This year's conference theme, Reboot and Recharge, encourages dialogue about new beginnings and supporting life-long learning in Learning Centers. To this end, there are four proposal tracks:

Embracing Change

This track welcomes proposals that address constant evolution in learning centers.  Sessions may address strategies learning center professionals or student staff use to address change in higher education, their institution, their center, the needs of students, or any number of other changes we may face. Sessions can focus on a productive approach to change for a specific topic, or more broadly how to address and embrace change through strategic planning or other strategies. 

 

Mentoring, Training, and Development

This track welcomes proposals that focus on how learning centers train students or professionals for their roles. Sessions may discuss different learning assistance positions and the various types of training models, topics, projects and formats that trainers create and facilitate. Sessions may also address the benefits and incorporation of one or more of the various training certification programs, such as CRLA, NCLCA, or ACTP, into their training programs.

 

Technology

This track welcomes proposals focused on creative and innovative uses of technology in learning centers. New technology becomes available every semester and learning centers adapt to include technology to meet students’ needs and expectations. Sessions may address the way that technology has enhanced online and in-person direct work with students either by professional or student staff,  and how technology facilitates the creation of resources, virtual communication and collaboration. Sessions may also discuss usage of technology for the optimization of learning center operations including student facing services and administrative tasks.

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This track welcomes proposals that address the needs of our ever-changing population of students and learners. Demographic trends indicate that colleges and universities will see growth in the numbers of first-generation, minority, adult learners and other groups who face barriers to success in higher education. Sessions may address the ways in which learning center professional, paraprofessional, and student staff bring unique and diverse identities and perspectives to the field, the ways in which changes in the backgrounds, needs, and abilities of learners provide challenges as well as opportunities for growth, or the ways in which learning centers can support and empower diverse students and staff. Sessions may also share strategic planning and practical methods for accomplishing goals of equity, inclusion and social justice work in learning centers. 

​

​

Spring Conference Proposal Submission

Please select the track most closely aligned to your presentation topic, as well as one of these formats:
 

• Option 1: Fifteen (15) minute “innovations & inspirations” session. This presentation format will allow presenters to share ideas, quick activities, or other innovations. These presentations will be limited to ten (10) minutes of presentation time and five (5) minutes for questions. 

• Option 2: Traditional fifty (50) minute session. This presentation format will follow a traditional format where presenters will have the opportunity to present and lead a discussion based on their content. 

• Option 3: Either option. Choose this if you are open to either option 1 (15 minute innovation & inspiration) or option 2 (50 minute traditional). When you complete your submission, you will have an opportunity to share how you would use your time for either format. 

 

Everyone involved with learning center work is welcome to submit, including peer tutors and student workers. Student presenters are strongly encouraged to apply! There is an alternative process for vendors interested in being sponsors; interested vendors should contact info@mdclca.org.

 

Although MDCLCA is a Maryland-based affiliate, we do invite conference submissions and participation from learning center staff outside of Maryland, especially those in the Capital Region, including Washington, DC and Virginia. All proposals will be blind reviewed.

 

To Submit

​

The submission form is available here on the MDCLCA website. Click on the “Annual Conference” tab, and then select “Submit a Proposal” from the drop-down menu.  After successfully submitting a proposal, you will receive an email confirmation.

​

• Proposals must be submitted no later than Friday, January 8th.

• Presenters will be notified via email by early February.

• Please contact info@mdclca.org for questions or more information.

​

Important reminders

• Incomplete proposals will not be reviewed. Fill out all required fields on the form.

• Presenters are required to register for the conference. The registration fee is waived for all student presenters. Conference registration will open in early January 2021.