Test-of-Time Papers Process

This document outlines the ACL Test-of-Time (ToT) paper award process, timeline, and steps. It assumes the ACL conference (where the winners are announced) is in summer, between mid June and end of August. The process should start approximately 6 months prior to the ACL conference. Please refer to Test-of-Time Papers Award for the composition of the committee.

• 6 months before conference (approximately the end of January): at the request of the conference officer, and with his/her help, the ACL exec names chair(s) of the ToT paper award nomination committee.

• 2 weeks later [5.5 months before conference]: committee chairs + conference officer: decide candidates of members of the nomination committee; conference officer: ask candidates chosen above to form the committee.

• 2 weeks later [5 months before conference]: committee chairs + conference officer: first call to membership for ToT paper nominations.

• 2 weeks later [4.5 months]: the nomination committee in place (some may have recused themselves, conference officer ask for substitutes); committee chairs + conference officer: second call to membership and committee members for ToT paper nominations.

• 2 weeks later [4 months]: nominations collected from membership and from committee members; committee chairs decide if more experts are needed, choose them and contact them; committee members have discussions on nominated papers, and vote for final decision.

• 2 weeks later [3.5 months]: committee chairs send the winners to conference officer and ACL president.

• 2 weaks later [3 months]: ACL president informs winners.

• At conference: conference officer announces the winners at the award session.

ACL Test-of-Time Paper Award Nomination Committee

• ACL Test-of-Time Paper Award Nomination Committee - 2021