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 9-12, 2025, at the rustic and historic Asilomar Conference Grounds. This year's theme is, "Finding Solid Ground in Shifting Sands." The deadline for proposals is May 2, 2025.
Here are more details:
Request for ProposalsDeadline: Friday, May 2, 2025
1. Date
The 52nd Annual Cal Caucus will be held at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California, Sunday, November 9th to Wednesday, November 12th, 2025.
2. Theme
Finding Solid Ground in Shifting Sands
Imagine standing on a serene beach, where the sands continuously shift under the influence of tides and winds. This ceaseless transformation mirrors the challenges we face within our institutions—policies evolve, societal expectations change, and unforeseen issues emerge. Can Ombuds be an anchor for those seeking stability? Cal Caucus 2025 will offer a respite to share experiences and seek solid ground together as we delve into how Ombuds can be a source of perspective, peace and resilience for our visitors, our organizations, and ourselves.
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. In addition, due to limited space at the Caucus, if you are planning to co-present a session, please be prepared to explain in your proposal the roles each presenter will have in the presentation.B. Specific Selection CriteriaThe Program Selection Committee welcomes program sessions of various durations (generally from 15-75 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
- 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 2, 2025. If you have any difficulties using the form, please contact hello@calcaucus.com or berlinb@stanford.edu for assistance.
Notably, the recent selection criteria of "Explore Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging" has been removed from the RFP information. (Cal Caucus RFP 2025.)
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