Annual Conference

MIPSA’s annual conference normally takes place in October of each year on the campus of one of its member institutions.

The 2025 conference will take place October 16-17 on the campus of Wayne State University. Information about the conference may be accessed through the links below. For questions not covered by the information presented here, please contact the organizer and host, Dr. Sharon Lean, sflean@wayne.edu.

Located in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State University is a leading research institution serving nearly 24,000 graduate and undergraduate students across more than 350 academic programs. Established in 1868, Wayne State is committed to research, community engagement, and providing opportunities to a dynamic student body. The Department of Political Science is ranked in the top 100 in the nation. The department offers undergraduate degrees in political science and public affairs, in addition to MA, Master of Public Administration (MPA) and PhD programs and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.

Midtown Detroit is one of the country's fastest-growing neighborhoods, and the Wayne State campus is part of a vibrant cultural center, just steps from world-famous galleries, theatres, restaurants and businesses.

Call for Proposals

We accept proposals from all subfields of political science, public administration, and public policy. Additionally, we also accept proposals from scholars in other disciplines whose work touches on power, politics, government, and/or public policy. We do not require printed papers at the MIPSA meeting, though they are welcome. Our emphasis is on carefully prepared oral presentations that can stand by themselves.

We especially encourage proposals for research posters or papers from undergraduate and graduate students. MIPSA is a welcoming environment where early scholars are encouraged and supported. Graduate and undergraduate students should also consider submitting their finished papers for MIPSA’s paper prizes. For more information go to https://mipsanet.org/awards.

Proposals are due September 19, 2025.

Call for Proposals

Registration

Travel & Parking

Visitor parking is available in Structure 2 (closest), Structure 5 and Structure 1, at a rate of $10 per entry. You must swipe a credit card for entry and exit. There is free street parking a short walk from central campus and the conference venues, along John R between Hendrie Street and Ferry Street and along the ring road behind the Athletic Center, parallel to the 10 freeway (see the map). Street parking closer to campus is metered and has a two-hour limit. You pay by credit card or app: parkdetroit.us

Click here for an interactive campus map.

Keynote Speaker

2025 Keynote Address
Thursday, October 16th

Program

Under development

Schedule at a Glance

Thursday, October 16, 2025

5:30-6:15 pm 
Welcome Reception & Teaching and Research Poster Presentations
Registration/Check In - St. Andrews Hall

6:30-8:00 pm 
Opening Banquet Dinner featuring Keynote Speaker
St. Andrews Hall

Friday, October 17, 2025

8:00-8:30 am
Registration/Check In, location TBD
Coffee and Pastries, location TBD

8:30-9:45 am–Session 1
Panels and Roundtables

10:00-11:15 am–Session 2
Panels and Roundtables

11:30 am-12:45 pm–Session 3
Panels and Roundtables

12:45-2:45 pm–Luncheon and Business Session
Luncheon - Student Center - Hillberry A,B,C (2nd floor)
Panel & Award Presentations
MIPSA Business Meeting

3:00-4:15 pm–Session 4
Panels and Roundtables

Hotels

Accommodations are available at the following locations, with slightly differing rates. Be sure to book ahead of time to take advantage of group rates and availability!

Comfort Suites Southfield
24977 NW Hwy., Southfield, MI 48075
Rates & Available Rooms - Comfort Suites Southfield/Detroit
or call (248) 357-9990
Group Code: MIPSA Conference
$109+tax per night (rate good through 9/24/25)
~20-minute drive from WSU campus, depending on traffic.  Free parking.

Hotel Saint Regis Detroit
3071 West Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202
www.hotelstregisdetroit.com (click “Book” button and add code MIPSA)
or call (313) 873-3000
Group Code: MIPSA
$119+tax per night (rate good only for the night of 10/16, while availability lasts)
Overnight parking for a fee, walking distance from campus (if you like to walk!)  You can also take the Qline from Grand Street (1 block east of the hotel) southbound for 3 stops to Ferry Street and Wayne State. The Qline is free, but can be slow.