Call for Papers:

National Association of Communication Centers (NACC) 2027
26th Annual Excellence at the Center Conference
Theme: Authenticity & Accessibility in the Age of AI
Hosted by the Speakers Workshop at the University of Illinois
April 2-3, 2027
Champaign, IL and Online
Conference: https://speakersworkshop.illinois.edu/nacc-excellence-at-the-center-conference-2027/
NACC: https://commcenters.org/

Deadline for proposals: February 15, 2027
Deadline for completed competitive papers and award nominations: March 15, 2027

CONFERENCE THEME: AUTHENTICITY & ACCESSIBILITY IN THE AGE OF AI

At a moment when large language models and generative AI are changing how we collectively learn, think, teach, and communicate, new questions are emerging for communication centers. What does it mean to support authentic communication when AI technologies can generate, revise, translate, transcribe, and even simulate human voices? How do we make our services accessible as technologies, institutions, and student needs continue to change?

AI is already changing how students plan, practice, and deliver communication. For communication centers, the questions are not simply whether or how to use AI. We must also ask who can use emerging technologies, whose communication practices they recognize, when they create new barriers, and how peer-consultants (tutors, coaches, etc.) can respond without losing the human relationship at the center of our work.

This hybrid online and in-person conference invites communication center directors, administrators, faculty, staff, tutors, peer-consultants, researchers, and community partners to explore authenticity and accessibility in action.

The phrase in action keeps our conversation grounded in practice. Accessibility can include disability and neurodiversity, but it also invites discussions of language, cost, technology, confidence, location, institutional support, and belonging. AI is an important part of that conversation, but not the only part.

We invite proposals that ask how communication centers can remain responsive, inclusive, and human-centered in a rapidly changing landscape.

AREAS OF EXPLORATION

AI, Access, and Human Judgment

What are we gaining or losing when we use generative AI technologies? What are these technologies, and what do we know about their origins, applications, limitations, and potential abuses? When might these technologies create new barriers or reproduce existing inequities? How can communication centers help students develop the judgment to know when, how, and when not to use AI?

Language, Identity, and Belonging

How do we approach our work in ways that are culturally responsive, particularly with multilingual speakers and students whose communication practices have historically been treated as deficient or in need of correction? How do race, gender, disability, sexuality, first-generation status, socioeconomic status, language background, and other intersecting identities shape experiences in communication centers?

Reaching Students Beyond the Center

How have changes in the landscape of U.S. higher education changed the ways communication centers engage with students and faculty? Have you developed course partnerships, online and hybrid consultations, outreach initiatives, community engagement, mobile services, embedded consultants, workshops, and other approaches to support speakers who may not seek help on their own?

Tutor Learning, Labor, and Leadership

How has the age of AI led us to reconsider tutor training, mentoring, and professional development? What new knowledge and skills do consultants need? How are centers navigating questions around emotional labor, consultant agency, sustainable workloads, and graduate and undergraduate roles?

Building and Assessing Accessible Centers

How do we continue to build and assess accessibility in our centers? How do program design, physical and virtual space, technology, institutional partnerships, administrative decisions, and funding communicate the center’s value?

Access in Action

Across these areas of exploration, we are especially interested in proposals that move beyond broad statements about the importance of access and authenticity to consider what these commitments look like in practice.

SUBMISSIONS

Proposal Deadline: February 15, 2027. Completed competitive papers and award nominations deadline: March 15, 2027.

Online (Zoom), hybrid, and in-person proposals will be considered.

If a proposal is accepted, registration will be required.

Click this link for the submission portal.

Non-Competitive Paper Proposals

The conference welcomes proposals for presentation of original research papers that investigate a problem from an empirical or theoretical perspective (not intended for competition). Submissions can be written by individuals or groups. Chosen papers must be finalized and ready for presentation in April.

Proposals must include:

• Title of Paper for Presentation
• Presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
• Abstract (no more than 300 words)
• Indicate if the proposal is for a face-to-face paper presentation or if you will connect via Zoom

Discussion Panel Proposals

Panels include a discussion led by up to six participants on specific themes or issues relevant to communication centers. Panel proposals should include a description of how attendees will be invited to participate.

Proposals must include:

• Title
• Presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
• Brief description of the panel
• Brief rationale which connects panel to the conference theme
• Intended NACC audience (student tutors, directors, those in the start-up planning stage, or some combination)
• Indicate if the proposal is for an online, hybrid, or in-person panel

Great Ideas for Teaching at the Center

Special slot(s) for GIFT presentations will be included based on interest. Individuals and small groups are encouraged to share unique, novel and/or effective approaches to teaching students, consulting with students, and/or communication center work. Please submit a title for the GIFT with a 150-word abstract.

Proposals must include:

• Title
• Presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
• Brief description of the panel
• 150-word GIFT abstract
• Indicate hybrid, online, or in-person format

Interactive Workshops

Proposals from individuals or groups for 50-minute, face-to-face interactive teaching and learning workshops that speak to the conference theme are welcome. 

Workshops that offer creative strategies and materials that can be adapted for use at other centers are especially encouraged.

Workshop proposals must include:

• Title
• Presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
• Brief description of the content to be covered
• Brief rationale which connects workshop to the conference theme
• Brief description of planned activities
• Intended NACC audience (student tutors, directors, those in the start-up planning stage, or some combination)
• Indicate online, hybrid, or in-person format

Excellence at the Center Student Essays

Student staff members (tutors, consultants, peer educators, coaches) working in communication centers are invited to submit an Excellence at the Center essay.

Manuscript submissions for these single-authored essays should be 800-1000 words and should build on arguments rooted in literature while offering new approaches, interpretations, or extensions of communication center consulting practices. 

Student essay proposals must include:

• Title
• Student presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
• Abstract (no more than 300 words)
• Indicate if the proposal is for a face-to-face paper presentation or if you will connect via Zoom.

Student Case Studies

We seek student authors to present their original communication center case studies and facilitate their case study discussion at the conference. 

Submissions can be written by individuals or groups. Penn State’s Case Writing Guide is encouraged to ensure continuity.

Student case studies proposals must include:

• Title
• Student presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
• Abstract (no more than 300 words)
• Indicate if the proposal is for a face-to-face presentation or if you will connect via Zoom.

Case Studies in Center Administration

We seek faculty and administrators to present their original communication center case studies in administration and facilitate their case study discussion at the conference.  

Submissions can be written by individuals or groups.  

Penn State’s Case Writing Guide is encouraged to ensure continuity.

Proposals must include:

• Title
• Presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
• Abstract (no more than 300 words)
• Indicate if the proposal is for a face-to-face presentation or if you will connect via Zoom.

For information about competitive submissions, read more here: NACC Competitive Submissions

CONTACT

Laura Stengrim, Ph.D.
Director, Speakers Workshop
Associate Teaching Professor, Communication
[email protected]
[email protected]