Call for Conference Proposals
"Beyond ‘Checking a Box’: Building and Sustaining Campus-Wide Engagement for Belonging"
September 28-30, 2023
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) invites proposals for the fifth annual Equity and Inclusion Conference, a yearly event led by national and regional speakers to support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts throughout the campus community and region. The conference will take place September 28 – 30, 2023. The theme of this year's conference is "Beyond ‘Checking a Box:’ Building and Sustaining Campus-Wide Engagement for Belonging."
- Thursday, September 28 – Friday, September 29: Conference Sessions
- Saturday, September 30: Student-Only Sessions
We welcome proposals that focus on practical strategies, skills, and tools needed to move beyond superficial diversity initiatives and explore how to create a truly inclusive and equitable campus environment that engages all members of the community. The conference will bring together academics, administrators, students, and advocates to engage in discussions and workshops.
Proposals can cover various topics and relevant issues that contribute to creating and perpetuating an inclusive environment, including:
- Addressing systemic barriers to equity and inclusion on campus (e.g., institutionalized racism, sexism, ableism, etc.)
- Using data and assessment to measure progress and improve equity and inclusion efforts
- Transforming institutional policies and practices to promote equity and inclusion
- Building and sustaining diverse and inclusive leadership at all levels of the institution
- Recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse faculty and staff
- Engaging in allyship and advocacy for marginalized communities
- Building partnerships with local communities and organizations to advance equity and inclusion beyond the campus
- Inclusive pedagogies and practices in different disciplines and contexts
- Curriculum design and assessment for equity and diversity
- Addressing microaggressions, bias incidents, and discrimination on campus
- Supporting students from diverse backgrounds (e.g., first-generation, low-income, LGBTQ+, international, students of color, etc.)
- Providing accessible and inclusive services and resources for students with disabilities
These topics are meant to be illustrative and not exhaustive. We welcome proposals that address other relevant issues related to advancing equity and inclusion on campus.
Proposals should facilitate engagement, discussion, and learning. We particularly encourage proposals that involve multiple presenters or perspectives and provide opportunities for attendees to engage in dialogue and reflection. We welcome submissions from a diverse range of individuals and organizations, including professors, administrators, students, community organizations, and advocates for equity in education.
Submit your proposal today for a chance to share your knowledge, expertise, and ideas with a dynamic community of individuals and organizations working toward equity and inclusion in higher education.
Submission Deadline:
Monday, May 15, 2023
Submission Guidelines:
Proposals may be submitted for concurrent sessions, special topic sessions, panelist presentations, and civic cafes. We welcome multiple presenters for any session type.
- Concurrent sessions: 50 minutes in length and structured to engage attendees
- Special topic sessions: 75 minutes in length and a deep dive into a topic
- Panel presentation discussions: 50 minutes in length and include a moderator and at least three panelists
In addition to session type, proposals need to include the following:
- Session title (10-12 words)
- Program abstract (150 words)
- Program outline/description
Please provide a session outline that responds to the following questions.
- What content will this session explore?
- How does this relate to the conference theme?
- What will participants do?
- What will participants learn as a result of attending the session?
- Presenter bios & contact information
Proposals will be evaluated and selected based on the following criteria:
- Complete description and quality of content
- Connection to the conference theme
- Application of content to practice
- Depth of participant interaction and engagement
Submit a Conference Proposal Submit a Student Conference Proposal
Additional Information:
- Proposal notifications will be sent on or by June 9, 2023.
- Presenters and panelists are responsible for their own conference registration and travel accommodations.
- Presenters will be asked to share materials such as slide decks, handouts, etc. for distribution following the conference.
For questions or more information, contact:
Ethan Hutchinson, Conference Co-Chair, hutchinsoneg@etsu.edu
Joy Fulkerson, Conference Co-Chair, fulkersj@etsu.edu