Announcements

2026 Student Fellowship Program

Benjamin Schapiro

The Midwest Association for Public Opinion Research (MAPOR) Executive Council enthusiastically invites graduate and undergraduate students to apply to the MAPOR Student Fellowship Program. This program is a wonderful opportunity for students to pursue research ideas and publish their work. If accepted, you will be invited to present your research at this year’s MAPOR conference in Chicago, which is scheduled for November 13-14, 2026.

You can find out more, including information on how to apply, and deadlines, here: Student Fellowship

2025 Annual Conference

Patrick Hsieh

50th Annual Conference

Friday, November 21 – Saturday, November 22, 2025

Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown (600 N. State Street)

“Fifty Years of Measuring Change: Where we were, where we are, and where we’re going“

This year’s milestone conference will celebrate the role that MAPOR has served for generations of students, academics, researchers, and others in public opinion research for the last half century. We will highlight the history of MAPOR and its contributors, trends in public opinion research, and changes in how we measure social and political issues over the last half century. We will also look ahead to where the field of public opinion research is going and the present-day ideas, topics, and challenges that shape public opinion research and MAPOR today and into the future. In addition, we will continue to support MAPOR members through sharing insights, challenges, and developments in public opinion research.

 Friday morning short course:

“Categorical Analysis of Complex Survey Data in R: A Hands-On Course”

Rebecca J. Powell, Fors Marsh
Isabella Velásquez, Posit

Friday afternoon keynote address: 

“Consejos del viejito:
How using your ‘whole self’ can enhance research insight, build knowledge, and catalyze creativity”

Hon. Robert L. Santos, Former Director of the United States Census Bureau 

Saturday afternoon pedagogy hour:

“Of constancy and change: A look at five decades of MAPOR, public opinion, and survey research”

Leah Dean, RTI International
Timothy P. Johnson, University of Illinois at Chicago
David Weaver, Indiana University
K. Vish Viswanath, Harvard University

Early registration discount ends November 7th at 11:59 p.m. CST

  • Non-student early-bird registration for in-person attendees: $135 ($160 after November 7th). 
  • Student early-bird registration: $50 ($75 after November 7th).

MAPOR is committed to supporting conference attendance regardless of your financial situation.  If you have concerns about the costs for the conference registration or travel expenses related to the conference please visit https://www.mapor.org/support-grants/ to learn more about support grant opportunities.

To help us keep the conference affordable, we encourage you to reserve your hotel room using our conference block at Embassy Suites. Rooms are $237 for a room with 1 King bed or $257 for a room with 2 Double Beds (plus taxes).

Register Here!Conference programHotel reservation available here

Candidates for Office: 2025-2026

Patrick Hsieh

It’s time to elect the next MAPOR council members to begin roles in November 2025. We currently have three positions open for election: Vice-President/President-Elect, Associate Conference Chair, and Associate Secretary-Treasurer. After roughly a month of open nominations, we’ve got some wonderful candidates running this year. Their bios are below.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to president@mapor.org.


Vice-President/President-Elect

Paul DiPerna | EdChoice

Paul DiPerna

Paul DiPerna is Vice President of Research and Innovation at EdChoice, where he has led the research program since 2010. Paul’s work centers on surveys and polling about American K–12 education and schooling. He directs the monthly EdChoice Public Opinion Tracker and oversees the annual Schooling in America Survey. Previously, Paul worked for six years at the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution. He received his MA in Political Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and his BA in Political Science at the University of Dayton.

Paul currently serves as an at-large member on MAPOR’s Executive Council and for the last three years he has contributed to the Awards, Grants, and Support Committee. During this time he has also co-led MAPOR’s Student Fellowship program and travel grant efforts. Paul has been a member of MAPOR since 2014 and AAPOR since 2009.


Associate Conference Chair

Erik Nisbet, Ph.D. | Northwestern University

Erik Nisbet is the Owen L. Coon Professor of Policy Analysis & Communication at Northwestern University and Director of the Center for Communication & Public Policy. His research examines public opinion and political behavior in the United States and abroad, employing survey, experimental, and computational methods. He received his Ph.D. in Communication from Cornell University, after working for seven years in market research and six years at the Cornell Survey Research Center.

Erik’s involvement with MAPOR began as a first-year master’s student at Cornell in 2002, with his co-authored paper participating in the MAPOR Fellows Student Paper Competition. Since then, he has remained an active participant in the conference as both a graduate student and faculty member. Over the past year, he has served on the MAPOR Executive Council contributing to the Online Learning Committee and currently mentors a MAPOR Student Fellow.

In addition to MAPOR, Erik is active in the World Association of Public Opinion Research, recently editing a special issue of the International Journal of Public Opinion Research and delivered the keynote lecture at the 2025 WAPOR Annual meeting in St. Louis. He looks forward to continuing his service to MAPOR as Associate Conference Chair.


Miranda Kaye, Ph.D. | University of Chicago

Miranda Kaye

Miranda Kaye is the Director of the Survey Lab at the University of Chicago. Prior to joining the Survey Lab, she served as the Director of the Survey Research Center at the Pennsylvania State University where she began her AAPOR and PANJPOR memberships. She has served as the chair of a number of academic committees as well as of the State College Friends School Board of Trustees. Since coming to Chicago, she is an active member of MAPOR.

Miranda completed her B.S. in Human Development at Cornell University, her M.S. in Exercise Science at Arizona State University, and her Ph.D. in Kinesiology at the Pennsylvania State University. She has over 15 years of experience in all phases of survey research, including teaching undergraduate and graduate research methods and statistics classes, specializing in projects involving large-scale, multi-modal, longitudinal, field, mixed-methods, and RDD data collection, and providing leadership to academic research centers. In her own research, she applies multivariate methods to the study of human development, health, and well-being with a focus on scale development, measurement, and program evaluation. She loves examining metadata and considering ways to improve methodology as well as supporting the varied projects and methodical needs of researchers.


Associate Secretary-Treasurer

Caroline Smith | Morning Consult

Caroline Smith

Caroline Smith is the Director of Content Research at Morning Consult. She works on a wide variety of polling, including politics, economics, and market research for financial services, travel, and retail industries. Prior to Morning Consult, she worked at N.O.R.C. in the Public Affairs and media research department. Caroline received her B.A. in Political Science and International Relations and her Master’s degree in Political Science from Loyola University Chicago, and she began attending the MAPOR conference in 2018. Caroline is currently a member-at-large on the Executive Council and she looks forward to continuing her service to MAPOR as Associate Secretary-Treasurer.


Nadia Assad | University of Wisconsin Survey Center

Nadia Assad is a Senior Project Director at the University of Wisconsin Survey Center (UWSC), where she has been a key member of the project directing staff since 2014. She brings extensive experience in survey research administration and methodology.

Nadia began her career in survey research as a telephone interviewer and quickly advanced through roles including shift leader and project director. Her experience with multiple areas of survey operations at the UWSC has made her a key member of the Center’s team. In addition to overseeing complex web, mail, and mixed-mode survey projects, she also provides extensive methodological guidance to clients and colleagues on questionnaire design and layout.

Nadia currently serves as the study director for a state-level panel at UWSC, further demonstrating her expertise in managing large-scale, longitudinal research initiatives. Through her work as a survey methodologist, Nadia has contributed to scholarly publications in journals including Public Opinion Quarterly and Field Methods. Nadia holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from UW–Madison and has taught Sociology courses at both UW–Madison and Madison College. Prior to her work in the U.S., she contributed to internationally funded research projects by organizations such as the World Bank and United Nations Development Program.

Since 2023, Nadia has been an enthusiastic participant in MAPOR’s annual conference, presenting papers at both events. She deeply values the organization’s commitment to methodological rigor and innovation, and its welcoming, intellectually vibrant community that supports professionals at every stage of their careers. Her engagement with the conference has been both professionally enriching and personally inspiring.

As a nominee for Associate Secretary-Treasurer, Nadia brings a strong foundation in research leadership, a commitment to methodological excellence, and a collaborative spirit. She is excited about the opportunity to support MAPOR’s mission and contribute to its continued success.

Student Fellowship Program

Benjamin Schapiro

The Midwest Association for Public Opinion Research (MAPOR) Executive Council enthusiastically invites undergraduate and graduate students to apply to the MAPOR Student Fellowship Program. This program is a wonderful opportunity for students to pursue a research idea and publish their work. If accepted, you will be invited to present your research at this year’s MAPOR conference in Chicago, which is scheduled for November 21-22. 2025.

MAPOR is committed to supporting student professional development, learning, and network-building. The Student Fellowship Program is an important way to advance this goal by helping the next generation of scholars in public opinion research build on their research, expand their networks, and engage and collaborate with senior researchers.

