small AATSEEL panels

[Paul Klanderud]

Dear David,

Having looked over the preliminary schedule for the '95 conference, I
noticed a fair number of panels (including my own) with two or three
participants. I see that you are working to consolidate panels; I have a
suggestion for you and the conference committee to consider (you have,
perhaps, already considered it and vetoed it): allowing AATSEEL members to
present up to two papers at the conference provided the following
conditions are met:

1) the second paper must be presented on a panel currently with three or
fewer panelists;
2) the additions will not necessitate scheduling changes (i.e., it is the
panelist's responsibility to collate and check for possible scheduling
conflicts).

I realize that there must be a number of reasons that such a procedure has
not been allowed in the past. I think, however, it could be implemented at
this stage with an announcement over SEELANGS, and then in the next AATSEEL
newsletter. At this point, all members have had ample time to submit
proposals and have them reviewed; thus the question is not one of depriving
certain members of the opportunity to participate. Now, it seems, the
question is, In what way can the extant panels be kept viable while being
fair to all members?

Again, I would guess that there are more reasons than I suspect behind the
one-paper policy; still, perhaps AATSEEL and its members would be better
served by opening up remaining slots for potentially interesting
presentations. If my idea seems tenable, it potentially could be brought up
as a future policy change: for example, a date could be set each year after
which second-paper proposals would be considered, but not before. There is
always the problem of colleagues "networking" with each other, or denying
someone access to their panel, knowing that they intend to accept a second
paper from a friend when the deadline would pass. But I think that, for the
most part, the members of AATSEEL are more concerned with keeping the field
healthy, vibrant, and diverse; I'm sure I'm right in assuming that in most
instances the *quality* of paper proposals is paramount.

Anyway, that's my idea. I'll be interested in hearing your viewpoints,
whether you agree or disagree.

Looking forward to meeting you in Chicago.

Sincerely yours,

Paul Klanderud
Paul Klanderud
Department of German and Russian
Macalester College
1600 Grand Ave.
St. Paul MN 55105
office: (612) 696-6392