{"id":1578,"date":"2026-10-30T18:01:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T18:01:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/?page_id=1578"},"modified":"2026-11-04T15:32:22","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T15:32:22","slug":"short-course-proposals","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/","title":{"rendered":"Call for Short Course Proposals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.918rem, 0.918rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.762), 1.38rem);\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sections on this page<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aec68a76d82b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aec68a76d82b\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"498\" height=\"747\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/speaker-with-audience-vert.jpg\" alt=\"A course instructor smiles with the attendees. \" class=\"wp-image-1581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/speaker-with-audience-vert.jpg 498w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/speaker-with-audience-vert-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-border-color has-base-border-color is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:1px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\">Meeting Dates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2027 Annual Meeting<\/strong><br><strong>July 25-30, 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Toronto, <\/strong>Ontario<br>Canada<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-border-color has-red-border-color is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:1px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\">Submission Deadline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thursday, <\/strong><br>December 3, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5:00 PM Eastern <\/strong><br><strong>(2:00 PM Pacific)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-to-submit\"><\/span>How To Submit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/#how-to-submit\" >How To Submit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/#important-note\" >Important Note<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/#logistical-considerations\" >Logistical Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/#components-of-a-proposal\" >Components of a Proposal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/#demographic-questions-about-the-session-organizer\" >Demographic Questions about the Session Organizer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/#session-and-presentation-rules\" >Session and Presentation Rules<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/#other-important-information-to-consider\" >Other Important Information to Consider<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/#cancellation-policy\" >Cancellation Policy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/#important-dates\" >Important Dates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/short-course-proposals\/#questions\" >Questions?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Please Note:<\/em><\/strong> <em>The submission website supports the latest version of Chrome, the current and previous release of Firefox, Safari and Microsoft browsers. Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-35f06ea7 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.planion.com\/Z?96X9X2266\">Submit A Proposal Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-base-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-867ecf73 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-width:1px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3\">Submissions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">You must submit your proposal using the online submission form. Proposals sent by email will not be considered. Proposals that are incomplete will not be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">All ESA Annual Meeting proposal and abstract deadlines are 5:00 PM Eastern so that technical support and ESA staff assistance will be immediately available when submitters need it. If you begin your submission very close to the deadline, you are choosing to take a risk, and we will not make an exception if you are unable to complete your submission in time. The form automatically closes at 5:00 Eastern Time (2:00 Pacific Time) whether you have completed your submission or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">You will receive an automatic email when you complete your submission. Every speaker listed in the proposal will receive a similar email. You will be able to return to the proposal to edit it until the submission deadline has passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">To submit a proposal, you will need to log in using an ESA member account. If you have not been an ESA member or registered for an ESA meeting in recent years, you will need to create an ESA member account before you can submit. You do not need to pay membership dues to create an ESA member account or submit for the meeting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"important-note\"><\/span>Important Note<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">ESA meetings, open to ESA members and those interested in ecology, are among the most respected meetings of ecologists in the science community. ESA is committed to providing a safe, productive and welcoming environment. All participants including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, ESA staff, service providers and others are expected to abide by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esa.org\/events\/code-of-conduct-for-esa-events\/\">Code of Conduct for ESA Events<\/a>. This Code of Conduct applies to all ESA meeting-related events including those sponsored by organizations other than ESA but held in conjunction with ESA events, in public or private facilities. ESA members and authors of ESA publications must also adhere to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esa.org\/about\/code-of-ethics\/\">ESA Code of Ethics<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About Short Courses<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">We invite proposals for short courses for the 2027 ESA Annual Meeting. Short courses offer participants an opportunity to learn new skills through interactive instruction and hands-on training in a long format (3 or 6 hours). These sessions are not appropriate for the presentation of formal research talks and do not include presentation abstracts. Short courses are more interactive and informal than formal paper sessions, and they can involve extended discussion as well as hands-on training. A strong short course proposal will make clear what knowledge, skills, tools, or insights participants might expect to gain from the session. You can <a href=\"https:\/\/events.rdmobile.com\/Sessions\/Index\/20474?Search=short+course&amp;mode=All&amp;pagenumber=0&amp;hidePastSessions=False&amp;scheduleType=\">browse short courses from the 2026 meeting<\/a> to see examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">All short courses require advance registration and an additional fee. Short courses that do not meet the minimum of 10 registrants by late June will be cancelled. This decision will be communicated to the session organizer, so it is critical that we have accurate contact information for the lead organizer. If a short course meets minimum registration, it is expected to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">We encourage submitters to also review the calls for special sessions and Career Central sessions to consider which session type would be more appropriate for the approach you have in mind. To propose a shorter session (90 minutes), please see our call for workshops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"logistical-considerations\"><\/span>Logistical Considerations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Accepted short courses will be scheduled for Sunday, July 25th or Friday, July 30th to minimize topic overlap and as meeting space and logistics allow. We cannot consider session organizer preferences for scheduling other than a preference for session length (3 or 6 hours). 