Conference

AILACTE National Conference

AILACTE 2025
National Conference

February 20-21, 2025
Long Beach, CA

Hyatt Regency Long Beach
200 S Pine Ave,
Long Beach, CA 90802

Keep checking back here for more information about our upcoming 2025 conference!

SUBMIT PROPOSAL

2025 Call for Proposals

Thriving Through Innovation:
Securing the Future of Independent Liberal Arts Institutions

Extended Deadline: Dec. 1, 2024

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, independent liberal arts institutions must lead with innovation and resilience. Independent liberal arts institutions are navigating the convergence of declining birth rates, lower high school graduation rates, soaring tuition costs, and growing skepticism about the value of higher education leading them to innovate like never before!

This year’s theme underscores the urgent need for bold, creative, and transformative strategies that will enable independent liberal arts institutions to not only weather the storm but emerge stronger and more resilient. These institutions have long supported holistic, values-based education, but they now face unprecedented pressures that threaten their existence.

The 2025 AILACTE Conference will serve as a critical forum for exploring how these institutions can differentiate themselves, develop innovative recruitment and retention strategies, reimagine curriculum delivery, ensure financial sustainability, and showcase their unique strengths. This theme is not just about adaptation—it’s about reinvention. The conference will bring together thought leaders, educators, administrators, and policymakers to share insights, strategies, and best practices that will help chart a sustainable path forward.

This theme is more than a call to action; it’s a call to redefine the very essence of what it means to be an independent liberal arts institution in the 21st century. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and strategic foresight, these institutions can continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of education.

The conference will provide a platform to share strategies, insights, and best practices that will help shape the future of our institutions. We encourage educator preparation programs, faculty, and P-12 partners to submit proposals that align with this year’s theme and contribute to the collective effort of sustaining and advancing the mission of liberal arts education.

We look forward to seeing you at the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education (AILACTE) national conference in Long Beach, California, to be held February 20 & 21, 2025.

SUBMIT PROPOSAL

Conference Strands

STRAND 1

Strand 1:

Redefining Recruitment and Admissions Strategies

As the traditional pool of college applicants diminishes, independent liberal arts institutions must develop innovative recruitment and admissions strategies. Participants are invited to submit proposals connected to this strand that explore bold new approaches to attract and enroll diverse student populations. Presentations may include strategies for engaging non-traditional students, leveraging digital recruitment tools, or creating pathways for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Focus Questions:

How can institutions reimagine recruitment strategies to attract non-traditional and underrepresented students?
What innovative admissions practices can help overcome barriers posed by high tuition costs and declining confidence in higher education?
How can partnerships with community organizations, schools, and businesses expand recruitment pipelines?
What role can online and hybrid models play in expanding access to liberal arts education?
What strategies are being used amongst AILACTE institutions (HSIs, HBCUs, and other MSIs, faith-based, secular, various sizes, etc.) to successfully impact enrollment management?
How can institutions develop inclusive recruitment pathways to attract and enroll underrepresented students, including first-generation college students, students of color, and students from low-income backgrounds?
What successful outreach initiatives, community partnerships, and support programs have created accessible and equitable pathways to higher education?

STRAND 2

Strand 2:

Innovating Curriculum Delivery for the Modern Learner

To remain relevant, liberal arts institutions must adapt their curriculum to meet the needs of today’s learners. Presentations tied to this strand will focus on innovative approaches to curriculum design and delivery that enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Proposals may include topics such as integrating technology into the classroom, developing interdisciplinary courses, and creating flexible learning environments.

Focus Questions:

How can technology be leveraged to create more engaging and accessible learning experiences?
In what ways can interdisciplinary approaches to curriculum design prepare students for the evolving job market?
How can institutions balance tradition with innovation in curriculum delivery?
What models of experiential learning are most effective in preparing students for real-world challenges?
How can institutions innovate curriculum delivery and teaching practices to ensure that all students, regardless of neurological differences, thrive in the learning environment?
How can technology and the emergence of AI be utilized to create dynamic, engaging, and effective educational environments that meet the needs of today’s learners?

STRAND 3

Strand 3:

Reinvisioning Student and Faculty Retention through Support and Engagement

Student and faculty retention is critical to the sustainability of liberal arts institutions. Proposals within this strand should address strategies for enhancing student support, engagement, and success. Topics may include mental health and wellness programs, academic advising innovations, and initiatives to foster a sense of belonging among students and faculty.

Focus Questions:

What support systems can be implemented to improve student and faculty retention and success?
How can institutions create a sense of community and belonging that fosters engagement?
What role does mental health and wellness initiatives play in supporting retention?
How can academic advising be reimagined to better support diverse student needs (i.e., students of color, neurodiverse students, economic oppression, and first generation students?
How can institutions effectively mentor and support (e.g., including mentoring programs, professional development opportunities, support networks, etc.) new faculty to ensure they contribute to engagement and retention?
What professional learning strategies and systems can institutions implement to effectively re-skill and retool faculty to adapt to evolving market and community demands?

STRAND 4

Strand 4:

Financial Sustainability and Innovation

Financial sustainability is a pressing concern for independent liberal arts institutions. Participants are invited to submit proposals that explore innovative financial strategies, including new revenue streams, cost-saving measures, and models of financial aid that make education more accessible. Presentations may also cover strategies for navigating financial challenges posed by declining enrollments.

