Call for Proposals

3rd Annual Diversity Conference
Change the Conversation

April 20, 2012

The deadline for workshop proposals was Friday, February 24, 2012
The deadline for poster proposals was Friday, April 6, 2012
The deadline for registration was Friday April 10, 2012

Theme:

This year’s theme, “Change the Conversation" is designed to build upon last year’s conference theme, “Why Diversity?” This conference will explore ways to focus on areas of potential and actual change. Each session will be designed to offer an opportunity to engage in those sometimes difficult conversations about diversity. We expect that conference attendees will be able to recognize how personal biases may inhibit progress toward our shared goals as we work to develop strategies to reduce the impact of bias. This conference seeks to promote open-mindedness, the celebration of diversity and inclusiveness, and the acceptance of others within the University and our local communities.

Conference Objectives:

1. To showcase best practices, curriculum models, research, outreach strategies, training methods.
2. To share success stories for implementing community-based or workplace related diversity initiatives.
3. To identify research needs and questions related to diversity and inclusion.
4. To network and link resources to help integrate diversity into programs, policies, and accepted practices for creating community and workplace well-being.
5. To create space for participants to examine their experience through reflective dialogue sessions.

Session Guidelines:

• We encourage you to think about framing your proposal to address the conference theme “Change the Conversation.”
• Submissions are open to faculty, students, staff, groups, or teams that are members of the university community.
• Attendees at the conference will consist of Administration, Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. Please be sure to think about your target audience.
• Creativity is important in presentation style, format and title. Consider that participants will have a wide variety of learning styles. Highly participatory sessions are generally better received.
• Remember to include time for discussion when planning your workshop session.

Conference Tracks:

Presenters are encouraged to focus presentations within the broad themes listed below. Examples of topics are provided within each track.  Please note that  these are only examples.

1. Research Related to Diversity (e.g., impact, measurement, research designs)
Best practices, Inclusive recruitment strategies, Training research teams, Research projects, Program evaluations, etc

2. Dimensions of Diversity (e.g., religions, class, race, ability, LGBTQ)
Unique experiences in negotiating intersectionalities, Reducing Stereotype Threat, Exploring unacknowledged or under-acknowledged issues, Multicultural training, etc

3. Creating an Inclusive University Community (e.g., classes, workplace, campus)
Defining a "safe" workplace climate, Differentiating tolerance versus acceptance, Curriculum models, Affinity groups, etc

4. Building Bridges beyond Campus (e.g., urban and rural communities, schools, businesses)
Establishing mutual trust, Collaborative initiatives, programs, or performances, Consultation practices, Community engagement, Advocacy campaigns, etc

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The deadline for workshop proposals was Friday, February 24, 2012
The deadline for poster proposals was Friday, April 6, 2012
The deadline for registration was Tuesday April 10, 2012