What do I have to do to submit the abstract?
Submit your abstract online via this secure link:  (webpage will be open for submissions until 10/9/2020 at 11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time).

When is the deadline for the abstract submission?
The deadline for abstracts submission is October 9, 2020. 

Who should apply & attend?
​​The conference is for graduate students pursuing either master’s or doctorate degrees.  Researchers from all disciplines, especially researchers utilizing interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary methods, are invited to present on how the research they are conducting connects to the broader community.

​​ This year we are also inviting limited participation from recently graduated early-career professionals, in recognition of the unique perspectives they may bring to our theme of communicating across communities as engaged, community-based professionals. Early-career professionals must have earned a graduate degree within the past three years. Those working on community projects or representing community viewpoints are especially encouraged to submit.
 
Can I submit more than one abstract?
Yes. If you would like to submit more than one abstract, please send separate abstract submission forms for each abstract. Each abstract must be sent separately. (Should both be accepted, you will only need to register once)

Can we submit as a research team?
​​ Yes. However, presentations will proceed with the same restrictions as single-author presentations (i.e. you will be given the same amount of time to present and hold Q&A).  You can choose to have either one author present or utilize multiple presenters. If co-authors want to attend the conference, each author must register separately. 

I want to present in a format that requires more space or extra equipment etc. than an academic talk normally utilizes. How can I indicate this and make sure that my format is possible?
​​Please indicate on your application what format you would like to present in, along with what type of space or equipment you will need to do so. If you have any logistics questions, feel free to email us with them. For a format that requires an interpreter, we can potentially assist you in the process of finding one but cannot make any guarantees, so we would appreciate it if you can bring your own interpreter or a means of interpreting with you.  

When will I know the results?
Acceptance notices are typically sent out in mid November via email from igscewc@gmail.com.

How does the IGSC committee make abstract selection decisions?
Experts, professors, and PhD students from relevant disciplines serve on abstract selection committees and read and rate the abstracts in their area of expertise.

What do I need to do if my abstract is accepted?
Once accepted, please complete the conference registration form and online registration payment as directed in the notification email.

What happens if an in-person conference is not possible in February?
We will shift to an online format. We will make a determination on this at the time of invitation so that presenters can plan accordingly. We will definitely have the Conference, whether in person or online.

What happens if the Conference is held in person but I am not able to get to Hawai‘i due to visa or travel restrictions? 
We anticipate that there might be challenges in this regard. We will make arrangements for presenters to be able to share their work, and will try to make as much of the Conference available to remote participants as possible.
 

Am I eligible for an IGSC travel grant and how do I apply?
Due to limited funding sources, only individuals who are citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States OR a place listed on the abstract submission form are eligible to apply for a travel grant to participate in the IGSC. Please indicate your interest in the travel grant on the form when submitting your abstract.

How does the IGSC allocate travel grants?
A limited number of travel grants are awarded on merit, which means that the travel grants will be allocated according to the quality of the abstracts.

When will I know if I receive a travel grant?
Applicants are typically notified of travel grant results around the same time as the acceptance announcement.
 
What do I have to do if I receive a travel grant?
Recipients will be acknowledged in detail about this via email and provided with forms to return. Recipients can confirm acceptance of the travel grant and return the forms via emai to studentconference@eastwestcenter.org by the deadline provided in the award offer notification.

When will I actually receive the travel grant check?
You will receive the travel grant check on the first day of the conference upon checking in at the registration table. Please note that the check will not be mailed.

What do I need to do to register?
All presenters must register online and pay the non-refundable registration fee (online or by check) by early January. Additional information, along with the registration link, will be available later this year. 

How much is the registration fee?
The early bird registration fee is $70.00 (US Dollar) if registering before 12/11/2020. After this, the fee will increase to $80.00. Registration closes on 1/13/2021.

Why do I need to pay the registration fee?
The fee covers the costs of putting on the conference. An opening reception meal, coffee breaks, light breakfast foods, and two lunches are included in the conference fee cost.

If I do not need food at the conference, do I need to pay the registration fee?
All presenters are required to pay the $70 registration fee.

