How to Write a Winning NAFSA Proposal

Inge Steglitz, Conference Committee ChairSara Thurston-González, Content Team Chair

Kara Johnson, Workshop CoordinatorCraig Hastings, Poster Chair

Short exerciseWrite for 60 seconds and finish the following statement: “I really enjoy

conference sessions that…”

Objectives Of Today’s Session•Learn about the submission process

•Learn abut the annual conference goals for 2016

•Review the selection process

•Provide suggestions on creating a strong proposal

www.nafsa.org/proposals

Submission• Title and abstract• Learning objectives/topics• Detailed outline• Audience demographics• Presenter biographical information

www.nafsa.org/proposals

Submission Types• Sessions• Posters• Current Topic Workshops

Content Goals• Provide advanced content for international education

professionals• Stimulate and provoke discussion and audience

engagement• Deliver model practices using approaches for different

types of learners• Present evidence based on or supported by research• Target either new, mid-career, or seasoned professionals• Use multimedia approaches to enhance attendee learning• Explore issues important to international audiences• Reflect innovation and cutting edge content

Content Goals-Highlighted topics • Changing student needs and the impact of those changes

on global learning and student services• Content that is solution-oriented and provides model

practices that may be applied in different educational settings

• Worldwide trends in higher education and internationalization

• Outcomes assessment and holistic student learning• Faculty engagement and curriculum innovation• Ethical issues in international education• Cultural and human diversity in international education• The current state of scholarship in the field

Content Delivery Goals

•Encourage presenters to consider a variety of learning styles, including intercultural differences

•Encourage creative use of technology (i.e., not just PPT)

Learner Engagement

Conference Theme for 2016:

Building Capacity for Global Learning

Only 25% of all proposals received were accepted for the Boston Annual Conference

Writing a successful proposal is not easy!

The Selection Process• Proposals are reviewed by one

of six review teams• Over 200 reviewers • 4-6 reviewers per proposal,

often more• Using a review rubric• Recommendations are made to

the Conference Committee• Balance recommendations

with conference goals

Rated Using the Following Questions1. Are the content leader(s) knowledgeable in the

topic area? 2. How well do the title, abstract and learning

objectives align with each other?3. How likely is it that the format and delivery

methods selected will allow participants to achieve the stated learning objectives, including audience engagement appropriate to the objectives?

Rated Using the Following QuestionGiven the limited number of slots available for

sessions and the high volume of proposals received, how likely would you be to attend or

recommend someone attend this session if placed on the program?

The Session Proposal Form•Allows the review team to answer the questions contained in the rubric

•Allows the content team to ensure program balance

•Asks Content Focus Area, Level of Audience Content Knowledge, and Professional Functional Role of Target Audience

Optional opportunity to upload a 2 minute video of you presenting

Now It’s Your Turn!•Goal: Practice reviewing a proposal and identifying

strengths and weaknesses.•Group: 3-4 people sitting near you.

•Materials: Sample proposal A and B and Scoring Rubric.

Here’s What To Do•Read and score your proposal

•Discuss scores with your group•Choose to accept or deny the proposal

•Recommend changes that would make the proposal stronger and the presentation more effective

•Share your ideas in a larger group discussion

Strengths• Effective delivery methods• Valuable, targeted content• Strong speakers or panel• Connected to conference themes

Weaknesses• Irrelevant, unfocused, or general content

• Too much or too little content to cover

• Disconnect between objectives and outline

Deadlines

August 3rd – Sessions and Workshops

December 14th – Posters

•Read the Call for Proposals at

www.nafsa.org/proposals

•Contact ACC members to discuss ideas

•Plan ahead – don’t wait until the deadline

•Questions? Email: proposals@nafsa.org

Resources• Guides to Session, Workshop,

and Poster proposals• www..nafsa.org/proposals

•Question and Answer

Brainstorming

Meet Your Neighbors & Share Ideas

1. Go around the table and introduce yourselves with name, institution, and role.

2. Turn to your neighbor and share ideas in pairs.

1. Write your refined topic on your handout and on the back of your business card and post it using a sticky note with the topic showing.

2. Now go around the room look for a topic of interest and take one card.