Southern 2026 Regional Conference

Call for Proposals

The call for proposals is now open.

Deadline: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern.

We seek proposals for concurrent sessions that demonstrate how colleges and universities use integrated planning to proactively shape institutional futures.

Some theme-relevant proposal topic ideas to consider:

• Anticipating What’s Next: How can planners use data and scenario modeling to get ahead of disruption and change?
• Defining a Future Worth Pursuing: What does it take to set a bold, credible vision—and align institutions around a future that is both ambitious and achievable?
• Planning for a Changing Student Body: How are institutions adapting programs, policies, and places in response to shifting demographics and evolving student needs?
• Turning Vision into Action: What does it look like to translate long-range plans into phased, fundable projects that sustain momentum and build trust?
• Making Smart Investment Decisions: How should institutions prioritize where to invest in an era of constrained resources?
• Rethinking Existing Campus Assets: What are the most effective strategies for renovation, adaptive reuse, and revitalization to support future needs?
• Designing the Human-Centered Campus: How are planners addressing student mental health and wellbeing through design, planning, and student success initiatives?
• Planning in the Age of AI How are artificial intelligence and emerging technologies reshaping academic programs, decision-making, and integrated planning?

Call for Proposals Details

As you think about putting your proposal together, we would like you to consider some important points:

Does your proposal include integrated planning practices?

Integrated planning is a sustainable approach to planning that builds relationships, aligns the organization, and emphasizes preparedness for change.

Does your proposal bring together different perspectives and experiences?

By design, integrated planning is an inclusive practice that brings together perspectives and experiences from across an institution’s community to create solutions. This can only be accomplished when all voices are heard, recognized, and valued.

Consider these questions:

• Whose perspective is missing?
• Whose voice is not being heard?

We strongly encourage you to make sure your presentation team includes different voices, and that these voices are given meaningful time to share their perspectives.

Who should submit?

Integrated planning brings together perspectives from every corner of campus:

Stakeholders: students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, external partners
Areas of practice: academic and strategic planning, student affairs, finance, campus planning, IT, communications, development, institutional effectiveness

The secret to a great proposal.

Great proposals focus on one of two things: solutions or foresight.

Solutions: help attendees solve a pressing problem.
Foresight: explore innovative new ideas, analyze trends, and prepare attendees for the future.

Don’t forget to include:
Takeaways: give attendees next actions, tips, tools, processes, etc., that can be applied immediately.
Engagement: engage attendees with your content and with each other in meaningful ways.

Prepare Your Proposal

Quick Facts

• Sessions are 60-minute.
• Proposals must be submitted using SCUP’s online submission tool.
• Proposals are reviewed based on number of factors, including relevance to the theme, actionability of the content, expertise of the presenters, and how well-planned the proposal agenda is.

Resources

• Read frequently asked questions.
• Preview the questions you’ll be asked on the proposal form (PDF).
• Read an example proposal (#1) (PDF)
• Read an example proposal (#2) (PDF)

Have Questions? Reach out.

Submit Your Proposal

Deadline: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern.