Writing epiCenters:
Where Movement Begins
Call for Proposals
Scientifically and metaphorically, an epicenter is the origin of impact, where earthquakes begin, the point where things are most intense, where significant moves or changes start. Epicenters can also be the core, the focus, or the heart of activity.
In this way, writing centers are epicenters that powerfully shape the conditions in which writers and tutors grow and change. We are the heart of our writing communities, where writers and tutors discover their voices, challenge conventions, and build connections.
Writing centers also shake things up by amplifying counter-stories, challenging deficit-based narratives, and reimagining how identity and inclusion shape our practice. We are uniquely positioned to challenge existing structures, invite those on the margins into the center, and amplify voices that have been overlooked. We create spaces for practices that honor identity, affirm linguistic and cultural diversity, and promote more inclusive and accessible forms of support. In these epicenters, we celebrate the diverse lived experiences of writers and tutors and allow their stories to inform and transform our understanding of writing, learning, and tutoring.
Please join us in considering what it means to be a Writing epiCenter and discuss ways that we can sustain human connection, inspire change, and be centered within our institutions, in the writing community, and as writers and human beings doing humanistic work.
Proposal Questions to Consider
We invite proposals that explore writing centers as epicenters of growth, connection, and transformation. Here are a few questions to consider:
- What is your writing center’s current focus or “heart”?
- How do your services, tutoring practices, training approaches, or use of your physical space reflect this epicenter?
- How is writing support or the writing process centered on your campus? Do you have strategies for centering writing support across disciplines in your institution?
- How are you creating spaces that welcome those on the margins, elevate multilingual voices, honor diverse literacies, and ensure all perspectives are valued?
- In what ways does your writing center “shake things up”?
- How have you adapted, innovated, or reimagined practices to respond to the needs of your writers, tutors, and campus community?
- How is your writing center addressing emotional labor and burnout, incorporating mindfulness and/or wellness practices, or helping tutors and writers get centered and grounded amid stress, turbulence, or difficulty?
- Or consider another way the words epicenter, center, or centered can foster meaningful discussion and consideration among tutors and writing center administrators, staff, and faculty.
Submission Requirements
- Name(s) and information for all presenters
- 200-250-word max description of session
- 50-word max abstract of the session to be included in the program
Submissions due by Monday, Dec. 15
Selected proposals will be notified by Monday, Feb. 16
Types of Presentations
- Full session (50 minutes):These sessions offer an in-depth exploration of a topic, with 40-45 minutes for the presentation or activity, followed by 5-10 minutes for Q&A. Full sessions are ideal for individual or group/panel presentations, interactive workshops, or facilitated roundtable discussions.
- Half session (25 minutes): These sessions provide a more concise format, with 20 minutes for the presentation or workshop activity, followed by 5 minutes for Q&A. Half sessions are suited for focused presentations, brief workshops, or quick roundtable discussions. Half session presentations will be paired with another presenter by the conference committee.
- Poster Session: Individuals or groups are invited to design a poster that connects to the theme of the conference. Posters should showcase some aspects of writing center work, tutor-training, support services, community-building or outreach practices, or writing center-oriented research projects.
- Posters are visual presentations displayed on poster boards throughout the conference. There will be a dedicated time where the presenters will explain the content and concept of their posters, engage in conversation with the attendees, and answer questions.
- Preferable posterboard type and size is a 38 x 46 trifold posterboard or a 24 x 26 standard sized cardboard or foam board. Please indicate which type you will use in your proposal so we can adequately prepare space, tables, and easels.
- Poster sessions are equivalent to a speaking presentation, and each presenter will be featured in the conference program.
Proposal Submission Details
- Proposals will be accepted beginning Monday, Dec. 1, 2025
- Proposals are due by Monday, Dec. 15, 2025
- Selected proposals will be notified by Monday, Feb. 16, 2026
- Selected presenters confirm their proposal acceptance by Friday, Feb. 27, 2026
Proposal Evaluation
All submitted proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Specificity of the session plan: Proposals should clearly outline the structure and content of the session, detailing key topics, activities, and timing.
- Engagement of the audience: Proposals should demonstrate how they will actively engage participants, whether through discussion, interactive exercises, opportunities for reflection, or invitations to apply presented material.
- Value to others: Proposals should clearly articulate the relevance and benefits of the session for attendees. This includes explaining how the session will contribute to participants’ knowledge, skills, or professional development.
Proposals that make strong connections to current scholarship or recent developments in the field will be given priority. We encourage presenters to highlight how their sessions are informed by or contribute to ongoing conversations within their area of expertise.
Conference Registration
Registration will open Monday, Dec. 1, 2025
Conference registration fees are:
- $40/Students*
- $45 after Friday, March 13, 2026
- $65/Part-time staff, faculty
- $75 after Friday, March 13
- $90/Full-time staff, faculty
- $100 after Friday, March 13
*Scholarships are available to help defray travel expenses for conference presenters and attendees. Application information will be available Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
Updated: November 06, 2025