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SAMLA has a two-part submission process.
First, members have the opportunity to propose a panel on a topic of their choosing. These panel proposals will appear on the SAMLA website, and scholars use the Ballast software to send paper proposals to panel chairs.
After the deadline to submit abstract to panels, SAMLA will accept individual paper proposals in a general call. SAMLA staff will arrange those abstracts into panels.
How do I submit an abstract, and how can I see the list of CFPs to find a panel to submit to?
Login to your account at samla.ballastacademic.com. Click on the “Call for Papers” tab to see the list of currently open CFPs. To submit, click on a CFP to open its full page. You will then see the “Submit Abstract” button in the top-right corner. Click that and follow the on-screen instructions.
I browsed the list of CFPs, but I don’t know which one to apply to. Is there a general Call for Abstracts I can submit to instead?
Yes, on the same “Call for Papers” tab in Ballast, please use the search bar in the top right of the Call for Papers page to search for “General Call for Abstracts.” Please note that this will only appear from July 16 to September 1.
How do I check my abstract status?
You should receive an email notifying you of the decision. Ensure that no-reply@ballastacademic.com is whitelisted on your spam filter. Please also login often to samla.ballastacademic.com to access your submission manager, which will indicate the status of your submission.
What do I need to do after my abstract has been accepted?
In the Ballast Submission Manager at samla.ballastacademic.com, please “Accept” the “Invite” your panel chair has sent you. You should see a button that says “Accept Invitation.”
If my abstract has been rejected, do I have any options?
SAMLA conducts a second round of review. If your abstract remains declined after October 1 of the calendar year, we regret to inform you that your abstract did not pass the second round of review and will not be accepted for this year’s conference.
My abstract is under the “Reroute” status. What does that mean?
SAMLA is currently in the process of reviewing your abstract a second time to see if we can accept it. Please be patient.
When is the abstract submission deadline?
Generally, it is September 1 of each year, but refer to the front page of southatlanticmla.org for the latest information.
Are there separate deadlines for the General Call for Abstracts?
Not necessarily, except that the General Call for Abstracts opens on July 16 and closes September 1, where as non-GCA abstracts (those submitted to proposed sessions) run from the date of acceptance of the proposal to September 1.
I need to modify my abstract or its title. How do I do this?
A period of corrections will be announced via email after the release of the first draft schedule, with instructions.After this period of corrections has passed, no changes to abstracts or titles can be made on the official program.
What are the time considerations for sessions at the conference?
Each track runs for 75 minutes. We generally recommend for 60 minutes of presentation and 15 minutes of Q&A. As a presenter, please be mindful of your presentation length (as it is split evenly amongst a session’s panelists) and refer to your chair for any further questions.
Does SAMLA accept scheduling requests?
No. SAMLA does not accept scheduling requests. Panels can be scheduled for any time slot during the conference, although we will try to accommodate special circumstances.
Do you offer virtual or hybrid sessions?
No. SAMLA is a 100% in-person conference experience.
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