Abstract submission

Call for Abstracts

In conversation with the conference theme, Trust, and the three Think Pieces provided by the keynote speakers, we invite participants to engage with how the notion of trust affects, informs, disrupts, and shapes practices and structures in higher education.

In very different ways, each of the think pieces addresses the conference theme. The differences in the focus and concerns of the three think pieces are intended to offer conference participants a number of different angles from which to think about the theme. In responding to one or more of the think pieces in their abstracts, conference delegates might choose to build on the work in the think piece, contest or challenge the ideas or assumptions they contain, or show how these issues have arisen in their own research. In building the conference around a common theme and the three think pieces, the intention is to encourage the development of in-depth collective conversations over the three days of the conference.

We invite submissions that engage with issues of trust in higher education. The submissions should maintain a close-up focus and be underpinned by strong conceptual, analytical and/or methodological approaches.

Submissions may include contributions in the following areas, but are not limited to these:

• Trust that universities offer a quality education.

• The rise of AI and educational technologies challenging our understanding of trust.

• Trust in institutional cultures and how they shape academic practices.

• The role of trust in pedagogical approaches, mentorship programmes (staff and students), curriculum, administrative and financial systems in universities.

• Trust, academic integrity, and ethical practices.

• Trust as a key feature in collaborative knowledge-building processes and practices.

• Exploration of the concept of trust in an increasingly neoliberal sector.

• Conceptual understandings of trust in relation to higher education 

• Universities as spaces of safety and flourishing.

• Students and staff being recognised (or not) as legitimate beings on campus.

Types of papers

There are two types of sessions at HECU:

• Single Paper

• Symposium

Single Paper Abstracts

Single papers will be allocated 30 minutes (20 minutes for presentation, 10 minutes for questions).

The single paper abstracts should be a maximum of 500 words. The abstract should highlight how the paper relates to the conference theme and engages with one or more of the keynote think pieces. Abstracts that do not engage with the conference theme and at least one think piece, will not be considered.

The peer review criteria for single-paper abstracts are as follows:

1. Relevance of the topic to the conference theme: Trust

2. Appropriateness of the analytical or theoretical framework underpinning the paper

3. Clarity of the research questions or focus of enquiry

4. Appropriateness of research methods and literature used

5. Reflexive discussion on the significance of the paper

6. Engagement with or expansion on the issues raised in one or more of the think pieces provided by the keynote speakers

Symposium Abstracts

Symposium papers will be allocated 90 minutes, including time for discussion and questions.

Symposium sessions will involve a minimum of three conference participants. A symposium might involve a collection of up to three papers on a related theme or an innovative use of the space that could include an interactive activity or a performance piece.

The joint abstract for a symposium session should be a maximum of 1000 words. The abstract should highlight how the paper relates to the conference theme and engages with one or more of the keynote ‘think pieces’. Abstracts that do not engage with the conference theme and at least one think piece will not be considered.

In addition, the abstract should provide an outline of how the symposium will make use of the 90-minute space. Those thinking of submitting a symposium abstract are encouraged to use the HECU discussion list to find partners to work with in developing their symposium idea. Any participants who would like to discuss their proposed symposium prior to submission can contact Karen Ellery at k.ellery@ru.ac.za.

The peer review criteria for a symposium are as follows:

1. Relevance of the topic to the conference theme: Trust

2. Coherence of the different elements of the symposium

3. Appropriateness of the analytical or theoretical framework(s)

4. Clarity of the research questions or foci of enquiry

5. Appropriateness of research methods and/or literature used

6. Reflexive discussion on the significance of the papers and/or the symposium as a whole.

7. Engagement with or expansion on the issues raised in one or more of the think pieces provided by the keynote speakers

8. Effective use of the 90-minute time slot 

Abstract Submission Process

Abstracts for both single papers and symposia should be submitted online via Abstract submission. The closing date for submission is 31 January 2024. Extended deadline: 14 February 2024.

All abstracts will be subject to blind peer review and authors will be notified of the outcome of the process by 31 March 2024. 

Abstracts submitted earlier than the submission date can be reviewed within two weeks to enable successful contributors to secure funding and/or make travel arrangements.

You are welcome to submit an abstract for more than one session. However, where space is limited, we will give priority to ensuring one paper from each person.

In the case where authors have a home language that is not English, they are encouraged to submit an accompanying translated abstract in that language once their papers are accepted for the conference.

 ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED