You are invited to submit an abstract of a presentation or round-table discussion for the annual Chicago-area conference on effective innovative practices in the community college. The doctoral program in Community Leadership at National-Louis University is seeking abstracts addressing the following theme: Transforming the Community College Through Change and Innovation: Research to Practice.

The conference, scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Chicago campus of National-Louis University, has grown out of the evolving need for sharing "best practices" among regional community colleges. We anticipate that college faculty, staff, administrators, and graduate students will look to this annual conference for proven ideas and innovations to help advance practice and stimulate student achievement of educational goals and learning outcomes.

Key Dates and Deadlines:
Abstracts (proposal) must be received by Monday, March 8, 2010. All submission must be sent electronically as MSWORD documents. Receipt will be acknowledge by email. No fax or mailed submissions will be accepted. Each proposal will go through a blind-review by two or more reviewers. The principle contact person will be notified of acceptance or rejection via email by March 22, 2010. All presenters with accepted proposals are expected to attend, register and pay the registration fee for the CCL Conference to be held May 1, 2010.
Abstract Submissions: CCLConference2010@nl.edu

Presentation and Roundtable Discussions:

1. Conference Format: All presentations and roundtable discussions will focus on successful innovations implemented at area community colleges.
2. Session Types. Abstracts are being accepted for the following session types:
   • 45 minute presentation with Q&A—these formal presentations are to be presented in a lecture/discussion format. The lecture/discussion will last for approximately 30 minutes and the Q&A session will conclude each session.
   • Roundtable discussion—These informal, small group discussions are to be hosted in a round table format. Each table will consist of a presentation or demonstration of an innovation followed by discussion and Q&A. Roundtable discussions will last up to but no more than 20 minutes and will be repeated, as needed, throughout the specific session.
3. Abstract Overview (also, see "Abstract Guidelines for a Presentation or a Roundtable Discussion" at the end of this document).
   • Abstracts must be received no later than March 8, 2010.
   • All submissions must be received electronically as email attachments sent to CCLConference2010@nl.edu.
   • Each submission will be acknowledged by email and no fax or mailed submissions will be accepted.
   • All participants and presenters are expected to pay the early registration fee of $60.00 (for those presenters registering on or before March 30, 2010; or $75.00 for those registering on or after April 1, 2010). The student registration fee is $25.00. To register for the conference, please visit the Attendee Registration section.
   • Abstract titles may be altered for promotional and program materials.
   • No honoraria, speaker's fee, or travel expenses will be paid to presenters.
   • Participants whose abstracts have been selected must submit a copy of the full presentation (by email attachment in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint formats) no later than April 19, 2010 so that National-Louis University may "pre-load" the presentation on the appropriate computer. NLU will provide the LCD projector, computer and screen.
   • Approved presentations after the conference will be archived online at the National-Louis University Community College Conference website.
4. Abstract Review Process. Each proposal will go through a blind review by two or more reviewers and the selection will be based on the following:
   • Content which promises to deliver inspiring innovations for community college leaders, and
   • The merit of content as related to the following considerations:
     • Is the program designed for community college target audiences as noted in the call for presentation materials?
     • Is the title appropriate?
     • Is the content current and relevant to the needs of community college leaders?
     • Is the description clear and does it reflect accurately the proposed content?
     • Are participant outcomes measurable and achievable?
     • Are data available to support the implementation of the proposed innovation or program?
     • Will the presentation provide new information, knowledge, or skills or innovative applications of known information, knowledge or skills?
     • Does the proposed session provide ample interaction for the attendees with the presenters?

Guidelines for Submission of an Abstract for a Presentation or a Roundtable Discussion

1. Proposers’ Information.
   Provide the following: (a) names, (b) titles, (c) organizational affiliation of all proposers, and for the principal contact (d) address, (e) telephone, and (f) e-mail. (The principal contact must be a presenter.) The primary presenter is responsible for informing the co-presenter(s) of the final acceptance or rejection of a presentation, audiovisual equipment requests, deadlines, handouts, and the presentation.
2. Title of Presentation.
   Provide a title that clearly reflects the content of your session.
3. Abstract.
   Provide an abstract of 250–350 words that will be used to select the presentations and roundtable discussions. In addition, the abstract may be used in the conference program to tell attendees succinctly, persuasively, and accurately what to expect from your session.
4. Types of Presentations (please indicate the type of presentation provided):
   • Presentation (the presentation will be limited to 30 minutes followed by 15 minutes for questions and answers).
     The presentation should provide a clear and succinct synthesis of applicable research and scholarship on an innovation of value to community college scholars and practitioners. Abstracts should address (a) the purpose of the presentation, (b) the significance of the topic, (c) a description of related literature, and (d) the potential impact of the innovation.
   • Roundtable Session (multiple roundtables are scheduled simultaneously). (Roundtable session will be limited to 20 minutes including questions and answers). The roundtable should provide a discussion forum to advance, enhance or share information about a innovative policy or practice of importance to community colleges. The conveners of the session will share significant information in a conversational manner and encourage all in attendance to participate in the discussion. Abstracts should address (a) the purpose of the presentation, (b) the significance of the topic, (c) objectives and intended outcomes of the session, and (d) potential to stimulate discussion.