at the time of submission. 

To compete for the Top Student Paper Award, students submitting papers must indicate “Student Paper” on the electronic submission form during the submission process. All authors must be students at the time of submission for the paper to be considered a student paper. Please specify any audiovisual needs at the time of submission. 

PAPER SESSION PROPOSALS 

Paper session proposals are submitted as a preconceived session revolving around a common theme. Paper session proposals should include (1) a 75-word abstract for the session, (2) identification of a session chair who is not a presenter or author in the session, (3) a rationale for the content and format of the session, not to exceed 750 words, that includes an explanation of why the paper session format is appropriate, (4) a title and 250-word (maximum) abstract for each paper, and (5) identifying information for the authors of each paper. Sessions should include individuals from multiple institutions, and a single person should not serve more than one role in a session (i.e., chair, presenter). If you believe your panel session would be a good fit for co-sponsorship with another unit, please note that with your submission. Paper session proposals that reference the convention theme of “MOVE/MENTS in Communication” are particularly welcome, as are sessions that include members of other NCA divisions and interest groups. 

PANEL DISCUSSION PROPOSALS 

Panel discussions involve a group of scholars assembled to discuss a specific topic of interest to the division. Panel discussion proposals should include (1) a 75-word abstract for the session, (2) identification of a session chair who is not also a panelist, (3) a list of presenters and their affiliations, and (4) a rationale for the content and format of the panel, not to exceed 750 words, that includes an explanation of why the discussion panel format is appropriate. Panels should include individuals from multiple institutions, and a single person should not serve more than one role in a session (i.e., chair, panelist). 

We are particularly interested in proposals that (1) contain an interactive and innovative format, (2) reference the convention theme of “MOVE/MENTS in Communication,” and/or (3) include members of other NCA divisions, sections, and caucuses whose scholarship represent the interests of marginalized demographics or social groups. We also welcome roundtable submissions that address diversity, equity, and inclusion as they apply to the division and discipline. 

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 

Research in progress submissions are designed for projects that are fully conceptualized but prior to or in the early stages of data collection, analysis, interpretation, or critique so that we may engage in discussions that support the development of exceptional research. We especially encourage students and emerging researchers to use this submission type as more seasoned researchers will be providing constructive feedback during the session. Submissions should be 500-700 words (excluding title, keywords, and references) and provide evidence of a fully rationalized research idea. Authors should be prepared to read the submissions of the other presenters before the session to cultivate a productive discussion during the session itself. Please use the “Extended Abstract” option for Research in Progress submissions. Audiovisual aids will not be available for this type of submission. 

QUESTIONS? 

Contact the Interpersonal Communication Division program planner: Dr. Jenny Crowley, University of Tennessee Knoxville, jcrowle3@utk.edu. 

Division

The Language and Social Interaction (LSI) Division promotes research and teaching on discourse and interaction in social context. The 112th Annual Convention of the National Communication Association (NCA) to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana November 19-22, 2026, will engage with the theme ““MOVE/MENTS in Communication”. This theme encourages scholars to “consider the nominal form of movement to explore the various social, cultural, and political movements that have come to define the discipline and practice of communication.”

The LSI Division encourages submissions that address the convention’s theme and integrate one or multiple LSI theoretical and methodological perspectives. Submission formats include individual papers, extended abstracts, paper sessions, or panel discussions. Submissions may focus on any topical area and can be empirical, theoretical, methodological, or exploratory, but should take an approach that is grounded in at least one of the following traditions: applied linguistics, conversation analysis, discourse analysis, ethnography of communication, ethnomethodology, membership categorization analysis, discursive psychology, narrative analysis, pragmatics, social psychology of language, social semiotics, sociolinguistics, or speech act theory. 

All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS AND EXTENDED ABSTRACTS

An individual paper is a paper submitted by an author or authors that is not part of a preconceived paper session. Both complete papers (no longer than 25 pages in length, double spaced, excluding references) and extended abstracts (1500-3000 words) will be considered. Extended abstracts should provide a rationale for the study, state the main analytic point(s) or argument(s) of the paper, and include a brief analysis of at least one data extract. Recognition for the top three individual papers will be given, including awards for top paper and top student paper. Only full papers will be considered for the awards. Please complete the required electronic submission fields including title, description, author(s), and keywords. Upload a copy of your paper or abstract. All identifying author information (names, institutions, hidden document properties) should be removed from your paper or abstract document before uploading. Please indicate on the electronic submission form whether your paper submission should be considered a student-authored paper and if you would like to be considered for presentation in Scholar to Scholar. 

