The Office of Assessment and Evaluation in the Division of Access and Engagement is excited to announce their second annual EMBRACE Symposium, which will take place in the Student Union on November 17–18 , 2026. This symposium will help to advance a culture of assessment and accountability on campus by:

• fostering community among professionals engaged in the work of assessment and evaluation
• helping participants connect the reflection and assessment skills needed to promote impartial policies and practices
• creating opportunities to celebrate units, departments, and academic areas that have leveraged reflective assessment practices as a tool for positive change either on campus or in the local community

Through this initiative, the organizers aspire to educate the campus community about the value of assessment practices in cultivating working and learning environments where all matter, belong, and thrive.

All staff, faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate and professional students are encouraged to submit proposals by June 8 for review.

Topics of Interest

Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate success in leveraging assessment practices to promote positive change. This year, the Symposium will feature five proposal tracks (shown below), offering focused spaces for presenters to share bold ideas, innovative practices, and real-world examples of informed change driven by assessment practices. We invite submissions (workshops, collaborative roundtable sessions, poster presentations, and panels) that demonstrate how curiosity, reflection, and thoughtful evaluation are shaping policies, strengthening programs, and driving meaningful improvement across higher education.

Student Development and Writing

Guiding Question: How have curiosity driven assessment practices improved student learning, development, engagement, or wellbeing?

Examples may include:

• assessment-informed enhancements to academic or co curricular learning experiences
• use of student feedback or inquiry to redesign courses, programs, or supports
• initiatives that improved retention, persistence, or academic performance
• programs strengthening belonging, identity development, or holistic wellbeing
• evidence of changes in learning outcomes or engagement patterns

Land-Grant Initiatives and Projects

Guiding Question: How have reflective assessment practices strengthened programs, initiatives, or services connected to your institution’s land-grant mission?

Examples may include:

• outreach, extension, or statewide educational programs
• initiatives promoting access, learning, or public service
• community health and wellbeing
• assessment-guided improvements in delivery, effectiveness, or reach
• reflection cycles or participant input that refined or expanded programs
• evidence of impact on Tennesseans or statewide objectives

Leadership and Career Development

Guiding Question: How have curiosity and reflective assessment shaped approaches to leadership development or career readiness?

Examples may include:

• leadership programs redesigned through reflective assessment
• professional development or mentoring informed by assessment insights
• initiatives that build confidence, competencies, or applied skills
• use of reflective tools such as journals, portfolios, or feedback cycles
• evidence of leadership growth among students, faculty, or staff

Recruitment, Retention, and Workforce Belonging

Guiding Question: How have assessment practices informed efforts to attract, retain, support, and empower students, faculty and staff?

Examples may include:

• assessment-informed improvements in onboarding or staff development
• initiatives strengthening belonging, satisfaction, or workplace climate
• use of surveys, interviews, or dashboards to guide decision-making
• programs that enhanced retention, advancement, or organizational effectiveness
• evidence of improved workforce engagement or stability

Innovation and Collaboration for Continuous Improvement

Guiding Question: How have technology, innovation, or collaborative assessment strategies advanced the continuous improvement of your program or initiative?

Examples may include:

• use of dashboards, analytics, AI tools, or digital assessments
• cross-unit collaborations grounded in shared assessment goals
• iterative redesign cycles informed by reflection and experimentation
• new methodologies improving clarity, accessibility, or program impact
• evidence showing innovation-driven improvements

Submission Process

Submissions must include the following submitted through the online form by May 29, 2026:

• Title and Format: Provide a concise and descriptive title and identify format (panel, poster session, workshop or presentation, roundtable discussion)
• Summary: 150–200 words summarizing the purpose, goals, and connection to the theme
• Abstract (MAX 600 words), addressing:
  • Role of curiosity in shaping your project
  • Reflective assessment methods used
  • Evidence of impact
  • Lessons learned and recommendations
• Track Alignment: Indicate which track(s) your proposal fits
• Presenter Information: Include names, titles, affiliations, and contact details

Selection Criteria

• alignment with symposium theme
• connection to one or more tracks
• effective use of reflective, curiosity-driven assessment
• evidence of meaningful impact or improvement

Submit your proposal

Notifications of acceptance will be delivered by late June/early July. Contact [email protected] with any questions.