Writing an Effective Proposal

Mell Bolen, BCA2009 Conference Chair

Pat WillerUniversity of South Carolina

Content Chair

Deb PierceNorthern Illinois University

Conference Chair Designate

Presenters2008 Annual Conference Committee

•500-600 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 0 - 4 yrs, among membership 17% in the field 0 - 4 yrs

•18 - 20% 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 (www.nafsa.org/proposals)

• Guidelines for Proposal Writers (www.nafsa.org/proposals)

• Guidebook for Content Leaders (www.nafsa.org/annual_conference/ac08_proposers_expect)

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 www.nafsa.org/proposals.

The full workshop proposal form is online at http://proposals.nafsa.org.

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

Examples of Use of Space

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