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Call for Values Day Proposals

Faculty, Staff, Students and Community Members: Call for Proposals

Please see information for each submission type below.

Submission Process

Notifications will be sent on a rolling basis for all proposal submissions.

 Thank you for contributing to this important tradition that makes Stetson University a place where values truly come alive!

We are thrilled to invite proposals for Stetson University's annual Values Day, one of our most cherished traditions established by President H. Douglas Lee. This special day brings together our entire university community - students, faculty, staff, and community partners - for reflection, dialogue, and action centered on our core values: Intellectual Exploration, Inclusive Community, Human Dignity and Personal Growth.

Proposal Window: September 7-September 30

SUBMIT Workshop Proposal

Workshop Formats

Full Workshop Session - One interactive workshop (75 minutes) that engages participants in hands-on exploration of values-based topics through discussion, activities, and practical application.

Split Workshop Sessions - Two complementary workshops (35 minutes each) with different presenters sharing the same time block. (Ideal for related topics or different perspectives on the same theme). Scheduled 5-minute transition.

Suggested Topics:

We welcome workshop proposals that connect to our theme, America's 250th Birthday: "What values will shape the next 250 years?" and help participants translate values into action.

  • Values in Action & Leadership
  • Personal Growth & Self-Reflection
  • Social Responsibility & Community Engagement
  • Global Citizenship & Cultural Perspectives
  • Professional & Career Development
  • Technology & Digital Life
  • Health & Wellness
  • Creative Expression & Arts
  • Environmental & Sustainability Issues

*See more details on application

Audience

    Your presentation will reach a diverse audience including:

    • Undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines
    • Faculty and staff across all departments
    • Community partners and local organizations
    • Alumni and community members

    Proposal Requirements

    Proposal submissions should include:

    1. Title (limit 15 words)
    2. Format (75-minute workshop or 35-minute split session)
    3. Presenter Information (name, title, affiliation)
    4. Abstract (150-200 words describing your session's content, approach, and learning objectives)
    5. Connection to Theme (50-75 words explaining how your proposal relates to the theme)
    6. Interactive Elements (brief description of how participants will be engaged)
    7. Technical Requirements (any special equipment, room setup, or technology needs)

    Presentation Guidelines

    Proposal Window: September 7-September 30

    All presentations should:

    • Connect clearly to the America's 250th Birthday: "What values will shape the next 250 years?" theme
    • Include interactive elements that engage participants
    • Provide practical takeaways participants can apply in their lives
    • Be accessible to a diverse, multidisciplinary audience
    • Encourage reflection on personal values and actions

    Collaborative Proposals Welcome

    We encourage collaborative proposals from:

    • Multiple departments or organizations
    • Faculty-student partnerships
    • Community organization partnerships
    • Interdisciplinary teams
    • Student organization collaborations

    Note: Presenters may participate in a maximum of TWO presentations but can be the lead presenter on only ONE. Include the names of all group participants.

    *SUBMIT SEPARATE PROPOSALS FOR EACH WORKSHOP/ACTIVITY YOU DESIRE TO PARTICIPATE IN.

    SUBMIT Film Proposal

    Film Formats

    We welcome submissions of short film (15 minutes) proposals that connect to our theme, America's 250th Birthday: "What values will shape the next 250 years?" and help participants translate values into action exploring the followng themes:

     Potential Themes:

    • Personal journeys of value discovery
    • Community service and social responsibility
    • Cultural perspectives on shared values
    • Environmental stewardship stories
    • Overcoming challenges through values-based decisions
    • Campus life and authentic living

    Proposal Requirements

    Proposal Window: September 7-September 30
    Proposal Requirements:

    • Original short films (documentaries, narratives, experimental, animation, etc.)
    • Films that connect to the America's 250th Birthday: "What values will shape the next 250 years?" theme or explore values in action
    • Student-created works (individual or collaborative projects welcome)
    • Films completed within the past two academic years

    Submission Criteria

    • Maximum length: 15 minutes per film (to accommodate multiple submissions)
    • Must be created, produced, directed, or significantly contributed to by current Stetson students
    • All genres and styles welcome
    • Films should be suitable for a general university audience
    • High-quality digital format required for screening

    *SUBMIT SEPARATE PROPOSALS FOR EACH FILM.

    SUBMIT Concert Proposal

    Concert Formats

    We welcome the submission of songs that shape our future (90 minutes). Share your musical talents while celebrating the values that inspire and guide us! Submit a proposal for an original composition or meaningful cover that connects to our values theme, America's 250th Birthday: "What values will shape the next 250 years?" 

    Song Selection Guidance:

    • Original songs exploring themes of authenticity, values, and life purpose
    • Covers that resonate with the America's 250th Birthday: "What values will shape the next 250 years?" theme
    • Music that celebrates community, growth, and social responsibility
    • Instrumental pieces that inspire reflection or celebration
    • Songs that represent diverse cultural perspectives on values

    Proposal Window: September 7-September 30
    Performance     Guidelines

    • Solo artists, bands, ensembles, and collaborative groups  
    • Original compositions or meaningful covers that connect to our values theme
    • Diverse musical styles and genres (acoustic, folk, rock, jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, hip-hop, funk, classical, world music, Afrobeats, reggae, etc.) 
    • Performances that inspire, uplift, or provoke thoughtful reflection

    Performance Criteria:

    • Performance slots: 8-12 minutes per act (includes setup/transition time)
    • Must include at least one current Stetson community member (student, faculty, staff)
    • Family-friendly content appropriate for outdoor community event
    • Performers must provide their own instruments (basic sound system provided)
    • Weather backup plan required

    *Note: Performers may participate in a maximum of two performances.
    **SUBMIT SEPARATE PROPOSALS FOR EACH PERFORMANCE