We are now inviting working session proposals for the AUA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2019, our flagship event which will take place on 15 and 16 April 2019 at The University of Manchester.

The intense rate of change across the HE sector raises questions, challenges and opportunities, both for institutions and professionals. The purpose of this year’s theme is twofold. Firstly, to look within ourselves, as HE practitioners, and reflect on our professional practice, identifying gaps, finding solutions, as well as celebrating what we do well. Secondly, to look outwards, to the sector, identify the upcoming changes and trends in higher education that will impact our activities and find optimal ways to adapt to them. As a result, the title for next year’s conference is:

Higher Education: Fit for the future?

We are looking for a range of topics to showcase your knowledge and experience, and share examples of effective professional practice with colleagues from across the sector.

As an HE professional, how are you adapting your professional practice and developing your expertise to meet the changing demands of the times?

To aid your thinking, we’ve provided some general themes you may wish to cover. This list is by no means exhaustive and we welcome proposals covering other relevant subject areas:

• Effective leadership in uncertain times
• Innovation and adaptation to meet changing demands
• Key current issues impacting students
• Understanding and meeting regulatory requirements
• Effective strategy development and execution
• Collaboration and working in partnership
• Personal resilience and wellbeing
• Overcoming resistance to change
• Widening participation
• The university and the local economy
• The role of the sector in lifelong education
• Professional development for self and colleagues
• Technology solutions in practice

The AUA CPD Framework is at the centre of all our professional development activities. Please describe how your session supports up to three of our nine professional behaviours. 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.

Submit your proposal

Closing date for receipt of session proposals has been extended to: 9am on Monday, 24 September 2018.

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.