This is an historic event for the SSA and Sudan. This is our 25th annual meeting in the state of Rhode Island where we were, and still are, officially incorporated, AND this is the 50th anniversary of the independence of Sudan. Consequently our "25/50" theme is to have REFLECTIONS ON THE HISTORY OF SUDANIST SCHOLARSHIP and on the achievements and failures in the half century of Sudanese post-colonial history.

Panels and papers on these themes are most welcomed and encouraged but, as usual, panels and papers on other aspects of Sudan studies in ancient and modern times and across disciplines are most welcome. The conference will include a Round Table on Current Issues, Banquet and Luncheon Speakers as well as panels on selected topics. There will also be cultural performances, art and book exhibitions.

This Conference CALL for PAPERS is for abstracts of panels and papers. These may be submitted at any time up to: Friday 26 May 2006. After this date may be rejected depending upon our space requirements. Acceptance and our Preliminary Program will be posted in early July if not before.

Pre-Conference Registration Rates: SSA Member Rates $30.00; Non-Member Rates $40.00; Conference, On-Site Registration Rates: SSA Members $40.00; Non-members $50.00; Single day rates, $20.00 per day. Banquet Cost $40.00; Luncheon cost $30.00 only those with paid tickets are allowed admission, but all conferees are welcome to attend the post-meal presentations. All checks should be made payable to the Sudan Studies Association. We are non-profit and tax-exempt 501-3-C. For selected graduate students, who give papers, we have a modest travel grant program to assist in your expenses. Please inquire from the Executive Director

We are in the process of organizing special rates for both on campus and off-campus hotel housing as well as campus food on an a la carte basis or with a meal plan. These arrangements will be forthcoming and will be posted on the SSA Website. EASY CONNECTIONS by rail, bus, train, and air and check our college website www.ric.edu for directions.

Contacts: www.sudanstudies.org fax: 401-456-9736; tel: 401-456-8784
Conference Organizers: Carolyn Fluehr-Lobban, Stephanie Santos, Richard Lobban, and Elias Wakoson