PAPER SESSIONS

A paper session is a preconceived and complete session of papers surrounding a topic, in which each presenter (3-5) presents a paper. Paper sessions are submitted and reviewed for consideration. Paper session submissions should include: 1) a session title; 2) an overall session description; 3) chair(s) and respondent(s) (if applicable); 4) titles, author(s), and abstracts for each paper; 5) a rationale for the value of the session. Paper sessions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, or presenter) in a submission. 

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

A panel discussion is a preconceived and complete session of presenters discussing a topic or issue. Panel discussions should include: 1) a panel title; 2) an overall panel description; 3) participant contact information; 4) a rationale for the value of the panel. Panel discussions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, or presenter) in a submission. 

REMINDER ABOUT EXTENDED ABSTRACTS

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including step-by-step instructions on how to submit, definitions of different submission types, and how to prepare a blind submission, are available in the NCA Convention Resource Library at www.natcom.org/conventionresources. All submissions must be made online through NCA Convention Central, and must list any A/V requirements at the time of submission. Check your email address listed in NCA Convention Central before or after submission, as all correspondence goes there. 

QUESTIONS?

For questions about this call, please contact the Vice-Chair of the LSI division: 

Sylvia Sierra (Syracuse University) at ssierra@syr.edu 

Division

The Latino/Latina Communication Studies Division of the National Communication Association invites submissions for the 112th Annual Convention to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 19-22, 2026. According to our mission statement, the Latino/Latina Communication Studies Division “fosters the study of communication issues and their attendant intersections with matters of concern for Latina/o communities throughout the Americas” (http://www.natcom.org/interestgroups/). We embrace a wide range of methodological and theoretical perspectives, including quantitative, qualitative, rhetorical, critical, and performance approaches, among others.

This year’s convention theme “MOVE/MENTS in Communication,” accounts for the ways in which we, as a species, are on the move in our everyday lives and how we, as communication scholars, can move toward new modes of being and becoming both in the field and outside of it, thoughtfully and productively. This call invites scholars to address the theme of movements through critical and creative scholarship and praxis that transforms our current status of Latina/o/xs and communication practices, performances, and discourses. We invite submissions that critically engage with how Latino/Latina Communication Studies can address new conceptual frameworks that move away from how Communication and our subfields have been defined for us and that aim to bridge, engage, and move beyond categorical and definitional limits. This aim is coupled with the hope that, as we transform ourselves, we can communicate new modes of freedom, movements, decolonization and decoloniality. Submissions that center on Inter-Caucus and/or local community engagements and collaborations are especially encouraged. 

In sum, we invite submissions that center “communication” in ways that move us into new directions for Latina/o/x scholarship with questions of this year’s theme: 

• What does it mean to move away from our received view of Communication and to move into new conceptual frameworks?
• How do we move to delink/decolonize/decouple the field into new liberatory possibilities?
• What sort of movements will emerge in the face of the generational challenges–microbial, political, technological, ecological– we face today?
• How will communication practice emerge and evolve out of such movements?
• Who can and cannot move? Who gets (re)moved? What are the barriers to movement? What makes movement the norm?
• How does communication move us into action? What sort of communication moves us? How is one moved into empathy? Conversely, are there limits to what moves us? 

We invite submissions that address the driving questions of “MOVE/MENTS in Communication” toward new modes of being and becoming both in the field and in our daily lives. 

We welcome submissions in English, Spanish, and Portuguese that address issues pertinent to and meaningful for our division. 

We will accept four types of submissions: 1) competitive individual papers (referred to in the submission process as “individual papers”), 2) paper sessions, 3) panel discussions, and 4) performance sessions. Please indicate on the submission if you will need AV equipment for the session. 

