2012 SWCA Conference FAQ
1) What is the SWCA conference?
SWCA stands for the Southeastern Writing Center Association, a regional affiliation of the International Writing Center Association (IWCA). The SWCA conference is held annually and hosted by universities within the region to promote scholarly writing center conversations. The SWCA includes in its region North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Puerto Rico, and the American Virgin Islands. The conference is a great opportunity to bring together members of the writing center community from these states and beyond.
In 2012, the SWCA conference at EKU will bring members of the writing center community together in an innovative space, the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity. The conference theme, "Next-Gen Writing Centers," prompts members of the writing center community to consider familiar topics in new ways while looking toward the future of our work and generating new conversations.
2) Where will the conference sessions take place?
The conference sessions will take place in and near the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity, which is centralized within the heart of EKU's Crabbe Library, near the middle of campus. Participants will find that many conference sessions will take place within the space, while others will be within a short walk of the Noel Studio.
3) Do I have to connect my proposal to the conference theme?
The conference theme provides a general framework for the conference. We expect that a variety of threads and topics will emerge in anticipation of the conference and as a result of the meeting. Participants are welcome to submit proposals containing a variety of topics related to new and familiar writing center issues in addition to those suggested in the conference theme. Feel free to contact the conference chair, , with any questions or ideas about potential topics.
4) What session options are available for presenters?
This year, we have five session options for presenters:
a. 15-20 minute individual presentation
b. 45-minute panel/roundtable (3-4 presenters)
c. 90-minute workshop (hands-on learning, interactive)
d. Poster
e. Multimedia Installation
These sessions should allow presenters the flexibility to decide how their work will be best displayed and viewed for attendees. The format of some of the sessions will look familiar to you, like the individual presentations, panels, and workshops; however, poster sessions and multimedia installations should provide interesting formats for displaying research and creative work. Posters can be static displays, while multimedia installations can be interactive or independently moving, developed with PowerPoint or Prezi. For ideas about developing presentations, check out these resources: the Noel Studio's presentation handout,Prezi, and PowerPoint, which can also be used to create posters.
5) What information should I include in the presentation abstract and proposal?
The information contained in your abstract will appear in the conference program. Other attendees will need to know what you will discuss in your presentation and what information you will discuss. The presentation description will involve more detail. Consider framing your presentation by providing specifics, which could take the form of scholarship or other concepts that support your proposal. Many proposals will get directly to the point and develop from there.