Call for Proposals

CALL FOR PROPOSALS OPEN: JANUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 18, 2026

2026 Conference Theme: Beyond the Algorithm: Student Mental Health in a Digital World

Texas A&M University Health Services invites proposals for presentations and workshops at our annual College Counseling Conference (CCC), taking place May 14-15, 2026, virtually through Zoom.

This year's theme focuses on the evolving nature of student mental health and wellness in the face of rapid technological change and shifting cultural and generational norms and its impact on higher education. We welcome proposals that challenge assumptions, share innovative practices, and demonstrate how college mental health providers can adapt with empathy and resilience.

All presenters will receive waived registration fees.

Program Submission Form

Required elements include a summary of your program, including a brief abstract; your program topic, length and type/format; learning objectives; and rationale for your program (including 5 references with at least 3 from the past 5-10 years). The conference committee will review submissions for acceptance.

For CEU purposes, you will also need to complete and submit the following for each presenter:

All submissions are due by Monday, February 24, 2025 (11:59 p.m.).

University Health Services prioritizes accessibility for all participants and presenters.

For any general questions or questions related to program submissions, or accessibility or to request an accommodation to participate fully in this event (e.g., communication access, alternate formats), please email uhsinfo@tamu.edu.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Deadline: February 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST

Proposals must include:

Program summary and brief abstract
Topic, format, and estimated length
Learning objectives
Rationale with 5 references (at least 3 from the past 5-10 years)
CV or resume

For CEU eligibility, each selected presenter will be required to submit three additional forms to the Texas A&M Continuing and Professional Education (CPED) office. Instructions for completing these forms will be sent following acceptance of the proposal.

Sessions addressing ethical concerns will be prioritized for CEU credit. Ethical content should be woven throughout and reference relevant professional codes (APA, ACA, NASW)

Submit your proposal online.

Potential Session Topics

The College Counseling Conference will offer a variety of sessions to assist mental health providers in college counseling centers as they support students and university counseling center staff.

Session topics may include:

Ethical and Responsible Use of AI in Counseling
Emotional Attachment to AI and Virtual Companionship
Digital Disconnection and Relational Skill Building
Social Media's Influence on Student Well-bring and Belonging
Gaming and the Potential Impacts on Mental Health
Self-Diagnosis and Mental Health Literacy
Trauma-Informed and Resilience-Focused Care in an Overexposed Generation
Creative Utilization of Digital Tools and Apps
Benefits of AI/Technology for Disability, Accommodation and Accessibility
Counselor Wellness and Technological Exhaustion

Session Formats

We encourage creative formats that promote engagement, including:

Presentations (90 minutes)
Workshops (90 minutes or 3 hours)
Panels or roundtables
Interactive discussions with breakout groups or case studies

Submissions should emphasize practical applications, skill-building, and/or critical conversations relevant to college counseling professionals.

University Health Services prioritizes accessibility for all participants and presenters. For questions or accommodation requests, contact uhsconference@tamu.edu.