Students who are accepted to the Student Fellowship Program will work closely with a MAPOR Fellow or other MAPOR member on a shared topic of interest, submit an abstract to MAPOR’s annual conference, and present their work. 

Who should apply? 

  • Any graduate or undergraduate student with a research interest related to public opinion research, survey methodology, survey statistics, qualitative research, or applications of survey data.

Why should I apply?

  • Pursue your research interest in public opinion research and have an opportunity to present it at the annual MAPOR conference!
  • Work 1-on-1 with a MAPOR Fellow or other MAPOR member with shared research interests and who are leaders in the field of public opinion research.

Eligibility

This fellowship is open to graduate and undergraduate students with a strong interest in survey research or qualitative research. Applicants should be willing to commit to attending and presenting at this year’s MAPOR conference.

Preferences will be given to first-time MAPOR presenters, students who are in their first or second year of graduate education, or senior year in undergraduate education. 

Application Process and Requirements

To be considered, please submit your application and letter of recommendation by April 30th.

Your proposal should be between 500 and 1000 words. It should include a very brief literature review and an importance statement. If the proposal is quantitative, please make sure you identify and describe the dataset. In addition, the student should identify a faculty mentor and ask them to write a letter of recommendation. 

Send the proposal by email to paul@edchoice.org by Wednesday, April 30th. Include the subject line “MAPOR Student Fellowship Program”.

Contact

If you have any questions about the MAPOR Student Fellowship application process, please feel free to contact Paul DiPerna, email: paul@edchoice.org 

MAPOR Council Public Meeting Minutes – March 2026

Benjamin Schapiro

MAPOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

March 13, 2026

12:30 – 2:00 CST / 1:30 pm – 3:00pm EST

 Agenda:

  1. Secretary Treasurer’s Report                 (Semilla/Nadia)
    • Financial updates
  • Checkings: $21,261.34
  • Savings: $42,226.21
  • Membership list updates 
  • 333 members (271 general members, 62 student members)
  • Membership lists are posted in Google drive
  • Membership list updates 
  • Renewed CVENT contract (5 year contract – saved onto Google Drive for next TreasSec it comes up for again)
  • Paid federal + state taxes 
  1. Update on website enhancements and timeline (Ben/all)

Website team is currently updating content. Ben will be sending out information for the April newsletter to writers. Generally, newsletter consists of an update from the President, from the Secretary Treasurer, Any info about student fellowship information. Ben likes to get that out in April. In June there will be look and feel updates to the website, after the call for abstracts has gone out but before the deadline. Updates will be done in a step by step manner. The goal is to have a new look and feel by summer. Everyone is encouraged to contribute content for the newsletter. Please look out for an email from Ben in your inboxes for more about this.

  1. Conference planning update and speaker invites (David/all)

Lindsey and Brittany are working on this. Potentially reaching out to Michael Link for a pedagogy hour. 

Erik has also sent the contact information for the stats horizon group to Lindsey. 

A possible quid pro quo for such a service could include putting an ad for them, or letting them have a booth at the conference

  1. Update on online learning committee ideas/plans (Rebecca/all)

Planning on doing something related to AI for the first webinar. 

  1. Discuss MAPOR at AAPOR plans (David/all)

We are going to have a table at the chapter reception. Many MAPOR council members are going to be there, and the table responsibilities can be divided. Patrick will work with an all chapter party and the rest of the members can think about the booth. Two things to consider regarding booth 1) Giveaway – last year there were a bunch of midwest related items, such as popcorn from Nebraska, ice cream from Ohio and fudge from Michigan… This approach has been quite popular. 2) We have existing buttons and mugs and we can potentially bring those as swag. For the give away we draft winners and ship them the items. Generally keep between 3 to 5 winners and up to $250. 

Contribution to the all chapter party is going to be $500 which we will keep as our contribution for now.  

  1. Discuss naming of student fellows and grants (David/all)

ormer President pitched the idea of the potential of naming a student fellowship after P Lavrakas, based on his generous contributions and a way to bring more attention to the student awards and grants. However, there are two issues to consider: a) If we are considering Paul, should we be considering other people as well and b) Reached out to six former MAPOR presidents and fellows got a mixed response including the question of the naming of awards in the first place. Another thing about naming for people who are alive could be the lack of knowledge about their potential future actions. 

Objective statistics could include: Who among fellows has reviewed the most number of student paper awards, who has contributed the most by advising students work, in order to create a more objective basis for naming an award after anyone. 

Another point is whether the objective was to honor Paul or to name the student fellowship. Could we do something entirely different to honor Paul and even other past presidents and others who have really demonstrated major contribution to the association. 

Other options include doing a newsletter item for special members that include interviews and spotlight on members

  1. Follow up on ways to engage more students and student fellowships (Paul/all)

   Keeping it on a rolling basis gives us more time to continue the matching process 

Brittany brought up AAPOR’s process and Paul will look into it more

We have the capacity for 9 to 10 student fellows and so far 1 has shown interest

Paul circulated ask to MAPOR list serv and LinkdIn

  1. Other business

Council members

President – David Sterrett 

Vice President / President Elect – Paul DiPerna

Past President – Patrick Hsieh

Conference Chair – Lindsey Witt-Swanson

Associate Conference Chair – Erik Nisbet

Secretary-Treasurer – Semilla Stripp

Associate Secretary-Treasurer – Nadia Assad

Sponsorship Coordinator – Patrick Hsieh

Student Liaison – Curtiss Engstrom and Betsy Broaddus 

Communications & Website Chair – Benjamin Schapiro

Members at Large – Erin Heiden, Rebecca Powell, Jerry Timbrook, Brian Wells, Alexandros Gkotinakos, Beth Fisher, Carolina Smith,  Miranda Kaye, Jaime Faus, Brittany Creel, and Betsy Broaddus

Proposed Committees

Conference Committee – Lindsey, Erik, Beth, David

Online Learning Committee – Rebecca Powell (Chair),  Erin Heiden, Jerry Timbrook

Awards, Grants, and Support Committee – Paul DiPerna, Curtiss Engstrom. Miranda Kaye, and Brian Wells

Secretary Treasurer Support – Semilla Stripp, Nadia Assad

Communications Support – Benjamin Schapiro, Jaime Faus, Brittany Creel, and Betsy Broaddus

MAPOR Mission Statement

We provide high-quality educational and conference programs to encourage scholarly exchanges across disciplines and geographies, broaden member access to mentors and resources, and bolster opportunities for leadership and innovations. We join forces with AAPOR, academic institutions, and government and industry employers to develop a thriving community that supports all MAPOR members, including students, scholars, and professionals in every stage of their career.

MAPOR Vision Statement

MAPOR is a leading voice in public opinion, survey, and social science scholarship, methods, and practice among regional professional associations. We are an inclusive and supportive community that enables our diverse members to achieve their educational, professional development, and networking goals. 

GO MAPOR GO!

MAPOR Council Public Meeting Minutes – February 2026

Benjamin Schapiro

MAPOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

February 13, 2026

Attendance: Alex, Benjamin, Beth, Betsy, Brian, Brittany, Caroline, Curtiss, Erik, Erin,  Jamie, Lindsey, Paul, Rebecca, Semilla

Jan minutes approved 

Agenda:

  1. Secretary Treasurer’s Report                 (Semilla/Nadia)
    • Financial updates
  • Checkings: $21,333.92
  • Savings: $42,225.89
  • Membership list updates 
  • 321 members (261 general members, 60 student members)
  • Membership lists are posted in Google drive
  • 2026 mailing lists are created and updated in CVENT
  • It looks like the 2026 membership links on website are not working – did we update to the new link?  https://cvent.me/lq3lWN 
    • Ben is making this update
  1. Update on website enhancements (Ben/all)
    • Making some smaller, more book keeping updates over the next few weeks and then making main updates that we will be working on long term: 

1) Template we are happier with 

2) trying to password/member protect parts of the site so we can start to build up a media archive 

  • There is a committee that is working on this – they are meeting again next week to finalize some ideas and will bring to next council
  • If we cannot figure out how to password protect part of the site, we might think about moving it off of WordPress. 
  1. Conference planning update (Lindsey/all)
    • Patrica Moy for keynote address on something about elections. Lindsey going to reach out to Betsy to help connect with Patricia. 
    • Michael Link for pedagogy hour on something about AI, how it is coming into our lives, leadership, etc. Lindsey going to reach out to Brittany to help connect with Michael 
    • Stats Horizons – have a lot of great stuff if the price is right. Erik does have a connection there so he is going to reach out (it has been a while). Lindsey and Erik going to sidebar about this.
    • Thinking call out April (early April might be best since some universities finish)
    • Send any ideas about topics/theme in next few weeks – don’t need to have a ton here to get things started
  1. Brainstorm ways to engage more students (Paul/all)
    • Reach out to students as early as possible 
      1. Earlier call for abstracts
      2. Announcement for fellowship in mid-late March. Maybe we should do this sooner? Then this can tie into early call for abstracts.
    • More one on one outreach – both students and faculty 
    • Recognize mentors more visibly during/before conference – maybe list on program or on website along with the fellows? 
    • Naming the fellowship program after one of the previous fellows/mentors (Paul Lavrakus coming up a lot here!)
    • Can we tie the fellowship mentors into the webinars? I keep thinking about asking them to to share a favorite finding or presentation with the broader community, but that may just be more labor than appreciated
    • Make the fellowship more of a cohort – introductory webinar with ground expectations/rules, check ins throughout, meet up beforehand, etc. 
    • Different approaches for undergrad vs grad? Divide between masters and PhD students (different goals, expectations, mentorship needed).
  • This is information we should get early on / in application 
  • Curtiss noted we have vastly more grad (vs undergrad) students 
  • Ideas for recruiting: 
  • Jamie: 1) put together a video that goes on the website or is sent around to show “What is it like to attend MAPOR” — could walk through what the days look like, things in the area to do, etc. 2) hosting a webinar related to ‘best tips for presentations’ that might get students confident in attending (and presenting!) — or perhaps hosting a brainstorming session in the early spring for topics that students could consider. 
  • Erik: recruited students by 1) personally emailing faculty who do public opinion research to get their advisees to come (as well as themselves) 2) emailing the abstract call to the major listservs in political science and communication, and posting on political science and communication social media pages
  • Betsy: distributing a flyer/call for submissions to social science admin staff at universities (could be simple to compile that contact list). We get so much of our information from our admin stuff forwarding opportunities to the department grad students!
  • Erik: send to DGSs and staff (directors of graduate studies and their program admins)
  1. Other business
    • OLC is looking to do something on AI related to ethics and best practices in our field, pros and cons on different spots (where does it help vs hinder). Sourcing names from council on who can help here! 
      1. Brittany is sharing a name from UChicago Data Science 
      2. Erik has a contact (Lisa Argyle)
      3. Paul will share a substack author 
      4. Trent Buskirk

Council members

President – David Sterrett 

Vice President / President Elect – Paul DiPerna

Past President – Patrick Hsieh

Conference Chair – Lindsey Witt-Swanson

Associate Conference Chair – Erik Nisbet

Secretary-Treasurer – Semilla Stripp

Associate Secretary-Treasurer – Nadia Assad

Sponsorship Coordinator – Patrick Hsieh

Student Liaison – Curtiss Engstrom and Betsy Broaddus 

Communications & Website Chair – Benjamin Schapiro

Members at Large – Erin Heiden, Rebecca Powell, Jerry Timbrook, Brian Wells, Alexandros Gkotinakos, Beth Fisher, Carolina Smith,  Miranda Kaye, Jaime Faus, Brittany Creel, and Betsy Broaddus

Proposed Committees

Conference Committee – Lindsey, Erik, Beth, David

Online Learning Committee – Rebecca Powell (Chair),  Erin Heiden, Jerry Timbrook

Awards, Grants, and Support Committee – Paul DiPerna, Curtiss Engstrom. Miranda Kaye, and Brian Wells

Secretary Treasurer Support – Semilla Stripp, Nadia Assad

Communications Support – Benjamin Schapiro, Jaime Faus, Brittany Creel, and Betsy Broaddus

MAPOR Mission Statement

We provide high-quality educational and conference programs to encourage scholarly exchanges across disciplines and geographies, broaden member access to mentors and resources, and bolster opportunities for leadership and innovations. We join forces with AAPOR, academic institutions, and government and industry employers to develop a thriving community that supports all MAPOR members, including students, scholars, and professionals in every stage of their career.

MAPOR Vision Statement

MAPOR is a leading voice in public opinion, survey, and social science scholarship, methods, and practice among regional professional associations. We are an inclusive and supportive community that enables our diverse members to achieve their educational, professional development, and networking goals. 

GO MAPOR GO!

MAPOR Council Public Meeting Minutes – January 2026

Benjamin Schapiro

MAPOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

January 9, 2026

MAPOR SPOTLIGHT of the MONTH:  Our MAPOR Spotlight of the Month is for Lindsey and Beth for working on the conference attendee survey! Thanks to all for your hard work and your service to MAPOR.  

Attendance: Lindsey, Benjamin Schapiro, Jaime, Curtiss, Beth, Betsy, Brittany Creel, Miranda, Jerry Timbrook, David Sterrett, Alexandros-Christos, Rebecca Powell, Erin Heiden, Brian Wells, Patrick Hsieh, Erik Nisbet.

Agenda:

  1. Secretary Treasurer’s Report                 (Semilla/Nadia)
    • Financial updates
  • Checkings: $19,060.92
  • Savings: $42,225.55
  • Membership list updates 
  • 302 members (243 general members, 59 student members)
  • Membership lists are posted in Google drive
  • 2026 mailing lists are created and updated in CVENT
  • The 2026 membership link is live at https://cvent.me/lq3lWN – so just need to update the links on the website to point here. Reminder that we decided to split out the membership and sponsorship links this year, so will get a sponsorship link ready. 
  • Have one outstanding student travel grant to pay, and have reached out a few times. Will reach out next week once term is back in swing in case missed emails during break. 
  1. Brainstorm website enhancements (Ben/all)
    • Ben thinks the biggest thing that would be helpful is to get some understanding of what an ideal website does, do we want it to be archival, content, overall what the goal of the website should be.
    • Members agreed that having archives is important to document the history as well as doing some business on the website
    • we should do a blog on the website, so we can have more control on that rather than putting ourselves at the mercy of social media. It is equal amounts of labor. 
    • visual element – a more horizontal layout would be visually more appealing.
    • Need to have flexibility about how much work needs to be put in, especially also for future council members so that we do not create too much work
    • Leveraging existing content and highlighting it can be another way to spruce up the website
    • Going through other chapters website for inspiration was suggested 
    • Also would be potentially a space to store video materials as we run out of space on zoom. 
    • Potential ideas would be some kind of member only video library
    • Communications committee will take these suggestions up in their meeting and report back 
  1. Discuss conference survey results and brainstorm 2026 conference speakers (Lindsey/all)
    • Overwhelming theme – people were very pleased with the conference and appreciative of the council’s efforts. 82% of people were extremely satisfied with the conference. 
    • Potential improvements: Folks who do not stay in the hotel ask that we start a little later on Saturday and have a little extra time for lunch so people can get out and come back. 
    • People really liked the AI stuff, Keynote was well received and attendees loved the R workshop. 
    • For students: A few people were not aware of the travel grants, and one person said they were not eligible, so potentially there could be more messaging around that
    • For students paper awards: positive response overall
    • Note that as long as the paper is student led and mentor author fill out a form stating the paper is student led, the paper is eligible for student award
    • Costs – something to think about microphones in each room since it was brought up; people are less interested in morning snacks, and only about a 3rd of people seem to think swag is valuable. People are just as likely or more likely to attend next year’s conference even with the changed schedule. 
    • Short course topics: advanced methods, AI, inference of non-prob, polling were some topics suggested in survey
    • Stats horizons: an organization that offers some courses and we could ask them to do a short presentation – consisting of faculty; Or could bring someone in that could help with some co-branding. 
    • Potential keynote speakers: Michael Link, Patricia, Sunshine Hillygus (especially if we want to do an election panel type of thing) Emily Swanson from the associated press, Charles Franklin from Marquette  
    • Pedagogy ideas: How to poll in turbulent times, how to survey in difficult times. 
  1. Brainstorm online learning topics (Rebecca/all)
    • Interested in different formats of things because webinars don’t always work with younger audience
    • Polling and navigating jobs were the two most popular topics. 
    • Stats horizons might want to work on the webinar series – but need to investigate costs
    • Need to think of things that apply to both students and non-students to bolster attendance
    • Items that are broader and can apply to broad audiences is stuff that does better 
    • Frank Markowitz – for non-prob panels
    • Potential conversations about mid-term elections before the elections
  1. Other business

Council members

President – David Sterrett 

Vice President / President Elect – Paul DiPerna

Past President – Patrick Hsieh

Conference Chair – Lindsey Witt-Swanson

Associate Conference Chair – Erik Nisbet

Secretary-Treasurer – Semilla Stripp

Associate Secretary-Treasurer – Nadia Assad

Sponsorship Coordinator – Patrick Hsieh

Student Liaison – Curtiss Engstrom and Betsy Broaddus 

Communications & Website Chair – Benjamin Schapiro

Members at Large – Erin Heiden, Rebecca Powell, Jerry Timbrook, Brian Wells, Alexandros Gkotinakos, Beth Fisher, Carolina Smith,  Miranda Kaye, Jaime Faus, Brittany Creel, and Betsy Broaddus

Proposed Committees

Conference Committee – Lindsey, Erik, Beth, David

Online Learning Committee – Rebecca Powell (Chair),  Erin Heiden, Jerry Timbrook

Awards, Grants, and Support Committee – Paul DiPerna, Curtiss Engstrom. Miranda Kaye, and Brian Wells

Secretary Treasurer Support – Semilla Stripp, Nadia Assad

Communications Support – Benjamin Schapiro, Jaime Faus, Brittany Creel, and Betsy Broaddus

MAPOR Mission Statement

We provide high-quality educational and conference programs to encourage scholarly exchanges across disciplines and geographies, broaden member access to mentors and resources, and bolster opportunities for leadership and innovations. We join forces with AAPOR, academic institutions, and government and industry employers to develop a thriving community that supports all MAPOR members, including students, scholars, and professionals in every stage of their career.

