Academic Publishing Demystified

Schedule at a glance 

Detailed description of each session can be found below.

Detailed Schedule 

Monday, August 28 

9:30-10:45: Keynote Address: Relationality in respecting Indigenous voices when writing: Citation templates to cite Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers and the Four Feathers Writing Guide  
Theresa Bell and Lorisia McLeod 

Through sharing the stories of developing and publishing the Four Feathers Writing Guide and citation templates to cite Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, we will discuss our efforts to challenge the academic status quo and put Reconciliation into action. In doing so, we also hope to share the spirit of respect that is at the core of both projects and potentially inspire others about changes they could make to continue down the path of reconciliation with their communities. 
 

11:00-12:30: The Scholarly Publishing Landscape: Open Access, Author Rights, and Assessing Reputability 
Christie Hurrell 

Academic authors are faced with a wide variety of publishing models to share their research results. As an author, navigating this terrain can be overwhelming. This workshop will cover some of the fundamental issues affecting the academic publishing environment in order to equip authors with the knowledge and tools they need to choose an appropriate and reputable venue for their work. By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

• Describe the various publishing models for academic work 

• Investigate how journal policies intersect with copyright and their rights as an author 

• Use criteria and tools to evaluate the impact and reputability of publishers  

1:30-2:45: Research Assessment, Metrics and Impact 
Stephanie Warner, Fei Shu  

Researchers are assessed at all stages of their career journey – for hiring, awards, funding, promotion and tenure, and beyond. Traditionally, the criteria used to assess researchers has focused on quantitative metrics related to publications – metrics like the Journal Impact Factor or h-index. However, many movements have arisen in recent years to call for broader and more responsible use of metrics in research assessment, a broader view of what counts as a research output, and consideration of the impact of research on policy and practice. In this session, we will introduce the Declaration on Research Assessment, discuss how best to showcase your productivity and impact, and what to keep in mind when preparing to submit your next paper or application. 

3:00-4:15: Finding Publishing Opportunities 

Jared Secord 
 

This presentation offers advice about finding the right publishing venues for you, with emphasis on the importance of conversations and networking. Attendees can expect to receive practical and pragmatic information about using conference attendance as a way to find venues for publication, including suggestions about communicating with editors and publishers. The presentation will leave plenty of time for questions and discussion. 

Tuesday, August 29 

9:00-10:45: Facilitated Writing Session, Facilitated by SSC staff 

Working on a piece for publication? Want to receive feedback? Want to work on your writing with peers? 

Join us for a supportive facilitated writing session to work on your drafts. Receive feedback on your writing from members of the SSC and LCR teams connect with other students in this communal writing space. 

Increase your writing productivity and add an element of structure to your writing session by setting a writing goal and add accountability by revisiting your writing goals at the end of the session. 

11:00-12:30: Academic Authorship and Your Wellbeing: Managing the Ups and Downs of Academic Publishing with Self-Compassion 
Roxanne Ross & Hannah Parks 

Join the Director of the Student Success Centre (SSC), Roxanne Ross, and Student Support Advisor (SSA), Hannah Parks, for a workshop focussed on practical strategies to support your well-being throughout your writing and publishing processes. This session will explore factors which may impact your writing capacity and well-being as well as supports available to assist you. Throughout the workshop, we will also share approaches to harnessing self-compassion and nervous system regulation, navigating the pressure to publish, and embracing feedback in healthy and productive ways.   

1:30-2:45: Navigating Peer Review 
Kate Cawthorn

Are you interested in publishing in a peer-reviewed journal during your graduate studies, but are not sure where to start? This workshop will introduce participants to the peer review process, as well as share some strategies for success as an author and as a reviewer within the peer-review process. 

After attending this session, participants will be able to:  

• Identify the major components of and roles within the peer review process  

• Articulate key strategies for navigating the peer review process as an author 

• Articulate key strategies for navigating the peer review process as a reviewer 

• Locate and evaluates student journals for possible review activities or manuscript submission 

3:00-4:15: Faculty Publishing Panel 

Learn from a group of experienced academic writers and ask questions about their publishing journey.