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Graduate Student Conference

Submit a Proposal

View the Call for Abstracts for more information on the conference theme and sub-themes.

Eligibility

Students must be enrolled in an accredited graduate program or registered for a graduate class in an accredited university as of Spring 2025. The program or class does not have to be directly related to the field of education. Students must be in good academic standing.

Applicants may submit more than one proposal and may present more than once at the conference.

Submission criteria

Abstracts must be between 250 and 400 words in length.

By submitting the abstract, the author(s) grant permission to the Graduate Student Conference Committee and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to publish their information in whole or in part for the purposes of the Graduate Student Conference.

Abstracts should include:

  • A clear statement of the main argument and rationale for research
  • A description of the research goals and questions
  • An overview of the (proposed or actual) methodology, population, and materials
  • Anticipated or actual results and findings
  • Conclusions (for studies that have been finalized)
  • The study implications and/or applications
  • Optional: A statement about the proposal's relevance to the conference theme, "Education in the 21st Century: Designing a More Inclusive Future"

*Note: While this statement is optional and won’t affect your acceptance into the conference, adherence to the theme is considered for awards. This statement is highly encouraged for those who wish to be competitive for conference awards.

Abstracts should not include:

  • Identifying information (for example, your name or project name)
  • Tables, graphs, figures or illustrations

Presentation types

We are accepting proposals for three different types of presentations. Please review the details below to choose the best format for your research and needs.


Details for each type of conference presentation.
Details for Presentation TypePostersRoundtablesPapers
Recommended current stage of the researchIn progress, proposed, or completed researchAny stage, including literature reviews or emerging ideasCompleted or near completed research
DatePre-conference session on March 6, 2025Conference session on March 7, 2025Conference session on March 7, 2025
FormatIn-person In-person or virtualIn-person or virtual
Presentation details1-minute lightning talk, followed by informal interactions with audience2–3 minute elevator pitch, followed by informal discussion with audienceFormal 15-minute slideshow followed by Q&A with audience
Additional materials (if accepted)Poster ($36 or more*)Encouraged to have handoutsSlideshow

* You will need to pay to print your own poster. See this poster printing guide from the library for on campus and commercial printing options.

Ready to submit?

Use the links below to submit your proposal. Please contact the GSC Planning Committee if you need assistance or accommodations in order to submit your proposal.

Note: We are no longer accepting abstract submissions.