Call for programme proposals opens for STEP Conference 2026

CDN and QAA Scotland are excited to invite programme proposals for Stepping Over the Threshold: Belonging and Inclusion in Scotland’s Tertiary Sector, taking place on Wednesday 27 May 2026 at Glasgow Caledonian University. This one-day event will bring together students, staff, researchers and sector partners to explore how belonging, inclusion and key transitional thresholds shape learner journeys across Scotland’s tertiary education landscape.

The conference is part of Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement programme (STEP), delivered by CDN and QAA Scotland and funded by the Scottish Funding Council. STEP drives lasting improvement across colleges and universities through collaboration and innovation. This cycle focuses on Supporting Diverse Learner Journeys, highlighting how the sector can better support learners at key transition points.

The conference is open to the wider tertiary education community, including students, college and university staff, apprentices and training providers, researchers and practitioners, policy and quality specialists, community and widening access partners, and sector leaders. Registration is open to all but will initially be limited to four delegates per institution.

We are inviting programme proposals to help shape an engaging, creative and collaborative day. Sessions can run for 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes and may take many formats, including storytelling, workshops, lightning talks, live demonstrations, panel discussions, or creative approaches such as visual exhibits or performance pieces. Original, experimental and thought-provoking contributions that spark conversation and collaboration across the sector are especially welcome.

We encourage contributors to share practice, research and ideas that foster belonging across Scotland’s tertiary sector. This could include inclusive learning environments, student-staff partnerships, curriculum and assessment innovation, digital inclusion, place-based belonging, or research and evaluation offering new insights into learner experience. We particularly welcome insights into learners’ journeys throughout tertiary education.

Students are central to the conference, and we strongly encourage submissions from the student community. Students may present individually or in groups, and all presentation formats are welcome. Proposals might draw on lived experiences of belonging or exclusion, creative or reflective work, research findings, collaborative initiatives, artwork or media responses, or innovative ideas for change across the sector.

Submissions should include the details of all contributors, a title and abstract (up to 200 words), the proposed format and session length, and any technical or space requirements. Proposals can be submitted via the online form here. If you encounter difficulties completing the form, please contact info@cdn.ac.uk.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 10 April, with decisions made by Friday 24 April and communicated on Monday 27 April.

We look forward to receiving inspiring proposals that showcase the innovation, creativity and commitment to inclusion across Scotland’s tertiary sector. For informal enquiries or to discuss potential content and formats, please contact info@step.ac.uk.