MAPOR Vision Statement

MAPOR is a leading voice in public opinion, survey, and social science scholarship, methods, and practice among regional professional associations. We are an inclusive and supportive community that enables our diverse members to achieve their educational, professional development, and networking goals. 

GO MAPOR GO!

MAPOR Council Public Meeting Minutes – December 2025

Benjamin Schapiro

MAPOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

December 12, 2025

MAPOR SPOTLIGHT of the MONTH: Our MAPOR Spotlight of the Month is for Conference Chairs Beth
and Lindsey and the entire supporting crew who made the Conference a successful event! Thanks to all
for your hard work and your service to MAPOR.
Attendees: Alexandros, Benjamin, Beth, Betsy, Brian, Brittany, Caroline, Curtiss, David, Erik,
Erin, Jamie, Lindsey, Miranda, Nadia, Patrick, Paul, Rebecca, Semilla
Agenda:
I. Welcome Executive Council!

a. New members: Nadia Assad, Miranda Kaye, Jaime Faus, Brittany Creel, and Betsy
Broaddus,
b. Introductions
II. MAPOR documents and procedures

a. Vision and Mission Statements: https://www.mapor.org/about/mapor-mission-vision/
b. Bylaws: https://www.mapor.org/bylaws-as-amended-august-10-2018/
c. Robert’s Rules of Order: https://www.boardeffect.com/blog/roberts-rules-of-order-cheat-
sheet/

III. 2025-2026 Council Transition
(David/Patrick/Paul)
a. MAPOR Google Group for group email (mapor@googlegroups.com)
b. Google Drive: MAPOR

  • David wants to make sure to focus on committees this year – goal to get people allocated to
    committees today or in next few meetings. See bottom of minutes for
  • Everyone should have access to Google Drive – Erik and Miranda still need to get access, email
    did not go through. Shared emails with Ben in chat so should be all set
  • Picking things to prioritize as a group. Website (look and feel, content).
    IV. 2025 Conference Debrief (Beth/Lindsey/Erik)

a. General Discussion

  • Received a few emails from fellows and longer time members and all said we did a great
    job, wanted to pass along. Not a lot of negative feedback, folks seemed happy to gather.
  • Total of 192 attendees, an increase compared to last year. Highest since pre-Covid
  • Beth and Lindsey are touching base to make sure everything is handed off, and working
    on some documentation on the process to pass along to future folks.
  • Folks asked about sharing slides – is this something that MAPOR could host ($$ because
    a lot of space)? Can we loop in with OLC? Can we just depend on emails (warn
    presenters)?
  • From website perspective – Benjamin would prefer a rolling option (like host
    2025 until 2026 conference).

b. All expenses paid? Still 1 outstanding travel grant
i. Hotel – yes
ii. Tech rental – yes
iii. Speakers – yes (many just wanted conference reimbursed)
iv. Student award winners – Mia will comment
v. Student grants – Mia will comment
c. Business meeting items

  • Discussants came up both in business meeting and in survey. Back in the day, every
    session had a moderator and a discussant. It is 2x as many people who we need to help,
    and it is a lot of work to provide discussants.
  • We have a questions on this year’s survey asking presenters if they could have provided
    their presentation to the moderator a week in advance so we’ll have some data on that
  • Ideas (pros)
  • Targeted panels
  • Discussant track and non-discussant track and see how people opt-in
  • Get it on registration to get sense on who would be interested on both ends and
    potentially try to pair them. View it as experimental and not make any promises.
  • Panel of best student papers with discussants
  • Reasons not to (cons) – logistics!
  • Sometimes ran out of time, not enough time to present research as-is, so would
    need to be longer sessions. Eats into Q&A time.
  • Do we think presenters might have trouble getting their presentation ready early
    enough for discussant review?
  • A lot of conferences have done away with them.
  • Complication on planning – need slides earlier, coordinate discussants, etc.
  • Hard enough to get list of people to review papers
  • Maybe in our upcoming member survey we ask how valuable MAPOR-driven matching
    paper reviews could be a standalone service to members, outside of the conference and
    asynchronous
    d. Conference survey
  • The conference survey has been sent out and we already have almost 70 responses
    already. All very positive about the experience.
  • Having the conference a week earlier next year – so far 40% of responses so far say more
    likely to attend, and just 10% say less likely. That is good news.
  • Have some questions about cost increases – 80% of current respondents are OK with
    that. Had increased non-student cost a few times, might need to do it again.
  • Questions about value of things during conference – coffee/tea most valued (60%), other
    values are microphones, afternoon snacks. Open bar less than 50%. Low value is
    morning snacks, swag (less than 20%)

V. 2026 Conference (Lindsey)

  • Please share with Lindsey on ideas for speakers and what we want to do to continue recruiting
    new students.

VI. Secretary Treasurer’s Report (Semilla/Nadia)

a. Financial updates
● Checkings: $21,375.06
● Savings: $42,225.17
b. Membership list updates will come in January

  • Make sure to connect with comms committee re: mailing list

VII. Communications/Website (David/Benjamin)

  • Reach out to Benjamin if you are interested in helping here. We want to decide WHAT to focus
    on, so can meet to decide which priorities to tackle once we have committee formed.
    a. Headshots for new members/Other missing information
    i. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1J1W22JfNCYXZWKij3EKNo7LaD-
    FlwTY_rzUb2pBFQSA/edit?usp=sharing
    b. Jaime, Betsy, and Brittany joining committee
    c. Website overhaul
    d. New EC googlegroup: mapor_ec@googlegroups.com
  • Limited to council

VIII. Awards, Grants, and Support Committee (Paul/Curtiss)

  • Mary and Curtiss hoping to have a debrief – might need to be slightly different format this year
    due to circumstances with new fellow. Might not be able to do it, so maybe we can spread work
    around to other fellows (or perhaps discussants!)
  • Process really kicks off in March (pairing students with new fellows), and pairing abstracts with
    reviewers near conference
  • Happy to have folks on to help!
    IX. Sponsorship (Patrick)
    X. Online Learning Committee (Rebecca)

a. Ideas for this year

  • Want to figure out how to archive some of the webinars/stuff this year. Right now we
    have them saved off on Zoom, but goal is to make these free and available to members
    long term. High on list of to do’s!
    b. Can share ideas that come out of survey
    XI. Other business
    Council members
    President – David Sterrett
    Vice President / President Elect – Paul DiPerna
    Past President – Patrick Hsieh
    Conference Chair – Linsdey Witt-Swanson
    Associate Conference Chair – Erik Nisbet

Secretary-Treasurer – Semilla Stripp
Associate Secretary-Treasurer – Nadia Assad
Sponsorship Coordinator – Patrick Hsieh
Student Liaison – Curtiss Engstrom and Betsy Broaddus
Communications & Website Chair – Benjamin Schapiro
Members at Large – Erin Heiden, Rebecca Powell, Jerry Timbrook, Brian Wells, Alexandros Gkotinakos,
Beth Fisher, Carolina Smith, Miranda Kaye, Jaime Faus, Brittany Creel, and Betsy Broaddus
Proposed Committees
Conference Committee – Lindsey, Erik, Beth, David
Online Learning Committee – Rebecca Powell (Chair), Erin Heiden, Jerry Timbrook
Awards, Grants, and Support Committee – Paul DiPerna, Curtiss Engstrom
Secretary Treasurer Support – Semilla Stripp, Nadia Assad
Communications Support – Benjamin Schapiro, Brian Wells, Jaime Faus, Brittany Creel, and
Betsy Broaddus


MAPOR Mission Statement
We provide high-quality educational and conference programs to encourage scholarly exchanges across
disciplines and geographies, broaden member access to mentors and resources, and bolster
opportunities for leadership and innovations. We join forces with AAPOR, academic institutions, and
government and industry employers to develop a thriving community that supports all MAPOR
members, including students, scholars, and professionals in every stage of their career.
MAPOR Vision Statement
MAPOR is a leading voice in public opinion, survey, and social science scholarship, methods, and practice
among regional professional associations. We are an inclusive and supportive community that enables
our diverse members to achieve their educational, professional development, and networking goals.

