Commonwealth Honors Conference | Worcester State University

[...] Academics Academic Resources Honors Program

Commonwealth Honors Conference

Conference on Honors Teaching & Learning

Friday, November 14, 2025 | 9:00am - 4:00pm

The purpose of this one-day conference is to gather honors faculty and administrators for a day of learning, networking, and professional development in honors education. Faculty and administrators from all CHP campuses will be invited to submit proposals for presentation of case studies, evidence-based best practice in honors education, and innovative solutions to the challenges facing honors colleges and programs.

Nurturing Undergraduate Research and Creativity in Honors

Undergraduate research and creative inquiry are core components of a robust honors education. The theme for this year’s conference offers a forum to explore innovative approaches, effective practices, and persistent challenges in supporting student research and creativity across disciplines in and out of the classroom.

We encourage proposals connected to this theme but it is not required. Proposals may address, but are not limited to, topics such as:

Integrating research into the honors curriculum
Mentoring honors students through scholarly or creative projects
Funding and supporting undergraduate research
Developing creative alternatives to traditional research models
Organizing travel and fieldwork as part of student research
Leveraging AI and emerging technologies
Encouraging research among early-career students
Supporting pre-tenure faculty mentoring student research
Celebrating student research through events, publications, or showcases
Barriers to participation in undergraduate research (e.g., equity, access, confidence)
Institutional or programmatic strategies for cultivating a research culture in honors

We encourage both innovative models and lessons learned from real-world implementation, including cross-campus and interdisciplinary collaborations. Discipline-specific and whole campus honors research, involvement, and programming will be considered.

Proposal Formats

This year presenters can select from 4 presentation styles:

A round table discussion is an interactive session designed to foster open dialogue among participants around a specific topic or issue. Typically led by one or more facilitators, these sessions emphasize participant contributions over formal presentations. They are ideal for generating ideas, sharing experiences, and exploring collaborative approaches. Round tables usually involve smaller groups to encourage inclusive conversation.
A paper presentation involves an individual or group delivering a structured presentation of research findings, theoretical work, or scholarly analysis. Presenters summarize the key components of their paper—such as objectives, methodology, results, and implications—followed by a brief Q&A session. These presentations are typically scheduled in thematic sessions alongside other papers on related topics.
A panel presentation brings together multiple experts (usually 3–5) who each offer distinct perspectives on a shared topic, theme, or question. Each panelist gives a brief presentation, followed by a moderated discussion and audience questions. Panels are well-suited for exploring complex issues from interdisciplinary or contrasting viewpoints and encourage dynamic exchange among presenters and attendees.
A workshop is a hands-on, interactive session focused on skill-building, applied learning, or collaborative problem-solving. Workshops involve active participation from attendees through activities such as small-group work, guided practice, or the use of specific tools or techniques. They are ideal for teaching new methods, developing practical competencies, or co-creating solutions with participants. Sharing materials or resources to take home is encouraged.

Ready to submit your proposal?

Deadline to Submit: September 1, 2025

CHP Conference Proposal
Name
First Last
Title/Position
Email

Connection to Honors
Honors Dean/Director/Program Coordinator
Faculty
Staff
Administration
Other
University Affiliation
University Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Presentation Title

Presentation Format
Round Table Discussion/Participant Idea Exchange
Paper Presentation
Workshop
Panel Presentation
List all authors and their affiliations in the order they should appear in the program.
Short Abstract: Provide a brief abstract (50-100 words) to be published in the conference program.
Long Abstract (optional): Provide a long abstract (100-250 words).
CAPTCHA

Registration

Conference registration will open on September 1st. Please check back.

Registration Fee: $20

Conference Schedule

Conference schedule will be released in early October. Please check back.

Exploring Worcester

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Worcester Area Lodging & Attractions

Getting To Worcester State University

By car
From Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90): Take Exit 10 (Auburn) to I-290 East. (see from 290 East)
From I-495: Take Exit 25 to I- 290 West. (see from 290 West)
From Rt. 9 West: Follow Rt. 9 West into Worcester. (see from Highland Street)
From Rt. 146 North: Take Rt. 146 North to I-290 East. (see from 290 East)
From I-190 South: Take I-290 West. (see from 290 West)
From I- 290 West: Take Exit 18 (Rt. 9 West); turn right off exit ramp and stay in center lane, following directions for Rt. 9 West. Turn right onto Rt. 9 West, also known as Highland Street. (see from Highland Street)
From I-290 East: Take Exit 17 (Rt. 9). Turn left onto Rt. 9 West, which will turn into Highland Street at bottom of the hill. Proceed up the hill onto Highland Street. (see from Highland Street)
From Highland Street: While on Highland Street, stay in the right-hand lane. Stay on Highland Street for 1.5 miles. (past Elm Park and Doherty High School on the left). At the rotary, take the third right onto June Street. At the second traffic light, turn right onto May Street. The main entrance to Worcester State will be three blocks up on your left.
Taxis
Red Cab
50 Franklin St #220
Worcester, MA
508-792-9999
Yellow Cab
90 Madison St #306
Worcester, MA
508-754-3211
Airports
Worcester Airport
Logan International Airport (Boston, Massachusetts)
Bradley International Airport (Hartford, Connecticut)
T.F. Green Airport (Providence, Rhode Island)
Buses
Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA)
Worcester State University is on Route #3. The bus stop is located on Chandler Street in the white clapboard shelter next to the Alumni Tiffany Gates.
Train/Commuter Rail
Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) – Worcester line
Amtrak