Call For Proposals

Presentation Formats and Types
Submit a pre-conference workshop, breakout session, roundtable, panel, or research session topic for consideration. Panel discussions, hands-on sessions, and case studies, as well as subject matter that supports the AACRAO Core Competencies, will be given additional consideration.  

Breakout Sessions:

• 50 or 75-minute presentations given by one or more co-presenters
• Slide and/or video content is expected throughout the presentation
• Interaction with the audience is encouraged
• Presenters are encouraged to end breakout sessions with time for Q&A
• AV includes a podium microphone, a projector and screen, and for larger sessions, a microphone for questions from the audience. 

Panels:

• 50 or 75-minute presentations given by two or more co-presenters
• Slide and/or video content is expected throughout the presentation
• Differing viewpoints or experiences are encouraged from panel members
• Presenters are encouraged to end breakout sessions with time for Q&A
• AV includes a panelist table with one table microphone to share, a projector and screen, and for larger sessions, a microphone for questions from the audience

Roundtables:

• 50 or 75-minute discussions led by one or more co-presenters
• Slide and/or video content are often included as visual prompt “talking points” for the discussion
• Roundtables do not follow a “standard lecture format”; they are interactive and involve sharing from the audience throughout the session
• Note: most session rooms are set with only chairs to accommodate as many attendees as possible; round tables in the room are not guaranteed
• AV includes a podium microphone, a projector and screen, and for larger sessions, a microphone for questions from the audience

Research Sessions:

• 50 or 75-minute presentations given by two or more co-presenters
• Slide and/or video content is expected throughout the presentation.
• Research sessions focus on presenting original research or data-driven insights related to higher education.
• Presenters share their research findings, including methodology, data, and conclusions, often supported by visual aids such as slides, charts, or graphs.
• Interactive discussions allow attendees to ask questions, offer feedback, and engage with the research.
• AV includes a podium microphone, a projector, and screen for visual presentations.

Pre-Conference Workshops:

• Half to full-day courses led by experts in critical content areas of the field
• Courses range from basic skills and knowledge in registrar, admissions, recruiting, and enrollment functions to courses that help participants build on their work experience to advance in their careers
• Registration for most pre-conference workshops requires an additional fee for attendees and is usually separate from registration for the full conference
• Pre-Conference Workshops take place before the Annual Meeting begins
• AV includes a podium microphone, a projector and screen, and for larger sessions, a microphone for questions from the audience

Corporate Sessions:

• Presenters employed by, contracted with, or who receive compensation from a company or organization that sells products or services to the AACRAO membership will be considered corporate presenters. Sessions that include corporate presenters may be classified as Corporate Sessions; additional fees may apply. Contact corporates@aacrao.org to learn more about opportunities to present at the Annual Meeting.
• Additional fees apply for Corporate Sessions
• Session slots are limited; participation is on a first-come-first-served basis
• Questions? For additional information, please contact corporates@aacrao.org

All session proposals submitted for the AACRAO Annual Meeting undergo a multi-step review process to ensure high-quality, relevant content. The Program Committee strives to select a balanced program representing the multi-faceted interests and needs of AACRAO membership.

Initial Review: Proposals are reviewed by members of AACRAO’s Professional Activities Committees (PACs) and Program Committee.

Evaluation Criteria: Reviewers assess proposals based on clarity, originality, relevance to AACRAO audiences, alignment with the meeting’s themes, and the expertise of the presenter(s). Reviewers may request additional information from submitters regarding the session’s content or intended delivery methods.

Scoring and Comments: Each proposal is scored and may receive feedback. Strong proposals often demonstrate actionable takeaways, audience engagement strategies, and broad institutional applicability.

Program Development: The Program Committee uses reviewer input to build a balanced and diverse agenda, ensuring coverage across key topic areas and member interests. Submitters of proposals with similar content may be asked to combine their sessions to offer a more comprehensive presentation.

Notification: Submitters are notified of acceptance, alternate, or not-accepted status. Presenters are asked to complete a “confirmation” form indicating their intent to accept or decline their invitation to present at the meeting.

This process is designed to maintain the high standard of educational content attendees expect from the AACRAO flagship event.

The AACRAO Annual Meeting highlights the scope and breadth of our members’ professional responsibilities across all institution types. To ensure presentations are of the highest quality and are applicable to a broad audience, proposals should: 

• demonstrate practical applications to the profession
• present multiple viewpoints
• represent multiple institutions and institution types (two-year, four-year, public, private, etc.)
• draw from theory
• be grounded in research
• focus on trending and ‘hot topics’
• include assessment or trend data as appropriate