06/26/2025

CSCA 2026 Convention - Instructional Resources Interest Group Call for Submissions

INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES INTEREST GROUP 
Call for Papers and Panels 

Central States Communication Association (CSCA) 
Annual Convention-Minneapolis, MN 
April 14-19, 2026 

Translate!

The Instructional Resources Interest Group invites the submission of competitive papers, panels, roundtable discussions, and innovative programming for the 2026 CSCA convention in Minneapolis, MN. The purpose of the Instructional Resources Interest Group is to foster the efforts of researchers in topics related to instructional resources, including all forms of technology, assessment, and instructional ideas. To help achieve this goal, this organization seeks to develop a strong network to aid in the collaboration of its members in promoting the organization’s research area. A range of topics encompassing instructional resources are welcome, and we especially encourage members to address issues related to the convention theme, Translate! Submissions that foreground the voices of marginalized groups and underrepresented scholars are especially welcomed. Regarding panels, preference will be given to those with panelists representing multiple institutions rather than representing a single institution. 

The theme of the 2026 conference is Translate! CSCA’s description of this theme includes the following: “This conference theme encourages members to make connections with instructors, scholars, the communication literature, community members, public policy makers, and practitioners examining related issues of interest in different ways. Translating what we know to the public might highlight community engaged research, interdisciplinary collaborations, or innovative strategies that help everyday people learn practical ways to address their most pressing issues.”

Topic ideas discussed at the 2025 business meeting include (but you are not limited to): 

• Partnerships with campus stakeholders, including (but not limited to):
  • Speech Across the Curriculum (SXC) and Writing Across the Curriculum (WXC) programs
  • Teaching centers (providing professional development to faculty and GTAs)
  • Student learning support centers (e.g., writing centers, tutor services, etc.)
  • Career / employment centers
  • Student advising
  • Student services / student life offices
• Partnerships with community stakeholders, including (but not limited to):
  • Training and consulting for businesses, nonprofits or public organizations
  • Prison education programs
  • Outreach to K-12 or early childhood education programs
• Partnerships with other CSCA IGs (for example, with the Graduate Student Caucus on preparing for alt-ac careers; with Political Communication on political polarization and facilitating inclusive discussions on difficult topics; with any relevant Interest Group on community service-learning opportunities)
• Involvement in providing High-Impact Practices (HIPs) for deep, experiential learning (e.g., internships, international study and domestic study-away, undergraduate research, community engagement, and service-learning)

SUBMISSION TYPES 

Submissions are limited to the formats described below. However, if you have an idea for an innovative panel format that is not outlined herein, contact the Instructional Resources Interest Group conference planner, Steve Klien, kliens@missouri.edu, for authorization to submit an alternative format. 

Paper Submissions. Only completed papers will be accepted.  

• Papers must include a title and brief abstract (<100 words). 
• Paper length (excluding title page and abstract) should not exceed 30 pages. 
• If accepted for presentation, each paper will be put onto a thematized panel with other papers, and the conference planner will assign a respondent and a chair.
• Graduate students should type “STUDENT” on the upper right-hand corner of the title page. 
• If the paper will be a graduate student debut, please type “DEBUT STUDENT” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page. To be considered a graduate student debut paper:
• the author must be a graduate student,
• the paper must have single authorship, and 
• the paper must be the author’s first paper to be presented at CSCA. 
• If you would like your paper to be considered for the Inclusive Scholarship Award, type “INCLUSIVE SCHOLARSHIP” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page. 
• To be considered as an exemplar of inclusive scholarship, the paper must demonstrate academic rigor in the examination of communication and historically marginalized communities/populations. 
• Please clearly articulate, in at least one paragraph in your abstract, how the respective scholarship explicitly addresses equity and inclusion.
• Additionally, make sure to select the Inclusive Scholarship option in submitting.

Discussion Panel Submissions. 

• Discussion panels are those including 4 - 7 panelists who provide a brief opening statement concerning a topic and then engage in discussion, often with the entire attending audience. 
• These panels must have a chair to introduce the panelists and moderate the discussion.
• Preference will be given to those with panelists representing multiple institutions rather than representing a single institution. 
• Submitters are encouraged to highlight in their proposals what other Interest Groups could co-sponsor the discussion (when applicable).While partnership with any Interest Group is welcome, members are especially encouraged to consider submissions of joint interest to:
  • Interest Groups with adjacent interests and missions (e.g., Basic Course, Communication Education, GIFT, and Undergraduate Education & Administration);
  • Traditionally research-focused Interest Groups who may be interested in “translating” their scholarship into classroom teaching and/or experiential student learning opportunities.

AWARDS 
Awards may be given to the top paper and top panel as ranked by the reviewers. 

TECHNOLOGY 

All technology requests (such as for a projector and screen) must be made at the time of submission. CSCA will not provide laptops. 

SUBMISSIONS 

Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM, CDT, October 10, 2025. 

Submit your paper or panel electronically through our CSCA online submission system site. 

Interest Group Planner: Steve Klien, kliens@missouri.edu