1. Competitive Individual Papers: These are full papers submitted individually, which will be reviewed and, if accepted, paneled by the program planner alongside other competitively selected papers. These should NOT be merely abstracts or extended abstracts, but rather complete papers. When preparing a submission, please observe the following:
   1. On the first screen of the submission process, there will be a question that allows students to indicate that it is a student paper. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student, please use this question to specify that this is a student paper.
   2. Include a title, a 250-300 word abstract, and up to 5 keywords.
   3. No information identifying the author may appear in the uploaded paper file. To ensure anonymous review, submitters should remove their name(s) from the paper (including title page and headers) and the document’s embedded properties before uploading the document. Author information is collected elsewhere in the system. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library.
   4. Do not include a title page in your submission.
   5. The paper should be no more than 25 pages (double-spaced, 12-point font), excluding the abstract, keywords, and references.
   6. Scholar-to-Scholar Consideration: Please indicate if you are willing to present in a Scholar-to-Scholar session by checking the appropriate electronic agreement box. Similar to an interactive poster session, NCA’s “Scholar-to-Scholar” sessions highlight interactive forms of presentation that lend themselves well to visual modes of presentation and promote one-on-one engagement between presenters and audience members. 

Top Paper Recognition: The Division recognizes the top submitted paper and the top student-authored paper submitted competitively. Students who are currently enrolled at an academic institution and who wish to be considered for the top student paper award should identify themselves as “student” when making their submission by clicking the appropriate box on the electronic submission form. To be eligible for a top student paper award, all authors on a submission must be currently enrolled students at the time of submission. 

2. Paper Sessions: In this type of submission, a group of papers is submitted as a complete session. Papers are reviewed and accepted as a group. Each author, if accepted, would then present her/his/their own paper. These papers should be centered on a common theme. When preparing a submission, please include:
   2. A session title, overall session description, and rationale for the paper session of no more than 250 words.
   3. A title and description of no more than 250 words for each individual paper, as well as the name and institutional affiliation of each author.
   4. A chair is required, and her/his/their name and institutional affiliation should be included. If the participants have secured a respondent, that information should also be included.
   5. Paper sessions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve in more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author, performer, presenter, etc.) in a submission. 

3. Panel Discussions: A panel discussion is submitted as a pre-conceived and complete session of presenters discussing a topic/issue. There are no papers presented at a panel discussion. Panel discussion submissions should include:
   3. A panel title and general abstract of no more than 75 words for the discussion.
   4. A rationale for the discussion of no more than 250 words.
   5. The names and institutional affiliations of all participants.
   6. Panel discussions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve in more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author, performer, presenter, etc.) in a submission.
   7. A chair is required, and should be listed, along with her/his/their institutional affiliation. 

4. Performance Session: A performance session is submitted as a completed panel of performances centered on the convention theme/issue. Performance submissions should include:
   4. A performance title and general abstract of no more than 250 words.
   5. The names of participants and institutional affiliations of each participant
   6. Full scripts of the proposed performances.
   7. Performances should be no longer than 15 minutes
   8. Performance sessions should include individuals representing multiple institutions rather than individuals from only one or two institutions. Further, a single person should not serve in more than one role (i.e., chair, respondent, author, performer, filmmaker, presenter, etc.) in a submission. 

For assistance with all stages of the submission process, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, please visit the Convention Library (http://www.natcom.org/conventionresources/). In particular, please be sure to review the “NCA Professional Standards for Convention Participants” prior to submission. 

Thank you for your interest in submitting to and supporting the Latino/a Communication Studies Division. We look forward to seeing you in NOLA in 2026! 

Lisa B. Y. Calvente, Ph.D. 

NCA 2026 Program Planner Latina/Latino Communication Studies Division
lcalvente@unc.edu
—
La División de los Estudios de la Comunicación Latina/o | División Latina/o de los Estudios de la Comunicación (Latino/Latina Communication Studies Division) de la Asociación Nacional de la Comunicación (National Communication Association) abre la convocatoria de solicitudes al Congreso Anual que se llevará acabo en New Orleans, Louisiana, del 19 al 22 de noviembre de 2026. Según nuestra misión, nuestra división “fomenta el estudio de los problemas de la comunicación y sus intersecciones concomitantes con asuntos de particular interés a las comunidades latinas por todo el continente americano” (http://www.natcom.org/interestgroups/). Tomamos una amplia gama de perspectivas metodológicas y teóricas, incluyendo enfoques cuantitativos, cualitativos, críticos, retóricos y performance, entre otros. 

