Call for Presentation Proposals

Presentation proposals are sought that provide models for success in being “Franklin Forward”, at the level of institutions, organizations, programs, and individuals.  Two types of presentation proposals are sought: concurrent presentations and new program showcase presentations.

Proposal submission is now closed. Thank you to all who submitted. Accepted and declined letters will be going out in early August.

Concurrent Presentations
Of particular interest to the planning committee are proposals that address the following topics:

  • Alternative credentialing, including competency-based education, micro-credentialing, badges, non-credit, etc., (including academic, pedagogical, administrative, student and faculty support aspects)
  • Creating and managing virtual teams, virtual collaborations, and virtual work flow as they relate to students, faculty and/or staff
  • Strategic positioning and leveraging the growth of online programs
  • Cultivating and using alumni networks, advisory boards and other professional partnerships
  • Latest trends in Personalized Learning including Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) and Personal Learning Environments (PLEs)
  • Emerging digital learning and learning strategies including adaptive learning technologies, learning analytics, tablet computing,  wearable technologies, virtual and remote laboratories, e-textbooks, collaborative learning environments (redesigning learning spaces, crowdsourcing, maker/hacker spaces)
  • Approaches to optimal structuring of professional, continuing and online units
  • Best practices in developing and managing off-campus centers and programs
  • Effective social media strategies and management
  • Issues unique to the needs of small and specialized institutions

Presentations selected for a concurrent session will be allotted a 60 minute time slot; presenters should plan to develop their session in ways designed to actively engage the audience and should allow 10 minutes to answer questions from the audience.  Presentations for individuals in leadership, operations, and student services roles should be aligned with at least one of UPCEA’s networks:  international; leadership and strategy; marketing, enrollment, and student services; online management and design; outreach, engagement and economic development; program management and innovation.

Each presentation room will be equipped with a projector, wireless internet, a table at the front/side of the room for presentation materials, and chairs for the audience will be arranged theater style.  Presenters are expected to bring their own presentation laptop (or other suitable device); presenters who plan to bring an Apple product as their presentation computer should also bring their own adapter.  Presenters are expected to bring any additional materials that they may need to achieve the learning objectives of their presentation.  Presentation handouts are not required; presenters who wish to provide handouts should plan to bring 50 copies as copy facilities will not be available at the Conference Center.  Presenters will have the opportunity to contribute their presentation slides for posting on the conference website; you will receive information about this opportunity as we get closer to the conference.

New Program Showcase
Proposals are also sought for the New Program Showcase, which provides individuals with the opportunity to highlight programs they have developed and launched in the last 1-2 years.  Your colleagues have expressed an interest in learning about a wide variety of new credit and non-credit academic programs, as well as new support programs.   The showcase is conducted in a format analogous to an electronic poster session, and provides for one-on-one personalized discussions and networking with others.  Conference attendees will want to talk to you about your program's content, format, audience, successes, and challenges.  Participating in the New Program Showcase can provide you with useful feedback and ideas for enhancing your program, an opportunity for more individuals and institutions to participate in the conference content, and perhaps the activity needed to internally justify and approve your attendance at the conference. 

“In October 2014, I participated in the UPCEA Mid-Atlantic Conference New Program Showcase presenting University College of Syracuse University’s new Certificates in Knowledge Management and Creative Leadership. The New Program Showcase is an opportunity to present and network in a low pressure environment. Questions asked and comments given from continuing education professionals were insightful, direct, and thought-provoking. Showcase feedback enabled me to view my program with fresh eyes and tweak future presentations and marketing materials with a more compelling message.“ -Christine Praino, Senior Program Administrator/BPS Program Director, University College, Syracuse University

Not sure what to present in the New Program Showcase?  Click here to see the Showcases from previous years.

Presenters will be provided with a table-top on which to display, for example, program information, promotional materials, and/or a rotating electronic slide show.  Electricity for laptop/tablet computers will also be provided.  Easels/bulletin boards for hard copy poster boards will not be provided).  Presenters who choose to use a laptop (or other suitable device) are expected to provide their own; presenters who plan to bring an Apple product as their presentation computer should also bring their own adapter.  Presenters are expected to bring any additional materials that they may need to provide an overview of their program and to achieve the learning objectives of their showcase.  Presenters who wish to provide handouts should plan to bring 50 copies as copy facilities will not be available at the Conference Center.  Presenters will have the opportunity to contribute presentation slides for posting on the conference website; you will receive information about this opportunity as we get closer to the conference.

Presenter Requirements

  • Presenters are expected to be current members of UPCEA, either institutional, corporate, or affiliate. Corporate members are expected to propose sessions in conjunction with an institutional or affiliate member.  Information about UPCEA membership can be found at www.upcea.edu/membership
  • Presenters must be prepared to register for the conference and pay the registration fee appropriate to their membership status. 
  • By submitting a proposal, you are agreeing to allow UPCEA to use your information in the conference program, both online and in print.
  • If you are accepted to be a presenter, a conference committee liaison will work with you to confirm arrangements.  Presenters are expected to provide timely responses and information to their designated liaison.



© University Professional & Continuing Education Association
One Dupont Circle, Suite 615, Washington, DC 20036
202-659-3130 | 202.785.0374 Fax | www.upcea.edu