3 hour short courses can be scheduled for either day, and 6 hour short courses can be scheduled for Sunday only. Short courses are not scheduled concurrently with oral or poster sessions. Short courses will be cancelled if they do not reach a minimum of 10 registrants by late June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">We cannot consider session organizer preferences for room setup. Short course rooms will be set in a style to facilitate interaction as well as presentation by the instructor (not in theater style).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The standard A\/V setup is a screen, LCD projector, and laptop (with sound). Flip charts and power strips for participant laptops can be requested in the proposal. Wireless internet will not be available in all session rooms this year. Please let us know in the Equipment Notes if internet connectivity is important for this session. Any additional equipment requested in the proposal may incur costs and can only be provided if the organizer provides funding to cover the costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Food and beverage service can be requested but is not required for short courses. Unless the course organizer provides funding to cover the associated costs, any requests for food and beverage will increase the fee attendees must pay to sign up for the course. Please note all food and beverage service is charged a service charge fee and applicable taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aec68a76ebf3&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aec68a76ebf3\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-with-audience-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A presenter smiles with the audience.\" class=\"wp-image-1207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-with-audience-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-with-audience-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-with-audience-767x511.jpg 767w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-with-audience.jpg 1274w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proposal Format<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The information listed below must be submitted through the online submission form. It is provided here to assist you in planning your submission. The form may differ slightly from the version listed here. You may begin a submission and then return to edit it up until the deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"components-of-a-proposal\"><\/span>Components of a Proposal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Session title (50 words max.) A strong session title is short and descriptive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One lead organizer (Required; name, institution, and email).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Co-organizer(s) (Optional; name, institution, and email).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Session description (Required; 200 words max.). Describe the theme and purpose of this session. The session description should avoid overly specialized language. Any ecologist attending the meeting should be able to understand it. It could include background information, goals, objectives, importance, and interest to the membership of ESA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Topical track (Optional; select up to 2): Would you like this session to be considered for inclusion in any of the following tracks? Please only select a track if you think it\u2019s a good fit for this proposal.<ul><li>Career Exploration<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Education<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Justice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI)<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Data Skills Training<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Traditional Ecological Knowledge<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Communication and Engagement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flip charts: How many flip charts will this session need? (0-3). Please help us minimize costs and only request as many charts as you require. You can tear off pages to share one chart with multiple groups. We pay more than $100 to rent each flip chart per session.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equipment notes (Optional; 200 words max.): We will provide a laptop (with sound for videos), screen, and LCD projector. Do you need wireless internet? Is there anything else you anticipate you will need for this session? Please keep in mind that additional equipment requested will incur a cost that will need to be covered by the session organizer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maximum number of participants: What is the maximum number of participants you could manage for this short course?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Session leader mobile phone: During the planning stages leading up to the meeting, we will communicate with you by email. Once we are on site at the meeting, we may need to check in by phone. Please provide your mobile phone number that we can use to text or call you on the day of the course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power strips: Does this session need power strips for participant laptops? Please help us minimize costs and only request power strips if they are needed. (Yes\/No)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food and beverage: Please note all food and beverage is charged a service charge fee and applicable taxes. Bringing in outside food or beverages is strictly prohibited. We do not yet know the catering costs for this year\u2019s convention center. With rising prices in recent months, we expect that the cost for coffee will exceed $20 per person, and the cost for a typical boxed lunch will exceed $60 per person. Up to date menus with pricing will be sent to you in the spring for you to make your final food selections. In the meantime, you can look over the catering options that are available from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtccc.com\/food-beverage\/\">Toronto Convention Center<\/a> as of October 2026. Please check all that apply.<ul><li>No Food and Beverage Service<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Coffee Service<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Soft Drinks and Bottle Water<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Snack Service (you will select from the menu options in the Spring)<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breakfast (you will select from the menu options in the Spring)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Covering Costs (only if requesting food and beverages). Food and beverage service is not required for short courses. Unless the course organizer provides funding to cover the associated costs, any requests for food and beverage will increase the fee attendees must pay to sign up for the course. If you are requesting food and beverage service and are planning to use outside funding to cover the costs, please specify the following:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your budget to cover these costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your source of funding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If there is someone we should invoice for these costs, please provide their name and email address.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scheduling notes (Optional; up to 200 words): Is the session intended to be linked to another session or social event? Are there any other sessions proposed for the meeting you are aware of that should not be scheduled at the same time as this one? Are there any other considerations we should know about when scheduling this session? Please note we cannot honor requests to schedule for a specific date. We will do our best to avoid known scheduling conflicts. This will only be seen by the committee. It will not appear in the meeting program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"demographic-questions-about-the-session-organizer\"><\/span>Demographic Questions about the Session Organizer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The submission form asks a few questions about the session organizer to help ESA improve our services and monitor our efforts towards diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. You will be asked to answer the following questions about the lead session organizer for this proposal.