Este año abrimos la convocatoria a propuestas en ingles, español y portugués que aborden temas pertinentes y significativos a nuestra cámara, y especialmente a aquellos que combinen el enfoque de nuestra misión con el tema del congreso, “Comunicación para elevar.” 

Aceptaremos cuatro tipos de presentaciones: 1) competitive individual papers (ensayos individuales competitivos), 2) paper sessions (foros de ponencias), 3) panel discussions (foros de discusión). 4) performance sessions (sesiones de performance). Por favor indique si necesitará equipo audiovisual. 

1. Competitive Individual Papers: Ensayos completos, entregados individualmente, que serán evaluados y, si aceptados, agrupados junto a ensayos similares. Este tipo de solicitud no esta compuesta únicamente por un resumen—se solicitan ensayos completos. Al preparar su solicitud, favor de considerar:
   1. En la primera página de la solicitud se le permite a estudiantes (graduados o de licenciatura) indicar su estatus estudiantil. Se les solicita a los estudiantes identificar su estatus como estudiante.
   2. Por favor incluya el título de su ensayo, un resumen de 250 a 300 palabras, y tres palabras clave.
   3. Antes de entregar su solicitud, asegúrese de eliminar información que identifique el nombre de lxs autores para garantizar un proceso justo. En la página web “NCA Convention Central” podrá ingresar el título, la descripción, y otra información relacionada a los autores.
   4. No incluyo una página de título.
   5. El ensayo no debe superar las 25 páginas. 

2. Paper Sessions: En este tipo de solicitud se entrega un grupo de ensayos que serán evaluados como una mesa y, si aceptados, cada autor presentara su propio ensayo. Estos ensayos deberán tratar un tema en común. Al preparar su solicitud, favor de incluir:
   2. El título y la justificación para la sesión, de menos de 250 palabras
   3. El título y resumen de menos de 250 palabras por cada ensayo, al igual que el nombre la afiliación institucional de cada participante.
   4. Cada sesión requiere un(a/x) director (chair) y su afiliación institucional. La solicitud también puede incluir a alguien encargado/a/x de dar una respuesta a la mesa (respondent).
   5. Sesiones deben estar formadas por individuos de varias instituciones, en vez de individuos únicamente de una o dos instituciones. Adicionalmente, una sola persona no debe realizar mas de dos funciones en una misma solicitud. 

3. Panel Discussions: El foro de discusión se entrega como una sesión completa y preconcebida de ponentes que discutirán un tema. En el foro no se presentan ensayos. Solicitudes deben incluir:
   3. El título del foro y un resumen general de menos de 75 palabras.
   4. La justificación para la discusión, de menos de 250 palabras.
   5. Los nombres y afiliaciones institucionales de todo/a/xs lxs participantes.
   6. Los foros deben estar formados por individuos de varias instituciones, en vez de individuos de solamente una o dos instituciones. Adicionalmente, una sola persona no debe realizar mas de dos funciones en una misma solicitud.
   7. Cada solicitud requiere a alguien designado/a/x como director (chair) junto con su afiliación institucional. 

4. Performance Session: Una sesión de performance es un foro completo enfocado en un tema. Solicitudes deben incluir:
   4. El título del performance y un resumen de menos de 250 palabras.
   5. Los nombres de los participantes y sus afiliaciones institucionales.
   6. Guiones en completo del performance.
   7. Cada performance debe limitarse a 15 minutos.
   8. Cada sesión debe estar formada por individuos de varias instituciones, en vez de individuos de solamente una o dos instituciones. Adicionalmente, una sola personal no debe realizar mas de dos funciones en una misma solicitud. 

Para ayuda durante el proceso de envío, incluyendo instrucciones paso-a-paso grabadas en vivo, visite la biblioteca del congreso (http://www.natcom.org/conventionresources/). Asegúrese de revisar “NCA Profesional Standards for Convention Participants,” o Normas Profesionales para Participantes del Congreso, antes de enviar su solicitud. 

