To be eligible for an award:

• the author(s) of an abstract must be CSA member(s) at the time of the abstract due date
• one or multiple authors must send an abstract proposal to an annual symposium (please follow instructions and deadlines to comply to this requirement)
• when an abstract is selected, one or multiple authors must present it in person at the symposium
• abstracts for Completed Research Presentations (Research, Design-Based, Project-Based) and Creative Works Exhibition will be considered.

Abstracts will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• topic is original and will add to the body of knowledge in the field
• purpose is clearly stated and accomplished
• research methods are appropriate to the purpose
• research sources are varied
• conclusion is clearly articulated

See the rubric tab for more information.

The abstracts that scored in the top 5% that were submitted to the symposium by CSA members are eligible for consideration to the Betty Kirke Research Award. The winning recipient, as evaluated by three reviewers, guided by the rubric, will be notified prior to the conference.

An invitation to submit an extended proposal will be sent to eligible applicants in mid-December, 2025.

Each criterion is rated on a scale from 4 - 1 (4 being the highest score).

1. Research thesis objective, approach, or argument
2. Description of research design/method
3. Literature review and the relationship of the literature to your research question(s)
4. Findings—their significance and limitations
5. Organization and clarity
6. Quality of writing

The Abstract Submittal/Application Deadline for the Annual Meeting is October 1, 2025.  By December 15, 2025, the submitters of abstracts that score in the top 5% will be notified to submit additional materials with a deadline of January 15, 2026.  The committee will make the final selection and send notifications in mid-February, 2026. The certificate, honorarium, and travel stipend will be presented at the symposium.