Call for Proposals
Presented by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Current events and the changing landscape of higher education have led to a myriad of innovations in how those working in our field approach their roles and day-to-day duties.
Submit Your Proposal
Please note, that the call for presentations for Fall 2024 Colleague Development Days is now open. We welcome all colleagues to share their ideas and best practices that will help our community continue to focus our talents, abilities, and knowledge, as we move our vision for the future.
Above: Session participants immerse themselves in learning during the Fall 2023 Keynote Session.
Our goal is to engage faculty, staff, and administrators in the event, providing the means for continued development and positive transformation. In addition to sharing expertise on professional/academic topics, the conference committee is also interested in presentations that highlight presenters’ focus on areas beyond the academy, such as gardening, genealogy, photography, and other pursuits. Let us explore how our focus on personal interests and travel can enrich our professional practices.
Suggested Categories for Presentation Topics:
- Pedagogy (engagement, experiential learning, assessment, outcomes, scaffolding, feedback)
- Faculty Development and Growth (outlining the tenure process, research, publishing, and professional statements)
- Staff Professional Development (job satisfaction, productivity, best practices, new technology)
- Health and Wellness (meditation, service, mindfulness, fitness, hobbies)
- Assisting our Students (international students, first-generation students, non-traditional students, reviewing data and trends)
- Community (external speakers and their ties to Detroit Mercy, environmental concerns, community leaders)
- University Climate (trends in higher education, data points from Detroit Mercy, the community at large)
- Inclusivity (promoting civility in the classroom and/or workplace, DEIJ, teaching compassionately, topics relating to the mission, spirituality, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice)
Session Formats
Colleague Development Days will offer in-person and virtual sessions. To assist in planning, we are asking that you indicate in your proposal which mode you would prefer.
Scheduled sessions are either 60 minutes or 75 minutes and should include time for active learning (such as short activities and group discussions) for all participants.
All faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to select the format that best represents their proposal:
- Solo Presenter (one speaker presents a session).
- Partner/Group Presentation (multiple speakers co-facilitate a session; the maximum number of suggested speakers per session is three).
- Roundtable Discussion (approximately 5-6 speakers discuss one topic for approximately 10 minutes each, leaving time for questions and answers at the end).
- Workshop (facilitator/s assist participants in hands-on activities such as creating, planning, or revising a specific project).
Once proposals are received, they will be reviewed by a Planning Committee composed of CETL staff, a representative from the Faculty Development Team, and the Office of Academic Affairs.
Have Questions?
Please address your questions or requests about Colleague Development Days to the CETL staff at cetl@udmercy.edu We look forward to collaborating with you!
Above: Anita Klueg and Father Charles Oduke lead a session regarding Gen Z, Spirituality and Mental Health in Fall 2023.
Above: Keynote speaker David Clark provides insights and best practices regarding alternative grading strategies in Fall 2023.