Call for Presentations

Proposal submissions are now closed.

The Illinois Council on Continuing Higher Education (ICCHE) and the Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE) invite you to submit a proposal for a one-hour session or 30-minute break-out session at the 2016 Annual Conference to be held February 10 – 12, 2016, in Chicago, IL.

 About ICCHE and ACHE

ICCHE Mission:  The Illinois Council on Continuing Higher Education (ICCHE) is a comprehensive organization of continuing higher education representing all regions of the state of Illinois. Founded in 1975, ICCHE is the only organization in Illinois whose membership includes two and four year colleges and universities, both public and private. ICCHE was established in response to related social, political, and educational issues of the era and continues to evolve, sensitive to institutional, legislative, and stakeholder concerns.

The Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE) is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning and excellence in continuing higher education. As an organization of colleges, universities, and individuals, we encourage professional development, research and exchange of information for its members and continuing higher education as a means of enhancing and improving society.

This year’s conference theme is Continuing Education Collaborations. The conference is promoted to all members of ICCHE and ACHE Great Lakes Region– as well as other professionals at all colleges and universities throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin & Central Ontario. 

Presentation Criteria

The criteria for selection include the following:

  • Clarity in describing purpose, objectives, outcomes, content and strategies for involvement & learning
  • Adherence to proposal guidelines and requirements
  • Value of the session to the audience and the profession
  • Qualifications of the presenter(s)
  • Student submissions are welcomed

Fees, Reimbursements, Honoraria

Neither honoraria nor expenses are available for general session presenters.  Conference presenters are expected to register for the conference and pay applicable fees.

  • Early Bird Conference Registration (attendees to register by January 15): $230
  • Conference Registration after January 15: $265
  • Non-Member Conference Registration: $250
  • Student Rate for Conference Registration: $150

The hotel rate is about $99/night with additional costs for parking.

Recommended Topics

We welcome proposals from all disciplines.  Specific topics that may be of interest include:

  • Analysis of Big Data
  • Succession Planning
  • Governance and higher education structure – how to remain relevant and change quickly
  • How are mobile learning and web apps affecting continuing and higher education
  • Entrepreneurship in higher education
  • The Difference Between Workforce Development and Job Training
  • Community Enrichment
  • Marketing, Funding, Profit Center Operations, Staff Professional Development 
  • Certificate Programs and Industry Certifications
  • Leadership in Higher Education
  • Leveraging Partnerships
  • Effective Needs Assessment Techniques
  • Corporate Training
  • Demonstrating ROI for Training
  • Effective Online Evaluation Tools
  • Blended and Online Learning
  • Degree Paths Articulation – Career Pathways
  • Apprenticeship/Mentorship Models
  • Flipped Classroom Models
  • Successful Non-Credit/Credit Programing
  • Distance Education – Online Course Development – Challenges and Benefits
  • Performance Dashboards
  • Industry-Focused Training (Healthcare, Manufacturing, Energy, Information Systems)
  • Lifestyle Programs
  • Youth Camps and Programs
  • Senior Programs
  • Organizational Structure for CE
  • Business Plan Development
  • Program Management and Evaluation
  • Efficiencies in Processes – Lean Funding Models for Self Sustaining Programs
  • Sales Strategies and Staffing Models
  • Accountability Measures

To Submit: Prepare a minimum ½ page, maximum 2 page proposal describing your topic and identifying the presenter(s).  Include a separate curricula vitae or resume for each presenter. 

Priority Submission Deadline: Deadline for submissions is September 30, 2015. Primary contacts will be notified of proposal status by October 10, 2015.

Final Submission Deadline: Nov. 20, 2015. Contacts will be notified by Dec. 31, 2015.

The ICCHE-ACHE Conference committee reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals at its discretion.  Submission of a proposal does not indicate an acceptance or invitation to present.