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Scholarly Papers

For more information please contact Wendy Troxel, Director, NACADA Center for Research at KSU.

Scholarly Paper Sessions at the NACADA Annual Conference

The NACADA Research Committee, the NACADA Center for Research at KSU, the Theory, Philosophy, & History of Advising Community, and the NACADA Annual Conference Advisory Board are pleased to again offer this “session type” at the 2023 NACADA Annual Conference. Please see below for more information about Scholarly Papers:

What is a Scholarly Paper?

A scholarly paper addresses an issue or question that either has been the subject of ongoing discussion/debate among scholars or that perhaps has not been recognized as a salient issue but should be. This paper may argue for a novel position on the issue at hand, or may argue for a familiar position in a novel way. The argument makes use of the methods and epistemologies of one or more academic discipline, and does so in a way that (in addition to supporting the paper’s position) models the academic discipline(s), as applied to advising.

What is required at the proposal stage?

The proposal should include:

  • A well-crafted title
  • An abstract of no more than 135 words
  • A narrative of no more than 2,000 words which outlines the issue(s) or question(s) the paper will address, including a clear description of the methods and epistemologies of one or more academic discipline.

Are these the same criteria as for a Concurrent Session?

No, the process and requirements for Scholarly Papers are different and separate than for Concurrent Sessions. If you would like to be considered for a concurrent session (if your proposal for a scholarly paper is not accepted, for example) you must submit a separate proposal through that process, using the same title. Please note:

  • If the paper is accepted as a Scholarly Paper, it would not be presented as a Concurrent Session presentation.
  • If the paper is not accepted as a Scholarly Paper, it may be accepted for a Concurrent Session presentation.

How will the scholarly paper proposals be evaluated?

Proposal readers will assess the submission on the following criteria:

  • Intent: Does the proposal clearly lead to a completed manuscript?
  • Significance: Does the proposal deal with issues and/or arguments salient to academic advising?
  • Clarity: Is the proposed scholarly paper (abstract and description) clearly articulated?
  • Contribution: Would this paper introduce new arguments, questions, theories, or issues?
  • Scholarship: Does the argument make use of the methods and epistemologies of one or more academic discipline?

What are the expectations if my scholarly paper is accepted?

Scholarly Papers must be presented in person at the NACADA Annual Conference (if the conference has an in-person component). Authors must register for the conference and plan to attend in person.  

The final manuscript must be uploaded by September 1, 2023 (detailed information will be sent to authors upon acceptance). This gives the discussants ample opportunity to read their assigned papers deeply in order to prepare their analysis, comments, and feedback. Final papers should be no longer than 30 double-spaced pages (excluding references, tables, and appendices).

“No Paper, No Podium” Policy: Failure to upload a full manuscript by the September 1, 2023 deadline will result in removal from the NACADA Annual Conference program. 

What is the format for a scholarly paper session at the NACADA Annual Conference?

A single hour-long conference session includes 2 “scholarly paper presentations” around a common topic, with a discussant who moderates the session, having already read the manuscripts. Each paper’s author(s) is permitted a maximum of 15 minutes to describe the study or theoretical/philosophical analysis to the audience. After the papers have been presented, the discussant summarizes them and provides a critical analysis of the manuscripts, offering helpful feedback toward a next draft of the manuscript and a synthesis of the papers around the theme of the session. Finally, the audience members have the opportunity to ask questions of the authors.

Following the session, the discussant forwards the feedback to each of the authors. The authors now have helpful feedback not only from the discussant, but also from the audience members who participated during the session.

Benefits to presenting a scholarly paper at the NACADA Annual Conference:

  • Submitting a manuscript for peer review accelerates the time and likelihood of successful publication into a scholarly journal.
  • These types of sessions allow for multiple papers to be accepted for every designated session, thus increasing the number of presenters accepted.
  • The proposal process is similar to that of NACADA pre-conference workshops, with a designated, expert review team (all NACADA members will have an opportunity to apply to serve as a proposal reader for this session type during the “call for readers” process).
  • Provides a tangible and public outlet for primary role advisors, faculty advisors, and advising administrators who conduct scholarly inquiry.
  • Encourages members of the NACADA Virtual Writing Groups to have a preliminary goal to share their work in an additional peer reviewed environment prior to submission to a chosen publication.