Presentation Proposals

College and university faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to submit a proposal to present in-person at the Midwest First-Year Conference (MFYC) on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois. This in-person conference provides a forum for faculty, academic administrators, and student development professionals to share ideas, resources, and engaging pedagogy to enhance the learning of first-year students on two- and four-year campuses. 

The theme of MFYC 2025 is “Thriving Together: Building Support on Your Campus.” This powerful theme invites us to explore and share insights on fostering supportive environments within higher education. This conference will delve into innovative strategies and discussions surrounding how individuals and institutions can thrive collectively. 

In the context of "Thriving Together," it means examining the various facets of campus life that contribute to a strong foundation of support. We are particularly interested in presentations that highlight effective ways to build bridges between students, faculty, staff, and the wider community, creating a holistic ecosystem where everyone feels a sense of belonging and well-being. We encourage proposals that demonstrate practical applications for cultivating a truly inclusive and nurturing campus. 

We welcome proposals on a wide range of topics related to building support and thriving together. Potential areas of focus include, but are not limited to: 

• Student Support Services Innovations: New approaches in advising, career services, accessibility, and other vital student support areas. 

• Community Partnerships and Engagement: How institutions are collaborating with external organizations to enhance campus support. 

• Building Inclusive Communities: Strategies for fostering a sense of belonging for all identities and backgrounds. 

• The Role of Libraries in the First-Year Experience: How do libraries contribute to student success, integration, and a sense of belonging for new students? 

• Unconventional and "Secret" Study Spaces: Exploring the impact and utilization of non-traditional learning environments on student well-being and academic success. 

• Evolving Terminology and Approaches to Campus Initiatives: Discussions on current trends, challenges, and successes in initiatives across different campuses, emphasizing their connection to belonging and community. 

• Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives: Programs and practices that promote student and staff well-being. 

• Faculty and Staff Development for Supportive Environments: Training and resources that empower educators and administrators to better support their campus communities. 

If so, we invite you to showcase your ideas, strategies, and solutions at our dynamic and interactive conference!

PROPOSAL TIMELINE

Proposal submissions due by August 15, 2025 .

Presenters will be notified shortly after.

Conference date September 26, 2025.

*Selected presentations will receive a code for a half-priced registration fee for one presenter.

Review the educational session guidelines and submit a proposal today!

NOTE: Although this form does not timeout, you cannot save it to edit later. We suggest you type your answers in a separate document and copy and paste here when ready to submit.