Special Programs and Awards

Professional Development Area
The professional development area provides scholars with training and information to help them with their research skills, prepare them for the job market, and provide them with other types of assistance. The area usually features panels during the annual conference. It is chaired by Angela Nelson of Bowling Green State University.

The Mentor Program
The Mentor Program pairs new presenters and attendees with more seasoned veterans to help ease some of the apprehension and make the conference experience a more enjoyable one. For more information, includings questions and answers and a sign-up form, please go here. Please direct any other questions about the program to Heather McIntosh at filmfiles@yahoo.com.

Travel Grants
Travel grants are available to assist graduate students presenting their papers with attending the conference. They are competitively awarded, and are supported by the Popular Culture Association / American Culture Association Endowment. More information is available here.

Undergraduate Paper Competition
The undergraduate paper competition seeks to mentor undergraduate scholars who show promise in their research. Chaired as an area by Sharee St. Louis, the competition has been added to the 2005 conference program.