Hey guys, I have reviewed your conference proposal and suggested comments are listed below. Before getting into the specific comments, consider an overall key thought. You guys have assembled a nice skeleton proposal that meets the basic requirements in satisfactory fashion. However, as is so often the case, the devil is in the details. As you fine-tune your proposal, look for opportunities to expand or dig deeper, so that the review committee has every opportunity to see your respective transdisciplinary insights into the topic of poverty.

1. Your statement of purpose is clear and direct, however, it reads as a standalone item. As you review the rest of your proposal, be sure to note how the various speakers and panels will address the questions and concerns raised in your statement of purpose. If possible, at the end of the statement, consider adding a few targeted transdisciplinary goals for the conference that go beyond simply starting a dialogue and answering questions. Since your group has such a nice transdisciplinary balance, consider having each contributor write a paragraph touching on how their respective discipline (psychology, philosophy, literature…) could elucidate the topic of poverty, thus yielding new insights.

2. I strongly recommend beefing up your schedule by adding short paragraphs explaining the themes and topics each speaker and panel will focus on and what the essence of their transdisciplinary contribution will entail. Simply listing the name and title of a speaker or the “Student Panel #1” will not cut it with a review committee. They want detail, specifically transdisciplinary and scholarly detail.

3. In your planning timeline, you may want to consider having a student call for papers, which they will present as part of the panels. That way you are enhancing the research component of the conference. Secondly, what do you mean by “poster” presentations? Do you mean “posted” presentations?

4. On your budget, be sure to go into more detail, as this is typically what review committees want to see. Note “in-kind” donations (lunch and refreshments can often be provided by sponsors), and be more specific in itemizing all expenses (itemize travel and honorariums, for example.). For conference materials, you are going to want to spend more money on printed posters, conference bulletins and other print materials.

If you have any further questions, feel free to e-mail me (tyler.reeb@cgu.edu) or meet Tom and I at Hagleburger’s this Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Cheers,

Tyler