Proposal FAQ
Where and how do I make a submission?
All submissions are made through our website. After dues are paid, begin by clicking the Members Only link on the left menu. Underneath, the Associate Proposals and Member Proposals sublinks will open up. If a member then click on the Member Proposals sublink and follow the instructions. If an associate then click on the Associate Proposals sublink and follow the instructions.
Do I need to join EPA to submit a proposal?
Yes, only paid-up members and associates may submit.
How do I pay my dues?
Dues may be paid on the website. If you are not in our database, please click on the "Join EPA Today" button on the homepage and follow the instructions. If you are in our database, log in and click on the Members Only link on the left menu. The Renew Dues sublink will open up underneath. Click on this sublink and follow the instructions.
How much does it cost to join?
It depends... on line, members (all professionals) pay $45 which includes dues and registration for the annual meeting. Associates (all undergraduate students) pay $25 which includes dues and registration for the annual meeting. Graduate students may opt to become members or associates. Dues paid at the March meeting are $75 for members but remain $25 for associates.
Besides cost, what is the difference between being a member and an associate?
Unlike members, who may submit a proposal for a poster, a paper and a symposium at each meeting, associates may only submit a proposal for a poster. Additionally, all poster submissions by associates require sponsorship by a current EPA member. If you receive an email asking you to sponsor an associate’s submission, please respond promptly. As a sponsor/advisor, your name will appear on all submissions that you sponsor.
Members do not require sponsorship.
How many submissions can I make?
Each member may submit up to three: one poster proposal, one paper proposal, and one symposium proposal. Each associate may submit one poster proposal only.
What is the difference between a poster, paper, and symposium?
If accepted for a poster presentation, you will be expected to present your work in the form of a poster during one of the many themed poster sessions that we hold in the main auditorium. Poster sessions typically have anywhere from 30-70 presenters.
If accepted for a paper presentation, you will be expected to present your work in the form of a short oral presentation (power point presentation, if preferred). This presentation should be anywhere from 10-15 minutes long. You will be presenting along side other members speaking on analogous topics. Paper sessions typically have 3-5 presenters.
A symposium brings together 3-5 researchers in the same area from different institutions who present and discuss their work.
If there are multiple authors, who should submit the proposal?
Poster and paper proposals must be submitted by the first author, who should also be the presenter. The symposium proposal must be the chair of the symposium. (The chair may also be a speaker.)
Besides being a member in good standing, what else is required while making a submission?
You must submit 2 abstracts of your work. You can type directly into the text boxes for both. (With many systems you will also be able to cut and paste text into the boxes.) Remember that what you submit is final. So, please proofread your submission carefully.
Why are 2 abstracts required?
The short abstract is going to be published in the printed EPA program. The long abstract is used by the program committee to make the decisions as to which proposals are accepted and rejected.
What are the word limits on the long and short abstracts?
The word limits for the short and long abstracts are 75 words and 500-1000 words respectively.
What do I do if my area is not listed among the available categories?
Choose the area closest to yours!
How do I know which day and time I will be presenting?
You will be contacted by a member of the program committee by February with this information.
What is the submission deadline?
All submissions must be received no later than midnight on November 15.
What is the required poster size for presenting?
Posters may be no larger than 4 feet high x 8 feet wide.
How do I register for the conference and where do I get my badge?
Conference registration is included with membership registration. Anyone planning to attend the conference needs to become a member and pay his or her dues. Members must log in to their account to pay their dues. A badge will be waiting for all EPA members at the registration table in the conference hotel.
What do I do if my question has not been answered here?
Please e-mail the executive office at epaexec@rci.rutgers.edu
