The IGS is an affiliate of the National Communication Association, and as such will sponsor programming at the NCA's annual meeting in New Orleans on November 19th to 22nd, 2026. The NCA's online portal for submissions is not open yet, but will be available on their website in the near future. In the meantime, we have provided below the text of our call for papers.
The purpose of the Institute of General Semantics is to promote research and teaching based on the discipline of general semantics and related approaches to understanding the human condition. Members are concerned with language, symbols, and perception; applied epistemology; scientific method writ large; behavior and cognition; order, relation, structure, and the systems view; meaning-making; critical thinking and evaluation of information; human potential; time-binding; media ecology; etc.
The IGS seeks submissions that address any aspect of the discipline of general semantics, including applications to interpersonal, organizational, and sociocultural matters, investigations of major general semantics scholars and authors, work that advances general semantics as a field of study and/or relates general semantics to other theories, philosophical traditions, or areas of interest, etc.
The IGS will accept the following submission types: Individual Papers, Paper Sessions, Individual Films, Individual Performances, Film Sessions, Performance Sessions and Panel Discussions. All submissions must be made via NCA Convention Central. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.
Individual Papers
Submissions must include a max 30-page, double-spaced uploaded copy of the paper. Copies must be uploaded into NCA Convention Central and must not include identifying information. Instructions on how to prepare an unidentifiable copy are provided in the Convention Library. Submitters should NOT upload a separate cover page, or any file with identifying information in the document text or properties. We will recognize the Top Paper in our division. Submissions should include title, paper description (abstract), keywords, and author information in the appropriate sections of the electronic submission form. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. If a student submission select student in the electronic form. All authors must be students, in this case. Submitters interested in being considered for Scholar to Scholar session (poster session) should indicate their interest in the electronic submission form.
Paper Sessions
Submissions must include a title and overall session description. Submission must include the title, description (abstract) and author(s) of each paper. A session chair is required, respondent is optional. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. AV requests must be made at the time of submission.
Panel Discussions
Submissions must include a title and session description. Submissions must include the list of each presenter involved. A session chair is required. Please provide a rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. No papers are presented as part of a panel discussion.
Individual Film
Submissions must include a film title, description, keywords, and film maker information. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. As a supporting file, upload a copy of the script (no more than 100 pages) or a word document that contains a link to the film or film trailer. Do not upload a video file to NCA Convention Central. In the uploaded supporting file indicate the length of the film. Individual films should be no more than 20 minutes in length. If the film is longer than 20 minutes, consider developing a Film Session submission (see requirements in this call).
Individual Performance
Submissions must include a title, description, keywords and performers’ information. Performances must be no longer than 20 minutes in length. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. As a supporting file, include a script, link to a video of the performance, or an outline of the performance.
Performance Session
Submissions must include a session title and description. Submissions must include individual performance titles, description, and performers. A chair is required. Please provide a session rationale for acceptance outlining the importance of the submission. In the supporting file please indicate the length of the performance(s) within this submission.
Film Session
Submissions must include a session title and description, titles of each film, descriptions of each film and film maker(s) information. A session chair is required. AV requests must be made at the time of submission. Do not upload film(s) to Convention Central. Rather, upload a word document that contains a link to the film(s), film trailer(s), or script(s). In the supporting file please indicate the length of the film(s) within this submission.
Reminder About Professional Standards
All submitters are encouraged to review the Professional Standards for Convention Participants prior to submission. Helpful resources, including live and recorded step-by-step instructions on how to submit, are available in the Convention Resource Library.
Questions
For any questions regarding the IGS Affiliate programming, please contact:
Lance Strate
IGS President and Affiliate Program Planner
strate at fordham.edu
