Women in Engineering Programs & Advocates Network
WEPAN 2006 National Conference

Call for Abstracts

Low-resolution Brochure [PDF]    High-resolution Brochure [PDF]

The Women in Engineering Programs & Advocates Network (WEPAN) invites you to participate in the WEPAN 2006 National Conference, June 11 through June 14, 2006 at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

WEPAN is a non-profit organization dedicated to achieving equity in the engineering workforce. WEPAN’s mission is to be a catalyst for change to enhance the success of women in engineering.

Building Bridges, the conference theme, is a metaphor for WEPAN’s commitment to building partnerships and programs that advance women in engineering. Conference participants will have opportunities to network and share information about programs and career progressions.

Abstract Requirements

Abstracts must be submitted for all sessions including paper presentations, workshops, discussion groups, panels and posters by November 15, 2005.  Only online abstract submissions will be accepted.  Screen shots of the Abstract Management System [PDF] may be helpful in drafting and formatting abstracts.  Abstracts must:

• Present new research, new programs or findings/results of established programs relevant to WEPAN members

• Provide new information that has not been previously published or presented at WEPAN or other professional conferences (NOTE: Previously presented information can be presented if it is framed for the WEPAN audience and has some additional or new information)

• Be no more than 350 words

For more details on abstract requirements for any of the below-listed program sessions, please download the WEPAN 2006 National Conference Author’s Kit [PDF] and review the Summary of Session Types and Associated Requirements [PDF].

To submit an abstract, please access the Abstract Management System.  Screen shots of the Abstract Management System [PDF] may be helpful in drafting and formatting abstracts.

Session Descriptions

Summary of Session Types and Associated Requirements [PDF]

Paper Presentation Sessions are divided into two types: research-oriented sessions and practice-oriented sessions.  Paper submissions will be required for all abstracts accepted into Paper Presentation Sessions.

Workshops should provide an interactive experience. Participants should gain the ability to develop and implement a program or project at their home institutions or enhance a skill set through the use of hands-on activities.

Discussion Groups will cover topics of interest related to the conference and WEPAN's mission.  White papers describing Discussion Group outcomes will be required following the conference.

Panel Sessions should address topical concerns and/or research related to session topics.

Posters should provide descriptions of programmatic initiatives, distribute materials, demonstrate videos, and/or share best practices. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase programs and network with others.

Suggested Session Topics

Programs and Initiatives

• Assessment (including program assessment, performance evaluation or return on investment)

• Corporate recruiting efforts and programs to diversify the workforce

• Successful, low-cost, easy-to-implement women in engineering (WIE) or women in science in engineering (WISE) programs

• Climate studies and associated best practices to improve climate issues in and outside of the classroom or in the workplace

• Corporate or institutional transformation

• Equity in engineering education and the workforce

How To’s and Professional Enhancement

• Fundraising for WIE, WISE and similar programs

• Grant writing

• Submitting an abstract and paper for a professional conference

• Networking

• Identifying and utilizing mentors

Presenter Requirements

All session presenters with accepted abstracts, including panelists, discussion group leaders and poster presenters must register by April 15, 2006 to have the opportunity to present at the Conference, to have a description of their presentation included in the printed conference brochure and to have their abstract and/or paper published in the WEPAN 2006 National Conference Proceedings CD.

Deadlines and Timeline
 

Abstract Review Process

All abstracts and papers will be peer reviewed. The following criteria will be used in the selection process:

1. Quality of abstract and paper

2. Clarity of goals and strength of connection to conference theme and suggested topic areas

3. Potential to promote discussion and interaction among conference participants

4. Use of relevant literature citations

5. Reported outcomes and/or research results