Call for Abstracts
COSMA2023 Conference | Tampa, FL
Emphasizing Experiential Learning in Higher Education in a Post-Pandemic Society
Emphasizing Experiential Learning in Higher Education in a Post-Pandemic Society
Submission deadline: November 1, 2022. Notice of acceptance sent out no later than December 1, 2022.
When: February 2-3, 2023 (Thursday, Friday)
Where: In-person, Tampa, Florida, USA. Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk (hotel), all conference sessions held on the University of Tampa campus.
When: February 2-3, 2023 (Thursday, Friday)
Where: In-person, Tampa, Florida, USA. Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk (hotel), all conference sessions held on the University of Tampa campus.
Download the Call for Abstracts
online conference abstract submission form
Conference Theme DESCRIPTION
Experiential Learning in Higher Education in a Post-Pandemic Society
The COVID-19 pandemic forced significant alterations to our daily lives. While we continue to adjust to a post-pandemic global society, the effects of COVID-19 restrictions, lockdowns, and quarantines are still significant. Within the field of sport management specifically, many pandemic-related safety precautions have become – or are destined to become – standard practice (Hagen et al., 2020; O’Brien, 2020) as the sport industry adjusts and adapts to the “new normal.” However, the balance between the desire for a return to normalcy and adaptation to a post-pandemic society is delicate and necessitates unique discussions regarding health and safety to determine best practices and develop an understanding of how to proceed.
Experiential education is integral to the student experience in higher education (Eyler, 2009; Itin, 1999; Katula & Threnhauser, 2009; Laurin et al., 2014; Smith, 2016; Stanton, 1987). COSMA Principle 7.3 codifies as much:
Experiential learning integrating knowledge and theory with practical application and skill development is essential to a student’s educational experience (2022, p. 57).
Beginning in March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic preempted the scarcity of experiential education and learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in the United States and around the world. Faculty struggled to find meaningful internships, practicums, and placements for students. The market for student-specific experiential development opportunities has shifted in accordance with societal adjustments to the pandemic (Bilsland et al., 2020; Feldman, 2021; Gill, 2020; Park, 2021; Slater & Cojanu, 2021). Amid the changing marketplace, experiential education and learning remains an invaluable component of the greater student experience in the field of sport management.
Accordingly, the changing landscape, market, and structure of experiential education opportunities available to sport management students within higher education is in need of examination. In order for faculty to best serve the needs of students and provide the most valuable educational experience, the 2023 COSMA Conference seeks to serve as a colloquium for students, academicians, and practitioners to engage in constructive discussions regarding the re-formation of the marketplace pertaining to student experiential education and learning opportunities.
Topics examining this theme from a variety of methodological approaches are encouraged.
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Nurturing the Growth and Development of Esports in Academia
Guest Reviewer: Dr. Dina Gentile, Endicott College, Content Area Expert
The Esports industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the course of the past decade (Olsen, 2015; Smithies et al., 2020). With a multi-billion-dollar market valuation and a significant market share globally, Esports appears destined to continue to flourish. Accordingly, the study of Esports has generated traction as a content area and academic discipline in higher education. In the United States, major degree programs and minor concentrations focused specifically on the Esports industry continue to materialize in academic catalogs. The popularity of gaming, pervasiveness of Esports tournaments, and financial opportunity within an emerging marketplace lends itself to student interest in Esports as an academic discipline worthy of study (McCarthy, 2019; McClellan et al., 2020; McGrath, 2019).
As a supplement to the Esports Management Summits offered by COSMA and Endicott College, COSMA has issued a call for further research and discussion regarding the implementation of Esports management within the existing institutional setting. Topics of specific note feature: Esports curriculum development, high-impact teaching practices, implementation of competitive teams, and student recruitment initiatives. Topics from all areas related to Esports will be considered while research from a variety of methodological approaches is encouraged.
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Incorporating Socially Inclusive Pedagogy
In 2020, COSMA made an organizational commitment to pursue diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within its leadership structure, membership, and the greater field of sport management. Part of this commitment is the continued pledge to advance dialogue around DEI and social justice initiatives. As such, COSMA continues its broad theme of “equity in sport” by focusing on incorporating social justice – and its many variants – in the classroom. As a nationwide audience exposed to social initiatives through the consumption of sport, sport management educators must navigate students’ perceptions and understanding of the field of sport management as it adapts within America and a global society.