MAPOR Council Public Meeting Minutes – November 2025

Benjamin Schapiro

MAPOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

November 14, 2025

MAPOR SPOTLIGHT of the MONTH: Our MAPOR Spotlight of the Month is for EVERYONE: thanks to Beth and
Lindsey for their hard work on organizing the conference and the plan for the 50th anniversary; thanks to Leah
for the incredible sponsorship fund raising; thanks to Curtiss and Paul for working with our fellow to review the
unprecedented number of student papers and for supporting the rest of the grant related operations; thanks to
Erin, Jerry, and Rebecca for producing another great webinar series; thanks to Ben for taking care of the website
and mailing list! Thanks to all for your dedication and service to MAPOR.
MAPOR Mission Statement
We provide high-quality educational and conference programs to encourage scholarly exchanges across
disciplines and geographies, broaden member access to mentors and resources, and bolster opportunities for
leadership and innovations. We join forces with AAPOR, academic institutions, and government and industry
employers to develop a thriving community that supports all MAPOR members, including students, scholars, and
professionals in every stage of their career.
MAPOR Vision Statement
MAPOR is a leading voice in public opinion, survey, and social science scholarship, methods, and practice among
regional professional associations. We are an inclusive and supportive community that enables our diverse
members to achieve their educational, professional development, and networking goals. 
Agenda:
Attendees: Semilla, Benjamin, Beth, Caroline, David, Leah, Erik, Erin, Lindsey, Paul, Rebecca, Patrick, Curtiss

I. Secretary Treasurer’s Report (Semilla)

  • Financial updates
  • Checkings: $60,210.29
  • Savings: $42,224.85
  • Membership list updates
  • 447 total members
  • 368 non-students and 79 students
  • Sponsorship updates
  • Corporate sponsorship: $17,350
  • Individual sponsorship: $1,700
  • Follow up with student paper and conference folks to make list of everyone who needs to get paid.

II. 2025 Conference and contract renewal (Beth/Lindsey/all)

  • Update on Conference support/50th committee
  • Finalized the swag – mugs and buttons based on past MAPOR logos. The conference program is
    ready to print. 178 total registrants – all conference presenters are registered. All set with
    embassy suites room commitments. There are microphones set to go with Lincoln Park room. For
    short course – we want to have a classroom set up, but need to coordinate with the first panel, so
    currently working through that.
  • Coordination for setup support on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – checklist is saved here
  • Business meeting – should bring up the idea of sharing contact information with folks
  • Conference survey goes out week after Thanksgiving – just keep is conference specific. Patrick
    downloading the Voxco programming and will send to David/Lindsey.
  • MAPOR archives – have old conference programs
    III. Communications/Website (Benjamin/Patrick)
  • Expanding to committee
  • Ben is going to lead transition documentation – what do we want to do, but didn’t have manpower for?
    What is difficult?
  • Recommending un-consolidating webmaster (singular) and communications position (committee)
  • Refreshing website theme, updating it, LinkedIn/social media presence
    IV. Awards, Grants, and Support Committee (Paul/Curtiss)
  • Over 50 student attendees – planning on lunch and happy hour.
  • We have winners and honorable mentions for both awards. Will follow up with those this week.
  • 11 grants going out (8 students, 3 colleagues). Came in just under budget.
  • Student fellows and mentors – 3 will be presenting (mentors have been great), and one of the student
    fellows cannot come. Hoping they can defer to next year.

V. Sponsorship (Leah)

  • Final total is $19,050
  • $17,350 corporate
  • $1,700 in individual donations
  • Leah made an excel sheet in the drive that Patrick can use next year
    VI. Online Learning Committee (Rebecca)
  • 120 registrants – 49 were MAPOR members, 63 students, 5 new members, 4 non-members
  • OLC still need to check in on sending out recordings and honorariums
    VII. Other business (Patrick)
  • Council lunch will be onsite on Saturday

Council members
President – Y. Patrick Hsieh
Vice President / President Elect – David Sterrett

Past President – Leah Dean
Conference Chair – Beth Fisher
Associate Conference Chair – Linsdey Witt-Swanson
Secretary-Treasurer – Semilla Stripp
Sponsorship Coordinator – Leah Dean
Student Liaison – Curtiss Engstrom
Communications & Website Chair – Benjamin Schapiro
Members at Large – Erin Heiden, Rebecca Powell, Jerry Timbrook, Paul DiPerna, Brian Wells, Erik Nisbet
Alexandros Gkotinakos, Evgenia Kapousouz
Proposed Committees
50th/Conference Committee – Beth, Justine, Leah, Kevin
Online Learning Committee – Rebecca Powell (Chair), Erin Heiden, Jerry Timbrook
Awards, Grants, and Support Committee – Paul DiPerna, Curtiss Engstrom
Secretary Treasurer Support – Semilla Stripp
Communications Support – Benjamin Schapiro, Brian Wells

MAPOR Council Public Meeting Minutes – October 2025

Benjamin Schapiro

MAPOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

October 17, 2025

MAPOR SPOTLIGHT of the MONTH: Our MAPOR Spotlight of the Month is for EVERYONE: thanks to Beth and
Lindsey for their hard work on organizing the conference and the plan for the 50th anniversary; thanks to Leah
for the incredible sponsorship fund raising; thanks to Curtiss and Paul for working with our fellow to review the
unprecedented number of student papers and for supporting the rest of the grant related operations; thanks to
Erin, Jerry, and Rebecca for producing another great webinar series; thanks to Ben for releasing the fall
newsletter; and thanks to everyone for casting your votes for the council and fellow elections! Thanks to all for
your dedication and service to MAPOR.
MAPOR Mission Statement
We provide high-quality educational and conference programs to encourage scholarly exchanges across
disciplines and geographies, broaden member access to mentors and resources, and bolster opportunities for
leadership and innovations. We join forces with AAPOR, academic institutions, and government and industry
employers to develop a thriving community that supports all MAPOR members, including students, scholars, and
professionals in every stage of their career.
MAPOR Vision Statement
MAPOR is a leading voice in public opinion, survey, and social science scholarship, methods, and practice among
regional professional associations. We are an inclusive and supportive community that enables our diverse
members to achieve their educational, professional development, and networking goals. 
Agenda:
Attendees: Semilla, Benjamin, Alexandros, Beth, Caroline, David, Curtiss, Erin, Lindsey, Jerry, Patrick, Erik, Leah,
Brain
I. Secretary Treasurer’s Report (Semilla)

  • Financial updates
  • Checkings: $39,341.190
  • Savings: $42,224.50
  • Membership list updates
  • 433 total members
  • 358 non-students
  • 75 students
  • Sponsorship updates
  • Corporate sponsorship: $15,350
  • Individual sponsorship: $1,450
  • We had new motion passed last year to cover hotel costs for conf chair/associate (Beth, Lindsey) and
    treas sec/associate (Mia)
  • Mia and Beth – local, so just need rooms (2 nights?)
  • Lindsey – room and potentially travel (2 nights?)
  • Keynote speaker also asked for us to pay for his room upfront rather than be reimbursed
    II. 2025 Conference and contract renewal (Beth/Lindsey/all)
  • Update on Conference support/50th committee
  • Finalized the preliminary programs! Lindsey working with DTP at NORC to format, and Press
    America will print it.
  • All notifications of acceptance have been sent out. Need to send around message about
    registration is open to the AAPOR list and Friends of MAPOR list. Ben maintains this so Beth will
    reach out to him.
  • Needs to set up discount codes for registration still
  • Call for moderators (volunteers, nominations)
  • Extending presidential reception to 2 hours instead of 1 hour, opening up the ballroom for folks
    during the reception. Have increased food by 50%. David wants to order pizza for everyone stay
    tuned.
  • Have put out soft asks from past presidents/fellows for memorial swag or things to bring. Have
    also reached out to Ned English and will look at archives. We should inventory it. We will need to
    figure out how to store it moving forward (NORC, library, etc).
  • Beth is coordinating ordering mugs and getting them delivered to the hotel. Also ordering pins
    and ribbons. Want to keep it under $1,000.

