Call for Proposals Opening Up General and Liberal Studies Diverse Populations, Dynamic Outcomes Association for General & Liberal Studies 55th Annual Conference September 24 26, 2015 Hilton Milwaukee City Center 509 West Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
Proposal Guidelines AGLS welcomes presentations on pedagogy, curriculum development, assessment, program management, and other topics central to general and liberal education. Proposals that directly relate to our conference theme are particularly encouraged. Proposals for preconference workshops also are invited. AGLS encourages participation from faculty, students, staff, and administrators, as well as proposals that relate successful collaborative efforts between two and fouryear campuses. Sessions that actively engage the session audience and/or provide usable Monday morning ideas are especially encouraged. We pride our conference on providing hands on experiences for the attendees. Ways to Participate Paper presentation: one or more persons present a summary of a new project or research. The purpose of this 20 minute presentation should be an introduction of a new program or project and to generate discussion or feedback on the development of the program or project. These short presentations are intended to connect campuses with similar challenges or questions for post conference discussions. Three presentations will be in grouped in a 60 minute session. Group presentation: one or more persons present an in depth topic. The purpose is to report on finalized or ongoing research, a current campus program, case study, or topic directly related to the improvement of general education, liberal studies, improvement of general education programs or student success. Session length will be 60 minutes. Panel: an individual topic or question is introduced by a facilitator. Two to four panelists will discuss, followed by open discussion with the audience. Session length will be 60 minutes. Round Table: a facilitated session with several tables, each with a distinct topic for discussion; table leaders should be prepared to introduce and keep the conversation going; submissions should be by the person willing to serve as the table leader and on a single table topic. Round table session length will be 60 minutes. Poster: poster sessions are designed to give campuses an opportunity to visually present a successful element of their general education program; poster authors are expected to be at their poster during the session to answer questions and speak with conference attendees. Submissions should be for a single poster; poster session will be 90 minutes in length. Workshop: a three hour, hands on, interactive learning opportunity designed to provide attendees with take away solutions and tips for use on their home campus. A limited number of workshops will be selected for pre conference scheduling (Thursday beginning at 1pm).
In crafting our conference theme this year, we drew inspiration from the Milwaukee Art Museum, which is crowned by the famed Burke Brise Soleil, a moveable sunscreen with a 217 foot wingspan that opens and closes twice daily. The Museum s moveable architecture is a metaphor for the conversations about diversity and inclusivity that have opened up Higher Education today. As administrators and teaching faculty within General and Liberal Studies, we are increasingly called upon to respond to multiple, contested meanings of diversity and inclusivity, both in terms of curriculum and pedagogy and admissions and competition. Nationally, we have seen voter driven initiatives in several states challenge Affirmative Action programs, yet the holistic admissions policies of Higher Education institutions remain intact, as does our commitment to the educational benefits of a diverse student body. Globally, we have heard political leaders proclaim that multiculturalism is dead, yet it continues to be upheld and practiced in many international contexts. For some stakeholders, the survival of language remains at the heart of the debate. For others, it is a debate over religious freedom. On many campuses, these larger trends have played out in the decline of language studies or attacks against area studies programs and controversies over students access to birth control or the practice of daily prayer by Muslims. We invite proposals for papers or sessions exploring the impact of these diversity debates in general and liberal studies. Tell us how diversity is being handled at your institution. Is it in the core curriculum or primarily in student life? Is it more experiential or theoretical? How do you ensure that all students are learning a sophisticated way of looking at diversity? If your campus is diversifying your student body, are their accompanying changes in student services or co curricular programming or climate? Here are some additional examples of current issues and challenges related to diversity education: How do institutions define diversity? How do you include it in the curriculum?
