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The University Teaching Council invites proposals for the 32nd Celebrating College Teaching Conference on October 30, 2026. This is an open call, and we welcome proposals from those who teach classes at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ!

Our theme is Keeping Our Students at the Heart of Teaching in a Changing World.

We will consider proposals for refereed roundtable sessions and quick lightning talks from all members of the university teaching community who want to share ideas about teaching and learning. We believe everyone has ideas worth sharing and celebrating!

Please note: Faculty who received funding from the University Teaching Council must submit an abstract and present at the conference. 

All proposals must align with the Mission and Vision of the Strategic Roadmap for a Distinctive ºìÐÓÊÓƵ State.

Submission Divisions:

Refereed Roundtables (Breakout Sessions) – Oct. 30, 2026 | 9:00am â€“ 10:30am

Two rounds of 40-minute sessions will be presented between 9:00am and 9:40am and between 9:50am–10:30am. This format is ideal for presenting your research into teaching and learning.

Refereed Roundtable Speakers will:

• Deliver a 10-minute presentation of key concepts (No PowerPoint or formal lecturing).
• Stimulate and encourage discussion among participants at the table for the remaining 30 minutes.
• Provide handouts or links (where appropriate) for guests in the session.

Lightning Talk Sessions – (Concurrent Themed Panels) October 30, 2026 | 2:30pm â€“ 3:30pm

Two 25-minute sessions of Lightning Talks between 2:30pm and 2:55pm, and between 3:05 pm and 3:30pm. Concurrent small panels, grouped at tables according to teaching and learning themes, designed to promote interaction among conference attendees and fellow panelists. This format is ideal for sharing a specific teaching and learning strategy from your classes.

• Prepare a 5-minute or shorter presentation or demonstration on a teaching strategy or practice.
• Provide a summary as a handout for attendees.

Submission Requirements for this year’s conference:

• Indicate submission preferred format (Roundtable or Lightning Talk). (If your choice cannot be honored, you will be asked to present in a different format.)
• Submit a clear 100-word abstract describing your roundtable or lightning talk session. Include its applicability to teaching and how the authors will engage participants.
• Include title (no more than 10 words).
• List all authors and institutions. 

Submission Deadline: July 1, 2026, 11:59PM.

Proposal submissions will be peer-reviewed by the Celebrating College Teaching Conference ad-hoc committee. We look forward to your proposal!