III. Communications/Website (Benjamin/Patrick)

  • Need to go through monthly list cleanup.
    IV. Awards, Grants, and Support Committee (Paul/Curtiss)
  • Finalized 13 submissions and need help with reviewers
  • Share budget with Curtiss (loop in Patrick, David, Paul, etc.) to discuss student and early colleague travel
    support grants. We show favor to folks who have a long way to travel, or who have come before, etc.
  • Curtiss and Beth will touch base about acceptances early November.
  • Big changes (more papers) compared to previous years. Why do we think this is? Erik sent to academic
    listservs, reached out to faculty/students directly. Some are current student members, vast majority are
    new (and ready to join!!)
  • Beth is updating the CVENT Conference Registration link to make clear that MAPOR conference
    registration include membership.

V. Sponsorship (Leah)

  • We are at about the same as 2024 (which was a record year!!)
  • Individual donors making up a lot of the gap there.
    VI. Online Learning Committee (Rebecca)
  • First webinar last week, went really well – 75 total registrants (outside of CVENT). Next one on
    manuscript writing is next week, and then Quex webinar on 11/17

VII. Other business (Patrick)

  • Respond on fellow nominations

Ballot of 2025-26 Executive Council will be released after the meeting.
Council members
President – Y. Patrick Hsieh
Vice President / President Elect – David Sterrett
Past President – Leah Dean
Conference Chair – Beth Fisher
Associate Conference Chair – Linsdey Witt-Swanson
Secretary-Treasurer – Semilla Stripp
Sponsorship Coordinator – Leah Dean
Student Liaison – Curtiss Engstrom
Communications & Website Chair – Benjamin Schapiro
Members at Large – Erin Heiden, Rebecca Powell, Jerry Timbrook, Paul DiPerna, Brian Wells, Erik Nisbet
Alexandros Gkotinakos, Evgenia Kapousouz
Proposed Committees
50th/Conference Committee – Beth, Justine, Leah, Kevin
Online Learning Committee – Rebecca Powell (Chair), Erin Heiden, Jerry Timbrook
Awards, Grants, and Support Committee – Paul DiPerna, Curtiss Engstrom
Secretary Treasurer Support – Semilla Stripp
Communications Support – Benjamin Schapiro, Brian Wells

MAPOR COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES – September 2025

Benjamin Schapiro

MAPOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

September 19, 2025

MAPOR SPOTLIGHT of the MONTH: Our MAPOR Spotlight of the Month is for Beth and Lindsey for their hard
work on organizing the conference and the plan for the 50th anniversary. And thanks to Paul, Erik, and Caroline
for agreeing to run for office for the next term! Thanks to all for your dedication and service to MAPOR.
MAPOR Mission Statement
We provide high-quality educational and conference programs to encourage scholarly exchanges across
disciplines and geographies, broaden member access to mentors and resources, and bolster opportunities for
leadership and innovations. We join forces with AAPOR, academic institutions, and government and industry
employers to develop a thriving community that supports all MAPOR members, including students, scholars, and
professionals in every stage of their career.
MAPOR Vision Statement
MAPOR is a leading voice in public opinion, survey, and social science scholarship, methods, and practice among
regional professional associations. We are an inclusive and supportive community that enables our diverse
members to achieve their educational, professional development, and networking goals. 
Agenda:
Attendees: Semilla, Caroline, David, Leah, Curtiss, Erik, Lindsey, Paul, Patrick, Alexandros, Rebecca, Erin, Beth

I. Secretary Treasurer’s Report (Semilla)

  • Financial updates
  • Checkings: $34,512.19
  • Savings: $42,224.14
  • Membership list updates
  • 428 members
  • 353 non-students
  • 75 students
  • Sponsorship updates
  • Corporate sponsorship: $12,100
  • All corporate sponsorship is accounted for other than 1 (Survey Lab at the University of
    Chicago).
  • We were still tracking people down post conference and into April of this year for 2024
    sponsorship so that is good news
  • Individual sponsorship: $570

II. 2025 Conference and contract renewal (Beth/Lindsey/all)

  • Update on Conference support/50th committee
  • 84 abstracts for papers and 6 posters were accepted. Acceptance invitations have been
    sent out and folks have until Sept 30 th to respond. We have a few panels in the works
    from interested parties, so we should expect to have a few timeslots with four
    concurrent sessions instead of three (last year we only had one timeslot with four
    concurrent sessions)
  • 33 submissions for student paper competition – information about travel grant will be
    sent today or tomorrow
  • Pedagogy and short course have been finalized, keynote will be finalized this weekend
  • Hotel registration will open in early October – what is our expected early bird and full
    registration cost? A: We need to go up $5 for both (3rd bump) – $160, $135
  • This is something we can review next year again as needed
  • Following up with laptop vendor, no problems anticipated
  • Lindsey is reaching out to Press America for program printing and NORC for design
    support. Is there additional content this year that we will want to include? We will
    need to make sure we meet the print/design deadlines for any new content. A: space
    for individual donors, redid the sponsorship levels, space for corporate ads (only 2 of
    those so far)
  • For conference swag, the estimate for 300 enamel pins is around $500. Mug cost can
    start at $500 for 300 mugs and up, depending on our upper range. How should we
    proceed with this as we do need to get orders in soon (by the first two weeks of
    October) A: stick with ordering this 50th Anniversary swag and go forward with
    purchasing that, can hold on the rest of swag
  • Beth will circulate email re: ribbons, Mia and Beth can help with ordering
  • How do we identify moderators for sessions? Is this something we ask for during
    registration?
  • Part of registration process can make the ask then, and then convince more
    people to come. Erik can help with grad students to volunteer
  • Will get logo design moving (Paul and NORC folks can help) – will need to have sign off by
    next meeting. If we have multiple or need sign off, can share with group in google poll to
    approve.
  • Lindsey will share email saying folks have been invited with Beth

III. Communications/Website (Benjamin/Patrick)

  • Newsletter assignment by Wednesday 9/24
  • President’s welcome + ballot and elections (Patrick)
  • Fall workshop previews (OLC)
  • Conference and 50th anniversary blurb (Beth)
  • Student info (travel scholarships?) (Paul/Curtiss)
  • Include individual donor link

IV. Awards, Grants, and Support Committee (Paul/Curtiss)

  • Over 30 students express interest in student paper competition (compared to last year’s SEVEN)
  • Some concern with number of paper with reviewers
  • Do we know why we have so many this time? Erik advertised to a bunch of academic
    associations. Maybe next year we replicate this with other schools/other academic contacts or
    have more concentrated strategy for approaching this (Erik, Curtiss)
  • Have not been any applications for student and early career support grants. What is budget here?
  • Last year we funded all the asks.

V. Sponsorship (Leah)

  • Going to send around an update with the new individual donor link next week
  • MIA TO DO: Remove the affiliation in individual donor link
  • Questions from NORC sponsor
  • Is there WiFi in atrium – yes
  • Are there outlets in atrium – not as many, lets get some extension cord and strategically place
    NORC close to some outlets
  • Sending along floor plan

VI. Online Learning Committee (Rebecca)

  • Have a plan, still finalizing dates.
  • 1. Panel of folks who have recently changed jobs or entered job market (government to industry,
    industry to professor, student who got a job, fed who lost a job). Think it is around Oct 17th
  • 2. Webinar on Quarto – how you can do manuscript work in 1 place (Isabella Vasquez from Posit).
    October 24th.
  • 3. Webinar on quex development with Allyson Holbrook. November 7th

VII. Other business (Patrick)
Ballot of 2025-26 Executive Council will be released after the meeting.
Council members
President – Y. Patrick Hsieh
Vice President / President Elect – David Sterrett
Past President – Leah Dean
Conference Chair – Beth Fisher
Associate Conference Chair – Linsdey Witt-Swanson
Secretary-Treasurer – Semilla Stripp
Sponsorship Coordinator – Leah Dean
Student Liaison – Curtiss Engstrom
Communications & Website Chair – Benjamin Schapiro
Members at Large – Erin Heiden, Rebecca Powell, Jerry Timbrook, Paul DiPerna, Brian Wells, Erik Nisbet
Alexandros Gkotinakos, Evgenia Kapousouz
Proposed Committees

50th/Conference Committee – Beth, Justine, Leah, Kevin
Online Learning Committee – Rebecca Powell (Chair), Erin Heiden, Jerry Timbrook
Awards, Grants, and Support Committee – Paul DiPerna, Curtiss Engstrom
Secretary Treasurer Support – Semilla Stripp
Communications Support – Benjamin Schapiro, Brian Wells

