07/21/2026

2027 ECA Convention G.I.F.T.S. Community College Interest Group Call for Submissions

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Community College Interest Group

118th Eastern Communication Association Annual Convention

Full Circle | Hyatt Regency, Reston, VA | March 30–April 4, 2027

Submission Deadline: October 29, 2026, 11:59 pm

Submit here.

For the first time in 16 years, the Commonwealth of Virginia will host the ECA Annual Convention. The 2027 convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency Reston in Fairfax County — an area where discourse shapes national dialogue, diverse communities converge, and history unfolds. The theme, "Full Circle," invites reflection on cyclical ideas, relationships, and professional journeys

At ECA this year, we were energized by everyone’s generosity and passion for effective and empathetic pedagogy. We look forward to another enlightening and energizing gathering next spring in beautiful Reston, VA, and we are calling on all of you to share your innovative teaching ideas.

SUGGESTED THEME PROMPTS

To reflect the full circle picture of great ideas for teaching undergraduate students, submissions can fall into one of two categories of ideas:

Activities & Lessons and Classroom Management & Policy 

Activities & Lessons  

These ideas should be based on a quick and unique activity, assignment, game, or simulation that you have successfully used in the classroom. The idea should be easily completed in ONE class period. Some prompts include:

• Literacy: media, information, technology, and reading/writing
• Intersections of interpersonal and intercultural communication
• Group communication in applied settings
• Nonverbal communication literacy
• Public speaking and presenting online
• Anxiety management for presentations

Classroom Management & Policy 

These ideas should be based on a pedagogical strategy you have successfully implemented to improve the learning experience and environment. Some prompts include:

• Assessment in the age of AI 
• Constructive dialogue strategies
• Supplementary reading material and formats
• Community Engaged Learning & Experiential Learning
• Scaffolding in curriculum design
• Professionalism policies: lateness, alternative assignments, and communicating via email

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

G.I.F.T.S. submissions should be fully explainable and presentable within 5-7 minutes, and presenters must provide a handout for session attendees to take home so that they can easily implement the G.I.F.T.S. in their own classrooms. Submissions that are for niche courses or larger projects that expand beyond one class period will not be considered. 

When submitting a G.I.F.T.S., complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:

• Title
• Author/s 
• Abstract - a concise summary of your GIFT. 
• Additional Information:
• Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling.  
• Documents: Upload a BLIND Word or PDF file that contains the following information: 
• The course(s) for which it is intended
• The goals and objectives of the activity
• A rationale for conducting this particular activity
• Directions for the activity, including
• any preparation/preliminary steps &/or materials needed
• an explanation of the connection to concepts, theory, and/or skills covered in the activity
• How to debrief the activity
• Typical results
• The following statement of professional responsibility: In submitting the attached paper or proposal, I/We recognize that an accepted paper, panel, or poster is considered a professional responsibility. If this submission is accepted and programmed, I/We agree to register for the ECA convention, pay fees, and present the work. I/We understand that presenters with last-minute emergencies should take all possible measures to arrange an alternate presenter and communicate their plans to both the Interest Group Planner and ECA VP.  

Note: If your submission is selected, the information above can be compiled into a document that can also serve as a template for your in-session handout.

TECHNOLOGY & A/V AVAILABILITY

• Submitters will be asked if they would like a room equipped with a projector, screen, sound, wireless mouse and slide advancer, and Wi-Fi
• Presenters must supply their own laptop
• Google Slides and PowerPoint templates with the Full Circle theme available on the ECA  convention website

Submit Here.

Questions? Contact G.I.F.T.S. Interest Group Planner:

Ellen Santa Maria, West Chester University – santamaria.et@gmail.com

Acceptance Notifications: January 2027