Conference Tips for Graduate Students

Call for Papers

What organizers post to advertise their conferences & ask for the submission of abstracts:

• https://www.cfplist.com
• https://call-for-papers.sas.upenn.edu
• https://www.fabula.org/actualites-appels_postes.php (Mostly French)

Abstracts

• ~500 word (varies)
• A summary of your proposed presentation, sent to conference organizers.
• https://theprofessorisin.com/2011/07/12/how-tosday-how-to-write-a-paper-abstract/

Considerations for Deciding which Conferences to Attend

• Does the topic align with my research interests?
• Is the keynote speaker an expert in my field?
• Is this a well-known conference that will look impressive on my CV? (e.g. "century" conferences, MLA, ACLA, etc.)
• Do I know anyone else who is going? (Less important but it may result in the possibility of splitting accommodation and/or transportation costs)
• How much is the conference fee and what does it include? How much does it cost to become a member of the organization? Is it worth the cost?

Funding Sources

LSU graduate school:

• PhD students are eligible for 3 awards (up to $450)
• Apply at least 1 month prior to the conference
• If approved, you will receive the money after the conference
• Keep all documentation so you can turn them in after the conference and make copies for your records(e.g. plane tickets, conference programs, food receipts, transportation receipts, etc.)
• See Graduate School awards at lsu.edu/graduateschool/funding/awards.php

LSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences

• Up to $400
• Reimbursed after the conference
• See HSS graduate school rules at lsu.edu/hss/programs/graduate/Graduate_Student_Travel.php

American Comparative Literature Association Travel Grant

• $200 to attend the annual conference
• acla.org/annual-meeting/travel-grants

Modern Language Association Graduate Student Travel Grant

• $400 to attend the annual conference
• You can only receive this once during your graduate studies
• mla.org/Resources/Career/MLA-Grants-and-Awards/Assistance-for-Convention-Travel-and-Member-Dues

Graduate Student Conferences

• Generally not funded by LSU
• Good to practice presenting, but not as prestigious as national and international conferences
• Good opportunity to network with other grad students & conference fees are generally lower
• My advice: stay local! Go to local grad student conferences in Louisiana:
  • University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of New Orleans, Loyola, Tulane, etc.
  • Conferences at LSU (English Mardi Gras Conference, Department of French Studies, Comparative Literature).
  • The LSU Comparative Literature Graduate Association conference is held in the spring.

Presenting

• Create a clear outline that will be easy to follow for someone unfamiliar with your topic
• Time yourself reading your paper out loud to be sure that you are respecting the time limits