Focus Questions:

What roles can faculty play in fundraising efforts, grant applications, and recruitment and how can these activities support the institution’s sustainability?
How can institutions move beyond traditional practices to address the current challenges in financial sustainability and operational efficiency?
What innovative financial models can sustain liberal arts institutions despite declining enrollments?
How can institutions diversify revenue streams beyond traditional tuition and fees?
What cost-saving measures can be implemented without compromising the quality of education?
How can financial aid models be adapted to make liberal arts education more accessible to a wider range of students?
How can institutions use accreditation requirements as opportunities to drive financial sustainability, enhance operational efficiency, and implement innovative practices?
How can institutions diversify their revenue streams, build strong donor relationships, and effectively manage grant opportunities to ensure long-term financial health?

STRAND 5

Strand 5:

Enhancing Institutional Visibility and Advocacy

As the landscape of higher education continues to transform, effectively identifying strengths and representing the unique value and impact of independent liberal arts institutions is crucial for securing support, building partnerships, and shaping perceptions. This strand allows for the exploration of how institutions can effectively narrate their stories to various stakeholders, including prospective students, alumni, community members, and policymakers. By crafting compelling narratives and showcasing institutional strengths, institutions can enhance their visibility, influence public opinion, and foster stronger advocacy efforts.

Focus Questions:

What strategies are used to enhance understanding of the missions of liberal arts institutions?
How can Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and other diverse institutions effectively communicate their unique missions and contributions to education?
How can institutions develop and communicate compelling narratives that highlight their unique value and contributions to education?
How can institutions leverage alumni experiences, community impact stories, and partnerships to strengthen relationships, increase engagement, and drive support?
What approaches can be used to convey the institution’s impact effectively and needs to influence education policy and secure necessary support?
How can institutions utilize social media, websites, and other platforms to reach diverse audiences and engage stakeholders?
What metrics and feedback mechanisms can be implemented to assess the impact of institutional visibility, stakeholder engagement, and overall advocacy success?

Submission Guidelines

Proposals must align with the conference theme and address one of the conference strands. Submission will contain the following:

Presenter(s) Information: name, email, phone number, title, institution, address
Specific Conference Strand
Presentation Title
Abstract (100-150 words): to be included in the conference program
Presentation Description (350-500 words): including purpose/objectives and significance to the conference strand and field of teacher education. Include clearly stated goals or outcomes with respect to participant engagement. Be sure to address the following:
- Research Presentations: briefly describe theoretical framework, methodology, results, and include abbreviated references.
- Best Practice Demonstrations: briefly describe key elements of practice, with conclusions and recommendations.
- Table Discussions: briefly discuss current work in progress, highlighting outstanding questions and requests for feedback.
- Innovative Sessions: briefly describe the preferred format of the presentation, including expectations for participant engagement. Make note of any special requests to be considered (seating, technology needs, writing materials, etc.).
- Sponsor Presentation: briefly describe a contribution in collaboration with an AILACTE member/institution and notable actions steps taken before, during, and after the collaboration
Session Format (select one):
- Research Presentation – These 50-minute sessions will be shared between two presentations to share best research and practices associated with one or more of the conference strands along with evidence of impact. Each presentation should include opportunities for audience members to actively engage in the session.
- Best Practice Demonstration – These 50-minute sessions will be shared between two presentations to enable presenters to provide an overview of a tool or product that helps an EPP to address one of the conference strands.
- Table Discussion – These 50-minute sessions will be shared amongst three round table discussants. Presenters will have an opportunity to discuss their work and receive feedback on challenges and solutions related to one or more conference themes. Instead of a traditional presentation, this format fosters a conversational exchange focused on a specific conference strand, encouraging interactive dialogue and constructive feedback.
- Innovative Session – These 50-minute sessions are where innovation takes center stage and traditional presentation boundaries are redefined. Presenters will propose their preferred format in advance in their proposal. Whether it’s a dynamic panel discussion, a succinct PechaKucha presentation, an interactive workshop, a dialogue with Deans, mentor-mentee conversations, or another innovative approach, presenters have the freedom to craft an experience that highlights your research in the most compelling way.
- Sponsor Presentation – These 50-minute sessions will be shared between two presentations to provide a unique opportunity to highlight connections between valued sponsors and the AILACTE community. Sponsors will have the platform to showcase their contributions and initiatives in collaboration with an AILACTE member/institution related to a specific conference strand.

SUBMIT PROPOSAL

Thank You to Our Conference Sponsors

Register for Conference

Member Registration

$300.00

Guest – Non-Member Registration

$300.00

State Rep Registration

$175.00

Student Registration

$175.00

AILACTE Board Member Registration

$175.00

AILACTE Editorial Board Member Registration

$175.00

Conference

AILACTE 2025 National Conference

February 20-21, 2025 Long Beach, CA

2025 Call for Proposals

Thriving Through Innovation: Securing the Future of Independent Liberal Arts Institutions

Extended Deadline: Dec. 1, 2024

Conference Strands

Strand 1:

Redefining Recruitment and Admissions Strategies

Focus Questions:

Submission Guidelines

Thank You to Our Conference Sponsors

Register for Conference

Member Registration

Guest – Non-Member Registration

State Rep Registration

Student Registration

AILACTE Board Member Registration

AILACTE Editorial Board Member Registration

AILACTE 2025
National Conference

February 20-21, 2025
Long Beach, CA

Thriving Through Innovation:
Securing the Future of Independent Liberal Arts Institutions