Writing an Effective Proposal

Mell Bolen, BCA 2009 Conference Chair Pat Willer University of South Carolina Content Chair Deb Pierce Northern Illinois University Conference Chair Designate Presenters 2008 Annual Conference Committee

general session proposals, 50% accepted 300 poster session proposals, 90% accepted 55 workshops scheduled, 30 CEP, 24 through proposal process The Competition Looks Like….

Divided by audience Read by KC Coordinators and review teams Read by the ACC Executive Team Specialized input Content Chair and the ACC Selection Process

Understand conference planners’ perspectives Recognize the importance of the conference context and theme Connect with KC groups Planners’ Perspectives

Depth of topic/Learning objectives Active learning techniques Session organization Knowledgeable/skilled presenters and facilitators Proposal clarity and cohesiveness Evidence of Quality

Think about the audience(s) 30% non-US-based 44% are not NAFSA members 29% - 41% in the field yrs, among membership 17% in the field yrs % are exhibitors 47% are “frontline professionals” 34% are managers Conference Audience

Evaluate the best format for your topic Pre-conference Workshops General sessions Seminars Posters Formats

Active learning Applies to critical skills, practical and useful Expands knowledge of ideas, intellectually engaging Not “show and tell” Audience members are Adults!

Content focus areas Poster group themes KC topics Hot topics Colleagues Compelling topics

Colleagues Knowledge Communities ACC members Online Call for Proposals ( Guidelines for Proposal Writers ( Guidebook for Content Leaders ( Resources for Proposal Writers

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 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 Content Focus Areas

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 More Session Tips

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 Make It Exciting

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? Think about What Worked!

Core Education Program (CEP) Workshops Conference-specific Workshops Types of Workshops

Selected by the Training Coordination Subcommittee (TCS) Standard curriculum for each CEP workshop Foundations of International Education (FDN) Professional Practice Workshops (PPW) CEP 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 Conference-specific Workshops

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 Workshop Characteristics

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 Appropriate Workshop Topics

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 Workshop Proposal

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 Reviewers’ Criteria

Review the full Call for Proposals at The full workshop proposal form is online at Workshop Proposal Form

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 Workshop Proposal Details

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 Remember

Key Message Think Visual Place for Show and Tell More Information on Handouts Poster Points

Learning Objectives = only 1 or 2 Method of instruction = describe visuals Title = Key marketing tool Presenter: Expertise you bring to share Poster Proposal

Examples of Use of Space

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 Poster Fairs