Resources for First-Time Attendees
Previewing the 77th Annual MPSA Conference Program: A Selection of Professional Development Panels for Graduate Students
By Charmaine N. Willis of University of Albany, SUNY As panelists frantically completing their papers and presentations are acutely aware, the 77th Annual MPSA Conference is fast approaching. In addition to some excellent topical panels, this year’s conference offers a bevy of roundtables on…
First-Generation Findings: Eight Strategies for Success at Academic Conferences
By James Steur of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign As a first-generation college student and son of two hairdressers, I’ve spent most of my life far removed from the world of academia. I still remember flying into Denver for my first conference as an undergrad and feeling…
The Art of Networking: How to Maximize Your Doctoral Experience
By Francesca Gottardi of the University of Cincinnati When thinking about a doctoral program, the first image that comes to mind is likely to be that of a geeky student sitting at a desk, buried in books. But life in academia is not only about the coursework, although fundamental. It is also about…
In Retrospect: Tips for First-Time MPSA Attendees and Presenters
By Charmaine N. Willis of University at Albany, SUNY As I reflect on my first MPSA conference there are few things that I would have done differently, both prior to and during the conference. I offer some tips to new (and returning) attendees for future conferences. While my suggestions are based…
Chicago's "Must See" Locations for Political Scientists
We asked Chicagoan members: What are the “must see” locations for political scientists while visiting the Chicago area? In addition to the Palmer House’s own History is Hott tour, MPSA members from the Chicago area have provided us with the following “must see” locations of political, historical,…
Your To Do List: One Week until MPSA 2016
We are one week away from the MPSA 2016 conference and a lot of us are still scrambling to get everything in order. Those of us making it to the MPSA for the very first time are especially equal parts excited and nervous to be presenting at such a big forum. So to help out my fellow first timers, I…