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Writing an Effective Proposal. Presenters 2008 Annual Conference Committee. Mell Bolen, BCA 2009 Conference Chair Pat Willer University of South Carolina Content Chair Deb Pierce Northern Illinois University Conference Chair Designate. The Competition Looks Like….
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Presenters 2008 Annual Conference Committee Mell Bolen, BCA 2009 Conference Chair Pat Willer University of South Carolina Content Chair Deb Pierce Northern Illinois University Conference Chair Designate
The Competition Looks Like…. • 500-600 general session proposals, 50% accepted • 300 poster session proposals, 90% accepted • 55 workshops scheduled, 30 CEP, 24 through proposal process
Selection Process Divided by audience Read by KC Coordinators and review teams Read by the ACC Executive Team Specialized input Content Chair and the ACC
Planners’ Perspectives • Understand conference planners’ perspectives • Recognize the importance of the conference context and theme • Connect with KC groups
Evidence of Quality Depth of topic/Learning objectives Active learning techniques Session organization Knowledgeable/skilled presenters and facilitators Proposal clarity and cohesiveness
Conference Audience • Think about the audience(s) • 30% non-US-based • 44% are not NAFSA members • 29% - 41% in the field 0 - 4 yrs, among membership 17% in the field 0 - 4 yrs • 18 - 20% are exhibitors • 47% are “frontline professionals” • 34% are managers
Formats Evaluate the best format for your topic Pre-conference Workshops General sessions Seminars Posters
Audience members are Adults! • Active learning • Applies to critical skills, practical and useful • Expands knowledge of ideas, intellectually engaging • Not “show and tell”
Compelling topics • Content focus areas • Poster group themes • KC topics • Hot topics • Colleagues
Resources for Proposal Writers • Colleagues • Knowledge Communities • ACC members • Online • Call for Proposals (www.nafsa.org/proposals) • Guidelines for Proposal Writers (www.nafsa.org/proposals) • Guidebook for Content Leaders (www.nafsa.org/annual_conference/ac08_proposers_expect)
Sessions & Seminars • What can be covered in the time period? • Session length-normally 1 hr./15 minutes • Seminars are longer • Scope of topic broad and critical • Frequently invited or Global Partner • Format must support extended time • Recommend support from KC
Content Focus Areas • Content Focus Areas shape conference sessions • Advocacy • Internationalization • Theory, Research and Measurement • Global Issues and Politics • Social Responsibility
Content Focus Areas • Technology • Ethics • Personal and Professional Development • Other: Innovative ideas that don’t fit elsewhere
More Session Tips • Who are your presenters? • Diversity of institutions, regions, nations, are desired • Expertise of presenters is important in review process • Approval process for including government presenters
Make It Exciting • Will the style and format be exciting? • Interactive presentation is desired • Innovative use of technology is desired • Web or print resources are important • Title and abstract are critical
Think about What Worked! • What sessions worked for you this year? • Which ones were great? Why? • Which ones did you leave early or fall asleep? Why? • What was missing?
Types of Workshops • Core Education Program (CEP) Workshops • Conference-specific Workshops
CEP Workshops • Selected by the Training Coordination Subcommittee (TCS) • Standard curriculum for each CEP workshop • Foundations of International Education (FDN) • Professional Practice Workshops (PPW)
Conference-specific Workshops • Workshop proposals submitted through the conference Call for Proposals • Selected by the Annual Conference Committee (ACC) • Workshop materials developed by training team who submitted proposal
Workshop Characteristics • Length: half-day or one-day formats • Content: • In-depth • Skill-based learning • Multiple perspectives • Format: flexible, interactive, presentation/discussion • Fee in addition to conference registration
Appropriate Workshop Topics • Scope: wide enough to justify length & intensity • Relevance and impact: significant • Workshop fee: value to participant/institution • Topic: distinct from PPW and FDN workshops • Target participants: new to field or have new responsibilities
Workshop Proposal • Training design: clear and stimulating • Method of instruction: varied/interesting – no talking heads • Learning objectives: clearly identified • Added value: clear to both ACC reviewers and potential participants • Workshop trainers: selected to maximize expertise and reflect diversity
Reviewers’ Criteria • Topic: clearly stated • Design/instruction: well-articulated • Team: emphasize mix, expertise in bios - incorporate local experts and resources • Audience: appropriate and clearly indicated • Think marketing: title and text describing proposal should have punch and style
Workshop Proposal Form • Review the full Call for Proposals at www.nafsa.org/proposals. • The full workshop proposal form is online at http://proposals.nafsa.org.
Workshop Proposal Details • Audience: same choices as sessions • Abstract: 25 words – if selected, primary marketing tool • Description: 100 words – clarity • Learning Objectives: what will people learn
Workshop Proposal Details • Budget: Materials costs and reimbursements • AV equipment: requests are difficult to change later • Topics and Learning Approaches: address the “talking heads” phobia • Trainer limits: 4-7 hour workshop, 4 trainers; 8-10 hour workshop, 5 trainers
Remember • Strive for institutional, geographic, national diversity • Keep members based outside the U.S. in mind • Study this year’s workshop offerings • Use NAFSA resources to help identify additional expertise – put Professional Networks to work
Poster Points • Key Message • Think Visual • Place for Show and Tell • More Information on Handouts
Poster Proposal Learning Objectives = only 1 or 2 Method of instruction = describe visuals Title = Key marketing tool Presenter: Expertise you bring to share
Poster Fairs • Reviewing Credentials from Secondary School s for Recruitment and Admission • International Education Research • Intercultural Initiatives for Campus and Community • Study Abroad Resources: Increasing Diversity Outreach, Enhancing Learning • Overseas Educational Advisors/Embassy Country Fair • Innovations in International Institutional Partnerships • Work, Internships and Volunteer Abroad • Campus and Curriculum Internationalization