Call for Presenters

63rd Annual CAGS Conference

Graduate Education as a Public Good: Leadership, Advocacy, and Impact

 
4-7 November 2025

Ottawa, Ontario
Delta City Centre Hotel

The Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS) will host its 63rd Annual Conference at the Delta City Centre Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario, from 4-7 November 2025. The title of this year’s conference is Graduate Education as a Public Good: Advocacy, Leadership, and Impact.

The conference will examine the shifting landscape of graduate education in Canada and beyond. As our society grapples with urgent challenges — from climate change and economic uncertainty to social cohesion and rapid technological change — graduate research remains essential in shaping solutions and preparing for an unpredictable future. Now more than ever, the graduate studies community must demonstrate leadership in difficult times, advocate for student success and well-being, and effectively communicate the immense value of graduate research and training to decision-makers and the public. By fostering a strong, engaged community, the 63rd CAGS Conference will reinforce graduate education’s vital role as a public good that drives innovation and strengthens communities.

The CAGS Conference Planning Committee is currently accepting proposals for individual and group presentations. We invite submissions in English or French from deans, associate/assistant deans, directors, faculty members, administrators, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students from CAGS member institutions. Presentation topics should relate to the conference title – Graduate Education as a Public Good: Advocacy, Leadership, and Impact.

Proposals will be considered for the following formats:

In-Person

• Single Presenter – Lightning Talk (1 speaker, 10-15 minutes)
• Multiple Presenters – Lightning Talk (2-3 speakers, 30 minutes total)
• Multiple Presenters – Panel Presentation (3-6 speakers, 90 minutes total)
• Multiple Presenters – Roundtable (5-10 speakers, 90 minutes total)
• Multiple Presenters – Workshop (90 minutes total)

Please note that all presenters will be responsible for covering the costs of their conference travel and accommodation if selected by the Conference Planning Committee. Accepted presenters will be granted a 10% discount on their conference registration fees. Conference registration fees include access to all events, presentations, and activities, as well as all meals and coffee breaks served during the conference.

The deadline for submitting a proposal is 4:00 PM (ET) on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. The conference committee will make its final decisions by 31 May and will notify all applicants by email.

For more information about the 63rd Annual CAGS Conference, please write to [email protected].