Mil gracias por su interés y por su apoyo a La División de los Estudios de la Comunicación Latina/o | División Latina/o de los Estudios de la Comunicación ¡Esperamos verte en NOLA! 

Lisa B. Y. Calvente, Ph.D. 

NCA 2026 Planificadora del Programa Latina/Latino Communication Studies Division
lcalvente@unc.edu 

Division

UNIT DESCRIPTION

The Mass Communication Division provides a forum in which scholars and teachers with diverse interests and approaches can come together to contribute to the study of mass and mediated communication. We invite submissions focusing on questions regarding the consumption and production of media, the nature of media content in the form of images, narratives, and codes, and the influence of media on individuals and societies across a wide range of contexts, including traditional and new media; health and politics; sports and science; and environment and ethics. All methodologies are respected and welcome.

CONVENTION THEME: “MOVE/MENTS in Communication”

The Mass Communication Division particularly invites submissions that engage the 2026 conference theme, “Move/Ments in Communication.” Mediated messages have the capacity to enlighten, energize, and move creators and audiences. We welcome work that explores movement and movements as a facet or consequence of mass communication, including how media messages mobilize publics, circulate across platforms, shape collective action, and influence social, cultural, and political change.

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION

The division is especially interested in papers and panels that support inclusion, diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (IDEA).

CO-SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Mass Communication Division welcomes co-sponsorships with other divisions, caucuses, and affiliates. Authors whose work bridges multiple scholarly areas are encouraged to indicate potential co-sponsorships during the submission process.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

The Mass Communication Division will accept the following submission types: Individual Papers, Research Escalator Proposals (extended abstracts; undergraduate and graduate student authors only), Paper Sessions, and Panel Discussions.

All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.

Character limits for titles, descriptions, abstracts, and rationales are standardized by NCA Convention Central.

All submitters are expected to review and adhere to the NCA Professional Standards for Convention Participants.

If you submit your work, we strongly encourage you to review for the Mass Communication Division. Sign up to review here:

I. SUBMITTING INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIVE PAPERS

Please complete all required fields in NCA Convention Central, including title, author(s), description, and keywords, and upload a copy of your paper. Before uploading, please note the following:

• Paper length is limited to 30 pages, including tables, figures, references, and all other material. Papers must be double-spaced and use 12-point font. Submissions exceeding the page limit or attempting to circumvent formatting requirements will not be reviewed.
• Do not include any author-identifying information anywhere in the uploaded paper file, including the file name.
• Your submission must include a separate title page that follows the provided template (The title page does not count toward the page limit.)
• Enter the paper title, author information, and keywords directly into Convention Central.
• Do not include an abstract or description within the uploaded paper file; this information is entered separately in Convention Central.
• Submissions aligned with the division’s IDEA goals may include the standard IDEA statement on the title page.
• Submissions may be designated as student papers only if all authors are students. Student authors must select the appropriate designation during submission to be considered for student paper panels and division student paper awards.
• All submissions will be checked for plagiarism.
• A/V requests must be made at the time of submission.
• Authors may indicate willingness to have their submission considered for a Scholar-to-Scholar session during submission. Papers considered for these sessions will be reviewed alongside all other submissions and may be programmed as traditional papers or Scholar-to-Scholar presentations.
• If accepted, presenters agree to present the submission that was accepted. Revisions are permitted prior to the conference, but substitutions are not allowed.

II. SUBMITTING RESEARCH ESCALATOR PROPOSALS

Research Escalator Sessions provide undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to workshop less developed research with a faculty mentor, with the goal of preparing the project for conference or journal submission.

Those interested should submit an extended abstract describing a proposed study or one in its early stages. Complete research studies should not be submitted.

• Only one Research Escalator submission per author is permitted.
• Extended abstracts are considered only for Research Escalator sessions.
• If selected for mentorship, authors will be expected to send the most recent version of their full paper to their mentor six weeks prior to the conference.

During the convention, participants will meet one-on-one with mentors to discuss feedback and will conclude the session by briefly sharing key takeaways and next steps with other Research Escalator participants.

