Call for Proposals: Cal Caucus 2026

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 8-11, 2026, at the rustic and historic Asilomar Conference Grounds. This year's theme is, "The Grove & the Understory." The deadline for proposals is May 11, 202.

Here are more details:

Request for Proposals

Deadline: Monday, May 11, 2026

1. Date

The 53nd Annual Cal Caucus will be held at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California, Sunday, November 8th to Wednesday, November 11th, 2026.

2. Theme

The Grove & the Understory

Asilomar in November carries the scent of pine, oak, and salt‑sprayed breeze — a reminder of the resilience in the coastal grove where Monterey pines, Coast live oaks, and wind‑shaped cypress stand together against Pacific winds.

Join fellow ombuds at the 53rd Annual Cal Caucus at Asilomar Conference Center as we gather to explore The Grove & the Understory — a theme rooted in stability, interlocking support, and the sheltered “quiet zone” beneath the forest canopy. In nature, the understory refers to the layer of smaller trees, shrubs, and ground vegetation that grows beneath the taller canopy trees, creating a calm and protected environment that supports the health of the whole woodland.

As Ombuds, we are the stewards of that stillness. In seasons of institutional uncertainty, we provide the canopy that shelters the individual voice and the rooted stability that keeps a community grounded. Like this forest understory, our work as ombuds creates space where voices can be heard, perspectives can take root, and communities can find grounding even amid change.

Come deepen your roots with colleagues, share insights that sustain us, and discover how to cultivate peace and grounded support in the wind-swept landscapes we navigate together.

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 Criteria

The 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.)

(Cal Caucus RFP 2026.)

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