13th Annual Fall Conference
Registration is Open!
September 12 – 14, 2016 | Wildacres Retreat Center, Little Switzerland, NC (Directions)
Call for Proposals – “Taking Action in the Carolinas”
*Proposal deadline: Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Carolinas Writing Program of Administrators is accepting proposals for its Thirteenth Annual Fall Conference at Wildacres.
Conference Theme and Design. This year we focus on ways we can take action—as instructors, WPAs, advocates for students, etc. We encourage proposals that once again focus on ways we are responding to working conditions at a state, regional, or local level; however, we are especially interested in proposals that share ways change is happening within these contexts. Projects in different stages—from manuscript-ready to collected raw data to seeds of ideas—are welcome. We ask that you identify how you will engage your Wildacres audience in helping you advance this project. Be prepared to discuss your work without AV equipment (Internet is very limited and we may not have access to projectors).
We will organize small breakout groups based on proposals so those presenting can work through their questions with attendees. Michelle LaFrance from George Mason University will provide a brief keynote address and facilitate a writing workshop that helps us to further consider ways we can take action.
Conference Schedule and Format. The format of the conference will encourage full engagement of participants from a broad variety of institutions and programs. We will mix small, working group discussions with larger presentations/conversations about the work we do and the conditions of that work. Proposals will be accepted pending space.
Keynote Speaker and Workshop Facilitator – Michelle LaFrance, George Mason University
Michelle LaFrance (Ph.D., University of Washington, 2009) directs the Writing Across the Curriculum program and teaches courses on writing, composition pedagogy, Writing Studies and research methodologies. Michelle has published on institutional ethnography, e-portfolios, e-research, and writing center pedagogy. Her latest publications explore the relationships between institutional discourse and the material conditions of teaching, especially how the work/teaching practices of staff and faculty in writing programs take shape.
The conference will begin at 5:00 pm on Monday, September 12, and will conclude at 10:00 am on Wednesday, September 14.
Proposals. We invite proposals from individuals or groups from schools across the Carolinas. Each proposal should be no more than 700 words and should contain the following:
- One paragraph that describes a project you are currently working on or one you envision
- One paragraph about your intended audience
- A sentence or two about how the writing workshop might advance your project.
Provide the names and contact information (email, phone, professional affiliation) for each person associated with your proposal. Be sure to title your proposal and submit it via email to Tracy Ann Morse (morset@ecu.edu) and Collie Fulford (cfulfor1@nccu.edu) by Wednesday, August 31, 2016.
Titles and authors of accepted proposals will be included on the conference schedule as formal presentations or contributions. We hope this will open up travel funding from the institutions for all presenters. NOTE: You do not need to present to attend the conference, but if presenting will help you secure funding, we hope you will consider submitting a proposal either individually or with colleagues from your institution or other institutions.
Registration and Cost. The registration price of $185.00 includes lodging and five meals at Wildacres, as well as all conference materials. Registration is open. The registration deadline is September 5 with no refunds after September 2. Prior to September 2, you may cancel and receive a full refund.
Questions or Comments? Contact Tracy Ann Morse at morset@ecu.edu.