MAPOR COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES – August 2025

Benjamin Schapiro

MAPOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

August 22, 2025

MAPOR SPOTLIGHT of the MONTH: Our MAPOR Spotlight of the Month is for Beth, Erik and Ben. First, thanks
for Beth and Erik’s work on releasing the call of abstracts and circulating it widely in July; and then for Beth’s
staying on top of the planning and tracking the submission progress in August. Second, kudos to Ben’s work on
setting up the new listserv. Last but not least, I want to thank Erik again for volunteering to be one of the
student mentors! Thanks to all for your dedication and service to MAPOR.
MAPOR Mission Statement
We provide high-quality educational and conference programs to encourage scholarly exchanges across
disciplines and geographies, broaden member access to mentors and resources, and bolster opportunities for
leadership and innovations. We join forces with AAPOR, academic institutions, and government and industry
employers to develop a thriving community that supports all MAPOR members, including students, scholars, and
professionals in every stage of their career.
MAPOR Vision Statement
MAPOR is a leading voice in public opinion, survey, and social science scholarship, methods, and practice among
regional professional associations. We are an inclusive and supportive community that enables our diverse
members to achieve their educational, professional development, and networking goals. 
Agenda:
Attendees:
I. Secretary Treasurer’s Report (Semilla)

a. Financial updates

  • Checkings: $34,064. in August (from $30,427.79 in July)
  • Savings: $42,223.46 in August (from $42,223.46 in July)
    b. Membership list updates
  • 419 in August (July: 416 total members (not including AAPOR sheet))
  • 349 non-students, 70 students
  • (July: 346 non-students, 70 students)
  • Will reach out to Leah re: sponsorship
  • Will be on call to make sure that the individual sponsor link is set

II. 2025 Conference and contract renewal (Beth/Jenny/all)

a. Updates on contract renewal

b. Update on Conference support/50th committee
c. Release of call for abstracts?

  • As of yesterday, we have 54 abstracts submitted, and additional ~15 submissions that look like they have
    been started but not completed. At least 1-2 duplicates.
  • Beth is going to prompt mid next week.
  • Usual submissions are at about 200 but have been decreasing – good aim is for 120-140. Early
    submissions hard to read.
  • Extend President’s Reception, working on that. Do we want to get any swag approved?
  • Idea for swag = button, stickers
  • Coffee mug, too expensive?
  • 2 types of swag – 1 nice 50th anniversary give away item (coffee mug, tumbler, etc.), and some
    smaller swag for moving forward (stickers, buttons, can bring to AAPOR)
  • What is the budget for swag?
  • How many do we need – 200-250
  • 1 nice gift, then fill in cheap
  • 1 mug, some stickers and some pens, some notepads
  • Patrick asked about $5,000 budget, Lindsey noted we should be closer to $2,000 realistically in
    the budget
  • Goal is to make decision on swag by next meeting

III. Communications/Website (Benjamin/Patrick)
[Ben]:

a. Listserv updates
i. There’s a new listserv for MAPOR (mapor@simplelists.com). So far, it’s only received the
conference mailings. All current members are now part of this listhost. We’ll go in once a
month and remove bouncing emails, but that looks like all we can do.
ii. Consider doing individual outreach to members who have bouncing emails to confirm
that they’re no longer at the relevant professional position, and see if they want to use
personal emails.
iii. Friends of MAPOR still only exists in the admin outlook. We might consider
continuing our use of Cvent for this group especially if Cvent’s interface is better than
Outlook, or abandoning the list entirely.
iv. MAPOR’s Office365 does not cover Teams, sadly. We may consider asking
secretary/treasurer to own the meeting going forward
v. We’d like to send a newsletter ASAP via the new listserv with input from the council.

  • Ben – integrate 2025 Friends of MAPOR into simplelists so we can send out abstract call early next week
  • In September we will coordinate call for membership

IV. Awards, Grants, and Support Committee (Paul/Curtiss)

a. Updates on student fellowship program

  • Getting ready to start collecting papers for student paper submission
  • Curtiss will reach out to Beth once the abstract submission is closed
  • Starting to think about for student support and early career grants. Last year spent $4,200. Need to start
    thinking about the budget here and if we want to be more selective here if there is big influx.
  • The 2025 matches:
  • Grace Desjardins, with Erik Nisbe
  • Isaac Tagoe, with Mandy Sha
  • Juniper Shelley, with Allyson Holbrook
  • Sara Kay, with Tim Johnson

V. Sponsorship (Leah)

  • We are at $12,350 pledged so far
  • NORC did a lower amount than usual. RTI, WestStat, Fors March and some others all said they cannot
    give this year – these account for missing $4,000
  • NORC at least hoping it is a temporary decrease
  • Leah is going to do another round of reachouts post Labor Day. And Leah going to reach out to Mia to
    cross check lists of $$ received.
  • Need to get artwork from folks, tables finalized, sustaining sponsors – will check in closer to conference.
    Gallup definitely wants a table. Leah out on PTO for 2 weeks and then will start this reach out process.
  • Lets make individual donor link live today, and Leah will reach out to folks after PTO.
    VI. Online Learning Committee (Rebecca)
  • Goal for Fall series is a but of an upscaling series for folks since we are dealing with a lot of turmoil
  • Our goal is 3 webinars
  1. Moderated panel of folks who have transitioned from one field to another. Have government
    contracts to private sector, hoping to get a student, and private to public sector
  2. More technical questionnaire design/development. Asking Dana if she is willing to do that, have
    a couple of other folks in mind if not.
  3. More technical Quarto overview – someone from Posit is going to present. Going to tailor to
    more manuscript or report writing. Patrick asked about infographic/slide creation.
    VII. Other business (Patrick)
    Nomination for 2025-26 Executive Council
  • Will prepare call for names and share with Ben to send around
  • Daivd is going to forward last year’s solicitation to Patrick
  • Erin just sent Patrick the email. It is in a google form
  • Will try to get it out early next week – election has to occur at least 60 days before the meeting
    Council members
    President – Y. Patrick Hsieh
    Vice President / President Elect – David Sterrett
    Past President – Leah Dean
    Conference Chair – Beth Fisher
    Associate Conference Chair – Linsdey Witt-Swanson
    Secretary-Treasurer – Semilla Stripp
    Sponsorship Coordinator – Leah Dean
    Student Liaison – Curtiss Engstrom
    Communications & Website Chair – Benjamin Schapiro

Members at Large – Erin Heiden, Rebecca Powell, Jerry Timbrook, Paul DiPerna, Brian Wells, Erik Nisbet
Alexandros Gkotinakos, Evgenia Kapousouz
Proposed Committees
50th/Conference Committee – Beth, Justine, Leah, Kevin
Online Learning Committee – Rebecca Powell (Chair), Erin Heiden, Jerry Timbrook
Awards, Grants, and Support Committee – Paul DiPerna, Curtiss Engstrom
Secretary Treasurer Support – Semilla Stripp
Communications Support – Benjamin Schapiro, Brian Wells

MAPOR COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES – June 2025

Benjamin Schapiro

MAPOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

June 27, 2025

MAPOR SPOTLIGHT of the MONTH: Our MAPOR Spotlight of the Month is for Paul and Curtiss. Thanks for your
hard work on the student fellowship program. Thanks to all for your dedication and service to MAPOR.
MAPOR Mission Statement
We provide high-quality educational and conference programs to encourage scholarly exchanges across
disciplines and geographies, broaden member access to mentors and resources, and bolster opportunities for
leadership and innovations. We join forces with AAPOR, academic institutions, and government and industry
employers to develop a thriving community that supports all MAPOR members, including students, scholars, and
professionals in every stage of their career.
MAPOR Vision Statement
MAPOR is a leading voice in public opinion, survey, and social science scholarship, methods, and practice among
regional professional associations. We are an inclusive and supportive community that enables our diverse
members to achieve their educational, professional development, and networking goals. 
Agenda:
Attendees: Semilla, Benjamin, David, Leah, Curtiss, Erik, Erin, Patrick, Beth, Brian, Curtiss
I. Secretary Treasurer’s Report (Semilla)

a. Financial updates

  • Checkings: $22,873.74
  • Savings: $42,223.11
  • AAPOR raffle gifts all sent out, reimbursement is deposited
  • Sent Leah the invoice template for sponsorships can help as needed
    b. Membership list updates
  • 407 total members
  • 343 non-students, 70 students
  • Some more trickling in from webinar

II. 2025 Conference and contract renewal (Beth/Jenny/all)

a. Updates on contract renewal

  • Has been signed, have next 3 years on the books. Penalties for cancellation a little higher
    than previously

b. Update on Conference support/50th committee

  • Leah sending out individual sponsorship notes, sponsorship invoices. Lindsey working on
    ideas for (cheap) swag
  • No updates since webinar. Meeting again on July 11 – any ideas for fall?
  • Public opinion, methodology, political communication. Hit on first two in Spring, maybe
    want to touch on political communication or methodology?
  • We like the feature of providing free for members.
  • Send a 2-3 sentence blurb promoting spring webinar series for next newsletter (~end ish of July)
  • Currently our policy is to only keep recordings for 1 year due to space concerns. Is it worth
    revisiting this policy? Maybe we can keep archive for internal use (for now) and store on google
    drive. We can create a subscription and share this on our website? Like idea of keeping this
    available for the masses for future use.
    c. Release of call for abstracts?
  • Beth working on call for abstracts this week or weekend. Goal is to come out before the
    end of June.
  • Dates are Nov 21-22

III. Communications/Website (Benjamin/Patrick)

a. Newsletter and website updates
i. Considering the process to archive/re-tag announcement posts
ii. Broken/missing links of 2023 and 2024 conference on the past conference page
iii. Others?

