When you log into the proposal submission system, the system will ask you to select the author's name from a drop-down list. Before you submit a proposal, make sure you (the author) have an account in the MPSA database, which is linked to the proposal submission system, and that all the contact information is correct.

If the author does not have an account, create one by registering on the MPSA website at www.mpsanet.org. Click on "Login" in the upper right corner, then click on the link to create a new account.

To update the information in your account, log into the website and click on "My Information." Your user name is your email address, and your password is whatever you make it. If you know you have an account but you have problems logging in, contact the national office for assistance (phone 812-558-0588, extension 1 or 3, or email mpsainfo@mpsanet.org). DO NOT CREATE ANOTHER RECORD.

The following information is required in the online submittal form:

1. First author's name, mailing address, phone number, affiliation, email address, the year the author started Ph.D. study, and the year he or she completed or will complete the Ph.D. Be sure to provide an email address that you check regularly and will maintain, as all correspondence about your submission is conducted via email. (The system automatically fills in the first name, last name, affiliation, and email address when you select the author's name from the look-up list.)

2. Section(s) (up to 2) to which the proposal is being submitted.

3. Title of the proposal. (This information will be included in the conference program if the proposal is accepted. There is a 250 character limit. Spaces and punctuation marks count as characters. Do not use tabs or hard returns.)

4. Brief overview. (This information will be included in the conference program if the proposal is accepted. There is a 250 character limit. Spaces and punctuation marks count as characters. Do not use tabs or hard returns.)

5. Abstract. (There is a 1,250 character limit. Spaces and punctuation marks count as characters. Do not use tabs or hard returns.)

Click on the white "Add Co-Author" button at the bottom of the form to add one or more co-authors. Required information for co-authors include the following: first name, last name, affiliation, email address, whether the author has received the Ph.D., and country. (The system automatically fills in the first name, last name, affiliation, and email address when you select the co-author's name from the look-up list.)

Click on the "Save" button at the bottom of the form to submit your proposal. A message will appear on your screen confirming your submission with a submission ID number. You also will receive an email confirmation. This is your proof that MPSA has received your submission, so keep it as a record. Check your junk mail folder if you do not receive an email confirmation from the MPSA.

You may submit up to two proposals. Only one of two proposals may be a single-authored paper. The same proposal may be submitted to up to two sections, but submitting a proposal to two sections does not increase the chance of acceptance.

Papers may be presented in a panel or poster format. The length and format of a paper are whatever is appropriate for publication in your subfield.

You cannot submit your paper to the proposal submission system. If your proposal is accepted, you will submit your paper to the members of your panel and upload it to the MPSA paper archive by March 10, 2011.

You will be notified through email by the end of November of the status of your submission. Be sure to provide an email address that you check regularly. All correspondence about your submission and the conference will be through email.

You can edit your submission at any time. However, you cannot change the sections to which you submit your proposal as a first and second choice. You cannot delete a proposal. If you need to change a section choice or delete a submission, send your request to conf@mpsanet.org Be sure to include the proposal ID number that is provided in the confirmation email.

If your proposal is accepted and you agree to present it, you must register for the conference no later than January 15, 2011, to guarantee a place on the program. (For multiple-author paper submissions, at least one author must register.)

The conference will take place over a four-day period, from Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon. By submitting a proposal, you agree to be available to participate during any of the four days of the conference. Requests for specific days or times for participation are not accepted, except for reasons related to religious observances or unusual family circumstances.

For instructions on how to submit a complete panel, click here.