April 21 & 22 and April 28 & 29 | Petteruti Lounge, Campus Center

Call for Proposals:  Learn more about becoming a presenter.

Theories in Action (TiA) 2026 offers seniors the opportunity to share the outcomes of their interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary studies, reflect on how academic communities have shaped their experiences, and explore questions of meaning and purpose.  The various symposium formats provide participants with a platform for interactive, peer-facilitated discussions about their academic and personal journeys and for sharing their experiences and wisdom with others.

TiA is an annual event held since 2010 that focused on senior capstone/thesis projects and a forum for senior Independent Concentrators. TiA 2026 is redesigned this year as an opportunity for seniors, mentors, learners, and educators interested in public dialogue about and reflections on the intersection of cross-disciplinary scholarship, mentorship, and diverse learning communities.  The roundtable sessions and lightning talks will be accessible virtually via livestream. New this year, the Vlog/Blog is an opportunity to digitally present to and engage a broader audience.

The multi-day event intends to generate an audience that includes their senior peers interested in group celebration and reflection; underclass students curious about the experience pathways of the graduating class; educators (scholars and practitioners) who value mentorship and the process of learning; and an in-person and virtual community wishing to learn about individual outcomes of the Brown experience.

Conference Theme

This year’s theme is “Critical Connections and Reflecting on the Journey.”

Related to the conference theme, TiA 2026 sessions will cover the following topics:

• Interdisciplinary Learning or Creative Practice, such as independent concentration and other interdisciplinary concentration senior capstones/theses, Group Independent Study Projects (GISPs), and community-engaged projects.
• The theory and practice of academic advising, coaching, and mentoring.
• Shared communities across different academic fields.
• Individual or Group Passion Projects.
• Personal Reflections on learning, meaning, and purpose, including navigating the Open and Hidden Curricula, leaving the Brown, and finding a sense of belonging.

Submit a Proposal: Learn more about becoming a presenter.