Conference Details
We are thrilled you're interested in presenting at our annual All-Staff Conference! This conference is designed to foster professional development, encourage cross-campus dialogue, and provide support for all university staff. By sharing your expertise and experiences, you'll contribute to building a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic community where everyone can thrive.
Open Call for Proposals
- Conference Dates: July 22-23, 2025
- Location: College of Business Howard L. Hawks Hall
- Proposal Deadline: March 14, 2025
Proposal Information
Provide the following details in your proposal:
- Presenter and Co-Presenter Contact Information: Name, title, pronouns, email, college or department, headshot and bio (200 words or less)
- Presentation Title: Clear and concise (maximum 100 characters).
- Presentation description/abstract: Description of your presentation's purpose, methods, key points, and expected outcomes in complete sentences and not to exceed 300 words
- Presentation aims/goals: Three specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) learning objectives. Clearly state how your presentation aligns with the conference's goals.
- Presentation offering: Indicate if you would like to present in person, via a prerecorded session, hybrid or virtual only.
- Presentation Capacity: Indicate if you would like to offer your presentation once or multiple times throughout the conference.
- Presentation Accommodations: Indicate what accommodations you will need to present during the conference.
- Availability to Present: Indicate your availability present by checking the dates and time slots you are unavailable or if you are available the entire time and have no presentation restrictions.
- Presentation Format: All sessions are 45 minutes in length. Specify your preferred format, i.e. workshop, panel discussion, roundtable, case studies, technology demonstration, fireside chat or open mic.
Proposal Considerations
Conference Objectives
Presentations should align with the following conference objectives:
- Professional Development: Enhance staff skills, knowledge, and abilities to improve performance and career growth.
- Cross-Campus Dialogue: Facilitate communication and collaboration among staff from different departments and units.
- Staff Support: Provide resources, strategies, and insights to promote well-being and a positive work environment.
- Engagement: Foster active participation and build a strong sense of community among university staff.
- Community: Promote unique perspectives and create an environment where all staff feel valued and respected.
Proposal Format
We encourage submissions for the following presentation formats:
- Workshop: Hands-on activities that provide practical learning experiences.
- Panel Discussion: Conversations among experts with opportunities for audience Q&A.
- Roundtable: Small group discussions focusing on specific topics.
- Case Studies: Presentations of real-world examples and solutions.
- Technology Demonstration: Using computer programs. e.g., email, Teams, Excel, Canvas, Bridge, etc.
- Fireside Chat: Informal, conversational interview setting between a speaker and a moderator.
- Open Mic: Any attendee to take the mic and briefly share their perspectives or questions. This can surface often-overlooked voices, experiences, and solutions from the audience itself.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on a variety of the below elements:
- Relevance: Alignment with conference objectives. Demonstrated knowledge, experience and best practices.
- Significance: Contribution to professional development, cross-campus dialogue, or staff support.
- Clarity: Clear and well-organized content.
- Engagement: Potential to engage and interact with the audience.
- Innovation: Originality and creativity.
- Practicality: Actionable insights and takeaways.
- Focus on Community: Consideration of perspectives.
- Technical Feasibility: For virtual presentations, technical preparedness and engagement strategies.
Proposal Notification
Presenters will be notified of selection decisions no later than April 1, 2025. Presenters will receive guidelines for presentation preparation, delivery and information on registering for and attending the conference. If you have questions please email staff.conference@unl.edu.