1. Call for Proposals
American Association of Blacks in Higher Education
2013 National Conference on Blacks in Higher Education
Loews Midtown Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia
February 28-March 2, 2013
Conference Theme
Pathways to Success within Higher Education
The American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE) pursues numerous initiatives
that address the pipeline of Black students, faculty and staff in higher education, bringing
issues pertinent to Black faculty and staff to the attention of the larger academic community,
and reorganizing African American achievements and accomplishments to higher education.
AABHE also facilitates and provides opportunities for collaborating and networking among
individuals, institutions, groups and agencies in higher education in the United States and
Internationally.
This year’s conference will focus on the following the following strands:
 Pathways to Leadership
 Pathways to Publishing/Research
 Pathways to Health/STEM
 Pathways to Diversity/Ethnic Studies
 Pathways to the Cultural Arts
AABHE is seeking presenters to (1) share their best and promising practices for increasing the
number of blacks entering and succeeding in higher education and (2) showcase their relevant
research. Proposals for conference sessions should address one of the following five strands.
STRAND 1: Pathways to Leadership – Strategic leadership enables Black professionals to obtain
the advantages necessary to succeed and advance in the competitive world of higher education
for faculty, staff and administrators. Strategic leadership encourages collaboration and
innovation; and helps to “navigate the complexities inherent in institutional change and
organizational politics in higher education” which include mentoring and professional
opportunities.

2. STRAND 2: Pathways to Publishing/Research – Engaging in research and other forms of
scholarship and disseminating work through peer reviewed publications is a critical factor for a
successful academic career. Although teaching and service are important responsibilities for an
academic career, the scholarship recognized by peers through publications weighs heavily. The
challenge for many academicians is balancing teaching and service while creating opportunities
to produce scholarly publications. This strand seeks proposals which illustrate successful
strategies for publishing and examples for producing publishable manuscripts from various
academic activities (e.g., teaching, research, service.)
STRAND 3: Pathways to Health/STEM – Provide avenues to support, promoting the successful
pursuit of studies and careers in STEM fields. This includes the health, natural, physical and
social sciences (S) technology (T), engineering (E) and mathematics (M). Various strategies
have been implemented to promote awareness and interest, enhance educational
preparedness and decrease barriers (financial, social and structural) as a means of increasing
the volume and capacity of the educational pipeline into these fields. This strand seeks to
explore the success and challenges of past and current strategies as well as provide an
opportunity to discuss emerging innovative approaches to increase the number of blacks in all
STEM fields and promote their long term success.
STRAND 4: Pathways to advance Diversity/African American Studies – A changing world
demands a changing university, curriculum and academic research environment. Proposals are
encouraged in two basic areas. First, proposals are encouraged that address best practices,
model programs or excellent examples of diversity programs that increase African American
enrollment, retention or improve campus life for African Americans on our campuses. Second,
proposals are encouraged that address changes in the academic content: e.g. practices that
advance African American/Black/Pan African Studies curricula, or programs of research,
scholarship or creative productions that are drawn from and deeply serve our community’s
needs. Proposals may come from diversity officers, faculty, staff or students addressing
transformation in the academic community or canon in the service of African Americans.
STRAND 5: Pathways to the Cultural Arts – Routes to identifying, supporting, promoting,
celebrating and documenting the cultural arts through practices and research that stimulate
social awareness and honor diverse cultural values. Cultural arts refer to the transformation
and collaboration of different art forms. It embodies creative thinking and critique, which
encompasses art forms such as visual art, literature, music, theatre, film, dance and others.
Cultural arts help to explain the world in which we live, and often challenge current ideas,
thoughts and practice in higher education and beyond.

3. GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Please adhere to each of the following guidelines in order to successfully submit a proposal for
consideration. All proposals must be submitted electronically online through AABHE website,
on the provided form. Please forward all proposals to proposal@blacksinhighered.org. For
questions or concerns send an email to proposal@blacksinhighered.org or call 877-459-7438
x105. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59pm PST. on Friday, October 12, 2012.
Program Type
General Conference Program Session (60 minutes)
General Interest Sessions are scheduled throughout the conference. These programs are
chosen in large part because of their relevance to the conference theme and incorporation of
the strands. General interest sessions are designed to be interactive conversations between
presenters and participants.
Best Practices Roundtable Discussion (60 minutes)
A roundtable session is literally a collection of roundtables. One presenter is assigned to each
roundtable. A Roundtable format provides a great opportunity for a less formal, but more in
depth exchange of information.
Required Information
Presenter(s) __________________________________________________________________
Institution(s) __________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________________________________
Phone Number ____________________________________________
Fax Number _____________________________________________
Email Address _____________________________________________
Additional Presenter Information
Presenter(s)
________________________________________________________________________
Institution(s)
________________________________________________________________________
Address
________________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________ State ____________Zip _______________
Phone Number ____________________ Fax _________________
Email Address ____________________________________________

4. Additional Presenter Information
Presenter(s)
________________________________________________________________________
Institution(s)
________________________________________________________________________
Address
________________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________ State ____________Zip ____________________
Phone Number ____________________ Fax _________________
Email Address ___________________________________________
Presentation Type: General Session Roundtable Discussion
Conference Strand (select up to two):
Which strand will you discuss within your session and/or roundtable discussion?
Pathways to Leadership____ Pathways to Publication/Research___
Pathways to Health/STEM___ Pathways to Diversity/Ethnic Studies___
Pathways to the Cultural Arts____
Program Title: (10-word limit)
Abstract: (85-word limit). This abstract will appear in the conference program booklet.
Program Description: (500-word limit). The program description should include the purpose
and rationale and an explanation of how this program connects to the conference theme and at
least one of the core areas.
Call for Proposals Deadline: Friday, October 12, 2012
Notification of program submission decisions will be made on or before October 31st
We reserve the right to make any changes as it relates to time allotment and/or placement in
the program. These changes will be indicated in your letter of acceptance.