Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Call for Proposals

We want proposals and lots of them!

In keeping with the conference theme of Connect & Reflect, we invite proposals that consider and explore the connections we make as writing center professionals. A proposal is a document that requests a block of time for a presentation, whether it be a speech or poster presentation. Proposal topics could discuss how we join old things in new ways, to making connections between theories, practices, programs, facilities, and colleagues. How do we use reflection to revise these connections, purposefully rethinking what we do and how we do it?

If you are new to the proposal writing process, or simply wish to have another writing center professional read and respond to your ideas, please take advantage of our proposal review option. To submit your proposal, simply attach a Word file to an email addressed to SCWCA2011@gmail.com with the subject line “Proposal Review.” The deadline for the review process is September 15, 2010. We will review your work, respond to any questions you might have, and reply by September 22, 2010.

Final proposals are due October 1, 2010.

Here are some basic tips for writing a proposal:

  • Your proposal is a summary of your presentation. 
  • It should include at least your thesis and main points, as well as how your work is relevant to the Writing Center field.
  • For those of you familiar with APA, sometimes proposals are called "abstracts."
  • Use concise language and edit for brevity.

Here are some basic tips for creating a presentation:
  • Address a problem or loophole in your field (eg. using technology in the Writing Center).
  • Work with the language in your discipline.
  • Clearly state your thesis/argument.
  • Situate your thesis relative to the conference theme (eg. for the above example, consider "Connecting Technology Through the Writing Center").
  • Understand that you will be giving an oral presentation and may need handouts or a PowerPoint presentation (for poster presentations, your poster basically replaces the PowerPoint presentation).
  • Consider your audience and their level of knowledge (SCWCA participants are usually tutors who work at Writing Centers and their Directors/Executives).
  • Practice, practice, practice! You never know what kinks are in a presentation until you present it, and whether you are presenting to your cat, sibling, or friend, practice makes perfect!
More help for writing a proposal or presentation can be found at these links:
Tips on Writing a Winning Proposal- UHCL
Conference Paper Guide- Claremont Graduate University
How to Write a Conference Paper- Colorado State University

Hope this helps! If you have any questions, feel free to email us at scwca2011@gmail.com.

Best Regards,
Susie Queue

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