- Click here to submit a workshop proposal.
- Click here to submit a poster proposal.
- Click here to submit a roundtable proposal.
- Click here to submit a paper proposal.
Eligibility
Students must be enrolled in an accredited graduate program or registered for a graduate class in an accredited university as of Spring 2027. The program or class does not have to be directly related to the field of education. Students must be in good academic standing.
Applicants may submit more than one proposal and may present more than once at the Conference.
Submission criteria
Proposals must be between 250 and 400 words (for Paper, Roundtable, and Poster submissions) in length (not including references).
By submitting the proposal, the author(s) grant permission to the Graduate Student Conference Committee and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to publish their information in whole or in part for the purposes of the Graduate Student Conference.
Proposals for Paper, Roundtable, and Poster submissions should include:
- A clear statement of the main argument and rationale for research
- A description of the research goals and questions
- An overview of the (proposed or actual) methodology, population, and materials
- Anticipated or actual results and findings
- Conclusions (for studies that have been finalized)
- The study implications and/or applications
- *Optional: A statement about the proposal's relevance to the Conference theme, "Inclusive Education: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives"
*Note: While this statement is optional and will not affect your acceptance into the Conference, adherence to the theme is considered for awards. This statement is highly encouraged for those who wish to be competitive for Conference awards.
Proposals should not include:
- Identifying information (for example, your name or project name)
- Tables, graphs, figures, or illustrations
Proposals for Workshop Sessions (only):
Please submit a one-page document or PDF for the proposal that includes the following:
- 3-5 keywords that best describe the workshop focus
- A workshop description that introduces the topic, goals, and format of the workshop (e.g., demonstration, collaborative activities, or tool exploration)
- Learning Objectives that clearly state what participants will learn or be able to do after the workshop
- A Purpose and Significance section that explains the importance of the skills and relevance of the workshop to the field
- A Timeline and Session Structure that outlines the organization of the session
- An Expected Outcomes and Implications section that summarizes what participants are expected to gain and how it contributes to teaching, research, or professional practice
- References in the appropriate format
- *Optional: A statement about the proposal's relevance to the Conference theme, "Inclusive Education: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives"
*Note: While this statement is optional and will not affect your acceptance into the Conference, adherence to the theme is considered for awards. This statement is highly encouraged for those who wish to be competitive for Conference awards.
Presentation types
We are accepting proposals for four different types of presentations. Please review the details below to choose the best format for your research.
| Details | Posters | Roundtables | Papers | Workshops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended current stage of the research | In progress/ proposed research | Any stage of research including literature reviews and emerging ideas | Completed or near completed research | Not applicable; session focuses on participatory activities rather than specific research project |
| Date | Pre-conference session on March 4, 2027 | Conference session on March 5, 2027 | Conference session on March 5, 2027 | Pre-conference session on March 4, 2027 |
| Format & Presentation details | In-person, 1-minute lightning talk, followed by informal interactions with audience | In-person or virtual, 2–3 minute elevator pitch followed by informal conversation with audience | In-person or virtual, formal 15-minute presentation followed by a Q&A with audience | In-person, 1–2 hour interactive activities or demonstrations that allow participants to explore practical tools, methods, and approaches |
| *Additional materials (if accepted) | Poster ($36 or more**) | Encouraged to have handouts | Presentation | Materials/Resources |
*All presentation materials must be provided in Word or PowerPoint format to ensure accessibility.
* *You will need to pay to print your own poster. See this poster printing guide from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Main Library for on campus and commercial printing options.
The deadline to submit a proposal for the 18th Annual College of Education Graduate Student Conference is Tuesday, December 1, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. CST.