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FAQS: Submitting an MLK 2025 Session Proposal

Who can submit a proposal?

Any Bentley student, faculty, staff, or alumni can submit a proposal. Proposals can include a mix of stakeholders. For example, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit proposals with students, among each other, or may include bringing in an outside expert. Guests cannot submit a proposal without a Bentley community member as a co-facilitator. 

Can you share examples of sessions from last year? What types of sessions could be included in the MLK 2025 event?

To learn about last year’s event, including session descriptions, please click here. To learn more about the types of sessions the planning committee would love to see this year, you can review our Ideas to Inspire document

What is the due date for submitting a proposal, and when will we be notified if our proposal is accepted?

The deadline for submitting a proposal is November 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Acceptances will be communicated by December 9, 2024. 

What are the criteria for a successful proposal?

Successful proposals should address all questions included in the form. Additionally, they should clearly describe how the presenters will engage participants. A clear connection to the legacy of MLK (see our Ideas to Inspire document for more) and motivating our community to serve as positive agents of change are strongly encouraged. 

How long should a session run?

Most sessions are 75 minutes in length. If your proposed session would run longer than that timeframe (e.g., a film screening and discussion), please note this in the “special needs” section of the proposal form. 

I want to bring in an outside speaker. Does Bentley have funding to support this option?

If there is an outside expert you would like to bring in, you can request up to $500 from the planning committee as an honorarium for your outside speaker. 

I want to buy supplies or food for a session. Will Bentley provide funds to do so?

You can request up to $500 from the planning committee for supplies or food for a session. 

I am interested in collaborating with others on submitting a proposal. Can someone help connect me to others?

Absolutely! Please reach out to the Planning Committee chair, Mary Marcel, to connect with others who have expertise or interest in your topic. 

I would like to talk about my proposal. Can someone help guide or support me in this process?

Of course! Please contact the Planning Committee chair, Mary Marcel, for additional information.