{"id":854,"date":"2026-04-09T20:25:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T20:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/?page_id=854"},"modified":"2026-04-14T22:59:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T22:59:45","slug":"virtual-participant-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/virtual-participant-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Virtual Participant FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Virtual Participant FAQs<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before the Meeting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What are Research Group workshops?<\/summary>\n<p><br><a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/research-group-workshops\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research Group workshops<\/a> are the core component of the APSA Virtual Research Meeting. These non-traditional sessions bring together small groups of global scholars for sustained, collaborative discussion, feedback, and research development across multiple sessions. Workshops are designed to support ongoing projects, encourage active engagement, and foster meaningful scholarly exchange, with a focus on generating tangible outcomes such as publications, grants, and new research initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each Research Group is led by one or more organizers and may include anywhere from 10 to 50 participants, though this varies by group. Workshops meet for eight 90-minute sessions over two days (a total of twelve hours), allowing time for focused discussion, presentations, and in-depth feedback. More information about this year\u2019s Research Group workshops can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/research-group-descriptions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can anyone attend a Research Group workshop?<\/summary>\n<p><br><a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/research-group-descriptions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research Group workshops<\/a> are&nbsp;<strong>invitation-only<\/strong>&nbsp;and limited to confirmed participants. Only those who have been accepted by the organizer(s) and <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/2026-registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">registered<\/a> for the meeting will be able to access workshop sessions.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is there still space available in a Research Group workshop?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Availability varies by workshop. If you would like to inquire about joining, please contact the Research Group organizer(s) directly. Organizer contact information for each workshop is available <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/research-group-descriptions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>I am registered for the virtual meeting but not part of a Research Group. Can I still attend?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Yes, <strong>all registered attendees<\/strong> are welcome to join both <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/2026-virtual-plenary-panels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plenary panels<\/a> each day of the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/research-group-descriptions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research Group workshops<\/a> are&nbsp;limited to invited participants and are not open for general attendance. <\/strong>For questions or to inquire about workshop availability, please contact the Research Group organizer(s) directly. Organizer contact information for each workshop is available&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/research-group-descriptions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is expected of Research Group workshop participants prior to the virtual meeting?<\/summary>\n<p><br><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">As a\u202fResearch Group participant, you have three\u202fimportant responsibilities<\/span><\/strong>:<br><br>(1) <strong>RSVP by Friday, March 20<\/strong> by emailing your invitation acceptance to <a href=\"mailto:meeting@apsanet.org\">meeting@apsanet.org<\/a>.<br><br>(2) <strong>Register for the meeting by April 1, 2026<\/strong>. Registration is open and can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/2026-registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>. You must be registered to access the Zoom session links.<br><br>(3) If applicable, <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/upload-to-apsa-preprints\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">upload your research paper or presentation to APSA Preprints<\/a> <strong>at least one (1) week <\/strong>before the virtual meeting. Please <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/research-group-descriptions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact your workshop organizer(s) directly<\/a> to share any materials or documents with the group in advance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I need to register to attend the Virtual Research Meeting?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Yes. All attendees must be <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/2026-registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">registered for the meeting<\/a> to access the online program, view session details, and join Zoom sessions.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Why am I asked for my consent when registering for the meeting?<\/summary>\n<p><br>As part of <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/2026-registration\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/2026-registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">registration<\/a>, attendees are asked to review and agree to two APSA policies: (1) the <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/code-of-conduct\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Code of Conduct &amp; Meeting Policies<\/a>, which outline expectations for professional conduct and include information on meeting policies and procedures, and (2) the <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/apsa-participation-publicity-agreement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Participation &amp; Publicity Agreement<\/a>. These policies help ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>I can no longer participate in some or all of my Research Group sessions. What should I do?<\/summary>\n<p><br>If your availability changes, please contact your Research Group organizer(s) <strong>as soon as possible<\/strong> and copy <a>meeting@apsanet.org<\/a> so we&#8217;re aware. Organizer contact information for all workshops can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/research-group-descriptions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like to be fully removed from the workshop in the program, please email <a>meeting@apsanet.org<\/a> directly.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Where can I find the Virtual Research Meeting schedule?<\/summary>\n<p><br><a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/schedule-at-a-glance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">View the 2026 Virtual Research Meeting Schedule at a Glance here \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please note that all timeslots labeled as Research Group sessions apply to all workshops, as they are scheduled concurrently. Each Research Group will meet during all eight 90-minute sessions across both days, and participants are expected to engage throughout the full workshop series.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How should I communicate any accessibility needs for my workshop?<\/summary>\n<p><br>APSA is committed to making the conference accessible for all attendees through the use of assistive resources. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) needs are collected through the meeting registration form, but you may also email your requests to <a>meeting@apsanet.org<\/a>. Please notify us of any needs as soon as possible to ensure appropriate accommodations.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Will the Virtual Research Meeting be recorded?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Both <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/2026-virtual-plenary-panels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plenary sessions<\/a> will be recorded by default and may be made available on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.apsanet.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APSA website<\/a> following the meeting. Research Group workshops will not be automatically recorded, though recording may be enabled at the discretion of the organizer(s).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is there a slide template I should use?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Yes, there is a PowerPoint template available for any participants who would like to use it.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/apsavrmppt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Download the PowerPoint Template \u00bb<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also utilize APSA\u2019s Zoom virtual meeting backgrounds during your workshop or presentation.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/apsavrm-zoombackgrounds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Download Zoom Backgrounds \u00bb<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do I upload my paper?