¿ìèapp¶ÌÊÓ

1. Advancing SoTL: Empirical Investigations and Reflective Analysis of SoTL
   • For research proposals presenting data from systematic inquiries into student learning in higher education, as well as reflective pieces that analyze, synthesize, and discuss the nature, role, and meaning of SoTL.
2. Enhancing Teaching: Practical Pedagogical Tools and Strategies for Faculty and Student Success
   • For proposals that demonstrate or teach specific pedagogical techniques, curricula, educational resources, or administrative strategies to engage students or support faculty/educational development.

In 2025, SoTL Commons started using the five SoTL Grand Challenges developed by ISSOTL to scaffold the conference program. It is simply to help the conference organizers group accept presentations into sessions. We encourage you to explore the “Read More” links as they include fleshed out descriptions and additional, related concepts that might help you determine the best fit for your proposal.

Read more on the integration of in SoTL Commons Programming.

• Other.
  • This track will include proposals that relate to an important question(s) or issue(s) in teaching and learning, but do not directly align with any of the Five Grand Challenges for SoTL. Please choose this option for proposals that discuss specific pedagogical techniques, curricula, educational resources, or administrative strategies to engage students or support faculty/educational development.

Posters
(2 hours; Thursday and Friday, 8 am-10 am)

This format is ideal for showcasing both completed and in-progress projects, providing an excellent opportunity for interactive engagement with other attendees in an informal setting. At least one author must be present during the poster sessions to facilitate discussion and answer questions. Presenters are encouraged to provide relevant resources in both print and online formats to enhance accessibility and impact. An easel, foam board, and tacks are provided. See poster presentation guidelines at Poster Guidelines.

Oral Presentation
(30 minutes; Thursday and Friday)

This format is designed for sharing completed research projects, reflective SoTL pieces, or professional development proposals. The focus will be on discussing specific ideas and strategies that attendees can apply in their own teaching and/or research contexts. Oral presentations should actively engage the audience. Each presentation will be allocated a maximum of 30 minutes, including Q&A. A laptop, projector, screen, and slide advancer are provided.

Take Ten Talks
(10 minutes; Thursday and Friday)

This format is well-suited for completed or in-progress projects and will highlight key aspects of a project. Take Ten Talks are limited to 10 minutes each, with an additional 5 minutes allocated for Q&A. Three to four Take Ten Talks will be combined by the conference chair into a thematic session. A laptop, projector, screen, and slide advancer are provided.

Conference Workshops
(90 minutes; Wednesday 12 pm-5 pm)

These 90-minute sessions offer the opportunity for a deep dive into a SoTL-related topic. Workshops should be highly interactive, have clear participant outcomes, and appeal to a diverse audience. A laptop, projector, screen, and slide advancer are provided.

The final presentation format assignment may be different based on reviewers’ comments and/or to fit the conference schedule and will be reflected in the acceptance letter. Please consult for further guidance on scholarly, engaged, inclusive, accessible, and collegial approaches to your presentation. 

SoTL Commons proposals are evaluated on the basis of authentic scholarship adapted from Scholarship Assessed: Evaluation of the Professoriate by Glassick, Huber and Maeroff (1997). Reviewers will consider the general criteria below and rate proposals using the following rubric.

Criteria is evaluated using one of the following ratings:

• Very Well
• Well
• Poor – Needs Improvement
• Not At All

Clarity of Goals

How well does the proposal state the basic purposes of the work?

How well does the proposal identify important questions in SoTL and/or clearly linked their identified Grand Challenges for SoTL?

Adequate Preparation

How well does the proposal place the work in an appropriate context, such as existing scholarship in the field (i.e., cite appropriate literature)?

Appropriate Methods

How well does the proposal use methods appropriate to the goals?

Meaningful Contribution

How well does the proposal provide new knowledge or otherwise advance the scholarship of teaching and learning?

Effective Presentation

How well does the proposal explain a suitable style and effective organization to present the work in the format submitted? (i.e., describes how to engage the audience for oral presentations)?

Appeal to a Multidisciplinary Audience

How well does the proposal explain relevance to a multidisciplinary audience?