&nbsp; All information will be shared only in the aggregate to help us assess the diversity of our submissions. Proposal reviewers and the committee will not see this information for individual proposals. It is required that you answer each question, but you can select \u201cPrefer not to answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">What best describes your race and\/or ethnicity? You can select multiple answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Asian\/Asian American<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Black\/African American<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Native American \/ Alaskan Native<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Native Hawaiian \/ Pacific Islander<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Middle Eastern or North African<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hispanic\/Latinx<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>White<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bi\/Multiracial<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer to self describe (free response option)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer not to answer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Where are you currently in your career? You can only select one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Undergraduate Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graduate Student (includes PhD students)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post Doc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early Career (1-8 years since final degree, excluding post docs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mid-Career (within 25 years since final degree)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Senior Professional (more than 25 years since final degree)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retired<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other (please describe)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer not to answer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">What best describes your gender? You can only select one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Female<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Male<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-binary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer to self describe (free response option)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer not to answer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"session-and-presentation-rules\"><\/span>Session and Presentation Rules<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Sessions are required to have one organizer who will be the point of contact for correspondence with ESA and will be asked to make decisions regarding the session during planning. Co-organizers may also be listed, but the lead organizer is the point of contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">To promote diversity of sessions and topics, no person will be permitted to serve as the lead organizer for more than two non-paper sessions (workshops, short courses, special sessions, Career Central sessions, field trips) at the 2027 Annual Meeting. A group of organizers may propose multiple linked sessions. Each session should be submitted separately, and it should be made clear which other proposals it is linked to, as well as its intended order in the sequence of the events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Note that the One Presentation Rule does not apply to non-paper sessions. Anyone presenting in one of these sessions may also present in a scientific session (a formal talk or poster).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aec68a76f387&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aec68a76f387\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/smiling-onlookers-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A couple of course takers sit at a round table.\" class=\"wp-image-1203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/smiling-onlookers-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/smiling-onlookers-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/smiling-onlookers-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/smiling-onlookers.jpg 1202w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"other-important-information-to-consider\"><\/span>Other Important Information to Consider<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Acceptance of a proposal does not obligate ESA beyond providing a meeting space and including the session in the program. All session organizers and participants must register for the conference at the applicable one day or full week rate. Organizers are responsible for making this clear to anyone they recruit to help with the session. ESA will not reimburse session organizers for expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Evaluation Process and Criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The Program Subcommittee reviews all session proposals and makes acceptance decisions. We require a distinct, fully developed proposal that describes what skills attendees will learn during the course and how the session will use interactive and hands-on elements to support learning. Proposals may be from any area of science related to ecology, but those that pertain to the meeting theme, Natural Resources, Natural Systems: Ecology in Action\u201d, are especially encouraged. We also welcome proposals that explore connections with the social or natural sciences or that are directed to ecological education at any level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The primary criteria for acceptance include scientific merit, probable interest by meeting attendees, and a clearly written and compelling description. Limits of space and time may make it impossible to accommodate all worthy submissions. The Program Subcommittee has final authority for acceptance and scheduling for any proposed session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If Your Proposal is Accepted<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">All submitters will be notified of acceptance decisions in February. At that time, organizers will be provided with instructions to begin preparing the session for the online program in the spring. Finalized information for all accepted non-paper sessions will be available in the online program when registration opens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"cancellation-policy\"><\/span>Cancellation Policy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Once a session has been accepted and listed online, cancellation imposes a serious burden. Do not submit a proposal if you are uncertain that you will be able to fulfill your obligation to organize and conduct the session. Once a session is accepted by the Program Subcommittee, cancellation by the session organizer may preclude the acceptance of any sessions proposed by the organizer for the 2028 ESA Annual Meeting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-base-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d76a2a95 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-width:1px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"important-dates\"><\/span>Important Dates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-small-font-size is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3a88641f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">December 3, 2026&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Proposal submission deadline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3a88641f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">February 4, 2027<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Notification of acceptance sent to submitter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3a88641f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">April 2027<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Notification of session scheduling sent to organizer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3a88641f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">May, 2027<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Session information is available in the online program.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"questions\"><\/span>Questions?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact ESA\u2019s Meetings Team at <a href=\"mailto:meetings@esa.org\">meetings@esa.org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Short courses offer participants an opportunity to learn new skills through interactive instruction and hands-on training in a long format (3 or 6 hours). 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