How do you get your ducks in a row?

At the SSCA 2009 Conference in April in Norfolk, Thomas Socha passed out rubber ducks encouraging attendees to “Get their ducks in a row and get to Memphis.” The ducks reference the venerable Peabody Hotel, where the 2010 SSCA conference will be held.

I got my duck out a couple of weeks ago in hopes of finding inspiration to write this column as well as wrap up some research. Unfortunately, my Golden Retriever found the duck to be a good chew toy. And, that was the end of the duck.

From broken water lines to wayward thesis advisees, summer events have impeded progress on my “to do list.” For those of us whose plans for productivity ended up being chewed up about like the dog chewed up my rubber duck, there is still hope.

Here are some suggestions for how to “get your ducks in a row”:

1 – Serve as a reviewer.  The Mass Communication Division needs reviewers for both panels and competitive papers. Contact Alison Miller at amiller@ulm.edu to help with reviewing.

2 – Volunteer to serve as a chair or respondent. Alison is the program chair for the Mass Communication Division and will be looking for people to fill these roles.

3 – Prioritize your research. Try to give yourself a day or two to pull together that research project you’ve been working on in time to submit it by Sept. 11, again to Alison.

4 – Consider potential officers or running for office yourself. Being an officer is a great way to contribute to the “service” portion of your vita. The Mass Communication Division has a strong tradition of supporting young faculty members in leadership roles.

5 – Submit your travel plans early. Budget cuts and spending freezes abound. Make sure your department and college are aware of your intent to participate in the 2010 SSCA conference. My department also gives priority to those presenting research or otherwise participating.

Finally, I greatly appreciate all of those who helped make the 2009 Conference such a success – especially those who attended the business meeting to help us get our “ducks in a row.”

I hope to see you in Memphis. I’ll be the one with a chewed-up duck.

- Myleea Hill, MCD Chair