Call for Proposals – Submit by October 15

WSCUC invites insightful and forwarding-looking proposals that build on ARC2025’s conference theme, Vision & Fundamentals. The conference’s community-generated program will showcase emerging trends, highlight best practices, and celebrate success stories through the following conference tracks:

Success for All Students

How can institutions use evidence to drive equitable student success? How can institutions create learning environments that promote success for every student, and what do we need to understand about the issues, challenges, and opportunities?

Postgraduate Outcomes that Matter

How can institutions demonstrate the tangible and intangible outcomes that matter most to our students and society? How do institutional mission and context shape outcomes and the case for higher education?

Accreditation in Action

How have you used the vision and fundamentals of accreditation to drive mission-aligned continuous improvement at your institution? Share a success or an actionable practice to motivate effective action.

Higher Education in the Age of AI

How are teaching, learning, and assessment being affected by rapidly evolving AI tools? What do institutions need to understand about AI’s challenges and opportunities? How can institutions implement equitable and productive AI policies and practices?

Value and Practice of Innovation

How do opportunity, leadership, and constraints drive innovation in institutions? How do institutional history, culture, and context affect the appetite and approach to innovation? Whether blue sky thinking or implementing “new to you” practices, what did it take to make a change?

Other

We are open to sessions that take an entirely new approach or highlight another topic of relevance in higher education or accreditation today.

Submit Proposal

Presentation Formats

ARC2025 offers flexible presentation formats that encourage engaging, participant-centered sessions. Select the format that best showcases your ideas, but note that conference organizers may suggest an alternative format. Have another format in mind? We welcome your ideas! If you have a unique format, theme or idea that effectively highlights key issues and promotes participation, please propose it through the proposal submission form.

Symposium or Workshop (60 minutes)

These hour-long, hands-on, presentations are led by one or more speakers and emphasize interaction through demonstrations and discussions. You may be paired with another presenter in a combined session guided by a moderator who introduces speakers, provides context, and facilitates the Q&A.

ARC Conversations (10-15 minutes)

ARC Conversations are concise, targeted presentations designed to spark discussion. These sessions are brief, well-prepared, and delivered with clarity, focusing on a single, persuasive idea. Conversation sessions include two to three related topics in a one-hour, moderated presentation.

Poster Presentation

The Thursday evening poster session, held during the reception, offers an informal setting to present your work, particularly projects in progress or focused on niche topics. Poster presentations encourage one-on-one conversations and networking.

Key Dates

  • October 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT ­– Proposal submission deadline
  • Late December 2024 through January 2025 – Proposal status notifications emailed
  • March 15, 2025 – Last day to submit electronic materials for presentation at ARC2025
  • April 2-4, 2025 – ARC2025: Vision & Fundamentals

FAQs

Who should submit a proposal for ARC2025?

ARC2025 welcomes proposals from higher education leaders eager to share valuable insights, experiences, research, and advice. Proposals involving students are highly encouraged, with discounted registration fees available for student presenters. Students who volunteer at least six hours during the conference may have their registration fee waived (limited slots available). Please contact events@wscuc.org for additional information.

Note: Proposals from vendors or individuals promoting products or services will not be reviewed through the standard process. Click here for sponsor opportunities.

How will the conference committee evaluate proposals?

WSCUC’s conference advisory committee will evaluate proposals based on:

  • Overall quality, focusing on clarity and tangible outcomes
  • Relevance and applicability to other institutions and situations
  • Alignment with selected topic
  • Appeal to conference attendees

Proposals that emphasize data analysis, evidenced-based action, and storytelling are preferred. Priority is given to proposals from accredited institutions in good standing, as well as proposals that feature diverse perspectives, including students, representatives from various institutions, and members of the public.

When will I know if my proposal is selected?

WSCUC will notify prospective presenters between late December 2024 and January 2025.

What are the presenter’s responsibilities?

Presenters and co-presenters must register for the conference, pay the full registration fee, and arrange their own travel and lodging. All presenters and co-presenters must be present in person to deliver their session.

Electronic materials should be submitted by March 15, 2025, for attendees to review in advance. WSCUC does not cover the cost of materials used during the session. Each meeting room will be equipped with a projector, screen, and internet access; presenters should bring their own laptops. Additional logistical details will be provided to presenters as the conference date approaches.

Are there virtual options to attend ARC2025?

ARC2025 will not be live streamed or offered in a hybrid format due to cost considerations. We are unable to provide arrangements to present remotely. Thank you for understanding.

If I submitted a proposal for ARC2024, can I submit a proposal for ARC2025?

Definitely! We look forward to reviewing your new proposal.

Are there other ways to contribute to ARC2025?

Yes! Whether or not you’re submitting a proposal, there are various ways to contribute:

  • Serve as a session moderator: Moderators introduce speakers, provide brief framing remarks, enforce time limits, and lead the Q&A.
  • Engage on social media: Share tips, insights and initiate discussions.
  • Propose your own idea: We value creativity and welcome unique ways to contribute.

Please indicate ways you you’d like to contribute in the proposal form.

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