Extended abstracts must include a title page that follows the provided template.

Authors who would like a mentor with specific methodological or topical expertise may describe their preferences in the Author Note section of the title page.

III. SUBMITTING PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Panel discussions focus on dialogue rather than the presentation of papers.

Panel proposals must include:

• Panel title
• Names and institutional affiliations of all participants
• A general description
• An extended rationale
• A session chair (required)

Panels should include participants from multiple institutions, and individuals may not serve in multiple roles within the same panel. Panels engaging the conference theme are especially encouraged.

Panel submissions must include a title page using the provided template. Author identifying information is required for panel submissions.

IV. SUBMITTING PAPER SESSIONS

Paper sessions are pre-organized sessions submitted as a complete unit.

Paper session proposals must include:

• Session title
• A general session description
• Individual paper titles, author(s), affiliations, and descriptions
• An extended rationale
• A session chair (required)

Submissions must include participants from multiple institutions, and individuals may not serve multiple roles within the session.

Paper session submissions must include a title page using the provided template. Author identifying information is required.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• All submissions must be made through NCA Convention Central.
• Character limits for titles, descriptions, abstracts, and rationales are standardized by NCA Convention Central.
• Acceptance of a submission requires presentation of the accepted work at the convention.
• All participants are expected to adhere to the NCA Professional Standards for Convention Participants.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Questions regarding submission guidelines should be directed to:

Debora D. Pérez Torres

Research Committee First Vice Chair

CSU San Bernardino

debora.pereztorres@csusb.edu

The Master’s Education Section works to promote dialogue and scholarship regarding Master’s level education in the communication discipline. We welcome both scholarly work on any communication topic created by Master’s students and scholarly work by non-Master’s students (e.g., professors, instructors, administrators) that deals with the education of Master’s students.

The section accepts individual papers, paper sessions, and panel discussions at NCA’s Annual Convention that promote new scholars’ work and/or improve Master’s level education. 

Possible paper and panel discussion topics may include: outstanding communication research conducted by Master’s students, unique approaches to Master’s education, mentoring Master’s students, exit options for Master’s students, different career paths for students with Master’s degrees, or other unique issues related to Master’s programs in communication studies. Papers reflecting this year’s theme of “Movement” will be considered for theme-related panels. We encourage you to also consider submitting proposals to the appropriate calls for Great Ideas for Teaching Students (G.I.F.T.S), Short Courses, Pre-conferences, and Research in Progress Roundtables. The calls for these are found in the list of calls for the 112th Annual Convention. 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS

Submissions must include a max 25-page, double-spaced uploaded copy of the paper. Copies must be uploaded into NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page, or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. We will recognize the Top Paper in our division. Submissions should include title, paper description (abstract), keywords, and author information in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. If a student submission, select “student” on the electronic form—if this is a multi-authored paper, all authors must be students. Submitters interested in being considered for the Scholar to Scholar session (poster session) in the case that they are not selected for paneling with the Master’s Education Section should indicate their interest in the submission portal. 

Top Master’s Student Panel and Paper Award: We anticipate hosting a panel of top-quality work by Master’s students, during which we will present a Top Paper award to the best paper submitted by a Master’s student. 

To submit work to be considered for the Top Master’s Student Paper panel, papers must be clearly marked “MASTER’S STUDENT PAPER” on the first page of the uploaded document. Students (and any co-authors) submitting work to be considered for this panel must not have received and/or completed all the requirements for a Master’s degree in a communication discipline before May 15, 2026. 

PAPER SESSION

Submissions must include the title, description (abstract of no more than 75 words), and author(s) of each paper. A session chair is required, respondent is optional. In addition to the session description, please provide a rationale for acceptance by the Master’s Education Section, of no more than 250 words, outlining the significance of the submission to our Section’s members. 

For Paper Sessions, each paper title should also be listed, including each author’s affiliation and rank (e.g., Master’s student, PhD student, Assistant Professor), as well as a brief abstract for each paper (no more than 75 words per paper). The paper session submitter must also include a statement confirming that at least one author per paper has committed to attend and participate in the convention. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

Paper sessions should include individuals from multiple institutions. 

