The OCA believes a fundamental part of the research process is sharing results with the community. In that spirit, OCA’s individual paper session allows researchers to present their current research projects to its members. All research methodologies are accepted, including, but not limited to quantitative, qualitative, rhetorical, performance, autoethnography, arts-based, visual, and mixed-methodologies. Additionally, authors are encouraged to consider the conference theme when developing submissions. OCA will judge undergraduate and graduate papers for a monetary award; these awards will be presented at the general business meeting.

All Competitively Submitted Papers should include:

• A title page with the author name(s) and affiliations removed. Do not include any information that could identify the authors or affiliations in your submission text.
• An abstract.
• A copy of the completed paper, not to exceed 20 pages of text (double-spaced) excluding references, tables, etc.
• Submissions containing more than 20 pages of text will not be considered for presentation.
• *For autoethnography, performance, and visual proposals, please keep in mind that it is possible you may only have 8-12 minutes to present.

Discussion panels are an opportunity for members to showcase their work or ideas in the form of research or practice for the organization. All panels should focus on a unifying theme relevant to research or applied communication (e.g., theory, instruction, or practice). Programs may consist of a chair, individual presenters, and a critic/respondent in a traditional conference format. However, discussions, performances, and other unique formats are encouraged, as is providing opportunities for interaction between participants and attendees. Panels that relate to the convention theme are encouraged.

Submissions of Panels should include:

• A rationale and description of the panel.
• If your panel will include the presentation of papers, include the titles of each paper being presented.
• A description of any specific materials the participants will receive.
• Do not include any information which could identify the presenters or affiliations in your submission text.
• Additionally, we encourage practitioners outside of the academy to submit their ideas for a discussion panel. These presentations do not have to be related to scholarly research projects and should emphasize applied human communication in a related field (e.g., healthcare, corporate work, or K-12 contexts).

Workshops and short courses allow participants to gain an in-depth understanding of a topic in a 50-minute time block. Workshops and Short Courses provide participants with training or hands-on experiences, so attendees leave with knowledge and skills. Topics should be of concern to OCA members, including teaching innovations, developing new and practicable skills, or incorporating service training and development or learning. Workshops and short courses that relate to the convention theme are encouraged.

Submission of Workshops and Short Courses should include:

• The title of the workshop or short course.
• Objective(s) of the workshop or short course.
• A brief rationale and description of the workshop or short course suitable for inclusion in the program.
• A description of any specific materials the participants will receive.
• Do not include any information which could identify the presenters or affiliations in your submission text.
• Additionally, we encourage practitioners outside of the academy to submit their ideas for a workshop or short course. These presentations do not have to be related to scholarly research projects and should emphasize applied human communication in a related field (e.g., healthcare, corporate work, or K-12 contexts).

A research poster session is a graphic presentation of one’s research. Authors illustrate their findings by displaying graphs, photos, diagrams, and a text. During the research poster session, authors will hold discussions with attendees. The OCA poster session also includes a judged competition for undergraduate and graduate students (note: faculty posters are not considered competitive). The top undergraduate and graduate posters are awarded a cash prize. Although, anyone is invited to submit a poster to the conference displaying their research. What type of project can I submit for a Research Poster Session? OCA encourages poster presentations spotlighting innovative research in all stages. While competitive posters may report a completed research project, we also encourage those seeking feedback for projects to participate in our competitive poster sessions. Posters which relate to the conference theme are encouraged.

How do I submit a research poster for consideration?

• 250–500-word abstract explaining the project/research to be exhibited on the poster. While you are welcome to submit a complete poster at this time, it is not necessary.
• An explanation/plan for how the poster will be visually displayed (feel free to provide diagrams and/or samples if appropriate).
• Do not include any information which could identify the authors or affiliations in your submission text.

If I get accepted to present at the conference, how do I prepare to present my poster?

• All posters should be ready for in-person presentation at the beginning of the poster judging session which will take place on the first day of the conference. Please note that in our efforts to be accommodating, virtual poster presentations are respectfully declined.
• Authors should prepare a five-minute explanation of their poster, allowing ample time for questions and in-depth discussions. Authors find it helpful to present a brief introduction to answer the obvious questions and allow the remainder of the time for more in-depth discussions.

If I get accepted to present at the conference, what are the expectations of the poster content?

• The poster should include a clear title with authors and affiliations.
• Posters should be printed in color with 36” x 48” parameters.
• Posters should include an explanation of the research problem, steps taken by the author(s), and future directions. Posters may include specific research questions/hypotheses, methods, conclusions/insights, feedback being solicited, and/or references.
• Microsoft has developed technology to help you develop an accessible poster presentation.

A communication application and impact poster session is a graphic presentation of a project or impactful idea related to the field of communication. Authors illustrate their project by displaying graphs, photos, diagrams, and a text. During the poster session, authors will hold discussions with attendees. Anyone is invited to submit a poster to the conference displaying their applied or professional project. What type of project can I submit for a Communication Application and Impact Poster Session? OCA encourages poster presentations spotlighting innovative projects or ideas related to communication in all stages. These could be projects related, but not limited to community engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), classroom pedagogy, non-profit capacity building or training and development, grant writing, fundraising, public relations, social media, and undergraduate capstone presentations. While these posters may report a completed project, we also encourage those seeking feedback for projects to participate in this poster session. Posters which relate to the conference theme are encouraged.

How do I submit a Communication Application and Impact Poster for consideration?

• 250–500-word abstract explaining the project to be exhibited on the poster. While you are welcome to submit a complete poster at this time, it is not necessary.
• An explanation/plan for how the poster will be visually displayed (feel free to provide diagrams and/or samples if appropriate).
• Do not include any information which could identify the authors or affiliations in your submission text.

If I get accepted to present at the conference, how do I prepare to present my poster?

• All posters should be ready for in-person presentation at the beginning of the poster judging session which will take place on the first day of the conference. Please note that in our efforts to be accommodating, virtual poster presentations are respectfully declined.
• Authors should prepare a five-minute explanation of their poster, allowing ample time for questions and in-depth discussions. Authors find it helpful to present a brief introduction to answer the obvious questions and allow the remainder of the time for more in-depth discussions.

If I get accepted to present at the conference, what are the expectations of the poster content?

• The poster should include a clear title with authors and affiliations.
• Posters should be printed in color with 36” x 48” parameters.
• Posters should include an explanation of the project, steps taken by the author(s), and future directions of the project.
• Microsoft has developed technology to help you develop an accessible poster presentation.

Great Ideas for Teaching Students (G.I.F.T.S.) are activities, assignments, projects, games, simulations, and/or assessment techniques which have been tested in the classroom. We encourage submissions that address a specific communication theory, skill, or learning objective for both traditional and non-traditional classrooms. If accepted, the presenter should expect to create a handout to accompany a 7-minute presentation of their G.I.F.T.S. Submissions that relate to the convention theme are encouraged.

Submission expectations include:

• • Rationale and student learning outcome(s).
  • Explanation of how G.I.F.T.S. addresses a specific student learning outcome.
  • A copy of the actual assignment and instructions.
  • Do not include any information which could identify the presenters or affiliations in your submission text.