Connecting Across Disciplines 2025 Conference
Theme: Access and Advocacy for Mental Health in East Tennessee
Connecting Across Disciplines is a student-led conference dedicated to fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in the field of mental health advocacy, with an emphasis on supporting our local communities. We invite students, professionals, and community organizations to submit proposals for presentations, workshops, and roundtable discussions that align with the conference theme. Student presentations will be prioritized and we encourage both undergraduate and graduate students to apply!
Awards up to $200 will be given for top undergraduate and graduate student presentations!*
*If currently receiving financial aid contact Office of Financial Aid to confirm eligibility to accept award
Topics of Interest
We encourage submissions on a wide range of topics related to mental health advocacy, including but not limited to:
- Student-led Mental Health Initiatives: Programs and initiatives that are student led and promote mental health advocacy
- Self-Care and Wellness: Promoting wellness for mental health professionals and students entering mental health-related fields
- Policy Advocacy: Legislative and policy changes to improve mental health access and support for marginalized communities
- Community Engagement: Building strong, supportive communities for individuals with limited access to mental health support
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Promoting collaboration across disciplines with interests in mental health advocacy
Submission Types
Poster Presentation: Presentation of an individual study, project, or program, that has been conducted or is being proposed. Must include a clear and visually appealing design that effectively communicates key findings or messages.
Data Blitz: A brief (7-minute), impactful presentation format where researchers share key findings in a concise and visually appealing manner. Presentations on similar topics will be organized into a 50-minute session, with time allotted for Q&A.
Clinical Workshop: Workshops are designed to share skills, knowledge, and/or experience related to promoting mental health to a general audience. Workshops will last 50 minutes and should be live, interactive sessions. Submissions must include CVs and bios of all presenters.
Roundtable Discussion: A live, interactive discussion format where participants engage in a collaborative conversation on a specific topic. This roundtable will focus on advocacy strategies related to the theme of the conference. Presenters will be allotted 50 minutes to share their ideas and facilitate group dialogue. Submissions must include CVs and bios of all presenters.
Submission Guidelines
Proposals should be submitted online using the following application form. The priority deadline is February 1 and proposals submitted by this date will be given top priority for inclusion in the program. The final deadline for submissions is March 1.
Please include the following information in your proposal:
- Title: A concise and informative title for your presentation, workshop, or discussion.
- Long Abstract (250-350 words): A summary of your proposed presentation, outlining key points and learning objectives, with scholarly references as appropriate. References do not count toward the word limit.
- Short Abstract (50 words): A brief abstract describing the session to be used in the conference program.
- Presenter Information: Name, affiliation, contact information, and a brief bio of presenters.
- Format: Specify the preferred format (e.g., poster presentation, data blitz, interactive workshop, roundtable discussion).
Important Dates
- Priority Deadline: February 1
- Final Deadline: March 1
- Notification of Acceptance: End of March
- Registration Deadline: March 1
- Conference Date: April 4