DC Chair

Champion of early-career researchers in immersive learning.
The DC Chair(s) curate, organize, and facilitate the Doctoral Colloquium at iLRN2026, creating a supportive environment where doctoral students can share their work, receive feedback, and build connections.

🎯 Responsibilities at a Glance (Checklist)

Format & Structure
- Work with Program Chairs to define the format of DC presentations (papers, posters, hybrid).
Recruitment & Visibility
- Advertise the Colloquium across iLRN disciplines.
- Recruit strong participation (both paper submissions and poster-only).
- Raise visibility for student research within the broader iLRN community.
Feedback & Mentorship
- Plan activities for students to receive constructive feedback on proposals and ongoing research.
- Recruit experienced mentors to provide guidance.
Networking & Community
- Facilitate peer-to-peer networking among doctoral students.
- Connect students with senior researchers in shared interest areas.
- Coordinate informal and formal networking opportunities (e.g., DC lunch, social mixers, or virtual meet-ups).
Skill-Building Activities
- Organize workshops or special sessions on conducting immersive learning research (methodologies, publishing, ethics).
- Provide “survival skills” content (e.g., navigating academic careers, funding strategies).
Ceremonial Role
- Ensure student participation is visible in the Opening and/or Closing Ceremonies.

🗓️ Timeline & Key Milestones

12–9 months out: Finalize DC format with Program Chairs; draft CfP section; begin advertising.
9–6 months out: Recruit submissions; confirm reviewing structure; recruit mentors.
6–3 months out: Send reminders to students; finalize accepted participants; prepare poster/paper guidelines.
3–1 months out: Plan workshops/special sessions; match students with mentors; organize networking events.
Conference Week: Host the Doctoral Colloquium, workshops, and networking sessions.
Post-Conference: Gather feedback; archive proceedings; maintain contact with DC alumni.

🛠️ Working Toolkit (MVP)

CfP Template (Doctoral Colloquium)
Recruitment Flyer & Sample Posts for advertising
Review Guidelines for DC submissions
Poster & Presentation Guidelines for student presenters
Mentor Briefing Sheet (how to provide constructive feedback)
Workshop Menu (topics + templates for volunteer facilitators)
Networking Ideas Kit (icebreakers, formats for small groups, hybrid activities)

🤝 Coordination Map

Program Chairs: Finalize format; ensure DC integrates into program.
General Chairs: Approve CfP text; highlight DC in official announcements.
Publicity & Comms Team: Advertise CfP and highlight student participation.
Virtual Campus Team: Support hybrid/online DC activities and networking.
Awards Chair: Explore opportunities for Best DC Poster/Paper recognitions.
Mentor Volunteers (Circle of Scholars, senior members): Provide feedback and advice.

🧩 MVP vs. Nice-to-Have

MVP (before recruiting students):

CfP draft ready
DC flyer / sample posts
Poster & paper guidelines
Review process setup
Mentor recruitment plan

Nice-to-Have (volunteer-supported):

Recorded mentor “lightning talks” for DC participants
Structured networking events (speed mentoring, thematic tables, VR meet-ups)
Dedicated Best DC Poster/Paper awards
Post-conference alumni community space for DC graduates

🪴 Notes

DC Chairs serve a 2-year term, with the first year as apprentice to a more experienced Chair.
Aim for early visibility, constructive feedback, and meaningful connection for doctoral students—the DC should feel like both a milestone and a springboard in their career.

iLRN2026 Conference Organizing Committee D.C. Chair role description:

The Doctoral Colloquium Chair/s are responsible for advertising and organising the Doctoral Colloquium session. More specifically the Doctoral Colloquium Chairs have the following responsibilities:

Work with the Program Chairs to the format of the Doctoral Colloquium presentations
Advertise the Doctoral Colloquium across the disciplines falling under the area of iLRN and recruit a healthy number of DC presentations (with paper submission and with poster presentation only)
Plan activities to support research students obtain early visibility for their proposed and/or ongoing research
Plan activities to support research students receive constructive feedback on their work
Plan activities to facilitate networking between research students in topics related to iLRN during the conference
Plan activities to facilitate networking between research students in topics related to iLRN during the conference
Organise workshops or special sessions to support research students in conducting research in Immersive Learning

The Doctoral Colloquium Chairs are appointed for serving for a 2-year term. The first year in an apprentice role to a more experienced PC.