August 2026

General Sessions Spotlight

Don’t miss these unique sessions to inspire and celebrate the communication discipline.

Opening Session

Thursday, Nov. 19

This interactive session features a special performance from the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, celebrating New Orleans’ rich traditions of cultural expression, movement, and community.

Note: The opening session starts at 9:30 a.m., an earlier time than in previous years.

Carroll C. Arnold Distinguished Lecture

Friday, Nov. 20

Guobin Yang gives the Carroll C. Arnold Distinguished Lecture, NCA’s most prestigious named lecture, delivered by an eminent scholar selected for exceptional contributions to the communication discipline.

NCA Presidential Address

Saturday, Nov. 21

Join NCA President Tina M. Harris for the Presidential Address and Awards Presentation, celebrating the scholarship and service of our community’s finest.

Aug. 28 VLO: Breaking Down the NCA Budget

Join NCA on Friday, Aug. 28, from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT for an interactive workshop designed to enhance your understanding of nonprofit association finances and empower you as an informed NCA member.

Learn how to interpret NCA’s financial documents, understand how your membership supports the organization’s mission, and explore opportunities to get involved in financial governance. 

NCA Grant Deadlines Approaching

Don’t miss your opportunity to apply for these grants.

Grants closing on Sept. 1:

• Advancing the Discipline Grant
• Communication Pedagogy Grant
• The Dale G. Leathers Memorial Fund – Promotion of Communication in Emerging Democracies

Grants closing on Sept. 15:

• Research Cultivation Grants
• Research Elevation Grant

2027 NCA Leadership Nominations

NCA is seeking members to serve in roles such as Second Vice President, the Legislative Assembly, Councils, Standing Committees, National Award Selection Committees, and more. All positions selected through this cycle will begin service in 2027.

Nomination Deadline: Sept. 4.

Nominations for the 2026 Lambda Pi Eta Awards Open

The 2026 Lambda Pi Eta call for award nominations is currently open! Do not miss this opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of your chapters, advisors, and students who embody the six goals of Lambda Pi Eta. We encourage both students and advisors to submit nominations.

Nomination Deadline: Aug. 31

NCA Communities Launches

NCA Communities, a brand-new online platform for collaborating and communicating within Interest Groups has launched!

NCA will sunset the Interest Groups email groups on Nov. 1. Interest Group community administrators will inform their members of the timeline for transitioning to NCA Communities.

This effort fosters improved communication and engagement within the Interest Groups. 

Addressing Authoritarianism Resources

The NCA resource library on Authoritarianism and Fascism has been updated for the 2026-27 academic year. The library is a resource to enable successful pedagogical, research, creative, and administrative interventions into authoritarianism and fascism.

Created as a volunteer effort by Marina Levina (Editor of Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies and Chair of Critical Cultural Studies Division).