These sessions are appropriate for presentations of quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method studies on first-year students' transition, learning, development, performance, retention, and other relevant issues.

Proposal Components

• Session Abstract to be used as the description for the session in the conference program, if accepted. (100-word limit)
• Detailed Description of the initiative and your rationale and purpose for adopting it. (300-word limit)
• Background and Rationale: Explain the background and rationale of the intentions of the research. (300-word limit)
• Research Design: Describe the methodology used for research to be presented. (250-word limit)
• Research Findings: Briefly describe the research findings and results that you will be sharing in the session. Preliminary findings should be included for studies in progress. (300-word limit)
• Implications of Research: Provide a summary of the implications of this research for practice, theory, and future research on issues regarding students in transition. (300-word limit)

Selection Criteria

• Relevance of topic to the First-Year Experience
• Potential contribution of the research findings
• Soundness of study design and analysis
• Reasonableness of interpretation and implications

These sessions are appropriate for presentations addressing and highlighting specific programs/initiatives that have been instituted, assessed, and shown to be successful on a particular campus.

Proposal Components

• Session Abstract to be used as the description for the session in the conference program, if accepted. (100-word limit)
• Detailed Description of the initiative and your rationale and purpose for adopting it. (300-word limit)
• Evidence of Assessment: Provide a brief description of assessment or evaluation of the initiative, including a description of the data collection methods, the sample, the analytical methods, and any documented outcomes. (250-word limit)
• Implications for Institutional Improvement or Advancement: Provide a brief summary of how the development, implementation, and assessment of this initiative advanced institutional programs or affected decisions made in the best interest of student learning, development, and success. (200-word limit)

Selection Criteria

• Relevance of topic to the First-Year Experience
• Appropriateness of initiative to institutional context
• Quality of the assessment design
• Implications for institutional improvement or advancement

These sessions are appropriate for presentations addressing emerging trends, current issues, and broad concepts. Examples include: college completion, characteristics and needs of special student populations, campus civility, global citizenship, teaching and learning, etc. 

Proposal Components

• Session Abstract to be used as the description for the session in the conference program, if accepted. (100-word limit)
• Detailed Description of the initiative and your rationale and purpose for adopting it. (300-word limit)
• Summary of Relevant Literature: Provide a brief summary of how the current research or practice literature informs session content. (250-word limit)
• Implications/Applicability for Practice: Provide a summary of the effects and implications of this emerging issue and how it can inform practice or frame approaches to practice on college or university campuses, contribute to theory, and/or advance research in higher education and/or First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. (200-word limit)

Selection Criteria

• Relevance of topic to the First-Year Experience
• Command of literature base
• Importance of topic as a perennial/emerging trend or issue
• Implications/adaptability for practice