About the CTLPA  The Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel Association (CTLPA) is a professional organization that facilitates learning, development and professional advancement for student services personnel. This is done with an aim to enhance continuous effectiveness in facilitating student learning and development in tertiary level institutions. The CTLPA analyzes trends in higher education inclusive of the student profiles and uses this data to inform policy, practices and implement programmes that prepare students to function effectively in a global economy. 
 
About the Conference  The Annual Conference is one of the avenues for the promotion of professional development of student services professionals. Participants are exposed to recent related research; local, regional and international developments that impact higher education; evolving theories that reflect changes in student characteristics; showcases of best practices in the delivery of student services and the opportunity to be part of a professional network. As a regional organization, each year the Conference is held in a different Caribbean country. It attracts participation from over seven to nine locations in the region and the USA. These participants represent various colleges and universities. 
 

Conference Theme: Elevating Caribbean Voices in Higher Education 

 

Call for Paper: Opening (December 8, 2024) - Deadline (March 28, 2025) 

 

Conference Pillars:  Use the eight (8) pillars described below to submit your conference proposal 

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1. Access and Inclusion 

The Access and Inclusion pillar explores strategies for minimising barriers to higher education access for Caribbean students, addressing obstacles related to admissions processes, geographic constraints, and institutional biases. Proposals should focus on enhancing equity in enrollment and representation, working toward fairer inclusion of Caribbean students in global institutions. Additionally, discussions on navigating financial challenges can highlight available scholarships, funding opportunities, and partnerships that ease the financial burdens faced by some Caribbean students seeking higher education. Proposals that highlight disability law and policies that promote access and success of persons with disabilities are encouraged under this pillar. This pillar aims to highlight pathways that promote accessibility and inclusivity within educational institutions worldwide. 

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2. Cultural Identity and Representation 

The Cultural Identity and Representation pillar celebrates Caribbean heritage within academia, focusing on how cultural identity shapes educational experiences. Proposals under this pillar illuminate the integration of Caribbean perspectives into global curricula to ensure diverse, culturally unique learning environments. Proposals that address bias and promoting cultural sensitivity, and how this empowers Caribbean students to embrace their identities, enhances awareness and understanding among peers and faculty are also encouraged. How this may be addressed in living and learning communities is also encouraged. This pillar seeks to foster academic spaces that respect and reflect Caribbean cultures. 

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3. Academic and Career Development 

Proposals under the Academic and Career Development pillar should discuss how to prepare Caribbean students for success in a global workforce, from specialised career guidance to skills-building initiatives. With a focus on career readiness activities, mentorship and internship programs, proposals aim to highlight ways to support students on their academic journeys and professional growth. Strategies including how to leverage alumni networks to create community and opportunities. This pillar aims to emphasise evidence-based tools that develop career pathways, connect students to industry leaders and support long-term success. 

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4. Mental Health and Well-being 

The Mental Health and Well-being pillar showcase the important considerations when connecting students from different Caribbean spaces who seek mental health support. Proposals may also focus on resilience and adaptation, addressing the unique challenges students face when studying in unfamiliar and volatile environments. This pillar aims to raise awareness and establish practices that foster a sense of belonging and well-being for students throughout their academic journeys. 

 

5. Innovation and Research Contributions 

Highlighting the scholarly contributions of Caribbean students, the Innovation and Research Contributions pillar will shed light on pathways for amplifying Caribbean voices in research across academic and non-academic activities. Sessions will focus on obtaining funding and building partnerships to support Caribbean-focused research, platforms for Caribbean students and scholars to showcase their innovations and ideas. This pillar seeks to elevate the academic contributions of Caribbean students, enriching the global research landscape. 

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6. Digital Access and Remote Learning 

This pillar seeks to address the digital divide impacting Caribbean learners, discussing strategies to ensure equal access to digital resources and support for effective remote learning. Proposals may also explore ways to equip students with digital skills essential for academic success. 

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7. Policy, Advocacy, and Partnerships 

Focused on collaborating with policymakers to create supportive educational frameworks, the Policy, Advocacy, and Partnerships pillar highlights the importance of advocacy for Caribbean student rights and needs. Proposals may also demonstrate the role strategic partnerships and change through policy reform and collaboration make to enhance the Caribbean student experience in higher education. 

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8. Community Engagement and Global Citizenship

Emphasising community connections and the power of the Caribbean diaspora, the Community Engagement and Global Citizenship pillar show ways student services professionals promote the development of a sense of global citizenship among students, increasing leadership and community-based initiatives. By strengthening ties between the diaspora and local communities, this pillar demonstrates the extent to which Caribbean students become advocates, change agents and leaders of social justice in both their academic and social communities. This pillar also demonstrates the support network available that champion the contributions of Caribbean learners and professionals on a global scale. 

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PRESENTATIONS SHOULD FALL IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: 

1. Main Presentation -1 hour (inclusive of question and answer session) 

2. Concurrent Session – 45 minutes (inclusive of question and answer session) 

3. Showcase – highlighting best practices in programme delivery -30 minutes (inclusive of question-and-answer session) 

4. Skill Building Session - 1-2 hour Working session to introduce or strengthen approaches used in student services and student affairs delivery 

5. Roundtable - 1-hour Panel Discussion highlighting a current challenge facing Caribbean Higher Education stakeholders   

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The proposal should include an Abstract of no more than 250 words and should outline the learning outcomes. An Abstract must reflect the content of the presentation accurately and must correlate to the listed topics and key words. It must include all information considered necessary by the presenter to merit the selection of the paper.   

 

Complete the online Call for Proposals Form: https://tinyurl.com/CTLPAConf25 

 

Queries may be emailed to ctlpahq@gmail.com using the Subject Line CTLPA Conference 2025 Query.