SfAA Student Conference Q&A


SfAA Annual Meeting: Questions Frequently Asked by Students Please check the SfAA Online Community or contact the SfAA Student Committee Chair with any additional questions or concerns. What is the SfAA Annual Meeting? How can students participate? What else goes on at the conference? What special activities does the Student Committee sponsor for all students? Do you have any travel advice or hotel recommendations? What about sharing rooms? Is there any financial assistance available for students attending the conference? Can undergraduate students participate in the conference? Can I get college credit for attending the conference? What is the SfAA Annual Meeting? The Annual Meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) is the premier international conference for applied anthropologists and other applied social scientists. This conference is a great place to receive feedback and comments from colleagues and to plan future collaborations with fellow practitioners. The SfAA is known as a particularly student-friendly organization whose meetings are characterized by an atmosphere of collaboration and constructive advice. Many students who present at the meeting have noted that senior researchers at their sessions express support and enthusiasm for their research. The Student Committee will staff a table at the conference registration area to answer your questions or provide assistance. We look forward to meeting you! How can students participate? Students are welcome to present their research or to attend the presentations of other scholars. In order to present, you need to register for the meeting AND submit an abstract to the SfAA by the deadline of October 15. If you wish to attend without presenting, the deadline does not apply -- you can register for the meeting at any time. There are two formats for presentations: Posters present research in a visual format and one-on-one discussion with the researcher. Many students who have never before presented at a conference find the poster format to be a great way to start. Paper sessions consist of papers grouped around a theme presented by different applied anthropologists in a panel format. Each presentation lasts approx. 15 minutes and is followed by a general discussion. You can submit a single paper which will be assigned to a session by the organizers, or you can organize your own session with other presenters. If you are looking for someone who shares your research interests in order to collaborate on a session, post your ideas on the SfAA Online Community. The Student Committee officers are available for assistance or advice about submitting an abstract. Please feel free to contact us. We enjoy helping other students any way we can. What else goes on at the conference? Many other activities contribute to the exciting scholarly environment of the meetings: Workshops -- These sessions usually focus on skills and training. They are held for a half day, a full day, or over several days. Students must register in advance to avoid a penalty fee. Workshops have limited space and fill up quickly, so check the website to sign up before the conference. The registration desk at the conference will inform participants about available slots. Plenary Session -- A distinguished guest is invited to speak on the conference theme. The plenary session is a vital part of the meeting. A reception follows with a complimentary dinner for everyone. Round Tables -- Round tables are usually small collections of theme related discussions. Some round tables can be part of a lunch or just a conventional meeting. Business Meetings -- An open SfAA Business Meeting is held for all members at the conference. Check the program for scheduled times. Local Tours and Other Special Events -- The SfAA arranges for special tours for conference attendees at each conference location. These tours often focus on issues of interest to applied anthropologists, such as local arts, history, or economy. Be sure to sign up early via the website or registration table, as these events have limited spaces and often fill up early. Additionally, organizers often invite local singers, artists, or storytellers to share their experiences at special events at the conference. What special activities does the Student Committee sponsor for all students? Conference Orientation - The Student Committee, the Conference Chair and several SfAA Past Presidents organize this meeting for students. They discuss featured sessions, events, and ways to make the most of your time at the conference. The orientation session takes place the first day of the conference. Student Committee Business Meeting – This is a great opportunity for students to help set the goals for the Student Committee for the coming year, to meet other students, and find out how they can themselves contribute to the work of the SfAA. The SfAA Past Presidents and Students Luncheon – This is a chance to discuss the SfAA’s rich history and service with previous presidents of the organization. This complimentary lunch is always well attended and limited to 25 students. We urge those who are interested to sign up early. A list will be posted at the Student Committee table at the conference registration area. Look for us when you arrive at the conference hotel. Social Gatherings - There are a variety of social events specifically for students during the conference. Such events typically include an all-student party and the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA) Student and Practitioner Party. Check in with the Student Committee’s table when you arrive and check the program for a listing of these events. Do you have any travel advice or hotel recommendations? What about sharing rooms? The SfAA compiles travel information, including a list of hotels. Check the SfAA Annual Meeting page for the latest information. In previous years, students have used the SfAA Online Community to arrange to share hotel rooms with others traveling to the conference. Feel free to post your requests. Is there any financial assistance available for students attending the conference? Costs for the conference will include registration fees along with travel and hotel costs. There are several awards for students who plan to attend the conference. Visit the Awards page to learn about these travel awards, including the new Student Endowed Award. In addition, the SfAA encourages students to volunteer with a variety of conference tasks, such as assisting with registration or audiovisual set-up. In return, students receive benefits such as a free annual membership in the Society, entitling them to all the publications and benefits of membership. Please contact the SfAA Office for more information: info@sfaa.net. Can undergraduate students participate in the conference? Absolutely! Like graduate students, undergraduate students are encouraged to attend the conference and/or present their research. Attending the meetings is a great way for undergraduate students to learn more about career opportunities and graduate programs in applied social sciences -- and also to make valuable contacts for the future! If you’ve never presented a paper before, the SfAA meetings are a great opportunity to do so in a student-friendly environment. At last year’s conference, numerous undergraduate students presented and the Student Committee sponsored a special undergraduate mentoring session. Can I get college credit for attending the conference? The Society does not have an arrangement for providing college credit for attendance at the meeting (or attendance in conjunction with an assignment). This has to be arranged with your own institution. Please contact your faculty advisor to determine if your college/university can make such an arrangement. The SfAA will provide evidence to substantiate the professional content of the meeting.