<\/summary>\n<p><br>For the 2026 Virtual Research Meeting, papers will not be uploaded through the All Academic submission system, as the format of the Research Group workshops means not all participants will have a paper to share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, workshop participants should contact their workshop organizer(s) directly to share any papers, presentations, or other materials with their group in advance. Organizers will circulate materials to participants prior to the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Participants are also encouraged to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/preprints.apsanet.org\/engage\/apsa\/event-details\/698f97014770e67d921eaffc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">upload their research paper or presentation<\/a>&nbsp;to APSA Preprints prior to the meeting to share your work with peers, obtain a DOI, get feedback, track metrics, and prepare for journal submission. <a href=\"https:\/\/preprints.apsanet.org\/engage\/apsa\/public-dashboard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APSA Preprints<\/a>&nbsp;is a&nbsp;free-to-submit and access, pre-publication platform dedicated to early research outputs in political science and related disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizer contact information for all workshops can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/research-group-descriptions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do I download a paper?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Papers, presentations, and other documents will not be available through the All Academic platform for this meeting. Instead, Research Group organizers will share any materials directly with participants in advance of the workshop sessions.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How can I best prepare for my workshop sessions?<\/summary>\n<p><br>To best prepare for the virtual meeting, be sure to review our <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/apsavrmppt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2026 Virtual Participant Guide<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/participation-tips-guidelines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Participation Tips &amp; Guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the meeting, we also recommend reviewing any shared materials, testing your Zoom setup, and planning to join sessions a few minutes early. If you will be presenting, ensure your materials are prepared and accessible. You may also wish to coordinate with your organizer(s) in advance regarding expectations or session formats.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">During the Meeting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What time zone will the meeting be in?<\/summary>\n<p><br><strong>All sessions will take place in Eastern Time (ET).<\/strong> We strongly recommend adjusting the <a href=\"https:\/\/convention2.allacademic.com\/one\/apsa\/vrm26\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online program<\/a> to your local time zone.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Where can I access the virtual meeting platform?<\/summary>\n<p><br>All sessions will take place through the <a href=\"https:\/\/convention2.allacademic.com\/one\/apsa\/vrm26\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">All Academic online program<\/a>. Please note that you must log in using your <a href=\"http:\/\/www.apsanet.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APSA account<\/a> credentials to view session details and access Zoom links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If joining internationally, we recommend checking ahead of time whether you\u2019ll need a VPN to access Zoom from your location. Please review all&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/schedule-at-a-glance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">workshop dates and times<\/a>&nbsp;in advance, particularly if you\u2019ll be participating from outside the U.S. Eastern Time Zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please refer to our <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/participation-tips-guidelines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Participation Tips &amp; Guidelines<\/a> page for further information on accessing the virtual platform and joining Zoom sessions.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>When will the Zoom links be available?<\/summary>\n<p><br>The Zoom links will only be available in the <a href=\"https:\/\/convention2.allacademic.com\/one\/apsa\/vrm26\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online program<\/a> on the day of each session. They will become active roughly 5\u201310 minutes before the scheduled session start time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>To prevent disruptions during the virtual meeting, please&nbsp;<strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">do not share<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;any Zoom links on social media or with others.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>When will session rooms open?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Session rooms will open approximately 5\u201310 minutes before the scheduled start time.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>When will session rooms close?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Session rooms will automatically close 5 minutes after the scheduled session ends.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>I need help logging into the online program.<\/summary>\n<p><br>If you are having trouble logging in, please contact <a href=\"mailto:membership@apsanet.org\">membership@apsanet.org<\/a> for assistance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Where can I find technical support?<\/summary>\n<p><br>During meeting hours, the fastest way to get assistance is through the Technical Support Chat, available from the left-side menu of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/convention2.allacademic.com\/one\/apsa\/vrm26\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online program<\/a>&nbsp;homepage.&nbsp;<strong>You must be signed into the program to access this feature.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Technical Support Chat will be monitored from <strong>8:00am to 6:00pm ET<\/strong> both days. For technical support outside of meeting hours, please contact us at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:meeting@apsanet.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">meeting@apsanet.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What Zoom features will be available?<\/summary>\n<p><br>All Research Group workshops will have standard Zoom meeting features available, including a timer, screen sharing, chat, breakout rooms, whiteboards, polling, and live captioning. Only workshop organizers will have Zoom host permissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/2026-virtual-plenary-panels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plenary panels<\/a> will include an audience Q&amp;A, though video and audio will be limited to panelists only.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do I turn on Zoom captioning?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Live captions can be enabled in Zoom by selecting the \u201cShow Captions\u201d option in the meeting toolbar. Captions can also be translated to other languages if needed.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do I share my screen?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Only Research Group organizer(s) will have screen sharing permissions by default. If you plan to share your screen, please notify your organizer(s) in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For grant screen sharing access, the organizer(s) can open the Participant List from the Zoom toolbar, locate the participant, click the three dots next to their name, and select the option to make them a co-host. The participant will then be able to share their screen.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the participant is finished sharing, the organizer(s) should return to the Participant List, click the three dots again, and select \u201cRemove Co-Host Permissions.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is there someone I can speak with if I have a concern during the meeting?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Yes. The <a href=\"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/apsa-virtual-ombuds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APSA Virtual Ombuds<\/a> will be available during the meeting to speak confidentially with attendees about concerns related to harassment or potential violations of APSA policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For all other questions or general meeting concerns, please email <a href=\"mailto:meeting@apsanet.org\">meeting@apsanet.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can APSA provide a letter of participation for the 2026 Virtual Research Meeting?<\/summary>\n<p><br>Yes, APSA can provide a letter of participation upon request. Please email <a>meeting@apsanet.org<\/a> with your request and include your name, affiliation, and workshop title.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Virtual Participant FAQs Before the Meeting During the Meeting<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54651,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-854","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/54651"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=854"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/854\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/connect.apsanet.org\/vrm2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}