Writing an Effective Proposal The following tutorial is a guide to writing an effective proposal. The tutorial includes the following: • Characteristics of effective proposals • Evaluation criteria used by program reviewers • Guidelines for writing an effective title, abstract, and learning objectives • Guidelines for writing an effective program description

The Four Characteristics of Effective Proposals 1. Relevance to the conference theme or Profession Proposals should reflect the conference themes which are detailed in the Call for Programs. Before preparing a proposal, you should evaluate your presentation topic and determine if it is related to the field.

2. Evidence of a solid foundation for proposal content. The conceptual framework for the program should be evident. Proposal content should be grounded in research, relevant experience, a cogent model, or appropriate theory.

3. Adherence to proposal submission guidelines. It is important to include all information requested in the program proposal guidelines and adhere to length restrictions where indicated.

4. Reflective of good writing practices. Well-written proposals are rated more favorably than those lacking clarity, specificity and conciseness. A logical program organization should be evident. Proofreading your proposal before submitting is essential.

Evaluation Criteria Used by Program Reviewers Your proposal will be evaluated using the following standards: • The abstract, description, and learning objectives are clearly articulated. • The program makes a professional and/or educational contribution. • Content is appropriate for the intended audience. • Learning objectives are appropriate to conference theme and/or the profession. • The title is appropriate and accurately describes the session.

Writing the Program Abstract and Title The program abstract and title are the portions of the proposal that are printed in the conference notebook. Both should be considered thoughtfully, written concisely, and thoroughly proofread before submitting.

1. Writing an Effective Program Title The program title is your first opportunity to invite the reader to your program. An effective title encourages the reader to review the abstract; a poorly written title can cause the reader to dismiss the program. At a minimum, an effective program title… • Introduces the subject of the program • Captures the interest of the reader • Adheres to title length restrictions (10-12 words preferred) • Incorporates the conference theme If appropriate, an effective program title… • Identifies the scope, sequence and/or level of the program content • Identifies sponsors or specific group presenting • Identifies potential target audiences

Examples of Well Written Program Titles Identification of target audience

Identification of level of material

For New Professionals & Graduate Students: A Primer on Postsecondary Disability Issues (12 words) Introduction of subject matter

Attention Getter

Identification of subject matter

Winning Combinations: K-16 Partnerships in Florida (7 words) Identification of specific group presenting

Example of a Poorly Written Program Title The Winland Plan Revisited: A Look at the Winland Plan Four Years After Implementation (14 words) In addition to exceeding the title length restrictions, this title fails to adequately identify the subject matter. The reader would need to have knowledge of the Winland Plan in order to determine if attendance at the program were appropriate. Mentioning appropriate target audiences and/or using language defining the Winland Plan would strengthen the title. Improved Title:

Quality Management: The Winland Campus Improvement Plan Four Years After Implementation (11 words) 2. Writing an Effective Abstract The abstract is a brief description of your presentation that provides the reader with an accurate picture of what the presentation will cover. Well-written proposals identify the purpose and intent of the program, are concise, organized and specific. Additionally, effective proposals begin with the most important information or thought. Defining unfamiliar abbreviations and acronyms is helpful to the reader. At a minimum, an effective abstract… • Captures the attention of the reader • Adheres to the proposal submission guidelines (60 words or less) • Previews the content and what the conferee can learn • Identifies the manner of audience involvement • Clarifies the contribution of the topic to the field • Alludes to the benefits of the program content If appropriate, an effective abstract… • Identifies the expertise of the presenter(s) relative to the subject matter • Explains instruments or other research or technology tools • Explains special programs which may not be familiar to members • Identifies the scope, sequence and/or level of the program content • Identifies potential target audiences

Example of a Well Written Abstract Begins with attention getter and most important thought, introduces subject matter Identifies sponsoring agent and special program

Congress and the courts continue to define a changing relationship between universities and parents. We will examine how the relationship has changed from in loco parentis, review survey research on parental expectations, and discuss the new relationship with parents. Researchers from the Eisenhower Leadership Program at Texas A&M will share research results. The audience will share practices and experiences. (60 words)

Identifies level of expertise of presenters

Previews the content of the program and what the learner will take away Identifies manner of audience participation Identifies type of research

Writing an Effective Program Description The program description provides an in-depth look at the content of the proposed presentation. Program reviewers rely on a well-written description to enhance their understanding of the content and goals of the presentation. A complete description includes background information, an overview of the presentation, and a description of the format. If the program is reporting research, a description of methods, findings and recommendations may be appropriate. The program description should also include learning outcomes (see tutorial), the relationship of the program to the conference theme, methods of audience involvement (i.e., engaging in discussion, sharing effective practices, analyzing a case study), and the familiarity and background of the presenters with the subject matter of the program.

Writing Effective Learning Outcomes Effective learning outcomes: • Define the intended outcomes of the presentation • Identify the action or level of thought required of the learner (understand, comprehend, synthesize, compare and contrast, categorize, identify, apply) • Are learner centered • May describe the degree to which the outcome will be achieved • Identify how (the learner) will achieve the outcome

Example of a Well Written Learning Outcome Identifies who will achieve the outcome

The learner will: Defines the outcome • Identify potential applications of National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) results to student affairs. (17 words) Identifies the action required by the learner Is learner centered

Developed by Merna Jacobsen, Texas A&M University for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)