What is the structure for ensuring that students have received education about diversity issues, and how do you ensure that it happens? Intersections between curriculum and co curriculum. Is it better to have diversity spread out over the curriculum or have a course focused on diversity issues? How many diversity initiatives are occurring in the co curriculum? How much built in diversity do you have on your campus? How do you bridge the gap? How do your diversity initiatives reach diverse audiences? Does your institution do anything particularly innovative in terms of LGBTQ, Deaf, racial and ethnic and/or religious communities? How can diversity be explored creatively (non academically) on campus? Can awareness be raised through creative components, such as engaging students in a play, art exhibit, performance, or poetry slam? Why are language programs critical to diversity? Which languages? Combatting stereotypes in the Athletics arena: how Athletics introduces diverse populations to campus and how to resolve the challenges arising from model? What budgetary items are devoted to promoting initiatives in diversity? Administrative and operational staff and diversity education: what do these groups need to know to ensure success? Does your campus provide diversity education and opportunities for global citizenship? What are the intersections between study abroad programs and diversity education? What are the intersections between internships and diversity experience/ education? Full conference information online at www.agls.org/upcomingconference.htm Proposal Deadline: May 15, 2015
What information should you have on hand prior to going online to submit your proposal? 1) Type of presentation 2) Title of proposal 3) Name, institution, email address, and day phone number of primary proposal contact 4) Abstract of proposal (limited to 250 words) Note: technology should enhance, not duplicate, the presentation. Due to increased cost, AGLS cannot provide computers or live internet access for sessions, though presenters may opt to contract with the venue for both of those resources independently of AGLS. LCD projectors will be provided, however presenters must bring their own laptops. Have a question? Contact Joyce Lucke by phone at (812) 376 7468 or by email at execdir@agls.org. Full conference information online at www.agls.org/upcomingconference.htm Proposal Deadline: May 15, 2015
Registration All presenters must register for the conference unless otherwise notified. Online registration will open March 20, 2015. The registration fee is $290 if registered before September 1, 2015. The full conference fee is $330 after September 1. Those attending only one day can register for $190 up to September 15. Registration includes annual membership in AGLS. Memberships paid for with the conference will have a term of September 2015 through August 2016. Registration includes conference packet, continental breakfast on Saturday, Friday evening reception, and beverage breaks. Thursday, September 24 afternoon workshops are an additional fee of $50. Refunds are available if registration is cancelled in writing before September 10 (less $25 processing fee). Campuses with a current institutional membership should contact the AGLS office to receive discount code for conference registrations. Accommodations Our conference hotel is the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. We have secured a block of rooms for the evenings of Wednesday, September 23 through Saturday, September 26 at the rate of $139 per night plus 15.1% tax. Room rates are guaranteed though August 27, 2015, or until the designated room block is fully reserved. For those driving to the conference, parking rates are $18/day for self parking. Valet parking is $29/day. The Hilton is a smoke free hotel. Smoking is not allowed within hotel guest rooms, restaurants, meeting rooms, or any public area. There are designated smoking areas along the perimeter of the hotel property. Phone and online reservation lines will open April 1, 2015. Old World Distinction, New World Luxury The Hilton Milwaukee City Center is a classic art deco hotel with rich furnishing and distinctive architecture built in 1927. Originally called The Schroeder Hotel, today the Hilton is recognized as the city's largest hotel with a tradition of excellence spanning nearly 85 years. The gracious style of the hotel is reflected in impeccable service and attention to every detail provided by a tenured team of hospitality professionals. AGLS is proud to have our conference at this AAA Four Diamond hotel. Combining 1920's grandeur and elegance with today's modern conveniences, City Center is the premier choice of business travelers, families, corporate events, galas and weddings. The hotel features 729 guest rooms and over 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including the 8,800 square foot ornate Crystal Ballroom, and the regal Empire Ballroom. Located downtown on Wisconsin Avenue, the main thoroughfare of downtown living, conference attendees will be in the heart of all the city has to offer. Guestrooms in the historic section are newly renovated. The furnishings are traditional yet reflect the charm and elegance of an era gone by. A palette of baby blues, warm creams, and mocha browns adorn the spacious and brightly lit guest rooms.
The mission of the AGLS is to serve colleges and universities by fostering strong General Education programs. General Education is that part of the curriculum required of all students and dedicated specifically to liberal learning the development of the knowledge, skills, values, and habits of mind characteristic of an educated person. The members of AGLS comprise a community intent upon improving liberal learning by advocating the centrality of general education and supporting its continuous improvement. Join us as we discuss how general education and liberal studies can open doors Association for General & Liberal Studies Joyce Lucke, Executive Director 428 Fifth Street Columbus, Indiana 47201 (812) 376-7468 execdir@agls.org www.agls.org