  • Ben said he will get it all of the issues resolved in the next day or two.
  • Leah will circulate individual giving language to everyone (plus cvent link), and will get it
    updated on website

b. Any update on exploring listserv alternatives?

  • Have a vendor picked out and will turn it on and send welcome on Monday
  • Patrick will help if needed.
  • Patrick and Ben touching base to figure out president email.

IV. Awards, Grants, and Support Committee (Curtiss)

a. Updates on student fellowship program

  • No updates other than the ones they are discussing re: email
  • We have a student (Sarah Kay) who is doing something with Total Survey Error framework and
    from political communication angle. Have not been able to match her with a mentor yet. Ideally
    a fellow but could be someone else.
  • Tim Johnson? Kristen Olson? Jolene?
  • Peter Miller unavailable this summer

V. Sponsorship (Leah)

a. Updates on events?

  • Corporate sponsorship request is out!
  • $9,100 promised including both sustaining sponsors (a bit above Covid year)
  • Pain point for us is going to be the silver and gold sponsorships (RTI, WestStat) have already
    gotten a few nos due to spending freeze. NORC said yes and hoping for more.
  • If anyone knows someone at ABT that would be great. Patrick is going to send info on Civics,
    Morning Consult (going to connect with Caroline). BlueLabs (Joy Wilke at
    joy.wilke@bluelabs.com), Purple Strategies
  • Going to follow up again after July 4th.
  • Individual giving is key – if every member gave $5 would be a silver sponsorship

VI. Online Learning Committee (Rebecca)

  • No updates since webinar. Meeting again on July 11 – any ideas for fall?
  • Public opinion, methodology, political communication. Hit on first two in Spring, maybe
    want to touch on political communication or methodology?
  • We like the feature of providing free for members.
  • Send a 2-3 sentence blurb promoting spring webinar series for next newsletter (~end ish of July)
  • Currently our policy is to only keep recordings for 1 year due to space concerns. Is it worth
    revisiting this policy? Maybe we can keep archive for internal use (for now) and store on google
    drive. We can create a subscription and share this on our website? Like idea of keeping this
    available for the masses for future use.

a. Fall series planning TBD next month

VII. Other business (Patrick)
Council members
President – Y. Patrick Hsieh
Vice President / President Elect – David Sterrett
Past President – Leah Dean
Conference Chair – Beth Fisher
Associate Conference Chair – Linsdey Witt-Swanson
Secretary-Treasurer – Semilla Stripp
Sponsorship Coordinator – Leah Dean
Student Liaison – Curtiss Engstrom
Communications & Website Chair – Benjamin Schapiro
Members at Large – Erin Heiden, Rebecca Powell, Jerry Timbrook, Paul DiPerna, Brian Wells, Erik Nisbet
Alexandros Gkotinakos, Evgenia Kapousouz
Proposed Committees
50th/Conference Committee – Beth, Justine, Leah, Kevin
Online Learning Committee – Rebecca Powell (Chair), Erin Heiden, Jerry Timbrook
Awards, Grants, and Support Committee – Paul DiPerna, Curtiss Engstrom
Secretary Treasurer Support – Semilla Stripp
Communications Support – Benjamin Schapiro, Brian Wells

MAPOR Council Public Meeting Minutes – May 2025 II

Benjamin Schapiro

MAPOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

MAPOR SPOTLIGHT of the MONTH: Our MAPOR Spotlight of the Month is for David, Lindsey, Eric, and Caroline.
Thanks for your effort to maintain MAPOR’s presence at AAPOR for the “all-chapter” events. Thanks to all for
your hard work and your service to MAPOR.
MAPOR Mission Statement
We provide high-quality educational and conference programs to encourage scholarly exchanges across
disciplines and geographies, broaden member access to mentors and resources, and bolster opportunities for
leadership and innovations. We join forces with AAPOR, academic institutions, and government and industry
employers to develop a thriving community that supports all MAPOR members, including students, scholars, and
professionals in every stage of their career.
MAPOR Vision Statement
MAPOR is a leading voice in public opinion, survey, and social science scholarship, methods, and practice among
regional professional associations. We are an inclusive and supportive community that enables our diverse
members to achieve their educational, professional development, and networking goals. 
Agenda:
Attendees: Semilla, Alexandros, Benjamin, Beth, Caroline, Leah, David, Curtiss, Patrick, Rebecca, Brian, Erik, Jerry,
Paul, Erin, Lindsey
I. Secretary Treasurer’s Report (Semilla)

a. Financial updates

  • Checkings: $24,067
  • Savings: $42,222
    b. Membership list updates
  • no updates (AAPOR has not updated membership yet)
  • will have updates next meeting
  • offer Italian winner an amazon gift card of same amount
    II. 2025 Conference and contract renewal (Beth/Jenny/all)

a. Updates on contract renewal
b. Update on Conference support/50th committee
c. Membership and 2024 conference survey update

  • Beth reviewing contract this weekend.
  • Reviewing interest in panel on history of MAPOR for 50th. Call for abstracts in the works.
  • People interested in networking. Maybe offer professional to professional in addition (separately) to
    student to professional.
  • Push for a more formal job panel from sponsors? In addition to networking. Would be helpful for both
    students (entry level) and professionals. Erik has some experience here.
  • Loop Patrick in here
    III. Communications/Website (Benjamin/Patrick)

a. Newsletter and website updates

b. MAPORNET maintenance

  • Ask for sponsors to be more involved in networking/job panel. Make this the secondary ask once we talk
    about money.
  • Patrick got commitment from NPC again at AAPOR
  • Can/should we set up a MAPOR teams channel with our email? Ben confirmed, we will move these
    meetings to the MAPOR account.
  • 71 or 72 completes for member survey, nothing too surprising
  • Same listserv host as AAPOR would be 9$ month – people like this idea. Ben will move forward and reach
    out to Mia about billing.
  • Ben has membership and friends of MAPOR list
    IV. Awards, Grants, and Support Committee (Curtiss)

a. Updates on student fellowship program

  • Received 4 really good proposals for student fellowship award. Curtiss and Paul have been reaching out
    to potential mentors. All positive feedback but don’t think they are good matches/fits for proposals.
  • Looking for some new ideas for good fits for mentorship. 1 on total survey error and social political trust.
    1 on multi lingual cross cultural study.
  • Paul Lavarkas for TSE
  • Erik has idea for cross cultural one. Elise Su from RTF?
  • Looking for academic setting since these are graduate (PhD) students and strong methods
    V. Sponsorship (Leah)

a. Updates on events?

  • Leah circulating language for individual level asks to David and some other folks. Hoping for next week
    or so.

VI. Online Learning Committee (Rebecca)

a. Updates on next steps?

  • Good turnouts across all three webinars this spring. Taking a break this month. Rebecca will dig
    into survey results and see what people are interested in for webinar topics. They’ll use those
    results to plan for the fall.

VII. Other business

  • No other business
  • Patrick will send out his own personal contact info for everyone and he and Ben will fix the meeting invite
    for next time.

Council members
President – Y. Patrick Hsieh
Vice President / President Elect – David Sterrett
Past President – Leah Dean
Conference Chair – Beth Fisher
Associate Conference Chair – Linsdey Witt-Swanson
Secretary-Treasurer – Semilla Stripp
Sponsorship Coordinator – Leah Dean
Student Liaison – Curtiss Engstrom
Communications & Website Chair – Benjamin Schapiro
Members at Large – Erin Heiden, Rebecca Powell, Jerry Timbrook, Paul DiPerna, Brian Wells, Erik Nisbet
Alexandros Gkotinakos, Evgenia Kapousouz
Proposed Committees
50th/Conference Committee – Beth, Justine, Leah, Kevin
Online Learning Committee – Rebecca Powell (Chair), Erin Heiden, Jerry Timbrook
Awards, Grants, and Support Committee – Paul DiPerna, Curtiss Engstrom
Secretary Treasurer Support – Semilla Stripp
Communications Support – Benjamin Schapiro, Brian Wells