Proposals are now being accepted for the 2024 Symposium for Inclusive Excellence, and the deadline is April 30.
The weeklong symposium being hosted by the Office for Inclusive Excellence Oct. 21-25 will provide free online workshops celebrating and affirming diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. Presenters may be CSU students, faculty, staff or community members, employees of organizations, educators or researchers.
Each year, the Symposium Planning Committee invites proposals on topics of diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education; current national dynamics; and topics directly relating to equity initiatives at Colorado State University campuses as well as local and national communities. Workshops should be 90 minutes in length.
Applicants should consider proposal submissions to share knowledge and build community across the CSU and beyond, including:
- Trending topics of diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education
- Current national dynamics
- Topics relating directly to equity initiatives across the CSU system
Recent growth
The Symposium for Inclusive Excellence has grown over the years and saw 2,743 attendees from across 39 states and six countries in 2023, the largest audience in the event’s history. Some of the growth can be attributed to partnerships with the CSU system, the City of Fort Collins and United Way. Educators from local and national institutions and representatives from various government agencies, community organizations and corporations also attended.
“We are excited to partner with the CSU system and community partners to deliver a week of inclusive programming, especially now when DEIJ education is at risk across the country,” Assistant Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Rye Vigil said. “We must continue championing efforts to uplift and celebrate marginalized communities and best practices for inclusive classrooms, workplaces and beyond.”
This year, all workshops will be delivered online only, making the symposium more accessible across the United States and beyond. Local attendees can gather for in-person events such as a film screening with the ACT Human Rights Film Festival, guest speakers and panel discussions. The week of learning will occur during the week of Homecoming, but the events will not interfere with one another.
The Symposium Planning Committee will select workshops based on creativity, learning outcomes, accessibility and audience engagement. Proposals that address inclusive excellence will receive priority consideration. The selection committee reserves the right to select sessions that align with the mission and vision of the Office for Inclusive Excellence. All proposals, including a session abstract of no more than 150 words, are due by Tuesday, April 30.
