Dear URPE Members,
I want to remind everyone of the ongoing AEA attack on URPE sessions at the ASSA conference. As many of you know, the AEA cut URPE sessions (and those of other heterodox associations) significantly about a decade ago. They are threatening a new round of cuts.
Any association with a low median attendance (below 13) at their sessions will face session cuts of up to 20%. The AEA plans to use a 4 year average of the median attendance for the association.
URPE’s current median attendance is just above the number that would result in session cuts. However, if our attendance drops, we will lose sessions.
The AEA takes attendance near the beginning and towards the end of each session. They reduce the audience count by one for each presenter (paper, discussant, and chairperson) listed on the program.
There are some important implications for URPE members.
(1) Attend the conference if you can.
(2) If you do attend, please go to every session possible and stay from the beginning to the end.
(3) If you are on the program at the conference and you cannot attend, inform the program chair immediately so your name can be removed from the program. That way you will not detract from the session numbers.
I also encourage all URPE members attending the ICAPE conference on January 5-6 to come to San Diego early for the ASSA meetings and to attend as many sessions as possible.
In solidarity,
Geoff Schneider
URPE Steering Committee