Call for Proposals: Cal Caucus 2024

The California Caucus of College and University Ombuds is seeking speaker proposals for its annual in-person meeting. The unique and intimate caucus is set for November 10-13, 2024, at the rustic and historic Asilomar Conference Grounds. This year's theme is "Piloting Stormy Seas to Safe Harbors." The deadline for proposals is May 3, 2024.

Here are more details:

Request for Proposals

Deadline Extended: Friday, May 3, 2024

1. Date

The 51st Annual Cal Caucus will be held at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California, Sunday, November 10th to Wednesday, November 13th.

2. Theme - Piloting Stormy Seas to Safe Harbors

In the maritime world, a harbor pilot temporarily joins a vessel to guide it safely to its next port of call. They must know and consider all relevant conditions in the area, such as currents and hazards, to expertly navigate a ship to its destination. Just like harbor pilots, ombuds are trusted to help others traverse rough waters and unknown territory to a safer, better place. How can we continue to be the harbor pilots for our visitors and institutions while making sure that we stay afloat in stormy seas? Let Cal Caucus 2024 be your port of call to find refuge, recharge, and reconnect with each other

3. Selection Criteria

A. General Criteria:

The Program Selection Committee is interested in original proposals that develop and enhance education and skill building; explore case studies and analysis; examine philosophical approaches to ombudsry; creatively utilize Asilomar’s intimate in-person setting, and foster deep conversations, community connection, and participant engagement. The Committee strives to develop a rich and diverse program with a lively mix of programs that are coherent with this year’s theme. The goal is to create a program that achieves a natural and productive pace, with a seamless and comfortable content arc and program flow. The Committee seeks programs that will complement and build on one another with a rich variety of topics, mixed duration, and varied presentation approaches and styles.

B. Specific Selection Criteria

The Program Selection Committee welcomes program sessions of various durations (generally from 15-60 minutes) that:

• Provide education, skill-building, and practical take-aways

• Feature novel and timely topics

• Utilize creative and interactive presentations

• Encourage participant engagement

• Align with the program’s theme

• Explore Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

• Share different and innovative approaches to ombuds practice

• Demonstrate knowledge and expertise with the topic

Example presentation formats:

• Appetizer: A presentation to briefly introduce a new ombuds-related topic, concept, resource, research, or skill.

• Case Study: An ombuds-related scenario for analysis and discussion.

• Energizer: A short ombuds-related activity to reinvigorate a groggy crowd.

• Panel Discussion: Integrated panel that includes multiple speakers focusing on a single issue or topic.

• Presentation: A mostly lecture-style format presentation on a specific topic, which may also include short clips of video/audio; slides and discussion.

• Table Discussions: A presenter introduces a concept and then facilitates small group discussions at individual tables (e.g. round-table; lightning round-table and “World Cafe” https://theworldcafe.com/).

• Team Activities: Ombuds practice-related team-building activities (e.g. escape room; puzzles, trivia, etc.)

4. RFP Submission

Please use this Google Form [link below] to submit your proposal by Friday, May 3, 2024. If you have any difficulties using the form, please contact berlinb@stanford.edu for assistance.

(Cal Caucus RFP 2024.)

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