Emerging Issues in Education in North America
Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas
October 29- November 1 1997
Tampico, Tamaulipas
The conference will be structured around four themes:
Regionalism and Organizational Culture: Cultural values, symmetries and asymmetries on collaborative projects, cooperation within cultural diversity, decentralization and regionalism, globalization and local knowledge, the human element, organizational and political cultures.
The Changing Role of Higher Education: Programs and curriculum, towards a cognitive society, training and education, the relationship of higher education with society and the market, employment.
Instructional Technology: The role of the new technology, networking, integration of information, access to technology, communication and exchange in understandable language, new educational options.
Leadership: Styles of leadership under transforming management models, governance for institutional development: mission and vision, strategic planning, the building of meaning and direction, redistribution of power and decision making.
Each of the four conference themes will be discussed in two consecutive sessions: Two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Sessions will be discussions by a panel of educators and policymakers who will be selected based on their ability to discuss the emerging issues of higher education reflected in the four themes, with each panel consisting of one representative from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Each afternoon will consist of two student sessions on the same themes as the morning sessions. In these sessions, students will present papers related to the themes. Each session will include students from all three countries. The conference will close with a plenary session consisting of representatives from each of the earlier panels -- however their task will not be to simply summarize the earlier discussions. Rather, participants in the closing session will integrate the concepts behind the four themes, and describe a vision for higher education in the North American region.
The conference is hosted by the Autonomus University of Tamaulipas (UAT) and will be held at UAT's Center of Excellence in Tampico. With approximately 27,000 students, the University of Tamaulipas's System is the most important higher education institution in the state. Tampico's multi-cultural neighborhoods, including its historic downtown with its French influence,
provide charm and hospitality to the area.
Conference Purpose and Call for Student Papers
The conference will meet two primary objectives:
By comparing experiences across the North American region, and by reflecting on the lessons learned from trilateral academic collaboration, the conference will develop a vision of how higher education in each of the three countries will adapt to meet the rapidly changing needs of students and society.
Since graduate students in education are the prospective leaders of the educational systems of the three countries, the conference will offer them an opportunity to develop and present their ideas about the future of higher education, and obtain direct feedback from current educational leaders across the region. We believe that the educational leaders will likewise
benefit from exposure to the fresh experiences and perspectives of the students.
To meet these objectives, we encourage students to submit papers related to the four conference themes. In particular, we want to focus on critical issues within the trilateral framework, including sensitive subjects, themes, and concerns usually addressed in corridors or informal spaces. The emerging North American higher education agenda needs to be discussed and analyzed in plain language where being "politically correct" is less important than trying to understand and clarify. Advancement of the
trilateral dialogue allows us to be more precise and inquisitive in understanding both our similarities and differences, in order to visualize our real possibilities for interaction. This conference will combine articulate discourse with action; ideas with facts; the desirable with the possible.
Please send three copies of the following:
* A single-page proposal abstract not exceeding 200 words
* A brief biographical sketch
* A completed presenter's reply form (in this announcement)
Presentations will be limited to 20 minutes, including time for questions and discussion. The Conference will provide a podium, microphone and electronic audio-visual equipment such as computer connected to electronic display. Software applications should run on Windows platform, preferably Windows 95 or 97. Simultaneous translation of each presentation will be provided.
Proposals are due by September 26, 1997. Mail or fax proposals to Ana Aramburo , Division of Conferences and Institutes, Center for Excellence Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Centro Universitario Cd. Victoria, Tamaulipas Mexico; fax 52 131 2 5223, e mail aramburo@tamatan.uat.mx
Receipt of your proposal will be acknowledged, and notifications of acceptance will be sent by October 10, 1997.
The Conference Committee plans to publish Proceedings. If you wish your paper to be considered for publication, please be prepared to submit a copy-ready version of your paper. Additional information will be provided in acceptance letters to presenters.
Registration Information
Location: The Conference will be held at the Center for Excellence, Universidad Autonomo de Tamaulipas, Tampico, Tamaulipas 89000; telephone 52 12 10 4202; fax: 52 12 28 3648. The Hotel Posada de Tampico has been selected to host the participants. The hotel is less than one mile from the UAT campus. A block of rooms has been reserved for conference participants at $45 + 15% tax per night, and the rate will be extended for three days before and after the Conference for participants planning longer visits. Conference participants are responsible for making hotel reservations directly with the hotel. To receive the conference rate, identify your affiliation with the Trilateral Conference when making reservations.
For More Information: Questions regarding registration and logistics may be directed to the Division of Conferences and Institutes, Center for Excellence Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, 87000 Centro Universitario Cd. Victoria, Tamaulipas 87000 Mexico; telephone 52 131 2 5223, 52 131 2 5803; ; fax 813-974-5421.Please direct questions about Conference content to Dr. Jaime Chaire, Conference Chairperson, Center for Excellence Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas; e-mail jchaire@tamatan.uat.mx.
Trilateral Conference on Asymmetries:
Emerging Issues in Education in North America
Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas
October 29- November 1º 1997
Tampico, Tamaulipas
Conference Program
Thursday, October 30
Registration 18.00
Dinner 20.00
Friday, October 31
Panel 1: Regionalism and Organizational Culture 09.00
Coffee Break 10.45
Panel 2: The Changing Role of Higher Education 11.00
Lunch 12.45
Student Panel 1: Regionalism and Organizational Culture 14.00
Break 15.45
Student Panel 2: The Changing Role of Higher Education 16.00
Saturday, November 1
Panel 3: Instructional Technology 09.00
Coffee Break 10.45
Panel 4: Leadership 11.00
Lunch 12.45
Student Panel 3: Instructional Technology 14.00
Break 15.45
Student Panel 4: Leadership 16.00
Closing Plenary Session 18.00
Reception 19.30