When will I know the conference schedule?
Within two weeks of the closing of the registration period (December - early January), presenters will be notified of the program. You may also check www.eastwestcenter.org/studentconference.
 
May I bring a guest(s)?
Guests are allowed. Please note that guests partaking in meals provided at the conference will also need to pay the $70 registration fee. Accompanying guests should also complete the registration form for non-presenters and notify studentconference@eastwestcenter.org (the registration fee can be paid online through the NON-presenter registration form).

What should presenters plan for?
There will be a detailed presenter guidance email message sent shortly after the registration period closes. On the opening day, all presenters should come to the registration/check-in table first to pick up your packet and badge. Upon completing check-in, we recommend visiting the room where you will make your presentation and saving your PowerPoint or other files to the laptop provided. While this is optional, we strongly encourage presenters to test your file and software compatibility. Poster presenters should plan to have their own posters and materials printed for the Conference. Details about the arrangements for posters will be shared after your abstracts have been selected. You can also refer to the "Guidelines for Presenters" page in the right hand menu.

Do I need to have a PowerPoint Presentation?
No, the International Graduate Student Conference (IGSC) does not require this. You also are not required to provide handouts to the audience.

Can I use a Macintosh laptop?
The conference center only provides Windows laptops in the conference presentation rooms. If you want to bring your own device, please remember to bring any necessary converter cables, as these will not be provided. It is strongly recommended that you consider bringing a PowerPoint presentation compatible with Windows just in case.

How much time is allotted for presentations?
Presentations should be no longer than 15 minutes maximum, plus 5-10 minutes of Q & A (facilitated by a panel moderator). Each panelist will be given equal time to present.

Where is the venue of the conference?
The conference will be held at the East-West Center, in the Hawai‘i Imin International Conference Center located at 1777 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96848, which adjoins the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa campus and the East-West Center residence halls. Refer to the Conference Center website for more information.

Does the IGSC arrange airport pick up?
We do not provide airport pick-up service. The fastest way to come to the conference site from the airport is to take a taxi (approximately $40).  There are also more affordable shuttle services that allow for online bookings:  http://www.speedishuttle.com (approx. $20-25/one-way) and http://www.reliableshuttle.com (approx. $15/one-way - be sure to ask for the special student rate). Alternatively, you can take a Honolulu city bus, number 19 or 20 (Waikiki Beach & Hotel), then change to bus number 6 (Woodlawn Drive via East-West Road) at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, which will take you to the East-West Center and University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Please check the city bus website for the most recent fares. You will need the exact amount (they do not give change). Please also note that the bus may not allow you to carry on large suitcases.

Uber and Lyft also service the Honolulu International Airport.

How do I use the airport taxi service?
If you do decide to take a taxi, please ensure that you have at least $40 in cash beforehand. There are Automated Teller Machines (ATM) located throughout the airport terminal areas.

Taxi service is available on the center median fronting the terminal baggage claim areas. To get there, simply exit the terminal on the ground level and cross the street to the middle pedestrian walkway.

Walk in either direction until you see a yellow sign that reads, "TAXI DISPATCHER." There will be taxi dispatchers wearing green shirts with black lettering with the wording "TAXI DISPATCHER," who can help secure you a taxi.

Approach the dispatcher and let him/her know that you want to go to the University of Hawai‘i, Manoa. He or she will direct you to a taxi.

When you enter the taxi, tell the driver that you want to go to the East-West Center at the University of Hawai‘i, Manoa and give them the address 1711 East-West Road. This is the address for the Hale Manoa dormitory.

Where can I stay during the conference?
The nearest accommodations to the Hawai‘i Imin International Conference Center are the East-West Center (EWC) residence halls (Hale Manoa, Hale Kuahine and Lincoln Hall). Please refer to the EWC Housing website for details (including pictures of the rooms) and reservation procedure. Participants are requested to get in touch with EWC Housing authorities directly for their accommodation reservation and questions by email: housing@eastwestcenter.org.

Where can I find general visitor information about the East-West Center?
Please see http://www.eastwestcenter.org/about-ewc/visitor-information.

Does EWC provide visa assistance for the conference?
No. However, the abstract acceptance email for the conference should serve as a valid document for the visa initiation process.