Conferences and Gatherings
Conferences and gatherings among NetVUE members allow for a valuable interchange of knowledge, program ideas, and best practices. National conferences held every other year bring together teams of campus leaders with expert resource persons from across the country and serve as one of the NetVUE cornerstone activities. Regional gatherings and multi-campus collaborations are held in alternating years around topics or themes of interest and are organized by member campuses. NetVUE funding from member dues and Lilly Endowment Inc. provides the financial support for these events.
(Jump to information on National Conferences)
Regional Gatherings and Multi-Campus Collaborations
In the alternating years between biennial national conferences, NetVUE supports regional gatherings and multi-campus collaborations on specific topics. NetVUE member campuses, or a group of campuses, are encouraged to organize and host such gatherings based on issues or themes of interest. These events will build smaller networks among member campuses based on location, affiliation, program offerings, or other points of mutual interest.
In 2011–2012 NetVUE hosted seven regional and topical gatherings, two in fall 2011 and five in spring 2012.
- “Classrooms, Curricula, and Contexts: Vocation, Higher Education, and the Formation of Religious and Moral Identities” – Hosted by Calvin College, Oct. 6, 2011 (
Details)
- “Educating for Wisdom and Vocation: Christian Resources for the Contemporary Academy” – Hosted by Baylor University, Oct. 27, 2011 (Details)
- Emerging Adulthood and the Ignatian Vision: Vocational Discernment for College Students” – Hosted by John Carroll University (OH), February 3–5, 2012 (Details)
“Vocation through Experiential Learning: Tying Vocational Reflection into Study Abroad, Service Learning, and Civic Engagement” – Hosted by California Lutheran University (CA), March 9–10, 2012 (
Details)
- “Loaves and Fishes: Creating Opportunities for Theological Exploration of Vocation in our Campus Contexts” – Hosted by Monmouth College, Mar. 23–24, 2012 (Details)
- “The Origins and Goal of the Scientific Vocation” – Hosted by Seton Hall University, Mar 30, 2012 (Details)
- “Inspiring the Soul: A Call to Live with Integrity and Moral Courage” – Hosted by LaGrange College, Apr. 12–13, 2012 (Details)
In fall 2010, NetVUE hosted two regional gatherings:
- “Living the Questions” – Hosted by Earlham College, Oct. 1–2, 2010 (Details)
- “Models of Excellence in Vocation Mentoring” – Hosted by St. Norbert College, Nov. 11–13, 2010 (Details)
NetVUE provides modest financial support for regional gatherings and multi-campus collaborations. To request support for such an initiative, please submit the following materials:
- A written proposal of no more than three pages that describes the:
- Purpose of the event or collaboration and ways it will foster the theological exploration of vocation in undergraduate education;
- Specific target audience of NetVUE member institutions and/or roles of campus leaders to be invited (program leaders, faculty members, etc.);
- Proposed date(s) and program outline, including resources and presenters;
- Planning and implementation timeline; and
- Evaluation process.
- A proposed budget for revenues and expenses, including amount requested from NetVUE with a one-page budget narrative that explains the budget plan. Typically such small gatherings cost $7,000 to $8,500. The maximum provided by NetVUE will not exceed $10,000.
- An information sheet that includes name, title, and complete contact information of the person submitting the proposal.
- A letter of support from the president or chief academic officer of the host institution.
Proposals should be submitted electronically to
NetVUE@cic.nche.edu. The receipt of a proposal will be confirmed. Questions may be directed to Shirley Roels, CIC Senior Advisor for NetVUE, at
sroels@cic.nche.edu or (616) 526-7819.
The inaugural NetVUE national conference occurred on March 10–12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (
Read more about the 2011 conference theme and program details.) The next NetVUE Conference is being planned for March 14-16, 2013.
The March 2011 NetVUE conference built on the
March 2009 VUE Conference (visit the
community network site to view resources from the 2009 conference). At that time the Council of Independent Colleges brought together representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities to expand and extend engagement about campus-based programs for the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation. The Vocation in Undergraduate Education: Extending the Theological Exploration of Vocation Conference, generously supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., established the shape and scope of the NetVUE initiative. Of the participating institutions, half had prior experience in the Lilly Endowment’s Program for the Theological Exploration of Vocation (PTEV); the other half was selected for their locally developed vocational exploration programs.
Listen to Podcasts from the 2011 Conference: