Call for Session Proposals

We are now inviting working session proposals for the Autumn Conference 2021 which will be held online Thursday, 18 November 2021.

The focus of this year’s Autumn Conference is:

Enhancing HE: Innovating, adapting, improving

Out of necessity, we’ve all been doing things differently. We’ve been required to adapt what we do and how we do it to deliver our responsibilities and services during the height of the pandemic. As we emerge from restricted life and slowly return to campus we want to ensure we capture your learning and successes. The Autumn Conference will provide a space to consider what’s next for higher education professional services and to share innovations, learning, solutions and the best practice that has progressed our approach to work to meet today’s needs and challenges.  

We’re looking to deliver a programme which includes practical advice, case studies and ideas which can be taken and used by others in the workplace. This is an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and experience and share examples of effective professional practice with colleagues across the sector. 

We would like session proposals which address the following topics (this list is not exhaustive) 

  • Effective use of technology: could include ‘how to’ sessions and/or case studies of ways of using tech 
  • New ways of working: could include; processes, efficiencies, digitisation, flexible working, hybrid teams 
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Wellbeing: focusing on staff and students
  • Leadership
  • Career planning and development

The AUA CPD Framework is at the centre of all our professional development activities. We are looking for sessions which cover at least one of the following professional behaviours: 

  • Achieving results 
  • Finding solutions 
  • Embracing change 
  • Using resources effectively 
  • Developing self and others 

Read more about the AUA CPD Framework

Submitting a session proposal:

Please read our brief guidance notes for submitting your session proposal, which provides further detail and practicalities. Once you are ready, you can submit your proposal below.

Closing date for receipt of session proposals is 9am on Monday, 14 June.

AUA reserves the right to edit information supplied in the proposal form. We may contact you to provide additional information. Speakers are subject to the standard event terms and conditions


  • Lead Presenter

  • Please provide brief details of your career, professional interests and experience, in 250 words max. Please write in 3rd person.
  • Co-presenter 1

  • Please provide brief details of your career, professional interests and experience, in 250 words max. Please write in 3rd person.
  • Session proposal

  • Max 15 words
  • If applicable expand on your title to give a one sentence introduction to your session.
  • Describe your session content including the delivery method, what can delegates expect to be doing? Max 500 words.
  • Please write your learning outcome as the completion of the following sentence "By the end of the session delegates will be able to..."
  • Please write your learning outcome as the completion of the following sentence "By the end of the session delegates will be able to..."
  • Please write your learning outcome as the completion of the following sentence "By the end of the session delegates will be able to..."
  • Please choose as many as are relevant.
  • Please choose as many as are relevant.
  • Session details

  • Please select up to three behaviours.
  • For example: Does the content use a broad range of examples/scenarios/images that illustrate the diversity of higher education? How will the content of your session be accessible to all? Have you considered if the content and structure will be appropriate for those with sensory or mobility impairments?
  • In recognition of the contribution presenters make to the Autumn Conference, the AUA will cover the conference cost for all presenters and co-presenters. Speaker expenses will not be covered. Should you wish to make any changes to your session proposal, including a change of presenter, please inform the AUA office as soon as possible. Presenters who are no longer speaking will not be eligible to have their conference place covered by the AUA. AUA reserves the right to edit information supplied in the proposal form. We may contact you to provide additional information. Presenters are subject to the standard event terms and conditions which can be found at aua.ac.uk.