Submissions may feature, but are not limited to: Race and Equity; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Gender; Sexual orientation; Disability; Economic class and status, etc. Pedagogy that seeks to provide a voice to marginalized populations increases student awareness and understanding of initiatives that may be unknown or unfamiliar to them (Gale et al., 2017) and can contribute to the formation of a more inclusive society. Topics from all areas related to esports will be considered while research from a variety of methodological approaches is encouraged.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced significant alterations to our daily lives. While we continue to adjust to a post-pandemic global society, the effects of COVID-19 restrictions, lockdowns, and quarantines are still significant. Within the field of sport management specifically, many pandemic-related safety precautions have become – or are destined to become – standard practice (Hagen et al., 2020; O’Brien, 2020) as the sport industry adjusts and adapts to the “new normal.” However, the balance between the desire for a return to normalcy and adaptation to a post-pandemic society is delicate and necessitates unique discussions regarding health and safety to determine best practices and develop an understanding of how to proceed.
Experiential education is integral to the student experience in higher education (Eyler, 2009; Itin, 1999; Katula & Threnhauser, 2009; Laurin et al., 2014; Smith, 2016; Stanton, 1987). COSMA Principle 7.3 codifies as much:
Experiential learning integrating knowledge and theory with practical application and skill development is essential to a student’s educational experience (2022, p. 57).
Beginning in March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic preempted the scarcity of experiential education and learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in the United States and around the world. Faculty struggled to find meaningful internships, practicums, and placements for students. The market for student-specific experiential development opportunities has shifted in accordance with societal adjustments to the pandemic (Bilsland et al., 2020; Feldman, 2021; Gill, 2020; Park, 2021; Slater & Cojanu, 2021). Amid the changing marketplace, experiential education and learning remains an invaluable component of the greater student experience in the field of sport management.
Accordingly, the changing landscape, market, and structure of experiential education opportunities available to sport management students within higher education is in need of examination. In order for faculty to best serve the needs of students and provide the most valuable educational experience, the 2023 COSMA Conference seeks to serve as a colloquium for students, academicians, and practitioners to engage in constructive discussions regarding the re-formation of the marketplace pertaining to student experiential education and learning opportunities.
Topics examining this theme from a variety of methodological approaches are encouraged.
---
Nurturing the Growth and Development of Esports in Academia
Guest Reviewer: Dr. Dina Gentile, Endicott College, Content Area Expert
The Esports industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the course of the past decade (Olsen, 2015; Smithies et al., 2020). With a multi-billion-dollar market valuation and a significant market share globally, Esports appears destined to continue to flourish. Accordingly, the study of Esports has generated traction as a content area and academic discipline in higher education. In the United States, major degree programs and minor concentrations focused specifically on the Esports industry continue to materialize in academic catalogs. The popularity of gaming, pervasiveness of Esports tournaments, and financial opportunity within an emerging marketplace lends itself to student interest in Esports as an academic discipline worthy of study (McCarthy, 2019; McClellan et al., 2020; McGrath, 2019).
As a supplement to the Esports Management Summits offered by COSMA and Endicott College, COSMA has issued a call for further research and discussion regarding the implementation of Esports management within the existing institutional setting. Topics of specific note feature: Esports curriculum development, high-impact teaching practices, implementation of competitive teams, and student recruitment initiatives. Topics from all areas related to Esports will be considered while research from a variety of methodological approaches is encouraged.
---
Incorporating Socially Inclusive Pedagogy
In 2020, COSMA made an organizational commitment to pursue diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within its leadership structure, membership, and the greater field of sport management. Part of this commitment is the continued pledge to advance dialogue around DEI and social justice initiatives. As such, COSMA continues its broad theme of “equity in sport” by focusing on incorporating social justice – and its many variants – in the classroom. As a nationwide audience exposed to social initiatives through the consumption of sport, sport management educators must navigate students’ perceptions and understanding of the field of sport management as it adapts within America and a global society.
Submissions may feature, but are not limited to: Race and Equity; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Gender; Sexual orientation; Disability; Economic class and status, etc. Pedagogy that seeks to provide a voice to marginalized populations increases student awareness and understanding of initiatives that may be unknown or unfamiliar to them (Gale et al., 2017) and can contribute to the formation of a more inclusive society. Topics from all areas related to esports will be considered while research from a variety of methodological approaches is encouraged.
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Abstract Submission Deadline: November 1st, 2022. Must be submitted electronically.
Use the following guidelines for your written submission:
Use the following guidelines for your written submission:
- No more than 500 words (2 pages, double spaced, APA 7th edition).
- Summarize proposed or completed research, best practice, or pedagogical innovation.
- (if applicable) Connect the content of your presentation to the conference theme.
- Select one of the following formats:
- 20-minute presentation
- 30-minute panel, workshop or professional development session
- Select one or more of the following tracks:
- Research
- Pedagogy
- Social Justice/DEI
- Esports Management
- Best Practice
- Accreditation process
- By submitting an abstract, you acknowledge your intention to attend the conference and present a full-length (20- or 30-minute) presentation.
- Contact Program Manager Chris Corr with any questions.
