Annual English Studies Conference
Tuesday, April 21, 6:00pm-9:00pm (Online Sessions, for off-campus Students only)
Wednesday, April 22, 10:00am-5:00pm (In-Person Sessions, Coleman Hall, EIU)
2026 KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Dr. Lydia Craig
"Title Forthcoming"
April 22, TBD, Coleman Hall Auditorium (1255 CH)
Eastern Illinois University’s English Studies Conference is an annual event held during the Spring Semester that showcases the exciting work being done by our students, faculty, alumni, and local community members in the various areas of English Studies. This year our main conference will be held in conjunction with EIU's Annual Student Research Day offering, once again, both an in-person panels on the day of the university event as well as a separate virtual showcase the night before highlighting work completed by our off-campus graduate and undergraduate students. On-campus graduate students will also have the opportunity to present their work via Poster Presentations at the Grad Expo happening on April 22nd in the University Grand Ballroom should they so choose.
Our department event is open to the entire university and the public and features a range of panels, roundtables, readings, poster sessions, and more in the areas of Creative Writing, Literary & Cultural Studies, Professional Writing, Rhetoric and Composition, and English Language Arts Pedagogy. Hear current students discuss their recent creative and scholarly projects and their experiences at internships, local & national conferences, and more. Gain important tips for the job hunt by attending alumni panels where participants will discuss the ways in which they marketed and applied their English Studies skills to various professions. Even sit in on faculty panels to learn about the diverse research trajectories being pursued by English Studies scholars. As part of the celebration, come spend the day enjoying free breakfast, lunch, and raffle giveaways throughout the day as well!
Past Conference Highlights:
- 2026 ESC Program
- 2025 ESC Program
- 2024 ESC Program
- 2023 ESC Program
- 2022 ESC Program
- 2021 ESC Program
- 2020 ESC Program
- 2019 ESC Program
- 2018 ESC Program
- 2017 ESC Program
- 2016 ESC Program
- 2015 ESC Program
- 2014 ESC Program
- 2013 ESC Program
- 2012 ESC Program
- 2011 ESC Program
- 2010 ESC Program
- 2009 ESC Program
- 2008 ESC Program
- 2007 ESC Program
- 2006 ESC Program
Submission Process:
Students may submit proposals for individual presentations or pre-formed panels consisting of multiple presenters. The proposal deadline for next year's conference is Friday, March 13, 2026. Click HERE to submit your proposal to participate in the virtual conference sessions scheduled for 4/22! Click HERE to submit your proposal to the in-person conference scheduled for 4/21!
For inquiries concerning the main conference event, please contact Dr. Melissa Ames (mames@eiu.edu). For inquiries concerning the virtual showcase, please contact Dr. Marjorie Worthington (mgworthington@eiu.edu).
View Select Featured Past Student Projects and Presentations
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2024 English Studies ConferencePhoto Album
Photo from the 2019 English Studies Conference
2018 English Studies Conference
2017 English Studies Conference
2016 English Studies Conference
2015 English Studies Conference Kick-Off Event: "We Need Diverse Books!"
2015 English Studies Conference
Student Testimonials:
"It was an awesome opportunity to share my own work, but also to check out what other students are up to. I enjoyed everything I attended and learned A LOT!"
"Enjoyed getting real advice and multiple points of view from the alumni presenters"
"Felt proud to present my work and to hear others"
"Presenters were insightful and enthusiastic. Loved hearing their thoughts!"
"It was a valuable experience presenting my work in the public for the first time"
"I enjoyed hearing from courses I haven't taken"
"I learned about others' experiences and voices"
"Enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone and presenting in a different format"