Convocation Proposals
Proposals for the 2017-18 academic year are DUE November 11, 2016. Preliminary proposals for future years are still being accepted. By allowing for a multi-year horizon, we may be able to invite speakers whose schedules of engagement are very full. Divisions, departments, faculty or staff groups, individual faculty or staff members, or student groups may submit proposals. In making its decisions, the Committee will consider several factors:
- the candidate's prominence in the field and reputation as a public speaker
- the appeal of the topic to a broad campus constituency
- enhancements of the speaker's impact through tie-ins with courses or programs on campus
- the topical balance of the Convocation program overall
- breadth of sponsorship
- calendar spacing and budget
- specificity of the proposal
The Committee can offer support including:
- a stipend of $1,500. In some cases where the public or campus impact of the speaker is likely to be great (and the speaker's fee is commensurably great) the committee may be able to offer considerably more.
- airfare
- ground transportation
- one dinner and one opportunity for student interaction
- meals
After a proposal is accepted the Committee will:
- request the proposers to extend formal invitations to speakers
- ensure that a commitment is obtained from the speaker
- create a schedule of commitments and a draft of budget obligations to determine whether any further offers can be made