The Association of Caribbean Higher Education Administrators (ACHEA) invites paper and poster submissions for its 21st annual conference, Futureproofing the Higher Education Ecosystem: The Administrator’s Perspective, to be held in Barbados from July 11-13, 2024. Administrators across all areas in higher education including student support, teaching, facilities, registry, finance, business units, libraries, information technology departments, etc. are encouraged to share their research, practices and experience on the following sub-themes:
Supporting and Maintaining an Effective Workforce
Supporting and maintaining a skilled and motivated workforce is paramount in higher education. Administrators must not only seek their own professional development but also provide and facilitate similar opportunities for faculty and staff to enable the delivery of high-quality education.
These opportunities include providing ongoing training, fostering a culture of collaboration and mentorship, and recognising and rewarding excellence. Additionally, administrators must address work-life balance and create supportive environments that promote the physical and mental well-being of employees. By investing in the workforce and creating a supportive ecosystem, higher education institutions can attract and retain talented individuals who are committed to the institution’s mission which can result in enhanced student experiences and long-term institutional success.
Creating Student Centric Institutions
Administrators in higher education are responsible for designing and implementing policies, programmes, and services that support successful student outcomes. They collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to create a positive learning environment that fosters academic achievement and personal growth.
Administrators provide leadership and guidance in areas such as curriculum development, student support services, and utilisation of campus resources. Moreover, they work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, which can create a positive learning and working environment where individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. By actively monitoring student progress and implementing evidence-based strategies, administrators can identify and address barriers to success, ultimately empowering students and faculty to reach their full potential and achieve their educational goals.
Modern Technology and the Higher Education Administrator
Higher education administrators work closely with IT professionals to implement and enforce security protocols to safeguard the institution’s network and systems. Furthermore, exploring investments in cutting-edge technologies and staying abreast of the latest trends and advancements, ensures an up-to-date infrastructure that supports the evolving needs of stakeholders. Administrators oversee the integration of cloud-based solutions, learning management systems, and data analytics tools, enabling more efficient operations and providing students with access to innovative learning resources. By continually evaluating and adapting technology systems, administrators create a secure and modernised environment that fosters academic excellence and prepares students for success in a digital world.
The Economics of Affordable Higher Education
Higher education institutions face the challenge of navigating affordability and enrolment management to ensure accessibility for a diverse student population. They understand the importance of maintaining affordable tuition rates and financial aid options to attract and retain students. Administrators work closely with financial aid offices and external financial institutions to develop and implement strategies that support students in financing their education, such as need-based aid, merit scholarships, and work-study programmes. They also collaborate with admissions offices to implement effective enrolment management practices, including targeted recruitment efforts, data analysis, and strategic planning.
Administrators monitor enrolment trends and adjust policies and resources accordingly to balance student demand with institutional capacity. By finding the right balance between affordability and enrolment, administrators strive to create an inclusive and accessible environment that allows a wide range of students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.
Infrastructure for the Learning Community
Over the years, requirements for the physical development of educational institutions have changed with the investment in distance and online learning. The space for staff and students continues to evolve. It is the role of administrators in this environment to oversee the planning, construction, and maintenance of facilities to provide a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff. Administrators work closely with architects, engineers and facilities management teams to ensure that buildings and infrastructure meet the evolving needs of the learning community. They prioritise investments in modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces to enhance the learning experience and promote student engagement. Administrators also address issues related to accessibility, sustainability, and energy efficiency, incorporating environmentally friendly practices into construction and renovation projects. By proactively managing physical infrastructure needs, administrators can create an environment that supports academic excellence, fosters collaboration, and enhances the overall campus experience for all stakeholders.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Graduate Students
Masters and Doctoral students are encouraged to present their research. Lightning Talks are 10-minute presentations.
These brief sessions expose attendees to new ideas, discoveries, challenges, and possible solutions in higher education. An abstract of no more than 300 words is required.
See requirements for Paper Proposals below. Only 1 abstract per submitter.
CLOSED
Poster Proposals
Presenting posters provides an opportunity to publish results from research and works-in-progress, and to contribute to conversations within industries in a succinct and visible format.
Submission for poster proposal:
- A description of the poster and how it aligns with the sub-theme. Include why the topic is significant. This description will accompany the poster when exhibited.
- Limit of 300 -500 words
- Language: English (British/American)
- Line Spacing: 1.5
- Font and font size: Times New Roman 14 pt
- Citation style: APA 7th Edition
- Biography
- Photo of the work
A poster presenter (individual or group) may only submit one poster. Accepted posters will be exhibited during the conference. Poster presenters must attend the conference in person.
Submission Deadline May 15, 2024
Notification of poster acceptance May 31, 2024
Abstracts of no more than 500 words, which provide as much information as possible in these areas:
- Key issues to be addressed
- Objective and scope of the presentation
- Relevance of the presentation to the conference theme
- Impact of the work and, in particular, how can Caribbean higher education institutions gain from the research/presentation
- Indicate type of research: survey, case study, historical analysis, theoretical exposition, exploratory paper.
A biography is required when submitting. Up to three abstracts may be submitted.
CLOSED
Final papers must be submitted in the following format:
- Language: English (British/American)
- Paper Length: 5 pages maximum (excluding reference list)
- Margins: 2.5 cm/1″
- Line Spacing: 1.5
- Font and font size: Times New Roman 12 pt
- Citation style: APA 7th Edition
Submission Deadline: May 31, 2024