PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Midwest First-Year Conference – call for proposals – due August 5th! Conference online on September 18th!

MIDWEST FIRST-YEAR CONFERENCE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 - VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
Call for Proposals

College and university faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to submit a proposal to present virtually at the Midwest First-Year Conference. This half-day online conference provides a forum for faculty, academic administrators, and student development professionals to share ideas, resources, and engaging pedagogy to enhance the learning of first-year students on two- and four-year campuses.

The theme of MFYC 2020 is “Equity, Access, and Inclusion in the First Year.” This theme aims to explore and challenge college and university personnel in how we uphold our responsibility to students, especially those of color and from historically undeserved groups. The call to anti-racism and justice have profoundly impacted our nation this year. We hope to bring together a community of practitioners to dialogue in a safe, supportive space and to engage each other in the work to create inclusive campuses. We recognize our ongoing responsibility to our students and our communities and the many changes that are being made in the practice of higher education in light of the pandemic. We do this not solely as individuals, but in collaboration with the campuses, governing bodies, and professional organizations that endeavor to respond to and improve the experience of higher education.

This year's conference will feature 50-minute virtual educational sessions (to include at least 15-20 mins. for synchronous discussion). All session proposals must reflect this year's theme (Equity, Access, and Inclusion in the First Year). Sessions must incorporate content on the topic as related to the pandemic and ideas on how work is or will be assessed. As these are unprecedented times, we welcome proposals that reflect promising practices that may not yet be proven “best” practices.

Presenters may offer their sessions live, but are asked to prerecord their presentation in an mp4 file (utilizing the platform of their choice). Sessions may cover emerging trends, concepts that are integral to undergraduate learning and success, or research and assessment findings that promise to inform the work of a broad range of practitioners.

All submissions should include information about the content delivery and plans to engage the audience. This year's conference will have tracks for 2-Year and 4-Year institutions. There is also a “universal” option for sessions relevant to both campus types.

In addition, the National Resource Center will waive one registration fee the national FYE 2021 conference in Seattle, WA for the highest rated MFYC 2020 educational session.

WHO SHOULD SUBMIT A PROPOSAL?

The Conference Planning Committee encourages faculty, professional staff, and graduate students to submit proposals, particularly related to this year’s theme, Equity, Access, and Inclusion in the First Year. The following are suggested topic areas, though other topics of broad interest may be considered:

• Academic Support (Supplemental Instruction, Tutoring, etc.)
• Admission
• Advising (Career and/or Academic)
• Curriculum and Teaching
• Engagement (Classroom, Student Services/Life, etc.)
• First-Year Seminar
• Health and Wellness
• Learning Communities
• Library and Information Literacy
• Mentoring / Coaching Programs (Peer to Peer, Professionals, etc.)
• Orientation Programs
• Retention
• Social Justice
• Summer Bridge Programs
• Transfer and Other Nontraditional Populations

HOW DO I SUBMIT A PROPOSAL?

Program proposals must be submitted via the online form no later than August 5, 2020.

All proposals are evaluated by volunteer peer reviewers based on the criteria below. Final sessions are selected by the MFYC Program Committee. Presenters will be notified by August 21, 2020. Please note: Only the person who submits the proposal will receive communications from MFYC.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Integration of theme
• Relevance of topic for professionals working with first-year students / students in transition
• Clarity and organization of presentation content and method
• Depth and/or innovation of presentation content
• Connection to theory, research, and/or assessment findings -or- potential as a promising practice
• Engaging and informative session content
• Reflective of higher education in a time of pandemic (e.g. online, socially distanced, or other innovative modalities)
• Inclusion of outcomes assessment or future assessment plan
• Clear and meaningful learning outcomes for session participants

For questions, clarifications or support, please contact one of the MFYC Program Committee members: Carrie Schade – schadecs1@gmail.com or Michelle Sadowski - michelle.sadowski@elmhurst.edu.