CONFERENCE SUBMISSION
What is a précis?
Each year, we invite scholars to submit précis for consideration in the conference program. A précis is essentially a summary of your longer research article that captures the main points: the relevant background and theory, data and methods, findings, and significance. It is similar to an extended abstract.
What are the formatting guidelines for précis?
We ask that précis be limited to two pages single-spaced, with approximately 1-inch margins and 12-point font in a readable typeface. We welcome a reasonable number of tables, figures, and references, and they are not included in the page count. Please include your title at the top, ensure your précis is free of all identifiers, and submit your précis as a PDF.
The following are précis that were successful at getting on SEA’s 2024 conference program:
- Christina Ciocca Eller and Jane Choi, “Occupational Returns to ‘Some’ College: A Longitudinal Approach“
- Virginia Downing, “‘Let us Do Our Magic’ Black Community Advocate Influence and Stories of Restoring Community-School Relationships“
- Matthew Snidal, “School Suspensions Timing, Intersectionality, and Cumulative Disadvantage”
- Ilana Umansky, Mónica Jacobo Suárez, Colette Despagne, and Zaideth Ponce, “Systems and Idiosyncrasies: Barriers to Educational Access and Success Among Transnational Students in Oaxaca, Mexico“
And success submissions from SEA’s 2025 conference program:
- Ana Vasan, “You Can’t Lecture Liberation: Building Collectives Across the Educator-Student Divide“
- Elizabeth Burland, Jasmina Camo-Biogradlija, Xavier Fields, Kelcie Gerson, Kathy Michelmore, Nathan Sotherland, Kevin Stange, Marissa E. Thompson, and Megan Tompkins-Stange, “Bureaucracy and Burden: Understanding Variation in Take-up of Need-Based Aid“
How are précis evaluated?
At least two SEA Board Members, listed on the right-hand panel of our website, evaluate each précis by assigning a score in the following categories: fit with the conference theme; theoretical framework; data and methods; contribution; and importance. In past years, we were able to accept about 1/3 of submissions for presentation in the conference.
When will I learn whether I am invited to present at the conference?
We typically aim to have decisions to authors by December 1. Accepted presenters for the 2026 conference have already been notified, and you can see the exciting slate of presentations on the program here.
Can SEA board members submit to the conference?
Yes, we invite proposals from board members. Board members undergo the same anonymized evaluation process.
CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE
When is the conference?
The 2026 conference is scheduled for February 20-22, 2026 at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, CA. Registration is usually held 3-4pm on the Friday the conference begins, and events typically conclude after lunch (scheduled for 12pm) on Sunday.
How do I register?
You can register for the conference here. Note that registration fees may vary by year and are approximately $80 for graduate students, $120 for non-students making up to $60k per year, and $160 for non-students making more than $60k per year (plus taxes and fees, adding to about $90, $130, and $175, respectively). We also allow registration on-site, though registering in advance allows us to better prepare for the number of attendees to expect and to preprint nametags.
Can I update my registration information?
Yes, you can update your registration information at any time by going to your Eventbrite account.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket?
No. We have a printed list of registered attendees.
Do I have to stay on-site?
You are not required to stay on-site at the Asilomar campground, but doing so is encouraged, especially to participate in the communal meals. You can book your room here. Room charges include the cost of meals, which are communal dining experiences for all SEA attendees. Note that if you stay off-site, you can purchase meal tickets at Asilomar (more below).
Where can I stay if Asilomar sells out, or if I prefer to stay offsite?
If Asilomar sells out for the weekend, please make reservations at either Rosedale Inn or Deer Haven. Both establishments offer lodging close to Asilomar. There are also several AirBnB options close by. If you stay offsite, consider purchasing meal tickets at Asilomar. Meal tickets are available for purchase onsite. Please contact Asilomar about specific dietary needs you have to ensure they have options available.
What are my transportation and parking options for the conference?
Attendees have several airport options: Monterey (MRY), San Jose (SJC) and San Francisco (SFO) are the most popular. From MRY, you can take a cab/Uber to Asilomar. From SJC or SFO, you can take the Monterey Airbus Shuttle. Many SEA attendees elect to rent a car, particularly when traveling in groups. Parking is available free of charge at Asilomar for those who drive. (They have parking lot maps at the registration desk.)
What is the structure of the conference?
The conference starts on Friday, February 21st at 3pm afternoon and concludes at 1pm on Sunday, February 23rd. During that time there are a series of panel presentations (typically with 4-5 papers per panel) and a dedicated time slot for attendees to visit with poster presenters to discuss their research projects. There are also evening presentations by keynote speakers following the group dinners on Friday and Saturday. There are no concurrent sessions, which means everyone attends all of the sessions, which are held in the same room.
I see on the conference program that there’s a business meeting on Saturday. Who can attend?
Any registered SEA attendee is welcome to attend.
I’m giving a presentation. How should I prepare?
Be sure to note the time constraints for the talks in advance. There are typically five papers per session and 12 minutes for each presentation. Bring your own computer and a flashdrive with a copy of your presentation. Panelists typically load their presentation onto one presenter’s computer before the panel begins. With the shorter presentation format, consider skipping the literature review to get to the meat of your presentation.
What should I wear?
The general conference attire is business casual. We recommend also checking the weather before leaving as temperatures can fluctuate this time of year. Generally speaking, bring a windbreaker/jacket! The ocean is beautiful but it can bring some chilly wind from time to time.
MISCELLANEOUS
How can I get involved with SEA?
There are many ways to get involved, whether you are an early-career graduate student or a seasoned professor. We invite you to attend the business meeting held on the Saturday of the conference to learn about formal ways to get involved, learn about current issues with which the organization is grappling, and weigh in on decisions for forging the path ahead. You can also visit our Get Involved page here.
What are the annual SEA dues?
There are no separate membership fees or dues for the Sociology of Education Association. The conference registration is your membership fee.
How can I claim membership in SEA? Is there a certificate of membership?
Currently, members are those who participate in SEA conferences (and pay dues via the conference registration fee). There is no certificate of membership. If you need a certificate of membership (for example, to submit to your organization to reimburse conference attendance), please join the listserv and reply to our monthly newsletter. Learn how by visiting our Get Involved page here.
I’ve signed up for the newsletter, but I am not receiving the emails. How can I fix this?
While this is an uncommon occurrence, it does happen–mostly for individuals using their institutional emails. Be sure to add sea [at] isber.ucsb.edu to your address book and, if that doesn’t work, reach out to your institution’s IT.
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