PANEL DISCUSSION

Panel Submissions must include a panel title and session description of no more than 75 words. A session chair is required. Submissions must include the list of each presenter, including their affiliation and rank (e.g., Master’s student, PhD student, Assistant Professor), as well as the role/contribution of each presenter (e.g. Chair, Discussant, Moderator). The panel submitter must also include a statement confirming that each presenter has committed to attend and participate in the convention. 

In addition to the description and list of panelists, please provide a rationale for acceptance by the Master’s Education Section, of no more than 250 words, outlining the contributions of the submission to our Section’s members. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. 

Sessions should include individuals from multiple institutions. No papers are presented as part of a panel discussion. 

REMINDER ABOUT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library. 

QUESTIONS?

For any questions regarding the Master’s Education Section programming, please contact: 

Suzanne Enck
Department Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Communication Studies
University of North Texas
Suzanne.enck@unt.edu 

Division

The purpose of the Nonverbal Communication Division is to unite theory, research, and practice of nonverbal communication, honor scholarship in the study of nonverbal communication, and create inter-divisional links between the Nonverbal Communication Division and other National Communication Association (NCA) divisions. The Nonverbal Communication Division is looking for submission of individual papers and panel discussions that advance understanding of nonverbal communication through research and teaching.
______________________________________________________________________________ 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS 2026 

NEW THIS YEAR: We are accepting individual paper submissions! 

The Nonverbal Communication Division invites the submission of competitive individual papers, paper sessions, and panel discussions having general interest to the membership of the division. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted. For a definition of submission types, please refer to the step-by-step “How to Submit” Instructions, provided in the Convention Resource Library (www.natcom.org/conventionresources). 

INDIVIDUAL PAPERS must include: 

1. Papers must include a title and an abstract of no more than 250 words.
2. Author names, affiliations, and paper titles must be spelled correctly.
3. Submitters must upload their paper to NCA Convention Central.
4. Papers may be a maximum of 30 double-spaced pages of text using 12-point font with 1-inch margins (not including tables, figures, cover page, and references).
5. To ensure that reviewers are unable to identify authors, submitters should remove their names from the cover page before uploading the document. In addition, no information identifying the author may appear in the uploaded paper. Papers that include identifying information may be disqualified from consideration.
6. To compete for the Top Student Paper Award, students submitting papers must indicate “Student Paper” on the electronic submission form during the submission process. NOTE: All authors must be students at the time of submission in order for the paper to be considered a student paper.
7. Please specify any audiovisual needs at the time of submission.

PANEL DISCUSSION PROPOSALS must include: 

1. Submissions should include an overall description of the purpose of the panel discussion and a one-paragraph rationale for acceptance, outlining the importance of the submission.
2. Panel discussion proposals should include a listing of the chair (required) and the presenters and their affiliations.
3. In order to improve the likelihood of acceptance for the convention, it is recommended that not all the panelists have the same institutional affiliation.
4. All panel discussion proposals must be submitted online via the NCA Convention Central website by the deadline.
5. Be sure to indicate audio-visual equipment requests (e.g., LCD projector, screens, and speakers) at the time of your submission. Presenters are responsible for providing their own laptop or computer.
6. Prior to submission, all submitters are encouraged to review materials provided in the Convention Resource Library, such as (a) the Professional Standards for Convention Participants and (b) the live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit.

_____________________________________________________________________________ 

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NONVERBAL DIVISION AWARDS 

Since this is the first year the Nonverbal Communication Division is accepting Individual Papers, we intend to award a Top Paper Award and Top Student Paper Award from the submissions received. However, we reserve the right to consider Individual Papers accepted for presentation in other divisions for its Top Paper Awards as well. If you have a paper on nonverbal communication you should consider submitting it to the Nonverbal Division; however, if you submit a paper on nonverbal communication that is accepted in another division, please do the following to help ensure that it can be considered for an award from the Nonverbal Communication Division. 

1. Include the word “nonverbal” or related appropriate terms, such as “facial expressions” or “gestures”, in the title of the paper.
2. Contact the Program Planner of the Nonverbal Communication Division (Samantha Shebib, sshebib@uab.edu) with your name and the title of your paper, after you receive notification of the paper’s acceptance in another division.